Mental Fitness The Power of the Mind to

Heal

IntroductionMental Fitness is achieved in the same way

physical fitness is achieved, with determination, goals, and practice.

It involves exercising the mind in conjunction with the body and spirit.

The mind is very powerful and can create havoc within the body as well as substantiate health.

There have been many studies that prove and promote the connection of mind/brain/spirit.

Through scientific research Western medicine will begin to incorporate this holistic approach.

Benefits of Mental FitnessThere are many benefits of working toward mental fitness. Relaxation Expanded consciousness Healing

The trained mind has the power to influence human physiology, the hormonal system, and the immune system.

Reduce negative emotions such as anger, fear, and doubt

Increasing positive emotions patience, kindness, acceptance, and happiness.

All of these promote well-being.

Research Article #1One study by Antoine Lutz and colleagues

at the University of Wisconsin involved comparing contemplative scholars with a control group. The purpose was to study a gamma brain wave which indicates the degree of mental integration. The scholars were chosen because they were very disciplined at achieving a compassionate mental state. During the study, their brain waves showed a high level of synchronization compared to the control group. The data suggested that mental training can result in long-term mental changes as well as short term(Dacher, 2006, p.63).

Research Article #2Another study was by Dr. Ornish and his

colleague Dr. Shirley Brown, both cardiologists. After performing bypass surgeries in patients they realized there were other aspects that play an integral part of the heart. They include the emotional, the psychosocial, and the spiritual facets. They performed an experiment where they took ten patients for one month and injected thallium to trace blood flow. After controlling diet, stress management, smoking cessation, exercise and group support they showed better heart health.

Research Article #2 con’t.What surprise them was that there were other areas that improved as well. They referred to their program as “psychoneurocardiology.” They concluded that if the emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual heart could be opened up then the anatomical heart would follow suit (Amorok, Schlitz, & Micozzi, 2005, p. 305).

Research Article #3A powerful example of how strong the

mind can be in regulating the body is shown in a study by Henry Bennett in 1986. There were ninety-four patients that were scheduled for spinal surgery. The patients were trained before surgery to move their blood with their mind away from the operation site. Those that had the training lost an average of 400 cubic centimeters less of blood than those who did not receive the training. Through instructions, suggestions, and encouragement their recovery was faster and more efficient due to the training of their mind. (Amorok, Schlitz, & Micozzi, 2005, p. 36).

ExerciseActivity Practice Tai Chi is a moving form of Qigong

Single Whip Move

“Qigong”Endurance Activator Qigong or “gonging.,” means fostering your vital energy. It includes breathing, self-massage, meditation, and movement.

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“Qigong”continued:The monks would use this movement to stimulate their legs to walk another three miles when they were exhausted (Experience Life, 2014).

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Summary

The thought of being able to learn how to approach health in a holistic way is very exciting. There is no doubt that there is a connection. The research that has been done and continues to be done will further the reality that we can have an active role in our health and happiness. The cool thing is that is not only empowers us but we will be able to empower others to do the same. As Dacher stated, “If even a small percentage of the resources spent on physical fitness were applied to mind/body activities, we would see a considerable gain in our society’s general health (Dacher, 2006, p. 81).”

ReferencesAmorok, T., Schlitz, M., & Micozzi, M.S. (2005).

Consciousness & Healing: Integral Approaches to Mind-Body Medicine. St. Louise, MO: Elsevier Inc.

Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications.

Experience Life (2014). Go With the Flow: The Qigong Workout. Lifetime Fitness. Retrieved April 27, 2014 from http://experiencelife.com/article/go-with-the-flow-the-qigong-workout/

The Qigong Institute (2012). What is Tai Chi. Retrieved April 27, 2014 from http://www.qigonginstitute.org/html/taichihealth.php#Introduction