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There
has been a growing interest in the scientific community
over the last few years in exploring the role of
spirituality in the healing process. There have been
over 1500 studies of the effect of spirituality to
health. At least half of the 80 medical schools in the
U.S. are offering courses on spirituality, and some
specifically on “spirituality and medical practice”.
Conferences on spirituality, prayer and healing are
being held at some of the most prestigious medical
schools in the country. Psychic and spiritual healing
are gaining new credibility in contemporary medical
circles as well as governmental agencies. The National
Institute of Health (NIH) is funding studies on
spirituality and healing. Many physicians and hospitals
are participating in double-blind clinical trials of
spiritual healing.
Given the research over the past thirty years there is
much evidence to suggest that healing involves more than
just techniques and treatment regimens. We have been
aware for years now of the phenomenon of the ‘placebo
effect’ whereby the expectation and belief of the
patient or subject can affect the healing outcome. Dr.
Herbert Benson of Harvard University, back in the 1970s
and 1980s, showed that people who prayed could reduce
their stress and lower their blood pressure and heart
rate by inducing what he called the Relaxation Response.
There is also a growing body of research showing that
the belief, intention, prayer and attitude of the doctor
can also affect healing outcomes. Research on prayer and
intention offer exciting implications for those of us in
the healing arts field. What does the data on prayer
suggest and how might we use that knowledge to enhance
the effectiveness of what we do in Touch for Health? |
What is Prayer?
The word ‘prayer’ comes from the Latin, precarius
“obtained by begging,” and precari “to entreat, to ask
earnestly, beseech, implore.” Larry Dossey, a leading
medical authority on the subject of prayer, defines
prayer as “communication with the Absolute.” In its
simplest form “prayer is an attitude of the heart; a
matter of being not doing.” Prayerfulness is that
attitude or state of mind in which we feel a sacred
connection with the Absolute. Prayer involves a focused
state of mind usually characterized by feelings of
quiet, serenity, and stillness.
What is Intention?
The word intention comes from the Latin, intentitus “a
stretching toward.” American Heritage dictionary defines
it as “an aim that guides action.” Leonard Laskow,
physician and researcher, refers to it as “a holding
attention on a desired outcome, and holding attention
requires will, which is a persistant, focused desire.”
In Chinese and indigenous healing traditions, intent is
what directs the healing energy.
Non-Locality in Quantum Physics and Healing
The term “distant healing” or “distant mental influence
on biologic systems” (adopted by NIH) is an attempt to
find a way to objectively describe the outcome of what
others might call psychic healing, energy healing or
prayer.
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