The Mind as Medicine- Healing Yourself.pptx

A series on the Power of the Mind

1. Power of the Mind to Cure Disease s A PRESENTATION TO PARTICIPANTS AT THE WELLNESS WEDNESDAY CLASS BY DR. SUSANA ADAMS Harvard-Trained Lifestyle Medicine Professional 12 JUNE 2024

2. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. - Wayne Dyer

3. Objectives 01 Explore the profound connection between the mind and body Provide an understanding of the Placebo Effect Yoga and Health and Practical techniques for Breathing Wellness Consciousness 02 03 04

4. Our minds are the most powerful tool that we can harness for our well-being. Every experience begins with a thought. That thought, placed into action, creates a ripple effect that becomes magnified in your life. Our thoughts, feelings, beliefs and attitudes can positively or negatively affect our biological functioning. Your mindset is one of the most influential forces moving you either away or towards improving your health. The Human Mind

5. Mind-Body Connection The mind-body connection refers to the bi-directional relationship between our thoughts, emotions and physical health. Numerous scientific studies have shown that mental and emotional states can influence the functioning of our immune, endocrine and nervous systems. This connection highlights the potential for the mind to play a role in healing and curing diseases.

6. The Placebo Effect The placebo effect demonstrates the mind's ability to influence physical outcomes. It refers to the improvements in symptoms or condition that occur due to the power of belief and expectation, rather than the direct physiological effects of a treatment. Examples of well-documented placebo effects include pain relief, improvements in depression, and even positive outcomes in Parkinson's disease. The placebo cure rate ranges from 15% to 72% . NOTE: Not all Placebos are beneficial as they can also result in undesirable outcomes

7. Body-Mind Spirit Medicine By connecting our body, mind and spirit through breath, we can bring our bodies from a state of “dis-ease” to a place of “ease” (good health). Using different postures during mind body exercises can accelerate healing.

8. Relieve stress Lower anxiety levels Decrease depression Improve sleep quality Enhance quality of life Enhanced body flexibility Improved muscle strength and endurance Improved balance Increased joints motion Using Your Mind & Breath As Medicine

9. Find a quiet place in your home where you can be uninterrupted for 30 minutes. Sit or lie comfortably. You may even want to invest in a meditation chair or cushion. Close your eyes. Make no effort to control the breath; simply breathe naturally. Focus your attention on the breath and on how the body moves with each inhalation and exhalation. Simply focus your attention on your breath without controlling its pace or intensity. If your mind wanders, return your focus back to your breath. Maintain this meditation practice for five (5) minutes to start, and then try it for longer periods.  Simple Mind as Medicine Exercises

10. Tips for Mindful Living Living a simple life is about cutting back, so that you have space to breathe and just be. Stop creating your own struggle because it can shorten your life span. Grow to become mindful of attachments that lead to confusion and complexity. Let go of inhibiting habits while adapting to a simpler life. Be very clear about what you want and say No to more things. Solitude is a habit you can practice to begin the journey of simplifying your life. The best kind of simplicity is that which exposes the raw beauty, joy and heartbreak of life as it is.

11. Start Enjoying the Mind as Medicine Maintain a positive state of mind. Your healing is activated through the state of your mind; so if you keep a healthy mind, you will live a healthy life. Whatever the doctor prescribes is the best for you, accept it in faith and never try to buy drugs without prescription. Your mind has brought healing to many and can heal you as well. Learn to meditate regularly and set a specific time for it. Mindfulness will bring calm and peace to every disturbing situation. Worry is dangerous to health and hinders healing; try as much as you can to avoid worrying. Learn to live a simple life no matter your status

12. CONCLUSION