Pathophysiologic Basis and Application of Spiritual Healing Practices in Chronic Illness

Abstract

Ancient healers from diverse spiritual traditions were remarkably keen to the correlation of illness with our emotional self-regulation, attitudes, and perceptions. From their perspective, spirituality encompassed the deepest desires of being human and the ongoing expression and fulfillment through human thoughts, feelings, and actions. As such, spirituality lay at the core of human mental, physical, and emotional health, forming the bedrock of our perceptions, both positive and negative. In these traditions, spirituality facilitated a sense of well-being and connection to life even in the face of stressors such as debilitating or terminal illness. Thus, physical health was always considered within the framework of spiritual health or enlightenment. To be healthy was something far beyond physical cure or physical health. The emphasis was to become whole in mind, body, and spirit with a deliberate focus on integration and acceptance within the limitations of any given disease or circumstance. There was one common pathway to wholeness, which fostered freedom from negative, destructive, or habitual emotional and thought patterns in order to be free for positive, compassionate living grounded in trust and love. The designs of many ancient spiritual or healing practices from a variety of traditions emphasized physical calm, promoted perceptual awareness, and cultivated heartfelt safety and trust.