For centuries, Western medicine has viewed the mind and the body as two separate entities. Diseases or imbalances in the body were seen as malfunctions within a specific organ or biological system and the treatment of those ailments were limited to external interventions only. This dualistic view of the human body has dominated Western medicine for hundreds of years and to a large extent it still does.

However, in recent years there has been a different medical worldview emerging; one that is more holistic in nature. The basis of this new thinking is rooted in a new science called psychoneuroimmunology. PNI, as it is often referred, recognizes that the mind/brain, neural, endocrine and immune systems are all interconnected with a common communication network made up of chemicals called neuropeptides. In the early 1980s it was discovered that neuropeptides acted as messengers between the mind and the immune system. These “chemicals of emotion” circulate throughout the body delivering commands to immune cells and direct them to perform specific functions. In essence, it was proven that the thoughts and emotions that occupy our mind can have a very direct effect on how our body ultimately heals itself.

The neural, or nervous, system is complex and its job is to relay information between the brain and the body. Neurons occupy every square inch of the human body and they’re one of the few cells in the body that do not undergo mitosis, or cell division. Nerves communicate commands through neurotransmitters. It has been discovered that specific cells within the immune system such as lymphocytes not only have receptors for neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, but in fact produce and excrete these chemicals as well, suggesting that there is a bidirectional system of communication between these systems.

It’s also been discovered that the stress hormones cortisol, ACTH and glucocorticoids have a significant impact on the immune system by redistributing immune cells and in some cases killing them. Stress and emotions are directly associated with our physiological states. Understanding this association is central to understanding PNI.

Research in PNI reveals that we must be accountable for our own health. Brain states affect our body’s ability to both fight off disease and optimize our ability to conceive a child. Factors such as stress and positive emotions play a critical role within our bodies and accepting the mind-body connection is the first step in creating a healthier life.

O’Leary, A. (1990)
Stress, emotion and immune function. Psychological Bulletin.108 - 3, 363-382.
Pelletier, K. (1987) Psychoneuroimmunology: toward a mindbody model.
Advances, Institute for the Advancement of Health. I5 - 1, 27-56.
Soloman, G. F. (1985) The emerging field of psychoneuroimmunology.
Advances, Institute for the Advancement of Health, 2 - 1, 6-19.