The brain is marvelous and mysterious. Because of physical processes we do not fully understand, we can see color, hear music, love our partners, remember the past, and dream about the future. We can breathe, digest, regulate blood sugar, and pump blood throughout our bodies without consciously thinking about those things. But the brain plays a key role in pain, disease progression, fitness, and physical wellness. Our expectations, unique social circumstances, life stress, current mindsets, and evolving moods can all manifest physically—even when true disease is not there or has long gone. So, what explains this brain-body connection? How is it that something intangible like stress can really kill? How about the fact that we can and often do worry ourselves sick? And how can we take advantage of the mind’s connection to the body to reduce pain, boost physical performance, and even treat disease? Answer these questions and more in The Power of Mind over Body, a 12-lecture course that will change the way you think about physical health and the brain.

Jo Marchant, an award-winning journalist and speaker with years of research under her belt, will be your expert guide. Together, you will work through the implications of the brain-body connection. You will dig into the details as you investigate the science behind phenomena like the placebo effect, pain, physical exhaustion, fatigue, disease, and stress. You will examine trailblazing research—on IBS, on hypnosis in surgery, on altitude sickness—that tries to understand the precise role that the mind plays in physical health and wellness. You will understand why this field of study, though certainly promising, still struggles to receive recognition and funding. You will determine the efficacy of therapeutic techniques like mindfulness meditation and comfort talk. And you will imagine a medical system that embraces the power of thoughts, social circumstances, and expectations.