With so much public attention on the latest H1N1 virus, aka swine flu, various clinicians are reminding everyone to wash hands for at least 20 seconds, cover mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, and to dispose promptly of soiled tissues.

However there is one more activity that you can add to the “clean regime.”

Psychoneuroimmunology is the study of the interaction between the mind of an individual and the observable world and how their subsequent behavior affects the immune system of the body, resulting in either health or illness.

People who expect the worst and see everything as half-empty may already be half-way to an early grave. With illnesses ranging from colds and flu to heart attacks and cancer, pessimists do live a shorter and unhealthier life.

In the seventies, a Harvard study discovered a special group of receptors on the immune cells distributed throughout the body. This was a major breakthrough and shone new light upon what we know about the immune system. The research demonstrated that the immune system is not an independent self-directed system; rather it has an actual connection with the conscious mind and the effect of thoughts upon the body.

The mind and the body interact with one another in previously unthought-of ways.

No longer do scientists regard cells as operating independently of one another. The energy behind a single thought can alter a cell with either a positive or negative result.

When you are exposed to a specific event, it is how your mind reacts that determines the response, rather than the actual event itself.

For example, when you are in a negative state of mind, your body shows a marked decrease in cells responsible for protection against infection and disease. The Harvard researchers found that there was less lymphocyte cell activity to fight infection, decreased T-cells, and decreased immunity.

A positive state of mind has the reverse effect, promoting a healthy immune system, increasing lymphocyte and T-cell activity, and decreasing stress hormones.

When you think of the reasons for having a regular meditation practice, images of calmness, inner peace, and an unruffled attitude usually come to mind. These relaxed states do more than leave you with a big smile on your face and love in your heart. They also lower the blood pressure, steady the heart rate, and slow the aging process of the brain.

However there is an additional powerful reason to meditate; boosting your immune system.

Meditation helps this process by directing your thoughts to those that are positive.

Boosting Your Immune System

Thinking unhealthy, sad, unhopeful thoughts really does affect the cells of the body detrimentally; while thoughts filled with hope, kindness, and love promote health and well-being.

You can self-generate power by using positive thoughts and vibrations.

Guided Visualization

See yourself in a tranquil location surrounded by people and animals that bring you joy. Delight in the warm loving embrace of their presence. You are free of disease and sadness in this environment. Peace and bliss envelop you.

During Your Meditation:

Speak a word such as “Love,” or a phrase such as “I am Healed,” or the universal sound of AUM pronounced OM.

“I am filling each cell with the positive energy of sound and creating a new body with the vibration of each breath."

Carry your chosen healing word with you wherever you go to keep the mind focused on health and living well.

Clinical References

Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice; McGuire, Lynanne; Robles, Theodore; and Glaser, Ronald. Psychoneuroimmunology and Psychosomatic Medicine: Back to the Future. Psychosomatic Medicine; 64: 15-28; 2002

Davidson, Richard; Kabat-Zinn, Jon; Schumacher, Jessica; Rosenkranz, Melissa; Muller, Daniel; Santorelli, Saki; Urbanowski, Ferris; Harringtoin, Anne; Bonus, Katherine; and Sheridan, John. Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation. Psychosomatic Medicine; 65: 564-570. 2003.