Several methods exist for body healing based on the premise that stress leads to poor health and relaxing the mind and controlling thoughts promotes healing. Studies show that patients who practice alternative body healing techniques, such as biofeedback, hypnosis, and cognitive behavior therapy, might lower blood pressure and help the body’s immune system heal physical or mental ailments. Relaxation methods, including meditation, might also be helpful for healing.
Biofeedback works on the theory that unconscious activity in the mind controls physical health. Patients learn to bring the unconscious workings of the brain into awareness to control their heart rate and blood pressure. This method of body healing might be useful to deal with chronic pain, especially tension headaches and migraines.
Hypnosis induces a state of deep relaxation, when the subconscious mind becomes open to suggestions to promote healing. This healing technique might improve the mental and physical health of a patient by reducing anxiety, removing phobias, and addressing pain. The hypnotherapist may introduce suggestions that direct the body’s immune system to fight infection and bring about more rapid recovery.
Three major relaxation methods are common in body healing. Autogenic relaxation employs visualization while in a deep state of relaxation. The patient focuses on each part of the body and relaxes his or her muscles. Once relaxation is attained, the patient draws on mental images of health and well-being to address disease or pain. Progressive muscle relaxation occurs when the patient tenses and relaxes each muscle in the body, often starting at the toes and working up to the head and face.
Some meditation techniques use a mantra, a word repeated either aloud or silently, to enter a relaxed state. This method is called transcendental meditation and has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Mindful meditation uses sensations and thoughts to focus on a certain part of the body affected by disease. Both body healing meditation techniques operate in the belief that stress hormones block the body from fighting disease.
Cognitive behavior therapy may help patients change negative thoughts that might prevent them from getting well. The patient identifies how negativity affects mental or physical stress. Studies show negative emotions and thoughts may contribute to disease, especially heart ailments. Positive thoughts and emotions may release endorphins in the brain that produce a sense of well-being and ease pain.
Spirituality and support systems are two other methods of body healing. Some people find prayer and religious beliefs promote mental and physical health. They may experience a sense of peace that allows them to live healthier lives. Support groups or family support may also ease stress that contributes to disease.
