Psychoneuroimmunology

Psychoneuroimmunology

 

Psychoneuroimmunology is the research field that investigates interactions between psychological processes, such as responses to stress, and the functions of the immune system. The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from infection. But sometimes it fails. To function well, it requires balance and harmony.

Psychoneuroimmunology is based on the prediction that a person’s psychological state can influence his or her immune system and therefore his or her health. A number of psychological factors play a role in immune system functioning. These include mood, thought suppression, and stress. A positive mood appears to increase immune functioning, while a negative mood decreases it.

Stress may affect the immune system and can lead to a prolongation of any problems and further psychosomatic symptomatology. Stress can compromise the immune system, which makes it more vulnerable to opportunistic infections.

Ernest Rossi postulates a theory of mind-body communication and explores the idea of a mind gene connection. He presented evidence from psychoneuroimmunology, neuroendocrinology, molecular genetics and neurobiology that suggests that a special class of genes is often expressed in a wide range of human experiences, associated with changing states of arousal, including waking, sleeping and dreaming. These genes may be associated with stressful experiences.

The mind-body connection is a process that can be accessed through hypnosis. In establishing trance it is possible to use the mind to influence the body.