The 12 lectures in The Power of Mind over Body will change the way you think about disease as you investigate the implications of the vital but chronically understudied brain-body connection. Along with award-winning journalist and speaker Jo Marchant, who has spent her career studying the brain and the role it plays in physical health, you will explore the science behind phenomena like the placebo effect and hypnosis while digging deep into the consequences of pain, fatigue, and stress. You will examine therapies that utilize the power of the mind and you will get to know the scientists blazing a path forward. You will construct a powerful toolbox informed by years of research that will help you live a healthier and longer life.
The Power of Mind over Body
Dive into the science behind the brain-body connection to understand how our moods, mental states, and the circumstances of our lives impact us in both sickness and in health.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
jimski from
Excellent balanced presentation.
This was an excellent, balanced presentation. To the credit of Dr. Marchant she avoided overweighting the content to favor either the mind or science. She also happened to be a very appealing lecturer. That being said, she unearthed the pot of gold without opening it, although a few pieces fell out along the way. The gold inside the pot is reality, and in particular, humans' ability to comprehend it. Not that one can blame her. Almost no one has a clue to what that is. Anyone dealing with a subject like this course can only report the nibbles at that subject that humankind, including science, has been able to come up with, tantalizing though they are. Watching the course and recognizing the unlimited potential of what she was saying is benefit enough. What I mean is, what IS this power of the mind that seems to enable "miracle" healing? There is no reason to feel it is limited. Colloquial terms in common use for it are "God" and "the force" (thank you Star Wars). In other words, the power of the human mind, meaning human beings, is unlimited. Thoughtful people have recognized this, and it is thrilling. Notwithstanding that getting there is a bit of a slog...:)
Date published: 2024-06-22
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Bob 6319 from
Loved it!
I finished the lecture series, and I found it exhilarating. I cured myself of an autoimmune disease myself. After doctors and modern medicine couldn't find a cure using drugs. Their decision was to remove the organ that was causing me problems. They told me my last treatment would be surgery and a Colostomy bag. I said no.
They took my prescription for the drugs that were helping me because the side effects would have killed me before the illness. This was the early 1990's. There were no computers or books on the placebo effect that were popular or available.
I couldn't understand why my body was fighting against me. Why was my own body trying to kill me? The doctor's answer was to suppress the immune system to hide the disease and not find a cure. A sequence of events led me to visualization, meditation, stress management, energy healing, etc. In 6 months without medicine, I had a remarkable recovery after five years of suffering. With no medication, no special diet, and on surgery. The mind is a powerful healing tool.
Modern science is lost when it comes to the mind and its capabilities.
Science is a tool like a hammer and a screwdriver. Their process is that if they can't reproduce it, it doesn't exist. It is not good for the economy if it doesn't make money. As a human, you have to take responsibility and absorb everything. Educate yourself on all possible treatments, the foods you put in your mouth, and the information you take into your mind.
These lectures were great because they validated my thoughts and ideas. I highly recommend it. To the end of my story, I have been symptom-free for over 35 years.
Date published: 2023-12-06
Rated 3 out of
5
by
DaGeek from
Engaging Instructor
The instructor was very engaging and I liked her style of presentation.
Maybe if I had been a little less acquainted with the subject it would have been better. It seemed like a log of rehashing of popular ideas that have been floating around for a while. Always worth revisiting though with modern medicine (at least in the USA) SO focused on pharmacology.
I learned a few new things, and I also was reacquainted with a few ideas I had not thought about for a while.
Date published: 2023-12-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Winvini from
The Power of Mind over Body
I bough this Course few weeks ago but after watching the given 1 lecture/sample about a month ago. In its title, the word "... Power..." is impressive and promising.! A fact is that, some readers, including me, may not know how to apply this well-researched theory in our lives potentially. It is not a big deal as there have been many theories were promoted in the past decades, since the time I have firstly looked to buy the "Power" from these Courses and purchased more or less than 200 most interesting and understandable modules from the Great Courses. They are still great. I have been improving my knowledge a little bit. Fortunately, I still like to buy extra 100 better and utilisable Courses to improve the quality my life and other lives around my circle a little bit higher..
Date published: 2023-10-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Kibr1 from
Awe-Inspiring!
I am filled with awe - not, surprise…
By the even overwhelm of objective reasoning of facts and statistics presented in this course to the ever increasing discoveries of the powers unfolding of our bodies’ natural instincts and abilities for remodeling within; the resetting to default of natural processes of our physiological, psychological, emotional and spiritual intertwining to the all encompassing results we aspire, when we respectfully - simply not, quench the energies of our body innateness to be itself, a magnificent biological machinery of multi encompassing networks of creative genius toward holistic rejuvenations.
This is in my opinion, a very eloquent and organized course with information too risqué of awe filled anecdotes to not allow our selves to explore. Wonderful instructor, wonderful course, in my opinion - and I believe whole heartedly, we each deserve to give our selves a chance to discover and to connect to, the magnificent love our bodies feel for us. If you will to; enjoy reigniting your love with your body, who is there for you with every heart beat and mindset, by the many researched phenomenal truths unfolding through this course.
I look forward to more courses such as this, and to courses taught by Dr. Marchant.
Date published: 2023-10-09
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Dan1234 from
Not What I Was Expecting
The main theme of this course is that the brain-body connection is worth more research. The presenter does a great job of making that case. However, some of the episodes are titled 'how to' which led me to believe that there was going to be some instruction on actually putting some of the ideas she discusses into use. Not so. The episodes were mostly full of anecdotes to support her general argument but there was nothing I could put into day to day use. I did not learn 'how to' do anything from this course. Interesting topic and may be worth a view but don't expect to be able to change anything in your life from watching this.
Date published: 2023-09-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Tige from
Power of Mind Over Body
Dr. Marchant is more focused on communicating her material rather than on impressing the listener with her personal intelligence and charisma. I appreciate this attitude. I am weary of the "sage on the stage. Excellent job, Dr. Marchant.
Date published: 2023-08-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Thomas W from
Packed with helpful & actionable information
I loved this series. I've always be a proponent for mind-body research and medicine without the woo-woo.
I've often found it difficult to understand why mainstream academia/science disregards the importance of the mind-body connection. If an intention can move your body, jump a fence, and kiss your lover - then of course it has the ability to alter other things within your body; almost by definition, it would have to.
This was a wonderful re-confirmation of several aspects I had already been aware of as well as a good many more - not to mention the multiple citations and explanations of several research endeavors I was not aware of.
I absolutely recommend this course for everybody - even the skeptics ... especially for skeptics.
On the issue of the benefits of a belief in some divine power. Previously, I had struggled with trying to figure out how to garner those benefits without brainwashing myself into believing some religious doctrine or another. I've decided to approach is like this:
1. Assume humanity (or some other species in our infinite universe) continues to progress and colonize other planets and eventually achieve "class 3" (or 4) civilization status.
2. Realize that such heights and progress are most likely accomplished through high-functioning and dynamic social structures which indicates at least some level of benevolence.
3. Such mastery may very well yield some methods for manipulating, traversing, or sending information through time and decide to investigate paradox-free interventions to maximize wellbeing throughout all reality for all individuals.
4. Assume a super AI developed to parse all available temporal information, searching for anything resembling an attempt to communicate with a higher intelligence and responds with some influence over ones intuition in order to raise the potential for some specific decision which is more likely to lead to greater wellbeing.
Obviously this is far fetched - but just the possibility gives me a reasonable basis for believing in something greater with some amount of control that I can address and feel like it might actually be getting to something that can help a little. It's a stretch, I'll admit, but it works for me :)
Date published: 2023-08-23
Overview
About
Jo Marchant is an award-winning journalist and speaker as well as the author of several popular books, including the New York Times bestseller Cure: A Journey into the Science of Mind over Body. She earned a PhD in Genetics and Medical Microbiology from the Medical College of Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital. She has worked as a senior editor at New Scientist and Nature, and her articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, and Smithsonian magazine. Her speaking engagements have included appearances at the Royal Institution in London and the Edinburgh Science Festival.
Trailer
01: How Your Mind Influences Your Body
What is the placebo effect? How does it work physiologically? Why do so many medical professionals dismiss its importance and impact? What can we learn from scientists like Jon Levine and Fabrizio Benedetti who work in placebo research? And why are some people more receptive to placebos than others? Explore these questions and more as you begin your exploration of the mind-body connection.
28 min
02: Harnessing the Placebo Effect
Continue your study of placebos by exploring the mechanics of pain. See how our brains contend with the prospect of harm. Determine if so-called “predictive coding” might explain why the placebo effect varies across populations. Unpack the efficacy and appeal of alternative medicine. And determine whether doctors can use placebos honestly and ethically.
30 min
03: How to Train Your Immune System
Most people know about conditioned responses thanks to Ivan Pavlov’s famous dog training experiments. But here, go even deeper. Determine how learned responses impact our immune systems and work out how we can train our bodies to more effectively respond to and even slow disease progression.
30 min
04: How to Fight Fatigue and Push Your Limits
What is the evolutionary and biological function of fatigue? When does the brain decide to call it quits on exercise, and why? How might expectations, memories, sensory experiences, and social circumstances affect athletic performance? And is it possible to break the cycle of chronic fatigue with therapy that targets the mind?
25 min
05: How Your Mind Rules Your Gut
Delve into the connection between your mind and gut by zeroing in on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a relatively common disorder that affects roughly 15% of the population. Then, turn your attention to the emergent field of psychogastroenterology, spotlighting innovative therapies—particularly hypnosis—that treat digestive problems by targeting the brain.
30 min
06: Easing Pain with Virtual Reality
Explore the pain management potential of virtual reality (VR). See what VR can do for long-lasting, chronic health problems. Walk through current research on the technology. And investigate how VR mimics the embodiment effect to treat body image disorders, phantom limb pain, and chronic regional pain syndrome.
26 min
07: How Caring Leads to Curing
Most of us already know that care networks are important when it comes to recovery, and we’ve learned that expectations can influence reality. So how can we couple caretaking with positive expectations to ease pain? And could quality care and so-called “comfort talk” actually lead to better disease outcomes? Explore these questions and more.
28 min
08: How to Beat Stress and Stay Young
Spend the rest of the course learning about how you can cultivate a more focused and relaxed mindset to live a healthier life overall. Investigate how chronic stress wreaks havoc on the body. Work to understand the impact of stress on different socioeconomic groups. And delve into the positive potential of stress.
28 min
09: Retraining Your Brain for Better Health
What can mindfulness offer when it comes to everyday living? First, explore what stress can do—physiologically, electrically, and chemically—to the brain. Then, delve into mindfulness as a concept and as a technique to see how simply mediating can reverse years of stress on the brain, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity.
30 min
10: How Friends Keep You Well
Explore the health benefits that come with having quality relationships. Examine what loneliness can do to our minds, bodies, and even DNA. And investigate how to target the problem of loneliness across all stages of life with techniques that range from compassionate parenting to volunteer programs for the elderly.
30 min
11: How Awe and Religious Belief Impact Health
Here, turn your attention to religiosity and spirituality. Does religious belief impact physical health? And if so, how? What are we to make of reports that religious practitioners are generally healthier and live longer than nonbelievers? And how does the unique feeling of awe affect one’s physical and mental state?
31 min
12: How a Revolution in Medicine Can Benefit You
Finish the course by reexamining the toolkit you’ve assembled over these 12 lectures, so that you can start building a life far less burdened by stress, pain, and illness. Then, discover what a real revolution in medicine—one attuned to the body-mind connection—would actually entail.
28 min
