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TEL: 07366693154
There is an intricate and beautiful relationship between the body, mind and the soul. As holistic body-mind-soul therapists, we have witnessed first hand the profound effects of thoughts and emotions on overall wellbeing and health, particularly the role of unresolved trauma held in the body, in the form of beliefs we hold about our environment and or ourselves.
More and more, ancient wisdom and new science are being looked at side by side. And together they are paving the way with our understanding of how our thoughts and emotions impact our physical health. However, this is information that is still relatively unknown in the mainstream domain. People for generations have been used to relying on something outside of themselves, like taking medication to get better, whereas our ancestors also knew how to harness the power within themselves to support healing. Our ancient ancestors knew this holistic truth, but this has seemed to have gotten lost in the scientific age we live in.
This article aims to delve into the body-mind-soul connection, shedding light on the importance of addressing thought forms and emotions for optimal health.
So we have the body, the mind and the soul. The traditional scientific view is to look at these as separate entities – the body is connected to the mind and somehow they are connected to the soul.
Science focuses on breaking down complex subjects into simpler components and only believes in what it can measure. This reductionist view, separating everything down to its separate parts, does not provide the whole picture, and you have to consider the whole when it comes to health.
On an energetic level, everything is energy and all energy is connected. Quantum science is now telling us that we are living in a holographic universe – in a hologram, every part contains the whole image and is connected. If you were to cut a small piece out of the hologram, you would still see the entire image. So that must mean that we as individuals have the power of the universe within us – we are connected to the universe.
This is important, because our body on a quantum level is just energy, our mind is just energy and the soul is just energy. There is no separation between the body, mind and soul, they are one and the same system – they are all connected as part of a bigger system which is all connected. This is really profound and has huge implications when it comes to health.
Health or ill-health is typically assessed only on a physical level. Logically, it makes sense, if my body isn’t working well then the issue must be on a physical level and the solution must be a physical one. Yes, this can be true but it’s only a partial truth.
When we understand that there is no separation between the body, mind and soul you start to understand several key points to health:
You can start to see the interconnectedness of all the systems and start to appreciate that healing isn’t just on a physical level. Let’s look at each of those statements in more detail.
The body’s physiological state can significantly influence our mental wellbeing. For example, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, gut imbalances, or chronic illnesses can contribute to varied issues of the mind e.g. poor cognition, brain fog, anxiety, depression and many more.
Inadequate levels of essential nutrients can contribute to a range of mental health issues. For instance, deficiencies in B-vitamins, such as B12 and folate, have been linked to symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and cognitive impairment.
Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” influences neurotransmitter synthesis and has been associated with mood regulation. Inadequate levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of depressive symptoms.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and E, abundant in fruits and vegetables, protect the brain from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been implicated in various mental health disorders, and a diet rich in antioxidants may contribute to cognitive well-being.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in abundance in fatty fish and certain nuts and seeds, are essential for brain health. These fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, contribute to the structure of cell membranes in the brain and have been linked to improved mood and cognitive function.
Hormonal imbalances play a pivotal role in the complex interconnection between the body and mind. The endocrine system, responsible for producing and regulating hormones, influences various physiological processes and, consequently, mental well-being.
One significant hormonal player is cortisol, often termed the “stress hormone.” Chronic stress can lead to an overproduction of cortisol, disrupting the delicate hormonal balance orchestrated by the HPA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis.
Elevated cortisol levels can negatively impact neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, contributing to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, prolonged stress and high cortisol levels may affect sleep patterns, exacerbating mental health challenges.
Thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are critical for overall metabolic function. An imbalance in thyroid hormones, either hypo- or hyperthyroidism, can lead to symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and cognitive impairment. Thyroid dysfunction is often associated with mood disorders, emphasising the connection between hormonal balance and mental health.
Sex hormones, such as oestrogen and testosterone, also play crucial roles. Fluctuations or imbalances in these hormones can contribute to mood swings, irritability, and even conditions like premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or andropause, affecting mental well-being.
The gut, often referred to as the ‘second brain’ due to its extensive network of neurons and neurotransmitters, interacts closely with the central nervous system through the gut-brain axis, primarily facilitated by the vagus nerve.
Serotonin, often referred to as the ‘happiness hormone,’ is not only synthesised in the brain but also in the gastrointestinal tract. In fact, approximately 90% of serotonin in the body is produced in the gut. Disruptions in the gut microbiota, such as dysbiosis, can impair serotonin production and uptake, leading to lower levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain. Consequently, low serotonin levels have been associated with increased anxiety and mood disorders.
Research has increasingly linked dysbiosis to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even cognitive dysfunction. This is believed to occur through various mechanisms, including the vagus nerve’s transmission of signals between the gut and the brain.
The mind’s thoughts and emotions can influence the body’s physical state. Stress and negative thought patterns, unresolved trauma can trigger the release of stress hormones, affecting heart rate, digestion, and immune function. Prolonged exposure to such mental states may contribute to the development or exacerbation of physical health issues.
The main culprit when it comes to health is stress. Stress will increase the body’s demand for nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, and B-vitamins, which play crucial roles in supporting the nervous system and maintaining overall health. If you become deficient in these nutrients, this will impact your mood, most likely driving up more stress, and compounding the issue further.
Candace Pert, a prominent figure in the field of mind-body medicine, in her groundbreaking book, “Molecules of Emotion (1999),” has transformed our understanding of how cells talk with one another. Not just from the brain, but how any cell anywhere in the body can talk to another cell.
Pert’s work revolves around the idea that emotions are not confined to the mind alone; rather, they are intricately linked to the body at a cellular level. She emphasises the role of neuropeptides, which are essentially signalling molecules that transmit information among cells, in orchestrating this communication network. Her insights completely challenged the traditional separation of mind and body, highlighting the integrated nature of our physiological and emotional experiences. Through her research, Pert unveiled the remarkable interconnectedness of all cells in the body.
The energy from negative life experiences or trauma get stored in our subconscious mind. They also get stored at a cellular level within our bodies. Think of it this way: your body is your subconscious mind.
The body essentially becomes a repository for the unresolved energy and emotions associated with the traumatic experience. This stored trauma can contribute to a range of physical and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms.
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s remarkable ability to reorganise itself and form new neural connections throughout life, is a key player in the intricate dance of the mind-body connection. This phenomenon challenges the traditional view that the brain’s structure is fixed and unchangeable, highlighting its adaptability in response to experiences, thoughts, and emotions.
Again, the brain doesn’t exist in isolation; it constantly interacts with the body and responds to the stimuli it receives. Positive thoughts, emotions, and holistic practices can induce neuroplastic changes, fostering a healthier, more resilient mind and body. Conversely, chronic stress, negative thought patterns, and unaddressed emotional issues can shape neural pathways in a way that contributes to health challenges.
Understanding and harnessing neuroplasticity allows us to appreciate the dynamic interplay between mental and physical well-being. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and therapies have demonstrated the ability to reshape the brain, promoting positive changes that reverberate throughout the entire mind-body system. By recognizing the profound impact of our mental and emotional states on neuroplasticity, we empower ourselves to actively shape our brain’s structure and, consequently, our overall health and well-being.
The truth of who we really are is the soul. The natural qualities of the soul are unconditional love, gratitude, peace, joy, happiness and authenticity. These emotions energetically are very powerful and have high vibrations. Essentially they have incredible healing properties.
When we connect with who we really are we start to draw these vibrations into our mind and body, which allows them to heal. Again, coming back to energy, think of it this way, the food we eat is broken into energy, the thoughts we think and emotions we feel are energetic vibrations flowing through our body, the trauma we haven’t resolved is blocked energy held in our body, the true nature of who we are is soul energy which has the incredible power to heal.
Anita Moorjani is testament to her truth, her near-death experience (NDE) provides a unique perspective on the body-mind-soul connection, in her book – “Dying to Be Me”. Anita was suffering with multiple tumours throughout her body, health deteriorating and she wasn’t given long to live. Whilst in hospital, she fell into a coma where she left her body and experienced a state of expanded consciousness where she was in a higher realm. She describes feeling bathed in unconditional love and understanding the truth of who she is as a soul.
Following her NDE, Moorjani returned to her body with this experience and understanding, a renewed sense of purpose for life, and with the energy of unconditional love. Within days her tumours began to melt away, which baffled the doctors, it was a miracle.
By connecting to her truth, which is love, the body was able to automatically heal itself. Anita Moorjani’s story serves as a powerful testament to the interconnectedness of the body, mind and soul, and the incredible potential for healing and growth when the soul is acknowledged and nurtured within the broader context of the mind-body connection.
Most of us, in our day-to-day lives, identify with being a body and being a mind. The question of being a soul rarely comes into play. When we look at our lives, we think of ourselves as human beings in search of spiritual experiences, rather than as spiritual beings having human experiences.
The soul is our truth which is unconditional love, a source of profound wisdom, healing energy, and spiritual insight. However, the challenges and traumas experienced by the body and mind can act as barriers, hindering our ability to tap into the transformative potential of the soul.
The body, with its physical sensations and ailments, may create a distraction or even a sense of detachment from the soul’s innate healing power. Chronic pain, illness, or the demands of daily life can consume one’s attention, making it challenging to connect with the deeper aspects of the soul. Similarly, the monkey mind, which never stops chattering away, influenced by thoughts, beliefs, and emotional patterns, can become a filter that distorts or obscures the clarity of the soul’s guidance, our intuition.
In essence, when the body and mind are burdened with unresolved issues or caught in cycles of stress, they can create a barrier that limits access to the soul’s inherent healing capacities.
Practices that address the holistic well-being of the individual, such as meditation, mindfulness, and spiritual contemplation, can be instrumental in dismantling these barriers. By quieting the mind and nurturing the body, individuals may open pathways to the soul, unlocking its healing potential and fostering a harmonious integration of the mind, body, and soul. Recognizing and addressing these potential blockages becomes a pivotal aspect of the holistic approach to well-being.
Even Abraham Maslow, American psychologist, in his hierarchy of needs recognised that self-actualisation (recognising of ourselves as a soul) is the highest ascension we can achieve. According to Maslow, self-actualisation is when a person can do what they feel they are “meant” to do and be who they are “meant” to be.
Once you understand the body, mind, and soul connection, you can appreciate that getting to the root cause of health can be on any of these levels.
Interventions on a physical level, such as dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments, play a vital role in symptom management, but they often fall short in resolving deeper root issues.
The mind and body are not separate entities; they form an intricate system. Referring to the mind as the equivalent of the subconscious and the body or as the densest part of the soul underscores the oneness of this system.
Therefore, those individuals who have been struggling with their health, seeking a holistic approach in order to get to the deeper root cause is vital.
As Holistic Body-Mind-Soul Therapists, we must advocate for approaches that encompass the spiritual dimension, addressing the root cause of health challenges and fostering true healing.
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