Since the times of ancient Greeks doctors have believed that one's mental state or focus has a direct impact on their health, disease and the ability to heal. Psycho-neuro-immunology (psycho means mind; neuro is relating to the nervous system and immunology relates to disease) is the study of the mind and body and specifically, it is the link between your immune system and your brain, thus the term 'mind body.'

Psychoneuroimmunology which is also called simply PNI, is a relatively new study in the sciences which restates what doctors have believed for a very, very long time – as long ago as the time of the ancient Greeks. A person's mind and state of emotional well being influences diseases and healing. Specifically, PNI studies the connection between the brain and the immune system.

When Did the Concept of the psychoneuroimmunology and Mind-Body Originate?

As much as forty years ago a few researchers were already convinced  that a persons levels of anxiety and stress was directly related to how well their immune system would protect them from disease and illness.  The term psychoneuroimmunology was coined in the 70's by a researcher, Dr. Ader, in Rochester, New York.

Dr. Ader's work was controversial and certainly pioneering in regards to the emotional body affecting the physical body, ie, what you feel affects your actual body by manifesting changes. In simpler words, your biography becomes your biology. Talk about an amazing concept that surely met with plenty of unfavorable reviews.  In the 70's the belief was that no emotion or thought could affect your immune system however hundreds of studies later the science of psychoneuroimmunology was born and is now accepted.

Sadly, (in my opinion) there has been much more focus on the effects of negative emotions on the body and not as much on the effects of joy, happiness or other positive emotions. It certainly would be nice to read about the beneficial effects of living a life of doing what's right and being at peace similar to knowing the benefits of eating right and exercising regularly.

Effects of the Mind Body Connection

What we do know is that stress, hostility, and depression adversely impact the immune system.  Diseases like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, slowed healing of wounds and heart disease along with others  can all be traced back to negativity and stress. Stress happens when we allow ourselves to desire to be somewhere other than where we are – in life, in time, in our expectations. There is a certain degree of stress which can benefit us for a short period of time but in long run we need to accept that unrealistic expectations or continued unhappiness will bring us serious physical detriment.
There are many examples of how the mind controls and affects the body:

•    Someone holds on to life longer than expected because they wanted to attend a wedding or the birth of a grandchild
•    My grandfather passed away Christmas night minutes after we left his hospital room because he wanted us to enjoy our holiday and have a chance to celebrate it with him
•    A spouse dies and within months the surviving spouse passes away as well, from a broken heart and loneliness

The ancient Greek physician Galen wrote, "He cures most successfully in whom the people have the most confidence."
Think about a placebo and its powerful effect. A placebo is typically a sugar pill or something similar which has no significant impact on healing. It is believed that as much as 33% of all placebo study groups will have a favorable outcome, or healing.

Psychoneuroimmunology therefore is a valuable research field which allows physicians to go beyond the standard clinical therapies to find the triggers for each disease to take a proactive approach to health and wellness and a more permanent solution once healing has occurred. Cure the emotion and prevent the disease.