The Mind Body Connection

Dr Hien Nguyen MD MPH

Presented to Route 66 Rotary Club
Breakfast Meeting
11-19-2010
 History of Medicine

2000 B.C. - Here, eat this root.

• 1000 A.D. - That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer.

• 1850 A.D. - That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion.
• 1940 A.D. - That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.
• 1985 A.D. - That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic.
• 2000 A.D. - That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root
Mind Body Connection?
Can the mind heal the
body?
Bad states of mind (Stress)
 Mind-Body Connections
Broken Heart
Anger and Hostility
Loneliness
Hopelessness
Control
Sense of Understanding / Coherence
Purpose / Meaning
Mind-Body Connections

Optimism vs Pessimism
Positive vs Negative thoughts
 Self Regulation
• Physical
• Emotional
• Social
• Mental
• Spiritual
 Does it work?
• Initial Integrative Medicine Consultation – 1 hour

• Education – about the stress response, relaxation response

• 8 week program – 1 evening per week

• Different methods of eliciting the RR

• Bodywork/Yoga

• Cognitive Restructuring Techniques

• CBT

• Social Support

• Formation of Peer Support Groups

• Social Skill Building

• Emotional Regulation Skills

• Sleep

• Nutrition
 Questions?
Hien.nguyen@post.harvard.edu