Psychoneuro-immunology - Towards self empowerment in the new millennium

By Dr Ian Weinberg

The scientific recognition of the mind-body connection should have been expected of the medical profession based on the century-old documented connections of psychological areas of the brain to the rest of the human body physiology. Probably as a result of the spectacular development of high technology-based medicine over the latter part of this Century, the diseased body was seen more and more devoid of an influence of consciousness. In fact the scientific model of the body appears to be phsiologically decapitated (as regards consciousness). Unfortunately this has now become the prevailing situation in which we find ourselves.

We need only to remind ourselves of the effect of psychological stress upon our gastro-intestinal tracts, as well as the effect on menstrual cycles to once again recognise the profound physiological effects resulting from higher levels of neuro-psychological activity (stress/anxiety).

The need to investigate this connection resulted in the mile-stone studies performed by Robert Ader at Rochester University in the mid-seventies. He fed rats a combination of a powerful immuno-suppressant - cyclophosphamide together with Saccharine (the latter having no real physiological activity). This resulted in profound suppression of immune function which led to the animals developing infections and tumours. He then stopped this "treatment" and allowed them to recover. On administering the saccharine alone, the animals once again developed all the manifestations of immune suppression such as infections. They had in fact learned that the administration of the sweet compound resulted in all the manifestations of immune suppression, and had thus reproduced the effect by association. This was some of the first hard clinical evidence of the powerful effect of mind-states upon body function.

Many other studies have been done which confirm this connection. For example medical students have been shown to have compromised immune systems at the time of examinations (resulting in herpes infections). More importantly, specific mind-states have been identified which are associated with specific immune activity. For example, the optimistic, inspired and purpose-orientated individual has a much lower incidence of developing illness compared to one who is negative and devoid of purpose. This latter condition is further aggravated if they perceive themselves to be trapped within this negative situation without the possibility of change.
Clearly, if mind states have such an important part to play in the origin and perpetuation of disease states such as infections and tumours, this needs to be addressed with at least as much importance as the physical (end-organ) manifestation. In fact, satisfactory treatment of the final manifestation of the disease (the tumour or the infection) requires that the origin of the negative process (usually seated at the level of psycho-social activity) be neutralised and positively enhanced as well. It does not matter what the specific type of treatment is that is being applied to the end-organ’ be it conventional or complementary.

The application of PNI intervention (addressing the mind states) necessarily requires an active patient participation in the treatment process. In this way, the patient becomes truly self-empowered in the process.
Scientific developments in the sphere of PNI are now taking place at a rapid rate - much research is taking place throughout the world. Many pathways of action of the brain upon body function are being explained.
Recently a correlation has been shown to exist between negative mind states and the development of osteoporosis in women. More alarming has been the observation that a negatively affected immune system can result in damage to the brain (negative feedback), which can be measured on the MRI brain scan. Clearly then, if stress reaches a chronic and persistent level, we may reach an irreversible situation. It would appear that awareness and the prevention of immune suppression prior to diagnosis would be optimal. Thus PNI is now seen as an extension of primary and preventive health care.

Dr Weinberg is a neurosurgeon in practice in South Africa. He is a pioneer in the clinical application of psycho neuro-immunology (PNI). This modality of treatment is used by him in the context of the management of brain tumours as a supplement to ongoing conventional treatment. He is the author of the best selling book Quantum Leap and a director of The Wellness Support Programme.