Psychosomatic interactions

The cure of many diseases is unknown to the physicians of Hellas, because they disregard the whole, which ought to be studied also, for the part can never be well unless the whole is well. (Plato, in his dialogue Charmides).The links between mind and body — the psyche and the some — have long been recognised. Current research has focussed on their interaction and interdependence.This gives rise to the need for counsellors and physicians to study the compartmentalised and separate services that they provide. If they believe in the concept of the treatment of the whole person — holistic medicine — it behoves them to examine their own interactions and interdependence.The Author examines these issues and looks at the need for a change in attitude among professionals and a change in the curriculum of medical schools and counsellor training which could result in fundamental changes in Health Service provision.