There is now a large body of scientific evidence to support the idea that the mind influences the body in the healing process. Research has shown, for example, that the immune system can be stimulated by breathing techniques and meditation (see Dusek JA, et al. PLoS ONE 2008 3(7) P E2576,and McCraty R et al. Integr Physiol Behav Sci 1998 33(2) 151-179)  and through hypnosis and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) amongst other approaches. In addition, work by Rossi and Cheek (Mind Body Therapy, 1988, W.W.Norton & Co.) showed that hormonal balance could be regulated by hypnosis and other MindBody techmiques.

 

Of particular relevance to the work in this practice, Alice Domar et al, (Fertility and Sterility 2000, April 73 (4):805-11) have shown that MindBody Techniques (MBT) are effective in the treatment of infertility.  Sarah uses these techniques within the practice, and we have developed an innovative approach to the treatment of infertility and sub-fertility using MBT and nNEAP together.

 

For instance a clear connection between stress and your likelihood of getting pregnant has been demonstrated. Using a biomarker for stress, researchers showed that women who had the highest levels of stress markers were less likely to get pregnant than women who had the lowest ( Louis GM et al. Fertil.Steril 2011, 95,7:2184-9).

 

The exciting part of this, though is that you can learn to do something about managing the stress simply and easily, and the effect of this was confirmed by some recent research published by Dr Alice Domar demonstrating a clear improvement in success rates with IVF when mindbody techniques were also being practised. There was an amazing difference between success rates with the second cycle of IVF; 52% in the group of women that followed the mindbody programme, as against only 20% in the group that didn't (Domar AD et al., Fertility and Sterility 2011, 95,7,2269-2273).

As part of our mindbody approach, we teach The Wellness Response which is a brilliant

de-stressing technique but which can also help with a host of other chronic or long term problems. Just some of the benefits which follow when The Wellness Response is practised are improvements in chronic pain, in IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), lowering of blood pressure, improved school and college performance. Hormonal balance and immune response may improve to help with menopausal symptoms and chronic fatigue syndrome.