What is psychoneuroimmunology?

Psychoneuroimmunology is a field of study that explores the intricate connections between the mind, the nervous system, and the immune system. Andrew Huberman explains that this discipline investigates how emotions and mental states can significantly influence physical health outcomes. For example, high emotional engagement in activities like emotional writing can lead to greater immune activation, underscoring a profound link between our mental and physical states 1.

Over the last decade, traditional science and medicine have increasingly recognized these connections, with more studies demonstrating how mental interventions can alter immune responses—like how certain breathing techniques can mobilize the immune system to combat infections effectively 2.

Furthermore, the nervous system acts as a highway connecting various bodily organs, including the immune system. This interconnectedness implies that mental activities and physical health are dynamically linked, with the nervous system playing a pivotal role in mediating these interactions 2.