the Science

 

 

Not that long ago, the body and mind were considered and treated as two seperate systems. In fact, there were seperate hospitals for illnesses of the body, and different ones for dis eases of the mind.

 

Psycho neuro immunology:

It was really the study and understanding of psycho (mind), neuro (nerve),  immunology (immunity) that paved the way for a scientific explaination and justification for the strong and intimate connection between the body and mind.

 

A great pioneer in this field was Dr Candace Pert, a pharmacologist who discovered and researched a number of chemicals called neuropeptides. She went on to become Reseach Professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine, and later in 1983 Chief of the Section on Brain Biochemistry, Clinical Neuroscience Branch, at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a most prestigeous position.

 

Neuropeptides are protein transmitters that send messages from the mind to the body, and the body to the mind. These really are the "missing links" that helped us complete the understanding of the connection between the physical and emotional.

It remains an ongoing science, and the basis for many medical treatments.

 

We are curently entering a new era where we are finding that one's beliefs, attitudes, philosophies, ideology, and religious practices also have an important effect on one's wellbeing. There are now at least 1000 scientific studies that show the benefits of spiritual practices, religious followings, a good attitude and a healthy philosophy .

 

Exactly as in the 1980s, we were able to legitimently add mind to body medicine.

We are now I feel justified to add the Spiritual / Philosophical dimension to modern medical practice.

 

So it appears we now have enough science to continue the pursuit, and receive the benefits from the evolving medicine of integrating body, mind, and spirit.