Does spirituality affect our health?
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 3:10PM 
Recently, I’ve been looking at some studies that have been done in the last decade on the effects of spirituality on individuals’ health and well-being.
Conducted by noted medical organizations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians, University of Maryland Medical Center, and the Journal of Athletic Training, the research indicates a growing recognition of the link between spirituality and healthier outcomes for patients. These reports also suggest that spiritually-minded individuals tend to live healthier lives – including a greater sense of well-being.
An increasing number of medical schools, as well, are including the topic of spirituality in their course curricula.
This points to an important trend.
People are becoming aware of what many have known and practiced for centuries. How we perceive ourselves in spiritual terms correlates with our health.
These are important steps along the way to a wider understanding of health – one not limited to a model founded exclusively on matter-based systems.
Why?
Our and future generations’ health and well-being depend on it.
The United States spends more on healthcare per capita than any other developed country, yet consistently underperforms in many important areas. And those expenses continue to consume an ever-expanding portion of our economy whose trajectory – if unchecked – would appear to be unstoppable.
We spend more, yet our population is not healthier.
We need to be willing to take an honest, out-of-the-box look at our system. We need to continue to recognize that non-allopathic methods of healing – including prayer – may indeed offer ways that lead to healthier and economically-sustainable outcomes.
Outcomes that have been proven. Outcomes that have not only significantly and even dramatically improved people’s health, but have enhanced all aspects of their lives.
And Christian Science has done exactly that for the past 140 years.
Reader Comments (12)
Great article Ken. Thanks.
Thank you, Gillian, for commenting!
Ken
It does appear to be one of the best-kept secrets in our modern society that spiritual means for healing have been reliably utilized for over 100 years. It's perhaps not surprising given the bias of education toward matter-based theories of being. But, as you point out Ken, it is a matter of life, health, and happiness that the relationship of spirituality to health be understood more widely. Thanks to outlets like this blog, this relationship is becoming widely voiced. For me, there is nothing more important than the health and well-being of my family, and I would be remiss in my duties if I did not educate myself about spiritual means of health.
I really like your illustrations, and very good points!
Hi Doug,
Thanks so much for your comments. And, I certainly agree about how important spiritual care via Christian Science can be for everyone.
Ken
Hey Tad,
Thanks!
Ken
THANKS KEN
Didn't a speaker at our church annual meeting cite a study that concluded that those who don't fear death live longer? And what takes away that fear? Our religion that teaches us that we are immortal, spiritual ideas in God's image and understanding this heals us.
Thanks for the article, Ken. It's always makes we chuckle when I read about academic studies that prove common sense. For centuries people understood that a more spiritual life lead to a happier and healthier life. Thanks again!
Hi Ben,
Thanks for joining in the conversation. I always see these studies as signs that are encouraging -- signs that point to a growing awareness of the importance of how our thinking affects our health.
Ken
Hi Virginia N,
Thanks for your comments. Many religions speak about immortality and not to fear death, but the thing that I so value about Christian Science is the ability to experience healings of physical, emotional, relationship, and financial problems in the here and now. And it's something that anyone can learn to use and be benefited by.
Ken
I found this article interesting. What is spirituality and how do you live it. Can you be spiritual but not religious? Interested in your response.
Hi SusieQ,
Thanks for joining the conversation and for your questions.
I know that there are a lot of thoughts about what constitutes spirituality, but for me it's something that's innate within each of us. It's the core of who we really are. And it is an awareness of an all-good God -- a God who is love.
In my life, I try to live that concept in accord with the 2 Great Commandments -- loving God and loving our neighbor. And, I've seen the tangible results of doing so.
Whether one can be spiritual without being religious depends on how you define "religious", doesn't it? Spirituality seems to me to be more about a state of thought -- a way of thinking and perceiving life and existence.
This is a really broad topic, isn't it?
So now, I've got to ask, what does spirituality mean to you?
Keep in touch.
Ken