Psychosomatic

After thoroughly examining Mary, the doctor could find no physical reason for her condition, and concluded that the cause was psychosomatic.

Tom's limp is psychosomatic.

American researchers have reported progress in learning how the ancient traditional Chinese method of acupuncture fights pain and other conditions. During acupuncture, very small, sharp needles are placed in the skin at targeted points on the body. Bruce Rosen presented an acupuncture study at a meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society in Orlando, Florida. Doctor Rosen is with the Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts.

Even the “unconscious” frequently prefers physical problems to psychological ones as suggested by the prevalence of psychosomatic ailments: physical symptoms--for example, stomach aches--caused by an emotional problem. It has been estimated that more than 50% of a physicians’ practice involves the treatment of psychosomatic complaints.