Origins of mind-body medicine

The relationship between the mind and the body has fascinated physicians, philosophers and scientists for thousands of years.

Yet for much of modern medical history, physical illness and psychological health were treated as largely separate domains. Pain was assumed to originate primarily from damaged tissues, while emotions were often considered secondary or even irrelevant to physical disease.

Today, that perspective has changed dramatically. Advances in neuroscience, psychology and behavioral medicine demonstrate that the brain, nervous system, immune system and endocrine system constantly interact.