Affiliations 

  • 1 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre
Medicine & Health, 2020;15(1):1-4.
MyJurnal

Abstract

Psychophysiological effect associated to an event is inseparable with regard to the human’s mental health (Celik 2010; Cannon 1987; Roxo et al. 2011; Laird & Lacasse 2014). The manifestation of psychophysiological phenomenon in relation to an event has been observed during pre-modern era and inspired physician like Avicenna from the influence of the great thinker of Aristotle and Plato. Avicenna or IbnuSina, the Persian-born philosopher and physician from the Greco-Islamic era, has made his standpoint on the clinical importance of pulsology (Celik 2010). In his earlier concepts on pulse patterns, it was found that pulse would rise when he or she is anticipating an event, especially if an event is meaningful and related to him or her. Avicenna documented in dealing with such events, the psychophysiological changes that were observed, i.e. increased pulse from normal pulse. For example, a man who is approaching a house with a lady that he loved, started to experience tachycardia and palpitation. Sphygmology, a study of pulses is based on the contribution by Ibnu-Sina (Zarshenas et al. 2013). It is a relatively simple, practical and inexpensive means, having a significant diagnosis yield (Zarshenas et al. 2013). It has been recognised through the history of medicine, over the centuries, that we have a better understanding on the fundamental concept of coping with stress by observing our own pulses. Using this modest physiological approach, it has contributed to the modern way in dealing with distressed situation-the psychophysiology of biofeedback therapy and instilling the Buddhist teaching of mindfulness. For example in the former, biofeedback is a simple way of overcoming stress. Biofeedback therapy is a method that trains people to enhance their health by regulating certain bodily processes that normally happen involuntarily (Abgrall-Barbry & Consoli 2006). Once we are in a stressful state, our pulse and blood pressure will increase. Meditating, or self-dialogueand telling our brain that, “I am in control and can dictate my pulse from the highest to lowest possible beat,” can be helpful in dealing with our stress level via higher mental function coordination. Indeed, regulation of basic physiological phenomena and psychological input-“calming the mind” has both anatomical and neurophysiological explanation via the reticular activating system and thalamic integration. Understanding a simple way in managing with stress, especially during the difficult and stressful time can be gratifying and rewarding. This is especially true when it comes to inconveniences, hassle and problems due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and during the movement control order (MCO).