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eLearning Series: Mental Illness
Explain Mental Illnesses To Me
Use
Your Mind & Body To Heal Yourself
Did
you know that approximately half of all visits paid to
doctor's offices each year are
stress-related? Doctors and researchers estimate that almost half of all complaints
reported by patients are not traceable to a specific disorder
or disease, but are really symptoms of stress, anxiety, and
depression. We have all heard about how important stress management
is to our happiness and well-being, yet many of us still don't
take stress management seriously. Many of us continue to believe
that stress is not such a big deal. In fact, many patients
scoff at or feel that they are being "under"-diagnosed
if their doctor is to suggest that their symptoms might be
the result of stress.
The truth is stress really can put a serious dent into your
overall health and quality of life. Fortunately, there is an
upside to this. If it is possible to make ourselves sick from
our own stress, it follows that we can also use our mind and
body to heal and restore ourselves. As we begin to learn more
about the mind-body connection, the potential for greater health
and vitality appear closer than ever.
Once at the fringe of medicine, the principles of mind-body
connection healing are quickly beginning to make their way
into mainstream medicine. More and more research is beginning
to demonstrate the fascinating ways that our mind can affect
our body, and our lifelong health. Scientists and doctors are
beginning to show us precisely how factors like a healthy sense
of humor, a positive outlook, and our ability to deal with
life's stressors can help restore and maintain good health.
In fact, some doctors, scientists, and other medical professionals
are beginning to demonstrate that the ways we think and process
everyday stress can have a greater impact on our health than
simply following the prescribed lifestyle for good health.
Eating well, getting regular exercise, practicing good sleep
hygiene, and refraining from smoking are indeed important factors
in living well. But it appears that living with a positive
attitude, hope, and mindfulness are just as important.
Recent research indicates that the use of mind-body
healing methods can speed healing, reduce the need for prescription
medications, reduce the frequency of doctor visits, reduce
the amount of hospital stays, and ease the overall impact of
illness in an individual's life.
But what does it mean to use the mind-body connection? Using
your mind to heal yourself means more than simply having a
generally good outlook on life (although that is important,
too). When physicians and researchers talk of the mind-body
connection, they are most likely talking about taking charge
of your health through the deliberate use of your mind. It
means cultivating the ability to listen to your body, to be
sensitive to its nuances, and to be able to detect when it
has become off balance. The severity of many illnesses can
be avoided simply by early detection and treatment. A person
who is conscious of their body, and who does not ignore any
symptoms, is more likely to live a relatively stable and disease-free
life.
Using your mind to consciously take good care of yourself
means being able to cultivate a sense of self-acceptance about
your body and health, being able to relax in the face of stress,
paying attention to your body, acting mindfully, finding a
sense of purpose in life, and adopting a healthy, positive
outlook. Yoga, reiki therapy, music and pet therapy, tai chi,
and other form of mind-body exercises and therapies were once
at the fringe of medicine. But now they have entered the mainstream,
with more hospitals and physicians employing their use for
their patient's benefits. As more and more research confirms
their efficacy, they continue to be adopted by individuals
as tools on the path to good health.
What types of ailments can the use of natural mind-body healing
techniques help ease? Insomnia, digestive problems, skin problems,
respiratory disorders, high blood pressure, headaches, backaches,
pain, and infertility—all these symptoms have been linked to
illness caused by stress and anxiety. That's not to say that
some diseases can be overcome simply through mindfulness and
good attitude. But by paying careful attention to your body
and using mind-body techniques, many of these symptoms can
be avoided or greatly eased. It is not always easy. The use
of mind-body techniques can call for a complete change in your
lifestyle habits. But the rewards of good health are well worth
it. # # # # #
by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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