The mind-body wellness issue

Posted on by Susan Foster

In two back-to-back wellness issues, Xpress explores the art and science of healing the whole person — body, mind and spirit. Last week’s issue looked at integrative medicine — a holistic healing approach that blends both conventional and alternative, or complementary, strategies. This Feb.4 edition focuses on the mind-body connection in holistic healing.

Scientists now know that mind and body are inextricably linked, interacting in ways that can create either health or illness. Our thoughts and emotions have an influence on our physical health and vice versa. Mind-body medicine taps into the power of the mind to improve physical health; it also works with the body to achieve mental health.

In this issue we present stories about several different areas where mind and body intersect to create healing: Nicki Glasser explores how ChiWalking and Running combine mindfulness with physical movement to create a more holistic, injury-free approach to exercise. Emily Nichols looks at a mind-body approach to solving sleep problems, and in another article, Toni Sherwood explores Somatic Experiencing — a body-centered approach for healing psychological trauma. Pat Barcas looks into ways hypnosis “opens” the mind to allow physical healing to occur. Susan Foster delves into the benefits of neurofeedback and brain training. And Lea McLellan discusses how traditional Chinese medicine treats mind and body as one integrated whole.

We present the results of the mind-body portion of our wellness survey, too, highlighting the wide variety of mind-body therapies practiced in Asheville — from well-known ones such as yoga and meditation to many lesser-known ones, such as integrative body transformation and alpha theta peak performance training.

As testimony to the broad range of therapies offered, one therapist commented on the survey that she had heard many clients say, “I knew I would find what I needed in Asheville.”

Asheville is indeed fortunate to have such a vast array of mind-body modalities. Combined with its strength in traditional as well as integrative medicine, it embodies the best of what medicine can be. — Susan Foster, wellness editor

In this issue:

“Hypnosis for Well-Being,” by Pat Barcas

“Train Your Brain: Neurofeedback and Other Brain-training Exercises are Yoga for the Brain,” by Susan Foster

“Night and Day: How to Draw on the Miracle of Sleep,” by Emily Nichols

“Making Connections: Chinese Medicine Encompassses Mind, Body and Spirit,” by Lea McLellan

“Survey says …” by Susan Foster

“Healing Trauma through Somatic Experiencing,” by Toni Sherwood

“The Chi Way: Global ChiRunning Springs Forth,” by Nicki Glasser

 

 

 

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About Susan Foster
Freelance writer passionate about wellness and spirituality, clinical psychologist, avid hiker and reader. Follow me @susanjfosterphd
View all posts by Susan Foster →

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One thought on “The mind-body wellness issue”

  1. Gail Gulick

    Hi Folks,
    I wanted you all to know how much I appreciated having such a cohesive compilation of information regarding the mind/body connection available in a local publication. The organization of the articles, and the information in each, serve as a both a great resource and a guide for selecting the right modality for any individual. Also, I personally know a number of the professionals featured in the articles, and greatly appreciate the Mountain Xpress for its proactive role in supporting the healing arts community in Asheville!
    Thank you for your wonderful work!

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