In ancient times, healers understood the mind and body to be one. As Hippocrates once wrote, “The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well”.
In traditional Chinese medicine as well as Ayurveda- two of the oldest medical systems in the world- the mind body connection is paramount. It wasn’t until “modern medicine” emerged that this connection was wrongly discarded. Luckily since the early 20th century, scores of studies have elucidated how our thoughts, emotions and stress levels can literally make us sick and just as equally, help us heal.
The research done on the stress response and how it affects our immune system has supported the use of multiple mind body modalities in modern medicine. These techniques include biofeedback, meditation, breathing techniques, guided imagery and hypnosis among others. Now almost every major medical center incorporates stress management as well as meditation, yoga, and other therapies into the medical treatment of heart disease, cancer, and other anxiety/depression as well as other illnesses.
A crucial part of her integrative medicine training- Dr. Moday is well versed in recommending different mind body therapies as adjunctive treatment for her patients as an vital part of her treatment plans.