The Power of Relationships and Our Own Minds to Heal Our Bodies
Hugs and support are potent medicine. Studies have found that social support and frequent hugs from trusted others protect people from the increased vulnerability to infection associated with being stressed, and reduce the severity of their symptoms. The more hugs, the greater the protection. This healing effect on the immune system was attributable to a possible combination of the physical contact, as well as the experience of feeling supported (which has previously been found to be associated with enhanced immunity and recovery from psychological and medical conditions), and oxytocin release in the brain. Other benefits of consensual hugs include reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and improved emotional well-being.
Trauma Impacts Physical As Well As Mental Health
Scientific research has demonstrated a connection between traumatic stress and increased risk for many diseases.
Dr. Margolies’ Commentary:
We know that trauma can impact mental and physical health, even damaging DNA, but it’s also true that psychotherapy can heal that damage. This finding supports other research on the positive effect of psychotherapy in changing the brain and the positive ways the mind can impact biology.
Mind Over Matter: The Healing Power of Visualization
Other interesting research on the mind’s power to heal our bodies involves a study of subjects who were immobilized in a cast who regularly visualized contracting their muscles in a virtual strength building program. These subjects lost 50% less muscle strength than controls. This research demonstrates that the mind can impact the body at the cortical level through neurological mechanisms.
References:
- American Physiological Society (APS). (2014, December 31). Mind over matter: Can you think your way to strength?. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 21, 2015 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/12/141231154012.htm
- Carnegie Mellon University. (2014, December 17). Hugs help protect against stress, infection, say researchers. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 21, 2015 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/12/141217101316.htm
- Kennis, M., van Rooij, S. J. H., & van den Heuvel, M. P. (2021). The impact of psychotherapy on brain connectivity in patients with PTSD: A longitudinal study. NeuroImage: Clinical, 32, 102607. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102607
- Morath, J., Moreno-Villanueva, M., Hamuni, G., Kolassa, S., Ruf-Leuschner, M., Schauer, M., Elbert, T., Bürkle, A., & Kolassa, I. T. (2014). Effects of psychotherapy on DNA strand break accumulation originating from traumatic stress. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 83, 289-297. https://doi.org/10.1159/000362739
- Weingarten, C. P., & Klimecki, O. M. (2021). Neuroplasticity and psychotherapy: A systematic review of MRI studies. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 125, 77-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.05.012
