The conditions Tension Myositis (or Myoneural) Syndrome (TMS). Psycho-Physiological Pain (PPD) Neuroplastic Pain, Neural Pathway Pain and Stress Illness Recovery can all be found under the diagnostic umbrella of Mind Body Syndrome. Dr John E Sarno -The Mind/Body prescription* was a pioneering physician and named psychogenic musculoskeletal and nerve symptoms. According to Sarno, TMS is a condition in which unconscious emotional issues (primarily rage, other practitioners include anxiety, past trauma, and fear) initiate a process that causes physical pain and other symptoms.(1) This concept is nothing new to holistic practitioners. Regular readers will recognise my mantra that physical and emotional pain are symbiotic and that treating the underlying cause whether biological, physiological, or psychological, is true healing. A stressor (underlying cause) will trigger symptoms of stress (pain) and a growing number of studies measuring the impact of stress on the mind, body and quality of life reflect the effectiveness of a holistic multi-therapy approach. Sarno’s theory is the unconscious mind uses the autonomic nervous system to decrease blood flow to muscles, nerves or tendons , resulting in oxygen deprivation (temporary micro-ischemia) and metabolite accumulation, experienced as pain in the affected tissues.(1) Bower in 2006 reported that by measuring heart rate, and cortisol and adrenalin levels, researchers also found that stress affects the autonomic nervous system and neuroendocrine function(Chandola et al, 2006; Bjorntorp, 1991; Brunner et al, 2002)(2). Littrell’s research documents the mechanisms through which stressful emotions alter white blood cell function. Stress diminishes white blood cell response to viral infected cells and to cancer cells. While some types of auto-immune disease, which involve subsets of white blood cells, are exacerbated by stress. (3) Accepting that the Mind Body Syndrome exists raises the question how to treat? Littrell states that literature documents the efficacy of talk-therapy interventions in altering immune system parameters and enhancing the body’s ability to combat disease. (3). Sarno’s treatment protocol includes education, journaling, resumption of normal lifestyle and for some, support meetings and psychotherapy. My working knowledge of the effectiveness of holistic complementary strategies supported by positive patient feedback include Reflexology, shown to relax the stressed patient, reduce pain, swelling and peripheral neuropathy. (4) Creating balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system and endocrine (hormonal) system encourages homeostasis. During reflexology treatment patients may talk about their feelings or worries. Stress from unresolved hurts is often the underlying cause of chronic or recurring symptoms such as sciatica, back pain, headaches, neck and shoulder stiffness, gut issues, hormone imbalances and bowel problems and many health conditions where conventional tests reveal no physical cause. Counselling/Talking therapy techniques including journaling may identify stress triggers, the cause of anxiety or anger or other negative emotions. Introducing relaxation techniques such as breath work, meditation, mindfulness. Allowing negative thoughts to be challenged and replaced with positivity and feelings of empowerment. Encouraging physical activity, social interaction, and creative pursuits. All improve emotional and physical wellbeing. As a Homoeopathic prescriber I have knowledge of remedies that may lend support. However, I feel the most successful healing takes place when the individual is encouraged to be fully engaged in their own healing process. If you have been diagnosed with Mind Body Syndrome or are suffering chronic or recurring pain………and think there might be an emotional link? If you need help get in touch, a visit to an experienced professional therapist with recognised qualifications might just prove to be the answer.
*Sarno, John E 1998 The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the body, healing the pain. Warner books ISBN 0_446_52076-4
1. Schechter D, Smith AP, Beck J, Roach J, Karim R, Azen S (2007). “Outcomes of a Mind-Body Treatment Program for Chronic Back Pain with No Distinct Structural Pathology – A Case Series of Patients Diagnosed and Treated as Tension Myositis Syndrome”. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 13 (5): 26–5. PMID 17900039. 2.Bower V (2006) Mind-Body research moves towards the mainstream. EMBO Rep 2006 Apr;7(4) 358-361 doi1038/sj.embor. 7400671
3.Littrell J (2008) The Mind Body Connection; Not just a theory anymore. Social Work in Health Care 46(4) 17-38 doi10.1300/J010v46n04_02
4. Langstone-Wring A. Whately J.2023Cancer Nursing Practice doi:10.7748/cnp2023.e1841 Patient’s experiences of clinical foot reflexology in a hospital cancer service.
