Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: "Our mind works like a quantum receiver..."

Pointing out that chronic stress damages the immune system by suppressing it, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan said that the mind-body relationship deteriorates with the increase in stress. Stating that the immune system pays the price as a result of the misuse of our minds, Tarhan added that cancer cells can multiply in the body with the weakening of the immune system. Tarhan noted that the mind works like a quantum receiver.

President of Üsküdar University and Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan discussed the healing power of the brain in life and its importance.

In the 21st century, mind-body medicine has emerged...

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan noted that mind-body medicine has emerged as an important innovation in the field of medicine in the 21st century, and that it was thought that the body affected the mind; however, thoughts and emotions did not affect the body. This understanding has changed greatly. Tarhan stated that “It is now accepted that the body and mind mutually affect each other. How people think and feel corresponds to the body and immune system according to their thought patterns. This interaction takes place between the immune system and nerve cells through chemical signals and is studied by a branch of science called psychoneuroimmunology. Our minds work like quantum receivers..."

Can the mind heal the body?

Stating that mind-body medicine investigates the effects of human habits and style of thought on the healing or occurrence of diseases, Prof. Tarhan said that "Although this issue was expressed in the 20th century, there was not enough evidence; however, the evidence has multiplied with the development of genetic science and the increase in biological indicators. Especially cancer and immune system diseases have an important place in this field. The importance of strengthening the immune system is also emphasized in the formation and treatment of cancer. As cancer cases increase, mind-body medicine has become an important field in researching the causes of this increase. In this context, it has become one of the most frequently asked questions whether our mind can heal our body."

Mind and brain are not the same thing!

Prof. Tarhan stated that "Our mind and brain are not the same thing. Our brain is like a tool that performs the functions of the mind. While the brain works like an orchestra, the mind acts like an orchestra conductor,” and Tarhan added that the parts of the mind known as conscious, subconscious and unconscious actually represent the implicit memory in the brain, and that much information recorded in the brain is stored in the subconscious and revealed when necessary.

Negative thoughts can damage the immune system...

Explaining that resolving unresolved traumas, especially traumas and childhood shock experiences, can help heal many diseases and eliminate long-term problems, Prof. Tarhan stated that "Their mechanisms have also begun to be understood. T cells play an important role in the immune system. While a person's positive thinking habits increase T cells, negative thoughts can damage the immune system. Thoughts and feelings together make a powerful impact. Popularly known as the law of attraction, the realization of thoughts is actually related to the strong emotions that come with thoughts. Thoughts are more effective when emotions are strong. Therefore, our beliefs and thoughts take a position in our minds and develop a perception and stance accordingly, and provides a reaction. This can have both positive and negative consequences. Managing our minds well allows us to manage our bodies well."

By analyzing threats, it is necessary to focus on opportunities...

Stating that positive thinking does not mean completely ignoring negativity, Prof. Tarhan said that "In personal development, thinking only positively and ignoring negative things can make a person weak against some situations. This approach can increase the risk of making mistakes by ignoring the dangers. There are both positive and negative aspects, threats and opportunities in life. By analyzing threats, it is necessary to focus on opportunities. It is similar to driving an automobile. Looking ahead through the windshield, we also check for hazards from the rear-view mirrors. In the same way in life, we need to know the situation we are in, look at the threats of the past, but mainly move forward. Such an approach reduces the likelihood of making mistakes. Moreover, people with purpose have better control of themselves and manage their time better. Purpose and meaning must go together. A person who lives without purpose and meaning does not know what to do in life and has no projection for the future."

We can constantly program ourselves and set new goals

Stating that our brain has the ability to program, Prof. Tarhan said that "When we get up in the morning and plan our day, our brain automatically implements these plans. However, our brains also have the capacity to learn new things. Therefore, we can constantly program ourselves and set new goals."

If stress becomes chronic, it suppresses the immune system

Pointing out that a person who goes to bed believing that they will get up at 4 in the morning can get up without setting an alarm, Prof. Tarhan stated that "However, if you think 'whether I can get up or not', you may miss the plane. This has to do with the brain's ability to program itself. Mind-body medicine is also based on this foundation. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system to slow down your heart and gives the message 'Relax, the danger has passed'. The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body and transmits sensations from all internal organs to the brain, allowing the organs to relax. On the other hand, the sympathetic nervous system triggers the fight-or-flight response. In case of danger, the body pumps energy resources into the blood, muscles contract, blood pressure rises, cerebral vessels expand, and attention increases. This can be protective in case of acute stress. However, it suppresses the immune system and harms it if stress becomes chronic."

The immune system pays the price for the misuse of the mind...

Noting that the mind-body relationship has deteriorated with the increase in stress today, Prof. Tarhan said that "When we use our mind incorrectly, our immune system pays the price. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, leading to the proliferation of cancer cells. Since the immune system weakens in chronic stress, dormant cancer cells begin to multiply. We all have sporadic cancer cells in our bodies. Immune system cells control them. They stand harmlessly. However, when the immune system is weakened, the effects appear."

Mind-body medicine plays a big role in the healing process

Referring to the nocebo effect, Prof. Tarhan stated that "It is the opposite of the placebo effect. In the placebo effect, even ineffective pills given to people with headaches relieve the pain of 40 percent of patients. Because the person believes that the drug will work, the brain releases endorphins. These endorphins, like morphine, relieve pain and provide relief. Under the nocebo effect, if the person believes that they will be sick, they can actually get sick. At the heart of mind-body medicine, a person's expectation of recovery is of great importance. People who do not lose hope and strive can recover even in intensive care. Therefore, mind-body medicine plays a huge role in the healing process."

Experts who give confidence and make an effort to improve are more effective...

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that in terms of preventive mental health, a person should organize their philosophy of life in a way that sees the negative but lives with a positive expectation and said that "This is called 'cautious optimism'. Saying 'nothing will happen to me' is reckless optimism, but a measured and balanced optimism can prevent diseases. After the disease occurs, it is of great importance that oncologists act as psychiatrists, especially in the field of oncology. Even the facial expression of the specialist treating the cancer is important for the patient. When they get upset, the patient immediately despairs. Specialists who give confidence to the patient and make an effort to heal the patient are more effective."

Noting that antidepressants are given to patients who have had a heart attack to prevent a second attack in the intensive care unit, and that this is an effort to soften the brain's reactions, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan said that "In cases where people cannot control, getting help from a specialist makes all their work easier. However, the specialist only guides the person must determine for themselves how to apply this guidance. The expert shows how to cross the bridge, but it is the person themselves who will cross the bridge.”

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)