Mind-body therapy takes a whole-person approach to well-being. It incorporates elements of traditional talk therapy along with body-focused activities.
Strengthening the mind-body connection can help people manage physical and mental health concerns. Mind-body therapy can include activities like yoga, meditation, making art, listening to music, and more.
Mind-body therapy can help people manage anxiety, depression, and other stress-related mental health concerns. To find a mind-body therapy provider, look for a therapist with experience in mindfulness and other mind-body approaches.
In the past, especially in the West, healing the mind and body were separate endeavors. A person would see a medical doctor for physical ailments. But mental health concerns were treated in a different setting and usually addressed by a psychiatrist or therapist.
Today, this approach is changing, and more people are seeking integrated mind-body care. In the U.S., about 14% of adults have used meditation, yoga, mindfulness, or other mind-body approaches in the previous year.
Meanwhile, mind-body therapy is becoming more popular as well. These approaches combine elements of talk therapy with body-focused activities. They’re based on the theory of psychosomatic medicine. This area of study emphasizes the connection between mental and physical well-being.
If you’re interested in strengthening your mind-body connection, learning more about mind-body therapy could be helpful.
How does mind-body therapy work?
Experts are yet to understand the underlying mechanisms that make mind-body therapy effective. But we know it can help people with depression, anxiety disorders, chronic diseases, and even cancer. While many mind-body therapies exist, they all share an element of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment without judgment. It encourages us to notice what’s happening in our mind, body, and surroundings. Research suggests that, over time, building awareness may lead to beneficial brain changes. People who practice mindfulness may experience less pain, stress, and inflammation. In response, mindfulness may lead to increased physical and mental well-being.
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Examples of mind-body therapies
Many mind-body therapies have roots in ancient practices. They may include things like yoga, tai chi, meditation, and acupuncture. However, modern mind-body therapies are typically grouped into three distinct categories.
Cognitive optimization therapies: They can help people interrupt unhelpful thought patterns and choose healthier behaviors. These approaches incorporate activities like meditation.
Dynamic somatic therapies: These therapies use physical movement (like yoga). They can help people release negative emotions and emotional trauma.
Deep-relaxation techniques: With these methods, they focus on activities like deep breathing or hypnotherapy. These practices can promote relaxation in the mind and body and help you feel more at ease.
Techniques used in mind-body therapy
Mind-body therapy is a diverse practice that can include different techniques. Some of the most common include:
Meditation helps people focus and increase present awareness. It’s been shown to improve mood and energy and reduce stress.
Relaxation therapy includes activities like deep-breathing or grounding exercises. It can lower your blood pressure and calm the central nervous system.
Hypnosis practitioners use guided imagery to change how a person acts, thinks, and feels. It can help reduce anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and more.
Biofeedback provides real-time data on a person’s heart rate, blood pressure, and other body functions. These insights can enhance self-awareness and self-regulation in times of stress.
Music therapy uses sound as a way to help people shift their mood and lower stress and anxiety. It can help you feel more physically and mentally at ease.
Art therapy incorporates creative activities like drawing, painting, or writing. It can help people safely release uncomfortable emotions and feel more empowered.
Mindful movement can include any gentle physical activity that releases “feel-good” brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. It can be anything from yoga or stretching to walking or dancing.
Aromatherapy utilizes natural essential oils to create a pleasant sensory experience. When used in a therapeutic setting, it’s been shown to help with anxiety, stress, pain, and sleep.
Is mind-body therapy right for you?
Mind-body therapy can be a great fit for people living with depression, anxiety disorders, or other conditions that worsen with stress. But, like all therapies, it may not be right for everyone. Experts caution against using mind-body therapy alone to treat unhealthy substance use. It may also be unhelpful during a psychotic episode or a life-threatening mental health crisis.
Also, some people may prefer traditional talk therapy, and that’s OK. But if you want to explore alternative ways to heal, you might want to consider mind-body therapy. Mind-body therapy can be a stand-alone therapy or part of a broader treatment plan.
That said, you don’t need to be an artist, athlete, or seasoned meditator to benefit from it. You just need an open mind and a willingness to be more present in your body. A trained practitioner can guide you through the process and help you deepen your mind-body connection.
One unique way mind-body therapy supports healing that talk therapy alone often can’t is by involving the body in the process. Sometimes the body holds on to stress or trauma even when the mind can’t find the words.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
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Mind-body therapy promotes simultaneous healing in the mind and body through mindfulness. It can include things like yoga, music, making art, hypnosis, biofeedback, and more. This type of therapy can make it easier to focus, manage stress, and release uncomfortable emotions. It can also help people navigate physical challenges like chronic pain. To find a mind-body therapy provider, look for therapists or psychiatrists experienced in somatic approaches.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
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Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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