by Bob Trowbridge

Created on: January 29, 2007   Last Updated: April 28, 2007

Through the study of the interaction of the nervous system (brain), the immune system, and the endocrine system, a new discipline has been created called psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). Briefly, it has been discovered that all of these systems "talk" to one another, all interact with one another and affect one another constantly. That's why being positive actually affects the body. Depression literally depresses the immune system optimism enhances it. Every thought and every feeling affects the body to a greater or lesser degree.

Because of this, the best way to stay healthy or to heal ourselves quickly when we are sick, is to be aware of our thoughts and feelings throughout the day. If we are dwelling on negative emotions and negative fantasies, holding onto grudges or feeling victimized, we can be sure that our bodies are responding. If we are having fun, enjoying ourselves, and smiling and laughing a lot, our bodies will likewise respond.

If you are already ill and are in any kind of treatment, the success of that treatment may depend more on your attitude toward the the treatment, your attitude toward your health-care professional, and your attitude toward you illness. Personally, I believe that our illnesses are not accidental or haphazard. I believe they are meaningful. Our illnesses are like dream symbols in that they are trying to tell us something about ourselves and about our life path. If we are out of balance spiritually, an illness may come to help us get back on the path, to become centered again.

From my point of view, as strange as it may sound, I believe that our illnesses come in the service of a greater healing. They come to bring us a message that we need to hear.

I have written a more thorough explanation of this point of view in my book "The Hidden Meaning of Illness" from A.R.E. Press.

Peace

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