Mind-Body Therapy

Mind-body therapy collectively refers to all procedures that, simply put, work with the mind in order to help the body. They are based on the assumption that the mind and body are inextricably linked and intertwined. Just as psychological imbalances can manifest themselves as physical difficulties, physical symptoms (often chronic, without any obvious physical cause) can help one achieve a desired mental state. This group includes therapeutic procedures such as relaxation, meditation, controlled imagination, various types of creative therapies (art therapy, music therapy, etc.), biofeedback, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and support groups. It may also include prayer and certain types of physical exercises such yoga or qigong, which can also be classified as energy therapies due to their origin and primary purpose. (309)

Meditation

- An ancient technique of Eastern origin that has been used since time immemorial to achieve deep mental peace and physical relaxation. It is also used to improve psychological balance, or to facilitate disease management and to improve one’s overall health and well-being. (310)

- There are several different types of meditation. Their common elements include: a quiet place with minimal distraction, a comfortable body position, a focus of attention (e.g. a specific word, an object or one’s breath) and an open, unbiased attitude that allows disturbing elements to come and go without being evaluated or judged.

- According to surveys, it can have a positive influence when used as a complementary therapy, especially in the case of high blood pressure, chronic pain, or psychological problems such as anxiety, stress, depression, sleep disturbances, etc.

Yoga

- A technique that focuses on the mind and body, originated in ancient Indian philosophy.

- A combination of physical positions, breathing techniques and meditation or relaxation.

- There are many different kinds of yoga.

- Has positive effects when used as a complementary therapy for certain types of chronic pain, high blood pressure, asthma, anxiety, depression or insomnia. (311)

Biofeedback

- Originated in the 1960s and 1970s.

- A training technique that allows the patient to gain a certain amount of control over autonomic bodily functions: “Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately "feed back" information to the user. The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior — supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument.” (312)

- Effectively affects conditions such as migraines, headaches, incontinence, high blood pressure and anxiety.

- A neurofeedback technique (also known as EEG-biofeedback) that can be used for attention disorders, hyperactivity, autism spectrum disorders, brain injuries, post-traumatic stress, seizures, and depression. It is also used by executives, artists and athletes to enhance performance. (313)