How does the mind affect the body in producing disease?

How the Mind May Cause Disease

Q. How does the mind affect the body in producing disease?

A. Recent scientific experiments show that joy, sorrow, anger and fear, as well as other emotional states, are powerful forces which may exalt or depress bodily functions as quickly and as powerfully as the most potent drugs or the most active physical agents. Joyful emotions heighten the activity of all the bodily functions. Under the influence of joy the small arteries and capillaries dilate, and every organ receives an increased and more active blood supply. Through the influence of joy upon the muscular system there is not only an increased disposi­tion to activity, but an increased capacity for effort and endurance. The heart beats stronger, the brain thinks clearer, breathing is deeper, digestion more active, the eyes brighten, the cheeks glow-the whole body rejoices and pros­pers under the influence of a peaceful, con­tented and joyous mental state.

Sorrow produces a bodily condition quite the opposite of that produced by joy. Under the influence of sadness, all the bodily functions are depressed. The muscular system is relaxed and weakened. The sorrowful individual has the appearance of one who is exhausted or fatigued. The frequent sigh is simply Nature's effort to make up by deep breaths the loss of oxygen which results from the decreased activity of the chest. There is a physiologic basis for the current expression, "Weighted down with sorrow."

The effect of sorrow upon the internal or­gans is most profound. The external blood­ vessels are contracted, causing pallor or some­times a livid appearance, due to diminished cir­culation through the skin; the hands and feet are often cold, and the secretions are diminished.