Can the Mind Heal the Body?
Reflections on Healing Back Pain by John Sarno
Sometimes the most powerful shifts in healing come from ideas that feel almost too simple — or even a little “woo-woo.” A recent New York Times article shared how one person found unexpected relief from chronic pain through John Sarno’s classic book, Healing Back Pain. And at the risk of sounding woo-woo myself, I agree: Sarno’s ideas can be transformative.
Sarno’s Core Idea
Sarno argued that many forms of chronic pain — especially back pain — aren’t just about the body. Instead, they can be fueled by unconscious emotional stress. When feelings like anger, grief, or anxiety are suppressed, the body may “hold” them as muscle tension, pain, or other physical symptoms.
For many people, simply recognizing that pain can be linked to hidden emotional dynamics is a turning point. The body starts to relax once the mind is allowed to feel.
Why This Resonates in Therapy
In psychodynamic therapy, we see something similar all the time: the emotions we avoid don’t disappear. They show up in our relationships, our moods, and sometimes in our bodies:
Mind-body connection: Stress and trauma affect the nervous system, which in turn affects muscles, digestion, and even immunity.
Naming what’s hidden: When clients begin to acknowledge anger, sadness, or fear, they often notice a physical release.
Self-compassion: Understanding pain as a signal rather than a defect can shift shame into curiosity and care.
Not Just Back Pain
While Sarno focused on backs, the principle applies widely. Migraines, stomach distress, even fatigue can sometimes carry emotional roots. That doesn’t mean the pain is “all in your head.” The pain is very real. But the cause may be more complex than tissues or posture.
Navigating The Balance
Of course, not all pain is psychological. It’s important to rule out medical conditions and get proper care. But for many, Sarno’s work offers hope — not as a replacement for medical treatment, but as an added perspective.
Final Thoughts
Whether you call it mind-body medicine, psychodynamic insight, or simply listening more deeply to yourself, Sarno’s message is clear: your body remembers what your mind tries to forget. By allowing ourselves to feel what was once unbearable, we can sometimes find relief where we least expect it.
At Rachel Liles Psychotherapy, we believe healing is never just mental or physical — it’s both. And sometimes the most meaningful breakthroughs come from ideas that sound simple but run deep.