Baby Monica Study

The Mind Body Connection is an amazing thing!  Proof of this connection is shown over and over again in study after study.  One of the very first scientific studies to show definitive evidence of a connection was the Baby Monica Study.

When Baby Monica was born her esophagus did not connect properly with her stomach.  This is a somewhat common problem that is easily correctable with surgery.  Yet Baby Monica needed to have several surgeries to correct this.  While waiting for her surgeries there was a g-tube placed directly into her stomach so she could be fed.   

George Engel wanted to test the effects of stress on gastric secretions and, in 1953, Baby Monica and her g-tube gave him the perfect opportunity to do this.  

Engel, along with his colleague, Franz Reichsman, decided to try the good cop/bad cop routine with Baby Monica.  Reichsman played the good cop and was very friendly to Baby Monica, developing a great relationship with her.  Engel, on the other hand, played the role of what he called the somber stranger.

When Reichsman would enter the room Monica would giggle and coo.  The monitor on the g-tube showed that her gastric secretions would flow while she was in his presence.

Yet, when it was Engel’s turn to enter the room instead, Monica would act afraid, uncomfortable, and her secretions would basically come to a stop.

This is further evidence that what is taking place in your mind influences the way your body functions.  What does Baby Monica teach us? Control the thoughts that enter your mind and you can have a profound impact on the health of your body.

Wishing you success in all aspects of life,
Tom Klisiewicz
Founder & President
Smart Health, Wellness, & Performance, Inc.