Written by Patrick Massey M.D., Ph.D. Prayer and other practices of spirituality for health and the treatment of disease have been used for thousands of years.
At many of my lectures, I ask audience members if they can name the most commonly used nontraditional therapy.
The answers usually range from chiropractic to massage to herbs. The correct answer, however, is prayer and spirituality (I am not sure why prayer and spirituality are considered “alternative.” I use them extensively in my medical practice and often talk about the spiritual side of life with my patients).
Prayer and other practices of spirituality for health and the treatment of disease have been used for thousands of years. Many cultures, dating back to the beginning of recorded history, have used some form of spirituality as a healing therapy.
Spirituality implies a deep recognition of self and a connection to a greater whole, whether God, nature or the human community. Spirituality includes not only prayer but also a number of activities that seem to strengthen the mind-body connection. Meditation, tai chi, yoga, some forms of “energy” medicine like Reiki and a number of relaxation techniques fall under the heading of spirituality.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health defines prayer as “an active process of appealing to a higher spiritual power” that includes “individual or group prayer on behalf of oneself or others.” The definition for spirituality encompasses prayer but also includes the individual’s sense of purpose and meaning beyond material values.
In a recent national survey, 45 percent used prayer for health reasons. Forty-three percent prayed for their own health and 25 percent asked others to pray for them. Ten percent participated in prayer groups for health.
Medical science is about asking questions and trying to find answers. The question “do prayer and spirituality work” has been asked and the answers are very interesting.
In a number of earlier studies, both prayer and simply thinking good thoughts about someone resulted in more rapid healing. More recent research has shown that people who pray or have a strong spiritual sense live longer and are, overall, healthier. Does this imply a higher power favors those who pray or have a strong sense of spirituality? Science cannot answer that question. What it can say is that people who are spiritual seem to handle stress better and unrelieved stress is the major contributor to all disease.
There are a number of research projects under way looking at the health benefits of spirituality. These projects include comparing spiritual practices and health in HIV/AIDS patients and exploring the link between spirituality and the immune system function.
Years ago, medical science separated the mind, body and spirit, focusing on treating only the body. Now we are discovering that the body, mind and spirit are one. Activities that seem to benefit the mind and spirit might translate into better health and longevity overall.
Dr. Patrick Massey, MD, Ph.D., is medical director of complementary and alternative medicine at Alexian Brothers Hospital Network, and president of ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy, 1544 Nerge Road, Elk Grove Village.
