Meditation and Imagery Influence Immune System
In a case study published in The Journal of Alternative Medicine (2005; 11 [2], 275–84), a significant relationship was found between mind-body therapies and a patient’s recovery from a skin condition known as dermatomyositis. Since this condition is affected by the strength of the immune system, the researchers concluded that the benefits seen in the case study support the growing evidence that mind-body techniques improve immune system function.
Researchers monitored the patient over a 294-day period, during which she practiced meditation and visual imagery. In this time, she recovered without any conventional therapy, such as prescriptive drugs—a low-probability outcome. Researchers recommend further study on a larger scale to determine whether low-cost mind-body therapies can provide relief to all patients with dermatomyositis or to other patients with conditions that involve autoimmune diseases.
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
