Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, drawing attention to the fact that chronic stress suppresses and harms the immune system, stated that the mind-body relationship deteriorates with increasing stress. Tarhan stated that the immune system pays the price as a result of the misuse of our minds, adding that cancer cells can proliferate in the body when the immune system weakens. Tarhan noted that the mind works like a quantum receiver.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Founding Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi and Psychiatrist, addressed the subject and importance of the brain's healing power in life.
Mind-body medicine emerged in the 21st century…
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan noted that mind-body medicine emerged as a significant innovation in the field of medicine in the 21st century, and that while it was once thought that the body affected the mind but thoughts and emotions did not affect the body, this understanding has largely changed. Tarhan, stating that 'it is now accepted that the body and mind mutually influence each other,' added, 'How a person thinks and feels finds its correspondence in the body and immune system according to thought patterns. This interaction occurs between the immune system and nerve cells via chemical signals and is studied by a branch of science called psychoneuroimmunology. He used the expression, 'Our mind works like a quantum receiver…''
Can the mind heal the body?
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, also stating that mind-body medicine investigates the effects of human thought habits and style on the healing or onset of diseases, said, 'Although this topic was raised in the 20th century, there was insufficient evidence; however, with the development of genetic science and the increase in biological indicators, evidence has multiplied. Especially cancer and immune system diseases hold 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 area in researching the causes of this increase. In this context, whether our mind can heal our body has become one of the most frequently asked questions.' he said.
Mind and brain are not the same thing!
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, stating, '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,' stated 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 emerges when needed.
Negative thoughts can harm the immune system…
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, explaining that resolving unresolved traumas, such as traumas and childhood shock experiences, can help heal many diseases and eliminate long-term problems, said, 'Their mechanisms have also begun to be understood. T cells play an important role in the immune system. While a person's positive thought habits increase T cells, negative thoughts can harm the immune system. Thoughts and emotions together create a powerful effect. What is popularly known as the law of attraction, the realization of thoughts, is actually related to the powerful emotions that accompany thoughts. When emotions are strong, thoughts become more effective. Therefore, our beliefs and thoughts take a position in our mind and develop a perception and stance accordingly, reacting. This can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. Managing our mind well allows us to manage our body well as well.' he said.
It is necessary to analyze threats and focus on opportunities…
Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that positive thinking does not mean completely ignoring negativities, saying, 'In personal development, merely thinking positively and ignoring negative things can make a person vulnerable to certain situations. This approach can increase the risk of making mistakes by overlooking dangers. In life, there are both positive and negative aspects, threats, and opportunities. It is necessary to analyze threats and focus on opportunities. This is similar to driving a car; while looking forward through the windshield, we also check for dangers coming from the rearview mirrors. Similarly in life, we should know our current situation, glance at past threats, but primarily move forward. Such an approach reduces the probability of making mistakes. Furthermore, people with a purpose control themselves better and manage their time better. Purpose and meaning must go together. A person living without purpose and meaning does not know what to do in life and has no projection for the future.' he said.
We can constantly program ourselves and set new goals
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, also stating that our brain has the ability to program, said, 'When we wake up in the morning and plan our day, our brain automatically executes these plans. However, our brain also has the capacity to learn new things. Therefore, we can constantly program ourselves and set new goals.' he said.
If stress becomes chronic, it suppresses the immune system
Prof. Dr. Tarhan pointed out that a person who goes to bed believing they will wake up at 4 AM can wake up without an alarm, saying, 'However, if you think, "I can wake up or not," you might miss your flight. This is related to the brain's ability to program itself. Mind-body medicine is also based on this principle. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system to slow down the heart and sends 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 times of danger, the body pumps energy resources into the blood, muscles contract, blood pressure rises, brain vessels dilate, and attention increases. This can be protective in acute stress. However, if stress becomes chronic, it suppresses and harms the immune system.' he said.
The immune system pays the price for the misuse of the mind…
Prof. Dr. Tarhan noted that with the increasing stress today, the mind-body relationship deteriorates, saying, 'When we misuse our mind, our immune system pays the price for it. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, leading to the proliferation of cancer cells. Because the immune system weakens under chronic stress, dormant cancer cells start to multiply. We all have scattered cancer cells in our bodies. Immune system cells control them. They remain harmless. But when the immune system weakens, their effects emerge.' he explained.
Mind-body medicine plays a significant role in the healing process
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, referring to the nocebo effect, said, 'It is the opposite of the placebo effect. In the placebo effect, even inactive pills given to people with headaches relieve the pain of 40% of patients. This is because the person believes the medication will work, and the brain releases endorphins. These endorphins, like morphine, relieve pain and provide relaxation. In the nocebo effect, if a person believes they will get sick, they truly can get sick. At the core of mind-body medicine, a person's expectation of healing carries great importance. People who do not lose hope and strive can recover even in intensive care. Therefore, mind-body medicine plays a significant role in the healing process.' he said.
Experts who inspire confidence and show an effort to heal are more effective…
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that, in terms of preventive mental health, a person should arrange their life philosophy to see the negative but live with an expectation focused on the positive, saying, 'This is called 'cautious optimism.' Saying 'nothing will happen to me' is incautious optimism, but a measured and balanced optimism can be disease-preventing. After a disease appears, especially in the field of oncology, it is very important for oncology specialists to act like psychiatrists. Even the facial expression of the specialist treating cancer is important for the patient. When their face falls, the patient immediately loses hope. Specialists who instill confidence in the patient and show an effort to heal are more effective.' he said.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan noted that antidepressants are given to heart attack patients in intensive care to prevent a second crisis, and that this is an effort to soften the brain's reactions, saying, 'Seeking help from an expert in situations one cannot control simplifies everything. However, the expert only provides guidance; the person must determine how to apply this guidance themselves. The expert shows how to cross the bridge, but the person who crosses the bridge is the individual themselves.' he concluded.