The Evolution of Psychology.
Today the discipline of psychology is branching out to embrace research into more
esoteric areas that can provide the means and techniques that will empower people to assume
greater self-responsibility for their mental and physical health while simultaneously empowering each person with powerful tools for health and well-being.
I refer to the increased interest and research in the contemplative practices, energy medicine, and alternative holistic therapies as well as renewed interest in research that examines the efficacy of psychedelics, such as MDMA or psilocybin, on mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Reliance on the medical model and the subsequent over-prescription of pharmaceutical drugs has taken a tremendous toll on the pocketbooks and psyche’s of patients who seek psychological relief. Many now seek alternative solutions and holistic prevention strategies for both physical and psychological ailments, thus research that focuses on the efficacy of alternative treatments is greatly needed.
Alternative approaches to healing, such as acupuncture, acupressure, Emotional Freedom Technique, meditation, yoga, tai chi, and chi kung all incorporate the idea that health is the
result of free flowing and balanced chi and that disease arises when one’s chi is either blocked
or stagnant or unbalanced. When changes occur in the brain, nervous system, visceral organs
and physiological systems that result in greater well-being and health, this is news. When it
happens due to the manipulation of our intention, this is historical. We therefore understand that our concepts of reality and truth change as we advance scientifically.
Psychol Cogn Sci Open J. 2015; 1(2): e7-e10. doi: 10.17140/PCSOJ-1-e002