Mind and Body Connection

Physical disorders can affect psychological states. Pain associated with physical disorders may cause sleep disturbances and alter one's usual routines and ways of coping, producing distortions in thinking and appraisal of problems. It can also reduce one's confidence in managing problems. Each of these factors can result in depression or anxiety. Psychological states such as depression and anxiety can alter immune function and other biological processes, which leads to poor health practice and diminished use of the health care system. Any of these factors can create a physical disorder.

Health psychologists stress the importance of identifying and treating psychological distress in patients with physical diseases, therefore paying more attention to the connection between the mind and body. By health psychologists' recognizing and treating anxiety or depression, patients can connect better with their illness and acquire a more positive and healing attitude.

The following are excellent links pertaining to the connection between the mind and the body:

Center for Mind/Body Medicine - Explains the medicine that focuses on the interactions between mind and body and the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social ,and spiritual factors can directly affect health.
Self Regulation of Mind/Body - It is common to think of a body function being altered only by external agents such as medications or surgery, but we each have the capacity to regulate our physiology through alternative means. The staff of the Life Sciences Institute of Mind-Body Health are finding results in visualization, biofeedback, and imagery in the application of physical problems.
Yoga World - This site explains that yoga is the connection of the mind, body, spirit, and emotion.
Spirituality and Health - Reports on people, ideas, new information, and practices to motivate and energize people on spiritual journeys.