The Roots of the Mind body 'Discovery'
I was curious to learn about the origins of the mind-body connection and upon doing some research quickly discovered that is is not so easy to find the ‘God Father’ of mind body healing. Sure, those of us in the West know that Dr. John Sarno revolutionised the way we look at chronic pain, especially back pain, joint pain and of course chronic fatigue and other symptoms we now know as PPD (Psychophysiological disorder) but for millennia before Sarno our great meditative ancestors in the East knew that the mind and body are intimately connected. The problem is that the roots go so far back that we can never be certain as to who exactly first cast light on the discovery. What I have learnt is that instead of it being one single person, it was most likely a collective discovery, as yogis far and wide sat in solitude, watching the mind and body and the constant interplay of physical and emotional experiences that, together, they generate from nanosecond to nanosecond.
The mind-body connection, is the cornerstone of holistic wellness and wellbeing, and, luckily for us was first explored in depth by ancient Eastern traditions. Rooted in practices like yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, this profound understanding reveals how our mental and physical states are intricately linked. From Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras outlining the harmony of mind and body, to the Buddha’s teachings on mindfulness, and the wisdom of Ayurvedic healers, these timeless insights continue to shape modern approaches to health and well-being.
Please continue to reading if you’d like to get a basic idea of how the discovery of the mind-body connection progressed from as early as 200 CE, to the Buddha between the 4th and 5th century BCE, and up until the Ayurvedic practitioners we know of today.
As just mentioned, the concept of the mind-body connection has ancient roots in the East and it has been challenging for me to single out a single individual as the "first" yogi to discover the mind-body connection. However, the foundational principles of the mind-body connection are deeply embedded in yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation practices, which originated thousands of years ago in India.
Potential Figures or Sources:
Patanjali (circa 200 BCE to 200 CE)
Often considered the "father of yoga," Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text that explains the integration of mind, body, and spirit. The practice of ashtanga yoga (the eightfold path) includes physical postures (asana), breath control (pranayama), and mental discipline (dhyana or meditation), illustrating the interconnectedness of the mind and body.
The Sages of the Vedas (circa 1500–500 BCE)
The Vedas, ancient Indian scriptures, describe early forms of meditation and rituals that connect mental focus with physical well-being, laying the groundwork for later yoga and Ayurvedic practices.
The Buddha (circa 5th–4th century BCE - The one guru most of us are familiar with)
Siddhartha Gautama, or the Buddha, emphasized mindfulness and meditation as means to transcend suffering. His teachings focus on how mental states influence physical health and vice versa.
Ayurvedic Practitioners (circa 1000 BCE onward)
Ayurveda, India's ancient system of medicine, is based on the principle that the mind and body are deeply interconnected. Texts like the Charaka Samhita discuss how emotional states can affect physical health and advocate practices for holistic well-being.
So, there it is, not so simple as I might have originally thought.
Rather than being a "discovery" by one individual, we can see that the mind-body connection evolved as a key insight in ancient Indian wisdom traditions, developed and refined by numerous sages, yogis, and healers over millennia. If you're looking for a starting point to learn more I have read that the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is an excellent reference to understand this integration. I, myself, will be getting my bits on a copy asap as it is such a fascinating topic. And, although I am writing this post now, when it comes to TMS/PPD history, I am still only a beginner so forgive me if you are better informed and I have made any mistakes with the above text!
Best wishes to you all,
Duncan