Health is inseparable from our emotional state
Most of you have heard of endorphins, also known as the "feel-good hormones". They are neurotransmitters in the same way as adrenaline or dopamine. The release of these natural substances influences mood, pain and pleasure. The effects of endorphins are similar to those of certain euphoric drugs (opiates).
The impact of these endorphins on the immune system exists, although it is less well known. This seems obvious because the chemistry of the brain controls the entire endocrine system and our organism, and therefore also our immune system. This link has long been denied because it was harder to explain.
For hardcore scientists, it was quite difficult to admit that emotions were not purely psychological but that they also depended on the brain and had an impact on certain organic functions and in particular on the immune system.
Candace Pert, PhD, former head of the Brain Biochemistry Section of the National Institute of Mental Health's Clinical Neuroscience Section, says that the few original scientists who advocated this thesis had to repeat their studies over and over again to be believed.
Positive emotions promote good immunity
Good humor, happiness, laughter, play, love, faith, hope, self-acceptance and optimism in general really boost our body's defenses. Conversely, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, fears, anxiety and repeated stress all have a negative impact in one way or another.
Thus, the use of techniques such as positive and guided imagery, hypnosis and other meditative methods would be of real benefit to our immune system.
Dr. Pert explains this phenomenon by the fact that viruses and neurotransmitters use the same receptors to enter a cell. If cellular receptors are saturated with endorphins, viruses would have a much harder time entering cells.
Controlling one's emotions and using positive emotions has been shown to have a real impact on serious illness and depression, but also on hypertension and inflammatory phenomena.
Getting involved, taking on challenges or being an actor in one's illness by taking positive actions significantly improves health and reduces stressful situations.
There is evidence that regular meditation practice induces beneficial changes in both the immune system and the brain.
In conclusion, it is very pleasant to admit and put this theory into practice when you have understood that any positive emotion is beneficial to your health.
What could be more enjoyable than laughing and being relaxed?
You can choose to look on the bright side of life and laugh more often. Letting go or meditating can be learned.
And if you can't, get help from a therapist.
Sources for this article:
Trivieri, Jr., Larry, and Anderson, John W. Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. 2nd ed. New York, USA: Celestial Arts, 2002 Print.
Murray, Michael, ND, and Pizzorno, Joseph, ND. Encyclopedia of natural medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press, 1998 Print.
Mercola, Joseph, Dr., and Pearsall, Kendra, Dr. Take Control of Your Health. Schaumburg, IL: Mercola.com 2007 Print.
For more information: http://www.naturalnews.com/045405_positive_attitude_mental_health_chronic_illness.html#ixzz33ZLoNyde