special subjects
Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Mind Body Medicine
Mind-body medicine is based on the theory that mental and emotional factors regulate physical health through a system of interdependent neuronal, hormonal, and immunologic connections throughout the body. Behavioral, psychologic, social, and spiritual techniques are used to enhance the mind’s capacity to affect the body and thus to preserve health and to prevent or cure disease. Because scientific evidence supporting the benefits of mind-body medicine is abundant, many of these approaches are now considered mainstream. For example, the following techniques are used in the treatment of chronic pain, coronary artery disease, headaches, insomnia, and menopausal symptoms, and as aids during childbirth: Biofeedback None Guided Imagery None Hypnotherapy None Meditation , including mindfulness Relaxation Techniques None These techniques are also used to help patients cope with disease-related and treatment-related symptoms, especially in patients with cancer and to prepare patients for surgery. 