Feinstein Institute's top scientist weighs in on mind-body medicine at conference with ...( se to an injury or infection such as p...),Health

Dr. Tracey and his team of researchers discovered that the brain sends chemical messages through the vagus nerve to specific sites on immune cells in the body to block TNF release. In other words, the vagus nerve is the conduit through which the brain directly controls the immune system -- and prevents excessive TNF, shock and death. This is the inflammatory reflex.

By studying patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, Dr. Tracey is trying to ascertain whether raising their vagus nerve activity with biofeedback decreases inflammation. The implication is that people with inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's, rheumatoid arthritis and peripheral vascular disease may be able to "think" their way to feeling better.

Altering brain activity may one day be a strategy to prevent disease, improve health and promote longevity. The inflammatory reflex has diverse applications for therapeutically targeting systemic inflammation in illnesses ranging from postoperative sepsis to autoimmune diseases to biological threat agents such as anthrax and plague. Because vagus nerve activity can be measured, researchers now have a way to scientifically test the effects of many ancient concepts and Indo-Tibetan practices such as meditation and yoga on longevity.

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Contact: Christina Verni
cverni@nshs.edu
516-562-1232
North Shore-Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Health System
20-Sep-2006