The term “mind-body connection” is thrown around like a nut in a coffee-grinder.

It’s hard to understand what it is, unless you are familiar with how it works.

We can begin to understand the connection between the mind and the body by outlining what happens on a physiological level as a result of our thoughts and vice versa.

Once we can understand it and appreciate it ourselves, it makes it easier to help our kids understand and appreciate it.

The nervous system can be divided into two parts. The voluntary (somatic) nervous system, which is responsible for allowing us to move our limbs; and the involuntary (autonomic) nervous system, which is responsible for the internal environment.

Because science has made this physiological differentiation, we sometimes attribute the “involuntary” processes of our body as detached from conscious mind.

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Have you ever found yourself saying one of these phrases?

“I’ve got butterflies in my stomach”

“I had a gut feeling”

“You are on my last nerve”

We say, or hear people say these phrases almost daily. What we don’t realize is that these feelings are actually associated with distinct biochemical changes in the body. Candace Pert, a world-renowned neuroscientist and pharmacologist, labeled these biochemicals the molecules of emotion.

Each biochemical reaction that takes place moves us either towards health or away from it. We are never in a state of stagnation.

It is interesting that negative thoughts rooted from fear, are associated with inflammation and tissue break-down (catabolism). While positive thoughts rooted in love, are associated with anti-inflammatory chemicals and tissue regeneration and repair.

No matter what condition a person is trying to address, it is imperative that stress reduction techniques are practiced.

Even more important is to make stress-reduction a daily habit as before you develop a disease or condition.

Unfortunately, we weren’t taught these skills in school, so we have learn them for ourselves.

So whatever that translates into for you – yoga, singing into a hairbrush or literally taking a hike, take it upon yourself to connect mind and body.

You will feel better, sleep better, and have more reserves in your tank to face each day.

Josh Gitalis Ba(H), CNP, RNCP/ROHP is a recognized expert in the fields of clinical detoxification and therapeutic supplementation. He runs a private practice based in Metro Toronto which focuses on evidence-based integrative healthcare. His passion is helping people incorporate new habits into their lifestyle in easy, realistic steps by focusing on health awareness through education and most importantly through action.