Can your mind really heal your body?

The connection between your mind and body is close, powerful and often a valuable tool in taking control of your life and ambitions. The power of thought can affect us in profound, often life-changing, ways in all areas of our life, including the incredible effect of thought on health, explored in detail for the first time here.

Dr David Hamilton

The benefits of visualisation have been know by yogis – but now this technique is receiving more credit by scientist. Dr David Hamilton is an expert in the field and has written an excellent and highly accessible book which I think everyone can utilise.

In the first part of his book Dr Hamilton explains the various research and test cases about how the mind directly influences what our body does (including very interesting explanations about the ‘placebo’ effect). It’s easy to read and understand for everyone.

In the second part he then goes on to a large selection of visualisations for a wide variety of health conditions. This practice is ancient and forms an integral part of yoga – particularly the relaxation exercises.

It’s good to know that scientific research is supporting and now proving that visualisation techniques are a good resource in our modern medical world.

Visualisation techniques are simple to do – everyone can do them – and they are free! They don’t cost a penny and they don’t impact on our earth (think of the thousands of card and plastic pill packages that we all have to put in the bin!).

Here’s a simple example of a visualisation technique for arthritis

Lay or sit comfortably, ensure you’re warm enough, and gently close the eyes.

Bring your attention to the breath, feel each inhale and exhale moving in and out of the nostrils.

Feel the muscles and joints of your body soften and relax.

Bring your awareness to the joint that feels painful, stiff or swollen with arthritis.

Visualise an oilcan dripping a magical healing oil into this joint, making it feel much better.

Now visualise yourself doing something that you enjoy. Moving freely and joyfully.

Stay with this image for some time.

When you feel ready, come back to sense your physical body in it’s laying or seated position. Feel the contact with the support of your body and then bring attention to your fingers and toes and begin to make small movements. Wake yourself up gently and then open the eyes.

Make a note of how your arthritic joins feel now.