Mind-body Medicine in Integrative Medicine

Abstract

Mind-body medicine (MBM) is a field of medicine concerned with the ways that the mind and emotions influence the body and physical health. It may be more accurate to think of mind/body as a single entity, with the health of one part necessarily influencing that of the other. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines MBM techniques (MBT) as interventions that use a variety of techniques designed to facilitate the mind's capacity to affect bodily functions and symptoms. MBT offers patients with greater control in their treatment, cheaper alternatives, effective options for managing chronic conditions, and methods for maintaining wellness. Mind-body approaches include guided imagery, meditation, hypnosis, and movement therapies such as dance, tai chi, chi gong, and yoga as well as music and chanting. Such approaches are as old as traditional oriental healing systems and as widespread as seen in Chinese, Indian, and East Asians. Modern Western medicine is now beginning to give MBTs recognition in its importance as well as efficacy. This article reviews the medical literatures on the techniques that have been studied the most: relaxation therapy, meditation, hypnosis, cognitive-behavioral therapy guided imagery, and biofeedback.