The document discusses the mind-body connection and how mental fitness can impact physical health. It reviews studies that show distant healing, prayer, and guided imagery can positively influence medical conditions. Exercises like Qigong and progressive muscle relaxation are recommended as they benefit both physical and mental well-being by relaxing the mind and body. In conclusion, when we exercise our mind, we also exercise our physical self, as the mind and body are interconnected.

1. The Mind-Body Connection and How to Stay Fit Rachel Tiller HW-420 Creating Wellness-Psychological & Spiritual Aspects of Healing Dr. Dyer Unit 5 Project May 25, 2010

2. The Mind-Body Connection The mind-body connection is a concept that states that we have the ability to focus our thoughts to influence how our bodies react to various stimuli. “The mind is the body, the body is the mind” -Dr. Candace Pert

3. Now that we understand the mind-body connection we will discuss: The benefits of mental fitness Review studies demonstrating mental and/or spiritual healing qualities Learn exercises that can improve our mental fitness

4. Benefits of Mental Fitness Strengthened immune system Increase in ability to heal Decreased stress/anxiety Decrease pain

5. Distant Healing Study Various studies have been conducted to ascertain whether biological systems can be influenced my mental intentions. Blood pressure and blood volume were monitored for change when a “sender” directed thoughts toward the subject. Responses were significantly more frequent than chance would allow thus showing that mental intentions do have an effect on biological systems (Zamierowski 2009).

6. Prayer Study A double blind study was conducted by Randolph Byrd in 1998 which studied the effects of intercessory prayer on coronary patients. Results of this study showed the prayer group having significant recovery over the control group. Even the skeptics took notice and agreed on the significance of the findings that prayer works (Braud 1990).

7. Guided Imagery Study Studies have been done on cancer patients utilizing mental imagery to influence the course of the disease. Techniques such as visualizing the radiation as tiny white light that bombards and breaks down the cancer cells that are then flushed out of the system; visualizing an army of white blood cells that engulf and devour the cancer cells. Patients have shown dramatic improvement with the use of relaxation and guided imagery techniques (Silva UltraMind System 2010).

8. Lets Break a Sweat…Mentally and Physically! We must exercise both our bodies and our minds in order to obtain optimal wellness. Exercises such as Qigong and Progressive Muscle Relaxation focus on both the physical and mental aspects of our wellbeing.

9. Qigong Qigong is “the art and science of using breathing techniques, gentle movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate the life energy (qi). Qigong practice leads to better health and vitality and a tranquil state of mind” (What is Qigong? N.d.)

10. Progressive Muscle Relaxation Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique in which one tightens a specific muscle group for 5 seconds until the tension is felt, the muscle group is then released for 10 seconds. You should notice a difference in how the muscle feels before and after the exercise. Start at your feet and work your way up to your scalp (Mind-Body Exercises 2009).

11. In Conclusion… When we exercise our minds we are also exercising our physical being. Everything is connected. If we take the time to develop our inner life through clearing our minds we have the power to heal our bodies and live a full and healthy life.

12. References Braud, W. (1990). Empirical Explorations of Prayer, Distant Healing, and Remote Mental Influence. Retrieved May 24, 2010 from http://www.integral-inquiry.com/docs/649/empirical.pdf Mind-Body Exercises (2009). Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Retrieved May 25, 2010 from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/alternative/bodymind.aspx

13. References Continued Silva UltraMind System (2010). How to Apply Mental Healing to Your Body. Retrieved May 25,2010 from http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/System1.html What is Qigong? (n.d) Qigong Research and Practice Center. Retrieved May 25, 2010 from http://www.qigonghealing.com/qigong/whatis.html Zamierowski, R. (2009).Science Supports Mental or Spiritual Healing: Scientific Evidence that Mental Healing is Effective. Retrieved May 24, 2010 from http://energy-healing.suite101.com/article.cfm/mental_or_spiritual_healing