How your mind can heal your body

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Chapter 1. The power of positive thinking

Chapter 2. The power of believing

Chapter 3. Drugs work because we believe in them

Chapter 4. The power of plasticity

Chapter 5. The mind can heal the body

Chapter 6. The Power of Imagination and Observation

Chapter 7. Visualization for Rehabilitation and Sports

Chapter 8. Visualization to Enhance the Immune System

Chapter 9. Visualization for Cancer and Other Conditions

Chapter 10. How Visualization Works

Chapter 11. To Stress, or Not to Stress

Chapter 12. How to Visualize

Chapter 13. The Power of Affirmations

There is no longer any doubt that the way we think affects our bodies: countless scientific studies have shown this to be true. For former pharmaceutical scientist Dr David Hamilton, the testing of new drugs highlighted how profoundly the mind and body are connected. Time and time again, the control group of patients in drug trials improved at similar rates to those who actually received the medicines. Astounded, Dr Hamilton decided to change the direction of his work to explore the relationship between the mind and the body. This bestselling acclaimed book was first published 10 years ago. In it, Dr Hamilton explores the effect of visualization, belief and positive thinking on the body, and shows how using our imagination and mental processes can stimulate our own defences and healing systems to combat disease, pain and illness. In this new edition, Dr Hamilton has added four new chapters to discuss the latest cutting-edge information and extraordinary new techniques. These include using imagery to stimulate the immune system - a method that can benefit cancer patients undergoing conventional treatment - effectively using the mind to speed up rehabilitation from stroke, and powerful visualization strategies to help facilitate recovery from injury and illness. The connection between your mind and body is a powerful tool in taking control of your life and ambitions. The power of thought can affect us in profound, often life-changing, ways in all areas of our life, including the incredible effect of thought on health. This radical book by scientist Dr. David Hamilton explores the power of visualisation, belief, and positive thinking on the body, including the changes these practices can create on a cellular level. David shows how we can use imagination and thought processes to stimulate our body's own defences and healing systems to combat disease, pain, and illness. The book includes true-life stories from people who have successfully visualized themselves well and an A-Z list of visualisations for different physical (and some mental-health) conditions.