Psychoneuroimmunology Part II: Mind-Body Interventions

Integrative therapies, commonly referred to as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), are becoming increasingly popular. Oncology nurses are becoming more mindful of patients’ interest in and use of CAM, while also recognizing the value of incorporating such interventions into patient care. Inherent to many integrative therapies is the notion of holism and the connection between mind, body, and spirit. The scientific field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) provides an explanation of why mind-body therapies can improve psychological and physical functioning, quality of life, and perhaps disease-related outcomes.