Why The MindBody Divide is Failing Us

The body keeps the score of what is controlled by the mind.

Jan 28, 2025

yellow and black pedestrian line — Photo by Miquel Parera on Unsplash

For years, traditional medicine has treated the mind and body as separate entities. Physical health on one side, mental/emotional health on the other. But for anyone living with a chronic condition—whether it’s persistent pain, fatigue, or a functional disorder—this divide is an obstacle to the root cause of symptoms and treatment . In this newsletter we talk more about why the separation of the mind and body is a difficult way to approach chronic symptoms and share insights on a more effective, integrated approach to healing chronic conditions.

Understanding the nature of chronic symptoms

1.All pain is generated in the brain
It was believed before that signals came to the body and the brain received the pain signals from incoming input. But we know now that it is in the brain the danger alarm signal is generated and pain is created . In Chronic symptoms the brain’s "alarm system" can become overactive, interpreting even safe sensations as dangerous. In any case the pain is very real however the generation of the pain signal could not be necessarily needed.

2. Emotional and physical health are intertwined
Think about how stress tightens muscles mobilizing them for possible danger or how anxiety knots up the stomach for less bodily resources being directed to digestion.. The mind-body connection is creating real physiological changes to protect the body and divert its resources to perceived threat. In chronic conditions, unresolved emotions like fear, anger, or trauma can keep the nervous system stuck in a state of hypervigilance, amplifying symptoms.

3. It’s not “all in your head”
One of the biggest barriers to embracing mind-body care is the stigma that symptoms linked to the brain are somehow “less real.” All pain is generated in the brain and all pain is real. It is not in one’s head to feel pain but a brain based approach may help relieve or recover from symptoms by looking at why the brain is generating the pain signal. Mind-body medicine is about the deep understanding of one's own physical and feeling state —it’s about and retraining the brain and body together.

4. Neuroplasticity gives hope
Science is showing the brain’s incredible ability to change, a concept known as neuroplasticity. This means that even if your nervous system has been stuck in a pattern of pain or discomfort, it can learn new, healthier patterns. Techniques like somatic tracking, mindfulness, or journaling can help retrain these pathways, providing lasting relief. If you find yourself stuck or need support, working with a trained specialist can also be an option.

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Bridging the Gap

chronic conditions need an integrated approach that recognizes the communication between brain and body.

Cognitive Tools: Techniques like mindfulness or CBT to calm the brain’s alarm system.
Somatic Tools: Practices like somatic tracking or breathwork to regulate the nervous system.
Emotional Healing: Processing unresolved emotions or past trauma to release physical tension.
Compassionate Care: Working with providers who validate your experience and understand the mind-body connection.

This isn’t about replacing traditional treatments which can be lifesaving and much needed —it’s about expanding the toolkit and addressing the whole person.

How to Start

If you’re ready to explore the mind-body connection in your own healing, here’s one simple step to start today:

Somatic Tracking Exercise:

Find a quiet place to sit or lie down.
Focus on the area of your body where you feel discomfort. An area of discomfort that is not too painful less than a 5 on a scale of 0 to 10
Observe the sensation with curiosity—what does it feel like? Is it sharp, tight, or warm?
Gently remind yourself that the sensation is safe, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Visualize the sensation softening or moving, as though your body is learning to let it go.
Find a positive sensation or feeling to go with it.

This practice helps reframe your relationship to your symptoms, teaching your brain that it doesn’t need to stay on high alert.

The good news? A new approach using the mindbody model —one that embraces the interconnectedness of your brain, emotions, and body to create a more complete path to healing can offer hope for sufferers of chronic pain and fatigue.

If you need support please reach out at www.DrRitaWellness.com or you can find information on Instagram @Ritamindfulmentor

Warmly,

Dr. Rita

The Mindful Mentor

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