Mindfulness provides measurable positive health outcomes.century, spiritualists asserted that they could heal the sick, speak to the dead, and move objects with the mind. At that time, psychology was a newly emerging science. American philosopher and psychologist William James, along with a brilliant, multi-disciplinary group of scientists including one who earned a Nobel Prize in medicine, led a serious investigation intoand other paranormal phenomena. Their research exposed many charlatans.
A study conducted in 2009 looked at a patient with giant cancer tumors in his armpits, groin, and abdomen. His doctors believed he had only days to live. After receiving an experimental drug, his tumors disappeared. When he learned later that the drug failed in clinical trials, his tumors returned. After that, doctors told him they were giving him a “double strength”), and the tumors vanished again. Eventually, he read that the drug he took was worthless. He died days later .
In another study, Dr. Alia Crum and colleagues wanted to see if our beliefs about the calories we consumed would have an impact on our physiology. In this study, they invited a group of participants to come into a lab on two occasions and drink a milkshake. Subjects submitted to physiological tests before and after drinking the milkshake. On each visit to the lab, the subjects were given a milkshake with a fake nutritional label.
Many of us go to the eye doctor for our annual prescription and assume our eyesight is static with normal deterioration with aging. Dr. Ellen Langer and colleagues at Harvard challenged that assumption. In one experiment, students from MIT’s ROTC program were asked to enter a flight simulator. After taking a vision test, they entered the simulator. Some were asked to play the role of pilot, aware that pilots need to have perfect vision to qualify.
These and many more studies demonstrate that the mind can mobilize the body’s healing properties. Begin by harnessing your beliefs in the service of your health and well-being. Practice mindfulness and notice subtle improvements and discomforts in your body. Provide comfort if needed and notice what fuels your joy and contentment. Visualize positive outcomes while receiving medical treatment. Allow yourself to have positive expectations for your health and future.