Mind Body Medicine

   People's beliefs affect everything they do, and also have deep effects on their physiology.  Just being aware of the way stressful events put one's system out of balance can help the healing process.  One example is chronic pain, which often responds well to Mind-body approaches.  I commonly recommend the book "Healing Back Pain" by John Sarno, M.D., which applies just as well to other pain syndromes.  I also advocate mind body approaches such as Tai Chi, Yoga, and regular Mindfulness practice, as well as "hands on approaches" such as osteopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage.  There is an excellent six-week mindfulness course at Georgetown University Hospital.