“We've all heard of psychosomatic illnesses, but have you heard of psychosomatic health?” – the author of this question is Dr. Candace Pert, a neurobiologist and pharmacologist. Her work has contributed to the development of neurobiology and psychoneuroimmunology, and her research has had a significant impact on understanding the mechanisms by which the mind and body are interconnected at the molecular level. The definition of health by the World Health Organization (WHO) also states that complete health is complete physical, mental and social well-being.
The growing popularity of various types of practices referred to as mind-body or mind-body-soul is part of the holistic approach to health, in which all aspects of human life are deeply interconnected and interconnected. influence each other. Taking care of your mental health is therefore one of the foundations of well-being. Hippocrates already wrote about it: "Every man should know that from the mind, and only from the mind, come our pleasures, joy, laughter, as well as grief, pain and tears. All these and other feelings come from the mind and the mind alone.”
The condition of our psyche is crucial for achieving body balance, feeling life satisfaction, peace, fulfillment and happiness. It also influences the way we think and deal with problems. The consequence of disharmony in this area may be illness.
In the case of patients struggling with oncological diseases, the sphere of the psyche can be looked at from two aspects. Firstly, by looking for mental problems in the period preceding the onset of the disease that could have in some way influenced the development of the disease. Secondly, by paying attention to the emotions and feelings arising in connection with the diagnosis, treatment and its consequences as well as the changes in life that are related to them (limited independence and the need for care, long-term stay away from home, limited family relationships, the need to resign from work, rejection , social isolation). Regardless of what these disorders are and what their source is, they always require care.
Working with a therapist, psychologist or psycho-oncologist is always a natural choice. And just as we talk about integrative cancer treatment, there is also an integrative approach in psychotherapy, which combines various therapeutic trends and uses those techniques that are the most effective for a given patient. Combining integrative therapy with conventional therapy can improve a patient's overall health, fully engage patients in their own care, cultivate resilience and optimism, and sometimes reduce the need for pharmacological support.
Research shows that good results are also achieved by supplementing therapeutic work with complementary therapies, which help alleviate symptoms and improve patients' well-being.
The most frequently used methods are:
- Relaxation techniques – can help relieve anxiety, reduce fatigue, and improve sleep quality.
- Mindfulness practice – can help reduce fatigue and improve quality of life, cope with stress, anxiety and depression.
- Acupuncture – can help fight depression, relieve pain and fatigue.
- Reflexology – may be helpful in relieving pain, fatigue and anxiety.
- Yoga – it can help fight depression, fatigue and sleep disorders, improve mood and quality of life.
- Music therapy – can be helpful in relieving anxiety and improving mood.
Other techniques that are increasingly used to support therapy include breathing sessions, art therapy, dance and aromatherapy.
Integrating various therapeutic modalities, both conventional and complementary, can significantly improve patients' quality of life by helping them cope with anxiety, depression and other emotional challenges associated with the disease. Proper mental support, a healthy diet, supplementation, ensuring the quality of sleep, regular physical activity and relaxation techniques create a comprehensive care plan that supports the treatment process and contributes to achieving mental and physical balance. Taking care of your mental health is an essential element of a holistic approach to treatment and life after a cancer diagnosis.
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Book recommendation:
Molecules of Emotion by Candace B. Pert
Why do we feel this way and not differently? How do thoughts and emotions affect our health? Are our body and mind separate from each other, or do they function together as parts of an interconnected system? The answers to these intriguing questions are provided by research at the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at Georgetown University Medical Center.
The author sheds new light on issues that have bothered scientists and philosophers for centuries. Her pioneering research into how chemicals in our bodies create a dynamic information network, connecting mind and body, is not only provocative, but revolutionary.
Thanks to this book, you will discover the biomolecular basis of emotions. Thanks to the acquired knowledge, you will better understand yourself, other people and the inextricable connection between your thoughts and the state of your body. The author's pioneering research has shown that chemical compounds found in the human body, neuropeptides and their receptors, constitute the actual biological supports of our consciousness, manifesting themselves in the form of our emotions, beliefs and expectations. It is these relationships that have a profound impact on how we respond to and experience the world. This research provided evidence of a biochemical basis for consciousness and self-knowledge, confirming what Eastern philosophers, shamans and alternative medicine practitioners have known and practiced for centuries. The foreword to this book was written by Deepak Chopra.
The description comes from the publisher
Sources:
Integrative Oncology Care of Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Adults With Cancer: Society for Integrative Oncology–ASCO Guideline
Hypnosis and relaxation interventions for chronic pain management in cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-022-07498-1
Yoga for depression and anxiety symptoms in people with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pon.5671
The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions among cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-019-05219-9
Integrative Medicine for Pain Management in Oncology: Society for Integrative Oncology-ASCO Guideline
https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.22.01357?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub 0pubmed
Clinical practice guidelines on the evidence-based use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment
https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21397
Clinical Evidence for Association of Acupuncture and Acupressure With Improved Cancer Pain A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2757396
Mental health and quality of life according to sleep in cancer survivors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35365854/
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Author: Joanna Niewolik
