Research into the power of placebos sheds light on the power of our thoughts to help or hinder our health.
A study on aging showed that when participants were asked to focus on words that had a negative connotation when related to advancing age, like ‘slowing down’, ‘forgetful’, ‘tired’, and ‘achy’, they actually scored lower on tests designed to measure cognitive ability.
Conversely, another test group scored higher on the same cognitive test after focusing on words that reflected more positively on aging, like ‘alert’, ‘energetic’, ‘experienced’, and ‘wise’.
So ask me how I’m doing today. I’m alert, energetic, experienced and wise, thank you.
Thoughts really are things. If you’re not convinced, read Candice Pert’s Molecules of Emotion, where she describes the biochemistry of our thoughts and emotions.
Since our self-talk, or inner thoughts, really do influence our biochemistry and subtle energy systems, it’s helpful to become more conscious of that inner, and often unconscious terrain.
We often inherit limiting thoughts and expectations from our parents, teachers, and other authority figures.
What follows is a simple exercise combining affirmations and breathing awareness, that can counter some of that early programmng. This simple process addresses what Stuart Smalley (pictured at left), who’s not a licensed therapist, would describe as ‘stinkin’ thinkin’.
Here’s the technique: When you’re practicing your slow, belly breathing (that we know enhances Heart Rate Variability and is profoundly supportive of mind and body) simply attach a simple thought to the inhale. For example, silently thinking, ‘I am calm’, or ‘Yes I can’, or ‘I’m confident’, on the inhale, will likely make the breathing easier and affect your mood positively. This process in my experience further enhances Heart Rate Variability measurements.
A variation of this process would be to speak the affirmation aloud on the exhale. You can feel free to experiment to see what approach works best for you.
For this approach to be an effective and regular practice, you have to believe that your thoughts really are powerful. In addition to reading Candice Pert, or Gregg Braden, or Wayne Dyer, you could also use a Bach Flower remedy, like Cerato, that supports an individual in trusting their inner knowing.
Dr. Templin offers online courses and consultations, and sees patients personally in his office in Lakeland, Florida. You can learn more about his course Bio-Energetic Focusing: A Revolutionary Medical Model for Self-Healing! here.
Steven Templin, D.O.M., Dipl. Ac., is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, specializing in MindBody Medicine. He is a certified META-Medicine Health Coach and nationally certified acupuncturist. He shares the underlying science and more importantly, the practical tools for resolving the unconscious energetic and emotional roots of illness. In his online course Bio-Energetic Focusing: A Revolutionary Medical Model for Self-Healing! he provides training in Self-Regulation skills, that include Bio-Energetic Focusing, HeartMath and Energy Psychology techniques, Energy Medicine modalities, and Gastrointestinal repair for enhanced immunity, mood, and mental clarity. Dr. Templin is in private practice in Lakeland, Florida, at the Natural Medicine Center of Lakeland.
Steve is a retired Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, and HeartMath Trauma-Sensitive Certified Practitioner with over 35 years of clinical experience in Energy Medicine, Energy Psychology, and Biofeedback.