Spirituality and Health in Today's World
Spirituality is recognized as a factor that contributes to health. The practice of using spirituality as a means to improve health has been around for thousands of years. Many believe that the use of spirituality to improve health has such a long history because it seems to works. Here we examined spirituality and its importance in promoting health, helping patients to face illness, death, and suffering, as well as examined the current role of spirituality in compassionate care by physicians.
How is Spirituality defined?
Spirituality has been defined as: a belief in a power operating in the universe that is greater than oneself; a sense of connection with all living creatures; and an awareness of the purpose and meaning of life. Spirituality is also the manner in which one finds meaning, hope, comfort and inner peace in life. It is expressed in an individual's search for meaning through religion and/or belief in God, family, nature, values, principles, and the arts. Although religion and spirituality are often associated, many believe that personal spirituality can be developed outside of religion. Acts of compassion and selflessness, altruism, and the experience of inner peace are all characteristics of spirituality.
Three major categories of scientific research on spirituality and health
There is considerable scientific research analyzing the potential connection between religious practice, prayer and health. This research has been undertaken at some of the countries' most prestigious universities and is the basis of dozens, if not hundreds, of major scientific articles. Although the research is mostly observational, it suggests that there is a link between spiritual practice and better health. Of the more than 300 studies done, over three-fourths show positive effects. Certain studies have shown that people with a religious commitment have fewer symptoms of mental and physical disorders and make fewer doctor visits than other people. Other studies have found that these patients tend to have a reduced risk of diseases including cancer and coronary heart disease. These studies are divided into three major categories, and examples are given:
1. Studies on Mortality-For example, researchers at the Human Population Laboratory in Berkeley California (1997), examined the association between religious attendees and mortality rate in 5,286 people. They found lower (up to 65%) mortality in frequent religious attendees. A basic scientific study, by H.W. Koenig at Duke University credited this lower mortality rate to a decrease in the immune regulator Interleukin 6 and to better immune function.
2. Studies on coping-J.W. Yates in Medical Pediatric Oncology Journal (1981) showed that patients who practiced spirituality had a more positive outlook and were better able to cope with pain, and their illness, even those in advanced stages of cancer.
3. Studies on patient's recovery- indicate that spiritual commitment tends to enhance recovery from illness and surgery. For example, a study of heart transplant patients showed that those who were regular attendees fared better than those who were not. Other studies indicate that people with strong spiritual beliefs heal faster from surgery, are less anxious and depressed, have lower blood pressure. These studies show that the faithful tend to have higher levels of hope and optimism.
Spirituality in today's medicine
Many Americans are looking forward to the use of spirituality in health care. This may be due to dissatisfaction with the impersonal nature of our current medical system, and the realization that medical science does not have all answers to questions about health. In the past decade or so, the number of American medical schools offering courses on spiritual issues has risen to more than 40. Several medical associations have integrated spirituality into their policies, and some physicians are becoming involved in compassionate care which includes:
It is also important to note that spirituality does not guarantee health and the danger exists that prayer may be substituted for medical care, or that spiritual practice could delay the receipt of necessary medical treatment.
To learn more about the author's business and the two men who taught her business skills visit http://www.theprosperitymall.com/?t=articlesbase .
How is Spirituality defined?
Spirituality has been defined as: a belief in a power operating in the universe that is greater than oneself; a sense of connection with all living creatures; and an awareness of the purpose and meaning of life. Spirituality is also the manner in which one finds meaning, hope, comfort and inner peace in life. It is expressed in an individual's search for meaning through religion and/or belief in God, family, nature, values, principles, and the arts. Although religion and spirituality are often associated, many believe that personal spirituality can be developed outside of religion. Acts of compassion and selflessness, altruism, and the experience of inner peace are all characteristics of spirituality.
Three major categories of scientific research on spirituality and health
There is considerable scientific research analyzing the potential connection between religious practice, prayer and health. This research has been undertaken at some of the countries' most prestigious universities and is the basis of dozens, if not hundreds, of major scientific articles. Although the research is mostly observational, it suggests that there is a link between spiritual practice and better health. Of the more than 300 studies done, over three-fourths show positive effects. Certain studies have shown that people with a religious commitment have fewer symptoms of mental and physical disorders and make fewer doctor visits than other people. Other studies have found that these patients tend to have a reduced risk of diseases including cancer and coronary heart disease. These studies are divided into three major categories, and examples are given:
1. Studies on Mortality-For example, researchers at the Human Population Laboratory in Berkeley California (1997), examined the association between religious attendees and mortality rate in 5,286 people. They found lower (up to 65%) mortality in frequent religious attendees. A basic scientific study, by H.W. Koenig at Duke University credited this lower mortality rate to a decrease in the immune regulator Interleukin 6 and to better immune function.
2. Studies on coping-J.W. Yates in Medical Pediatric Oncology Journal (1981) showed that patients who practiced spirituality had a more positive outlook and were better able to cope with pain, and their illness, even those in advanced stages of cancer.
3. Studies on patient's recovery- indicate that spiritual commitment tends to enhance recovery from illness and surgery. For example, a study of heart transplant patients showed that those who were regular attendees fared better than those who were not. Other studies indicate that people with strong spiritual beliefs heal faster from surgery, are less anxious and depressed, have lower blood pressure. These studies show that the faithful tend to have higher levels of hope and optimism.
Spirituality in today's medicine
Many Americans are looking forward to the use of spirituality in health care. This may be due to dissatisfaction with the impersonal nature of our current medical system, and the realization that medical science does not have all answers to questions about health. In the past decade or so, the number of American medical schools offering courses on spiritual issues has risen to more than 40. Several medical associations have integrated spirituality into their policies, and some physicians are becoming involved in compassionate care which includes:
- Having a compassionate presence-giving full attention and support to physical emotional and spiritual needs.
- Listening to fears, hopes and dreams.
- Getting a spiritual diagnosis by involving a chaplain
- Spiritual counseling by a chaplain
It is also important to note that spirituality does not guarantee health and the danger exists that prayer may be substituted for medical care, or that spiritual practice could delay the receipt of necessary medical treatment.
To learn more about the author's business and the two men who taught her business skills visit http://www.theprosperitymall.com/?t=articlesbase .
