The Physiological Basis of Mind-Body Medicine
by Maja Figura1 and Tobias Esch2
1Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Institute and Polyclinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Health Sciences/Public Health, 01069 Dresden, Germany
2Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58455 Witten, Germany
A Brief Account of the Very Early History of Pandemics
by George B. Stefano1,2
1Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58455 Witten, Germany
2Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic
The BERN Framework of Mind-Body Medicine
by Tobias Esch1 and George B. Stefano1,2
1Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58455 Witten, Germany
2Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic
The Integration of AI in Mental Health Assessment: Leveraging Digital Biomarkers and Behavioral Data
by Maren M. Michaelsen1 and Tobias Esch1
1Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58455 Witten, Germany
by George B. Stefano1,2
1Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58455 Witten, Germany
2Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic
PhD Project: Digital Mindfulness Interventions in Oncology Work Environments
by Jil Herker1
1Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58455 Witten, Germany
Exercise corner
Bodyscan
by Maja Figura1
1Technische Universität Dresden, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Institute and Polyclinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Health Sciences/Public Health, 01069 Dresden, Germany
Description
Compared to other relaxation methods, the body scan method is considered an entry-level exercise (Kabat-Zinn, 2005). In body scan, you direct the focus of attention to the different parts of the body, feel any sensation therein without judging them. When you let go of the sensations of each region, as well as all the thoughts associated with them, the tension decreases. If thoughts wander, attention is gently directed back to the body.
Exercise
Lie comfortably on your back and cover yourself. With a conscious deep breath, direct your attention to your body. Notice the breath movements of the body. Begin to focus your attention on your left foot and then slowly move your awareness up the leg. Guide the breath in and out of the different regions, noticing the sensations. From the pelvis, switch to the right foot and move back to the pelvis. From there, focus your attention on the torso, moving through the lower back and abdomen, upper back, and chest to the shoulders. Next, focus on both of your hands and simultaneously move up both arms, back to the shoulders. Then notice the neck and all regions of the head. Finally, let the attention linger in the entire body. End this exercise with a conscious long exhalation.
Efficacy
With this systematic journey through the body, you develop your ability for focused self-awareness (Kabat-Zinn, 2005). Improvements in mindfulness and effectiveness against disturbing feelings could be demonstrated (D'Antoni et al., 2022; Gan et al., 2022) Further research is ongoing (e.g., Karunayake et al., 2022).
Practicing several times a week favors the course of conscious relaxation.
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References
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D'Antoni, F., Matiz, A., Fabbro, F., & Crescentini, C. (2022). Psychotherapeutic techniques for distressing memories: A comparative study between EMDR, Brainspotting, and Body Scan Meditation. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 19(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031142
Gan, R., Zhang, L., & Chen, S. (2022). The effects of body scan meditation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Appl Psychol Health Well Being, 14(3), 1062-1080. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12366
Kabat-Zinn, J. (2005). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness (15 ed.). Delta Trade Paperback.
Karunanayake, A. L., Solomon-Moore, E., & Coghill, N. (2022). Effectiveness of Anapana, Body Scan and Metta meditation techniques on chronic neck and shoulder region pain and disability in adult patients in Sri Lanka: Study protocol for a cluster clinic-level randomised controlled trial. Trials, 23(1), 940. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06873-x
Announcements
First Announcement: International Congress on Mind-Body Medicine Research
Explore the fascinating field of Mind-Body Medicine Research at the upcoming international congress, presented by the MBMRC! What to expect: The congress will bring together leading experts and renowned institutions. It promises to be an engaging event that sheds light on the latest developments in Mind-Body Medicine Research. Attendees can anticipate high-profile lectures, interactive panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities in hybrid format.
Save the Date: Exact schedule and location of this exciting congress will be announced by end of the year. Through funds provided by the EDEN Foundation, our team is working diligently to ensure an accessible experience for all participants.
Further updates and information will follow in the upcoming editions of the newsletter and at the-mind.org. Be part of this congress, where we collectively explore the frontiers of Mind-Body Medicine and chart new horizons.
- 18. Mind-Body Medicine Summer School, Essen, Germany, August 24-27, 2023
The 18th Mind-Body Medicine Summer School will present Mind-Body Medicine interventions in a compact form as they are applied in the context of modern integrative medicine. All lectures and presentations of the Summer School are designed to promote dialogue and discussion and are not limited to the one-dimensional communication of the contents. Further instruments of mind-body medicine can be obtained in the workshops on site, which are designed for the active participation of all participants.
https://www.nhk-fortbildungen.de/16-0-Mind-Body-Medicine-Summer-School-Aktive-Fortbildung-fuer-Mediziner-und-Therapeuten.html
- 6. Berlin Summer School for Integrative Medicine, Berlin, Germany, August 24-27, 2023
The 6th Berlin Summerschool for Integrative Medicine offers a diverse and practice-oriented program as well as an exciting insight into the various therapies of integrative medicine. The focus lies on providing practical experience and scientific background for physicians, nurses, health care professionals and students in the clinical field. The basic aim is to present and critically discuss the current state of research in all lectures and workshops. They are held by lecturers with many years of experience.
https://www.charite.de/service/veranstaltung/veranstaltung/details/6_berlin_summerschool_fuer_integrative_medizin/
The Mind-Body Medicine Research Council (MBMRC)
At the present time, the Council consists of the following members:
Tobias Esch, M.D. (Co-Chair)
George B. Stefano, Ph.D. (Co-Chair)
Radek Ptáček, Ph.D., MBA
Maren M. Michaelsen, Dr. rer. oec. Dr. rer. medic. (Project Lead)
How to become a member of MBMRC
As the MBMRC has been founded in 2022, and due to its dedication to rigorous contributions on the basic research foundations of Mind-Body Medicine, the number of members is yet small. In the future, the council aims to invite outstanding researchers in the field to become MBMRC members. Membership implies no fee.