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Mind-Body, How Do You Connect?
by Dr. Terah Tower, DO, The Wellness Tower

Several years ago I attended a conference for physicians to learn more about “Mind, Body” medicine.  I remember the instructor asking us to go around the room and tell why we were there.  I shared that I wanted to learn more about the mind-body connection and the research behind it.  I was pleasantly surprised to see many physicians in attendance with a similar question. I was impressed that Harvard also found value in this topic. The conference was unique from past medical conferences in that it focused on the importance of our focus and attention.

As the days went on and study after study was discussed I realized we have made many changes in our collective thinking in western medicine.  Not only was this mind-body connection measurable, it was applicable to our day to day lives as well.
Later in practice with my patients I discovered what a powerful tool it is to quiet the mind.  In utilizing this with my patients, I would watch patients walk into the room appearing hopeless and then leave with an entirely different body language that speaks of hopefulness and increased confidence in their personal value.

My work in the community health clinics was particularly interesting in this area because sometimes the only thing a person had was the ability to make a different choice, a change of focus.

The discussion with my patients is simple and direct:
Sit in a comfortable place, close your eyes and notice your breath.  Breath not from your chest but from your lower belly.  Just be aware of your breath.  Choose a word or a picture that has meaning to you so that when you think of this word or picture you feel good, for whatever reason.  Gently bring this word or picture into your mind.  Just like anytime you sit quietly, thoughts will race through your mind.  Do not try to control them.  Just gently allow your thoughts to pass, as if you were observing cars going by on a road.  Every so often notice your breath.  Every so often bring that word or that picture into your mind.  Do this for 5-10 minutes each day.  The next time you feel your body tense from stress or your mind racing with endless to do lists, gently bring that word or picture into your mind and allow yourself to feel the mind-body connection.

The man who developed this technique, Dr. Herbert Benson is a pioneer in that he had a lingering question about the mind in relationship to the body and he translated that into measurable terms that allowed the validation of practices that have occurred for centuries.

The exciting news is we do not need to wait for a crisis or disaster to begin using this simple yet effective tool.  Knowing that we have this ability to shift focus in any given moment to allow the body relaxation and ease is truly empowering.
I encourage you to draw upon this tool as often as you believe it will serve you well and share this with the people you think may need a helping hand.

About Dr. Tower Dr. Tower is the founder of The Wellness Tower located inside the Village Herbs and Wellness Center in the Rice Village, 5411 Morningside Drive.  Her practice promotes wellbeing and focuses on holistic health.  Dr. Tower is board certified in Family Medicine with an emphasis on preventive and holistic health with experience including Dr. Andrew Weil’s Integrative medicine rotation and nutrition coursework, John Hopkins Preventive Medicine rotation, Harvard Mind Body Medicine program and M.D. Anderson’s Complementary Medicine program.  If you would like to set up a wellness consultation with Dr. Tower’s office, call 713-876-8776 or visit www.TheWellnessTower.com for more information.