---
title: Conditions helped by mind-body approaches
url: https://mbmi.org/conditions
description: A–Z guide to health conditions where relaxation, mindfulness and stress management have been studied, with an honest summary of the evidence for each.
author: Mind and Body content team
last_updated: 2026-10-26
---
# Conditions helped by mind-body approaches

Mind-body practices have been studied for many conditions. For each, this guide says what the research supports, what it does not, and why standard medical care comes first.

## Key takeaways

- Mind-body practices are best seen as complements to treatment, not replacements.
- Evidence differs by condition. It is strongest for anxiety, depression, pain and insomnia and weaker for hot flashes and asthma.
- Each guide lists the signs that mean you should see a clinician.

## Conditions

- Anxiety and depression
- Asthma
- Cancer and mind-body care
- Chronic pain
- Digestive health
- Heart health
- High blood pressure
- Infertility and stress
- Insomnia and sleep
- Memory and healthy aging
- Menopause


## How to read these guides

Each guide begins with what is known about the condition and its standard treatment, then describes what studies have found about relaxation, mindfulness and related practices. Where evidence is weak, we say so. The largest review of meditation trials found moderate evidence for anxiety, depression and pain and less for other outcomes.[1] (source 1)


> From the MBMI Archive: [Conditions We Treat](https://mbmi.org/archive/conditions) — The conditions list on the institute's website, 2005–2009.


## Common questions

### Can I use these practices instead of medicine?

No. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment without speaking with your clinician. These practices are used alongside treatment.

### Why are some conditions missing?

We cover conditions where research on mind-body approaches is substantial. We will add more as we review the evidence.


## Sources

1. Goyal M, Singh S, Sibinga EMS, et al. Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2014;174(3):357–368. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13018