Module 5: Mind body balance
Synopsis:
This module combines the theories, philosophies and correct postures to develop a balance between
mind and body. Participants will be taught that meditation calms the mind and body, and then will
leave the person feeling relaxed and refreshed. Developing mindfulness of the connections between
mind and body is a form of intelligence just as important as IQ, EQ (emotional intelligence), or social
intelligence. As awareness deepens, bodily sensations provide feedback and guidance about every
aspect of life, from nurturing relationships to enhancing effectiveness at work. By learning some
techniques participants can reduce stress, balance their life, and maximize their innate potential for
health, creativity, and spiritual growth. Mind–body therapies explore the relationships between the
mind, body, spirit, and behaviour upon the belief that the mind can regulate bodily functions and
symptoms.
TOPICS:
1 Mind – body communications maintain wellness
How thoughts contribute to good health
Mind-body methods for promoting health (Autogenic training, biofeedback, hypnosis
and healing)
2 Mechanisms of mind body communication
Emotions and its physiological response
The brain and its role in mental activity
3 The autonomic nervous system, hormones, the immune system
Function of each system in human body
Respond of each system to changes in emotions/thoughts
The methods of influencing the systems through mind
4 Placebo effect and the Nocebo effect
Understanding Placebo effect and the Nacebo effect
How these ‘effects’ influence the outcome of the disease
Role of ‘placebo pills’ in treating illness
Using words to produce placebo effect (Positive, constructive practitioner VS negative,
pessimistic practitioner)
5 The relaxation response, Autogenic training, biofeedback, hypnosis and healing
Understanding the function and mechanism of each method provided
The steps involved in each method provided
6 Meditation
Types of meditation and description for each
o Zen meditation
o Transcendental meditation
o Insight meditation
o Religious image
o Prayer to god
Simple suggestion to begin meditating (the setting, posture/position, timing, attention
on breathing)
Benefits of meditating
7 Taking time out to quieten the mind
Stress
Definition of stress
Difference between ‘eustress’ and ‘distress’
Warning signs of stress
Component of stress
The environmental component (stressors can be classified into :)
o Harm and loss situation
o Threat situation
o Challenge situation
The mental component
The emotional component
How stress occurs and contributes to illness
Causes mind and body to become exhausted, worn down and damaged
Weakening immunity
Motivating unhealthy behavior in attempt to deal with stress
Managing stress – restoring mind- body harmony
Factors affecting the experience of stress
Predictability
Personal control
Belief in outcome
Social support
The general adaptation syndrome
3 stage biological response to stress
o stage of alarm
o stage of resistance
o stage of exhaustion
Stress and the immune system
Effect of stress on immune system
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Time management
Questionnaire for stress
Example of lifestyle optimization and time management plans
Review of case studies
Interactive quiz
Upon successful completion of this course, participants should be able to perform the followings:-
Identify mechanisms of mind body communication
Identify Mind/body techniques that have been effective in stress management
Describe the physiological components of stress
Describe how stress occurs and contributes to illness
Define the mental and emotional component of stress
Understand the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, comorbidity, course and prognosis of
PTSD
