[Self-healing in health-care: Using the example of mind-body medicine].
Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz May 2020 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-020-03133-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Health promotion Neurobiology Placebo Self-regulation |
| Key findings | The authors argue that mind-body medicine, based on brain-mind-body-behavior interactions, is well established in the US healthcare system and increasingly recognized in Germany, and that it supports health promotion and treatment of chronic lifestyle-related diseases through salutogenesis, self-healing, and self-care. They propose that MBM interventions typically follow the BERN model (behavior, exercise, relaxation, nutrition), are neurobiologically associated with the placebo effect, and can be delivered by trained health promotion experts. |
Abstract
Mind-body medicine (MBM) is based on the assumption that interactions between the brain, mind, body, and behavior can be used to activate health-promoting pathways towards better health. It includes behavioral medical approaches and techniques in conjunction with exercise, relaxation, stress regulation, and nutrition. MBM and MBM interventions are well-established in the US healthcare system. This also includes an exploration of their underlying mechanisms. In Germany, too, a growing body of interventions are now summarized under this generic term.In this narrative review, the emergence of MBM is illuminated in the context of historical developments as well as against the background of the meditation research that has been emerging since the 1970s and the investigation of the stress phenomenon. References to basic research including neurobiological reward/placebo physiology are presented. Distinctions to psychotherapy are made and an implementation framework is described.MBM is related to health promotion and the therapy of chronic, especially lifestyle-related diseases. It is based on the salutogenesis approach, i.e., a paradigm that seeks to explore and reinforce health determinants and resistance resources (individual resilience and coherence factors) and strives to reduce stress. This approach corresponds to self-healing or self-care principles. Neurobiologically, it is associated with the placebo effect. MBM interventions typically follow the BERN model (behavior-exercise-relaxation-nutrition).As a facilitator of self-healing and self-care, MBM can be professionally trained and empowered. For doing so, "health promotion experts" are used.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
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- Effects of meditation on health promoting protective factors of persons with cardiovascular disease-a quasi-experimental pilot study with pre-post comparison. Cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy August 31, 2024
- Mindfulness in the digital workplace: an explorative study of the compatibility of mindfulness and technology BMC Digital Health August 19, 2025
- The ABC Model of Happiness-Neurobiological Aspects of Motivation and Positive Mood, and Their Dynamic Changes through Practice, the Course of Life. Biology May 31, 2022
- App-based daily meditation and menstrual cycle-related effects: a quantitative one-group pilot study