I am a firm believer in the power of prayer when it comes to health and wellness, and am thrilled to see that increasing numbers of health care providers and hospitals are incorporating spirituality into patient care.
We’re not talking about religion, per say, but rather connecting with a higher power via whatever method feels right to you: meditation, prayer, guided imagery, relaxation techniques and even yoga would all apply.
Studies have found that connecting your mind, body and spirit through spirituality can help:
- Reduce chronic pain
- Improve immunity
- Speed wound healing
- Reduce stress
Yet, even though this article points out a 2004 survey that found 83 percent of respondents wanted their doctors to ask about their spiritual beliefs and consider them when planning treatment, the role of spirituality in health care is still a hotly debated topic.
Some maintain that the doctor’s office is no place for spirituality and believe in keeping a “separation of church and medicine.” Personally, I feel that the science surrounding the health benefits of spirituality, and prayer in particular, is so solid that it is criminally negligent for physicians not to recommend it.
Valley Morning Star July 15, 2007