strong Mind <-> Body? question from a newbie
Hello, I'm new and am happy to see such a large community.
I'm wondering if others notice something I've observed about myself - I seem to have a stronger connection to my body than average folk. Anyone else have this affliction?
Things like being able to feel facial hair growing, or even fingernails. I reckon sensitivity to cold has something to do with this. Wim Hof, aka the iceman has been coming out very strongly and has inspired me to write this. He claims to control his immune system. I reckon with increased sensitivity comes increased control - the ability to say increase circulation. I have proven control over a few things myself, but I'm in the closet about it (proven, as in I've convinced myself I can do it).
I don't know this forum too well so if anyone can point me to related discussions, then I'd be much obliged (I found a few topics on yoga).
I'd like to work with scientists on this as Wim has done, but right now I'm just trying to work out how common it is.
I think I have aspergers, so I think that's part of the story - savants have demonstrated skills across many areas - math, language, etc. I think I'm in another domain. I also picture it like synesthesia, except instead of mixing sound and sight, it's your autonomic nervous system mixed in with non-autonomic/consciousness. That part is mostly speculation.
I know someone who might be interested in communicating with you. he's a psychoneuroimmunologist. he espouses meditation for cardiovascular and immune benefits. I bet he has some research projects going on, too.
Bruce S. Rabin, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Pathology and Psychiatry
Medical Director, UPMC Healthy Lifestyle Program
UPMC Presbyterian-South Tower
Room 5730
200 Lothrop St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582
Phone: 412-647-6150
Fax: 412-647-7741
E-mail: rabinbs@upmc.edu
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Thanks cathylynn, I looked Bruce Rabin up just now. Seems most of his research is old and hard to find online. I will email him if I can gather the courage..
You're right though, the study of psychoneuroimmunology fits this post well and I've studied the area. There is a bunch of mindfulness related research that's going on lately, seems that's close to the 'meditation for cardiovascular and immune benefits' bit.
Still, I'm left wondering if others have noticed a mind-body link like mine.
