When Body Says No by Gabor Maté explores the relationship between our minds and bodies and the impact of repressed emotions and stress on chronic illnesses like Alzheimer’s, ALS, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer.
The Overlooked Mind-Body Connection
Traditionally, medicine took a holistic approach to healing. However, with the advent of modern medicine, the mind-body connection has been largely overlooked. This book aims to bring back the importance of considering both the physical and emotional aspects of health.
Boundaries and Disease
The book emphasizes the role of boundaries in health and illness. Research shows that those who have experienced severe boundary violations before they could fully develop a sense of self are more likely to suffer from chronic disease.
Rigid Behavior and Repressed Emotions
Many people with chronic illnesses realize too late that living up to an image of strength and invincibility leads to stress and inner turmoil. This book highlights the importance of acknowledging and expressing emotions, rather than repressing them.
Video Review of When The Body Says No
The 3 Factors of Stress
1.Uncertainty
2. Lack of information
3. Lack ofcontrol
These are the three universal factors that lead to stress.
Honor Your Urges
The book encourages us to honor our urges, as this can be healing for our bodies and spirits. We can relate to this, as we’ve experienced the positive impact of creative expression on our mental and physical health.
Greater Differentiation and Better Health
The book also highlights the importance of differentiation in relationships, as those in less powerful positions often absorb more of the shared anxiety. This is why women are more likely to be treated for anxiety and depression than men.
Guilt Over Resentment
In times of conflict, the book advises choosing guilt over resentment. Resentment can be damaging to our souls, while guilt can be a sign that we’re taking care of ourselves.
Final Verdict
Overall, we found When the Body Says No to be an eye-opening read. Although it may not be suitable for those currently experiencing a surge of stress, it’s a wake-up call for many. The book offers valuable insights into the mind-body connection and the impact of repressed emotions and stress on chronic illnesses. By understanding the connection between our emotions and physical health, we can make positive changes before it’s too late.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ out of 5
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Further reading:
Two books that provide somewhat of an antidote to a meaningless existence are:
- In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts – Gabor Maté – (Full Review)
- In “The Realm of Hungry Ghosts” by Gabor Maté, the author explores the connection between addiction and trauma and how they can lead to a cycle of destructive behavior. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand addiction and how it affects both the individual and society, and for those seeking a new approach to addiction treatment.
Attached – Heller & Levine (Full Review) - Can love be scientifically explained? In this innovative work, psychiatrist and neuroscientist Amir Levine and psychologist Rachel S. F. Heller explore how attachment theory – the cutting-edge relationship science of today – can assist in discovering and maintaining love.
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