Jeanne Achterberg on Relationship As a Healing Journey

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In her three decades of research and practice in the world of mind-body medicine, Dr. Jeanne Achterberg has won acclaim for her work on guided imagery, psycho-immunology, and behavioral strategies for the reduction of pain and anxiety.

In this heartwarming talk she describes her profound realization that the essential component of healing is human relationships – the life force and bonds we share. She identifies and describes five levels of relationship that have proven to have a measurable impact on healing: the transpersonal bond (as demonstrated by prayer, directed energy, and distant intentionality); the power of touch or presence; the soul-to-soul connection (an ineffable bonding that transpires beyond the physical body); the healing web of community (family, social relationships, support groups); and, of course, love.

The effect of human relationships on healing has been so widely studied and published that information about it has become ubiquitous. The research has encompassed measurement of everything from the biological change associated with touch, to the drop in complications for patients who are the target of prayers, to even the differences in the chemical makeup of individuals in enduring relationships. Sufficient evidence exists to conclude that the lack of social relationships is a bigger risk factor for health than cigarette smoking!

The major cultural shift that is occurring in healing practices is not so much a matter of dissatisfaction with allopathic medicine, but more a growing recognition of the inherent need for compassion, sympathy, and understanding – the hallmarks of complementary/alternative medicine, and of relationships themselves.