Mind-body techniques in wound healing

Abstract

Even the most skilled and resourceful wound care provider encounters stagnation of wound healing from time to time. Patients with chronic, nonhealing wounds often display negative thought patterns and behavioral tendencies that, in turn, hinder biological and emotional healing. An increasing body of research supports the negative effect of stress on wound healing. The impact of deeper, emotion-based "wounds" as complicating factors in conventional wound healing are being further explored. It is theorized that emotions such as lack of self worth, guilt, and anger are strongly correlated to the chronic, nonhealing wound. Mind-body techniques such as affirmations, creative visualization, relaxation, and conscious breathing are suggested for incorporation into the treatment program. These techniques seek to empower and engage the patient by promoting greater personal awareness and assertion in the healing process. Wound care providers are seen as facilitators of the innate healing potential inside each individual. Mind-body techniques are offered as a complement for a more comprehensive wound healing strategy.