The Role of Mind-Body Practices in Healing: A Comprehensive Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36676/ijao.v1.i3.17Keywords:
Mind-Body Practices, Healing, Meditation, Yoga, Tai ChiAbstract
The integration of mind-body practices in modern healthcare has garnered increasing attention for their potential in promoting healing and enhancing well-being. This comprehensive review explores the role of various mind-body practices, including meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong, and biofeedback, in the context of healing. By examining a wide range of clinical studies, meta-analyses, and theoretical frameworks, this paper aims to elucidate the mechanisms through which these practices exert their therapeutic effects. The review highlights evidence supporting the efficacy of mind-body interventions in managing chronic pain, reducing stress and anxiety, improving cardiovascular health, and enhancing immune function. Additionally, it addresses the neurobiological underpinnings of mind-body practices, focusing on their impact on brain plasticity, neuroendocrine function, and autonomic regulation. The synergistic effects of combining mind-body practices with conventional medical treatments are also discussed, emphasizing a holistic approach to patient care. Despite the promising outcomes, the review identifies methodological limitations in existing research and calls for more rigorous, large-scale studies to validate the findings. Ultimately, this paper advocates for the integration of mind-body practices into mainstream healthcare, underscoring their potential to contribute to comprehensive, patient-centered care.
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