ABSTRACT
Mind–body medicine, a young discipline within the field of clinical research, focuses on the interactions between the brain, mind, body, and behavior, to promote physical health and well-being through the power of emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and behavioral factors. It integrates principles of traditional medicine into modern medical practice and encompasses a wide range of treatments, known as mind body therapies (MBTs) designed to facilitate the mind's capacity to affect health. Researchers are beginning to understand the mechanistic pathways through which MBTs catalyze positive psychological and physiological change. Some of the strongest predictors of MBT use include sociodemographic variables. Technology continues to expand the scope of analytic possibilities. Psychosocial, physiological, neurological, and genomic methods name a few of the various ways to objectively measure the impacts of MBTs. Neuroimaging studies have begun to explore the neural mechanisms underlying MBTs, especially meditation. MBTs have a powerful effect on mental health and well-being.
