clipped from: www.bodymindclinic.co.uk PNI (or Psychoneuroimmunology as it is formally known) is the science of mind/body medicine. Research has shown that signals from the brain (psycho...), nervous system (..neuro..) and immune system (..immunology) all communicate and connect within an area of the brain called the Limbic System.
According to Steven Maier, PhD, who has researched what he calls the body's "sickness response" a series of physiological and behavioural changes occur when the body detects an infection. This response includes changes in liver metabolism, raised temperature (fever), reduced food & water intake, reduced exploration, reduced sexual activity and increased anxiety. It also activates a classic stress response, releasing hormones such as cortisol.