Mind-Body Medicines: An Essential Component For Health And Healing


By Robert Lee, ND, MS, MA


tive treatments for improving psychological, emotional and social health, work or school productivity, addictions, criminal rehabili- tation, and many – perhaps all - physical ailments. MBMs address the root cause of illness, involving the mind’s subconscious beliefs, perceptions, and decision surrounding separation rather than one- ness. MBMs help people release separation and its results (such as illness) while revealing greater union with the heart of life.


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What are Mind-Body Medicines? Mind-Body Medicines are a group of personal practices


which apply mental, emotional, behavioral, physical, and spiritual methods to enhance overall health and recovery from many types of medical conditions. MBMs focus on healing the mind first, in recognition of its essential nature for all healing and the most advanced levels of health. MBM’s have been utilized for thousands of years by practically all cultures, including every type of spiritual master. However, we have yet to experience the full capacity of MBMs as healing catalysts. We are still learning about what MBM’s have to offer.


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22 Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2017


id you know the mind is among the most powerful tools you could utilize for healing and health? Mind-body Medicines (or MBMs) are among some of the most effec-


All MBMs share a common aim, to encourage a universal experience centered around relaxation, peace, happiness, quiet- ness, contentment, completeness, alertness, expansiveness, health, unification, present moment awareness, timelessness, life, and love. To those inclined to spiritual language, this equates to union with the universe; to others, enlightenment, nirvana, the one Mind and/ or Higher Self.


Combining different types of MBM’s may create a synergistic


effect. The most common and effective MBMs include medita- tion and other relaxation techniques, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi/ qi gong, other forms of mindful movement, acupuncture, forgive- ness, spirituality/religion, the 12-step program, hypnosis, breathing exercises, mindful eating, self-help literature, journaling, using the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or other psychotherapies. Specific MBMs are more effective than others depending on the individual’s needs and medical condition(s). MBMs are very safe and effective therapies, with generally much lower side effects, risks and cost than medica- tions and surgery. Their health benefits also go far beyond treating the medical condition.


Mind-Body Medicines are most effective when used alongside additional standard medical treatment, where they can support and even catalyze recovery and overall well-being. MBMs should rarely be used as stand-alone treatments. Research evidence is now show- ing how beneficial MBM’s can be when used within healthcare settings. Healthcare usage of MBMs is established and continuing to grow exponentially.


Research supporting the use and integration of MBMs today: • For over a decade, CBT has been considered first-line therapy for insomnia and most psychological conditions (e.g., depres- sion, anxiety, stressful events, etc.) as well as a secondary treatment option for over 100 additional medical conditions.


• Standard of care guidelines for chronic low back and other pain conditions recommend that several MBMs (e.g., CBT, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, acupuncture and progressive relaxation) be tried prior to medications and other conventional methods.


• Meditation, breathing techniques and other relaxation tech- niques are commonly recommended for anxiety and stress, and mindfulness is among the top tools for overcoming panic attacks or other stressful situations.


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