Mind and Body Medicine

Mind Body Medicine

Unites the Mental and the physical aspects of the healing process

Integrates medical practice with psychological interventions

Assists in enhancing the capacity to manage illness, healing, and wellness

Psychobiological Approach

• Understanding the Mind/Body processes

• Maximizing Awareness• Control over symptoms• Real Hope

Conditions we Treat

FibromyalgiaTreatment

resistant Depression

AnxietyMedically

Unexplained Symptoms

Chronic painHeadache

disordersIrritable Bowel

SyndromeBenign chest painChronic Fatigue

Infertility

Mind Body CommunicationMedication

withdrawal EducationSomatic AwarenessMindfulnessThe Relaxation

ResponseBiofeedbackGentle breathing

ExercisesMeditation

Lifestyle

Enlightenment

Understanding the Mind- Body Processes

Stress

The perception of a physical or psychological threat, and the perception that one is unable to cope with the threat. This includes:

Major life eventsTrauma and AbuseEnvironmental signalsPhysicalEmotional stress

Eva, Selhub, MD ( )

The average person has 55 stress responses in one day.

Herbert Benson, MD (2000)

Starting with the alarm clock.

Physiology

Manifestations of Stress

Heart diseasePeptic ulcersMusculoskeletal d/oInfection, possibly

tumorsDepressionAnxiety

DiabetesGastrointestinal d/oObsessive

/Compulsive d/o Substance abuseEating disorders

Herbert Benson,

MD

Relaxation Response

Through his research Dr. Herbert Benson discovered that through meditation alone Physiological changes can occur

Drop in heart rate, blood pressure, metabolic rate, and respiratory rate.

Herbert Benson, MD (2000)

Stop Breathe Choose!

The relaxation response counteracts the stress response

Rejuvenates the bodyCreates an

environment where healing can begin

• "

"We’ve got the patent for 'alternating diaphragm

contraction and relaxation!’”

“Now whenever anybody breathes, we collect a royalty."

All You Need

• Quiet• A passive non-

judgmental attitude

• Mental device• Comfortable

position

Three decades of Research shows these Medical Conditions Relieved or Eliminated by using Relaxation

Response

HypertensionCardiac

arrhythmiasChronic PainInsomniaSide effects of

Cancer

Acute PainFibromyalgiaAids therapyAnxietyDepressionPMSInfertilityRheumatoid

ArthritisHerbert Benson, MD (2000)

What’s Underneath?

Unawareness

Can keep us out of touch with our body

Missing signals or messages can create physical problems

Living in chronic unawareness can cause us to miss out on what may be beautiful in our lives

Jon kabat-Zinn, 2005

Mindfulness

40% = ruminating over the past

50% = worry or “what if-ing”

10% = present

Benefits of Mindfulness

Two Decades of Published Research shows:

Lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms An increased ability to relax

Reductions in pain levels and an enhanced ability to cope with pain that may not go away

Greater energy and enthusiasm for life Improved self-esteem An ability to cope more effectively with both short and

long-term stressful situations. Jon kabat-Zinn, (2005)

Someone IS listening to our every thought….

our Body.

Contact Us

Clinic for Mind Body Medicine403.943.8662

www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/programs/cmbm