The Power of the Mind

Numerous studies throughout the world have confirmed what some physicians have known since the beginning of chronicled time - The human mind can, and does, influence healing. The remarkable process the Medical Profession calles Spontaneous Remission is nothing more than the mind at work, forcing the disease process to subjegate itself to the power of the brain.

Many physicians incorporate imagery technique with more traditional methods to treat the whole person, an approach that seems to be gaining in acceptance. Imagery technique helps a patient to visualize the body attacking and overcoming the ravages of the offending and debilitating disease.

When facing a serious illness, the average person fills with fear and revulsion. Such feelings lead to depression and in a great many cases, resignation, the ultimate result being death. Most times, death without struggle - rapid and accepted.

By utilizing an integrated approach, the physician can be of immense help in getting the patient to fight the disease on his own terms. This entails treating the Whole patient, body, mind and spirit. The treatment entails a trio of basics; The appreciation of the body's ability to heal itself, Utilization of medical and pharmaceutical treatment to enhance the body's natural and nascent healing ability and, the person's willingness to accept and explore the meaning of the invading disease.

More specifically, a patient with cancer, upon reflection, realizes how neglectful s/he has been concerning some basic aspects of their lives. Aspects such as emotional attachments, rest, nutrition, liesure time and community interaction. Introspection on those areas often reveals patterns of personal neglect which takes a devestating toll on the individual life. After the revelation of said neglect, the patient makes definitive lifestyle changes that assist in the recovery of the body's natural disease fighting ability.

An important aspect of the integrated healing system is spiritual healing. Though little is known about spiritual healing, some physicians are convinced that a healthy spiritual outlook can improve a patients quality of life and the course of an illness.

Spirituality doesn't always mean belief in God although it can, but it is more closely akin to an optimistic outlook on life, that is what we think of ourselves and the part we play in the world. Spiritual people tend to believe that the universe is a supportive, caring and kindly place. For them, stress is little more than a word. They live calm, even, happy lives.