Here is a very interesting account by Scott Adams (the Dilbert creator) about his recovery from Spasmodic Dysphonia. As he explains it: “Essentially a part of the brain that controls speech just shuts down in some people.” Apparently depending on the context/type of speech being performed you are sometimes able to talk ok. For example, he was able to speak publicly, sing, or rhyme, but could not speak in normal conversation. Adams’ theorized that only one of the different brain pathways for speech were affected.  He tried to “re-map” the brain pathways or normal speech by practicing other similar methods of speech such as rhyming.

From everything I’ve read about the brain, this makes a lot of sense to me. All the functions of the body are controlled by the brain. And a lot of seemingly physical ailments may really be in the brain. And a change of thought processes or mental states could affect these ailments. It’s interesting that Adams was able to practice mentally and re-map his brain to function correctly.  But I think your mental state, confidence, happiness, etc can affect your health greatly.  I believe there has been some research showing that your mental state can help with blood pressure, hypertension, and other similar ailments.