Herbert
Benson, M.D., is known for discovering the relaxation
response. This is a natural, restorative state of the body that can be
elicited with practices similar to meditation.
Though the relaxation response is discussed in this book, it is not the focus.
Timeless Healing is about the
power of the mind,
especially the power of belief, to cause
or accelerate healing.
Benson specifically refers to the well-documented placebo effect, which he
refers to as “remembered wellness.” Remembered wellness is a phenomena distinct
from the relaxation response, though both can be useful.
Benson summarizes the results of several studies related to remembered
wellness. Patient beliefs, caregiver beliefs, and positive patient-caregiver relationships
have significant, large effects on healing and the effectiveness of medical
treatment. The body affects the brain and the
brain powerfully effects the body; they are intimately linked and there is no
body-mind dichotomy.
This connection between body and mind was recognized in historic
medicine. Because the processes of the body were not understood, ancient physicians
relied heavily on remembered wellness. As scientific
knowledge increased, medical practitioners became reluctant to acknowledge the
effect of remembered wellness, instead preferring the newfound power of science.
That very science had to account for remembered wellness. The placebo effect
in powerful. Traditionally, placebos
were thought to be about 30 percent effective; studies conducted by Benson and
his associates showed them to be 70 to 90 percent effective. Instead of
dismissing the placebo effect as an oddity, Benson advocates recognizing and
using remembered wellness in medical practice, patient care, and especially
self-care.
Another element of belief that affects health is faith. We seem to
be wired to believe in God
(or something greater or an ultimate power).
Benson sites studies that show that regardless of the particulars, religious
beliefs and observances contribute to healing. He refers to the combination of
remembered wellness, the relaxation response and belief as the “Faith Factor.”
Mind-body medicine has gained popularity in the 17 years since Timeless Healing was published, but the
overall medical system has not changed a lot, in spite of the constant talk
about and changes to medical policy.
There is still relevance to Benson’s chapter on incorporating remembered
wellness into the medical system, and the billions that could be saved by helping
people heal themselves of the mostly stress-related
symptoms that drive them to physicians. The book also has a chapter on how an
individual can incorporate remembered wellness into his self-care and his
relationship with his physician and medical care.
Some strategies for self-care using remembered wellness include
-challenging negative automatic thoughts,
-focusing on helping others,
-letting go of worries (and stopping obsessing over health and all the
medical news),
-recognizing the healing power within yourself while wisely recognizing
the need for medical care,
-finding trustworthy guides and advisors
-trusting your instincts and recognize the value of your emotions as
well as analytical facts, and
-letting your faith, religion, or belief in God be part of your
healing.
There is also a note of warning in the book. The placebo effect can
also produce negative results, or a “nocebo” effect. Our beliefs can cause
illness and negate the effectiveness of medication. Negative beliefs, stress
and worry are bad for your health.
Herbert Benson also wrote The Relaxation Response.
If you’re interested in this book, you may also be interested in
Benson, Herbert, with Marg Stark. Timeless Healing: The Power of Biology and
Belief. New
York: Scribner,
1996.
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