For context, I am a prospective medical student hoping to start August 2021. I have always been interested in how the mind/brain works and how it affects the body, most likely because my mom is a psychotherapist and my dad is a physician. I would go on to get my BS in psychology while taking all pre-med courses.
I have read only one book directly related to the subject, namely, The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain by Dr. John Sarno. This book is right up my alley! This subject is fascinating to me. I just recently heard of The Relaxation Response by Dr. Herbert Benson and will probably get the book this week. I have read some other books that are related in one way or another, but they aren't research-oriented and written by a physician like Sarno's book is.
The Relaxation Response was published in 1975, and The Mindbody Prescription in 1998. Clearly I'm not a credible medical professional, but I personally feel that the mindbody connection is real. I'm curious as to why this concept is not mainstream today. I imagine that it is largely due to the fact that it can be difficult to quantify this data.
I'd like to hear from the medical professionals here on their thoughts on the subject. Also, I am open to any suggested reading material, whether it supports or refutes the mindbody connection.
Source: Original link