spirit

Where’s the Spirit?: Its role in Mind-Body Medicine

By Barry Bittman, MD

It’s not surprising that the sticky questions people avoid asking concerning mind-body medicine most often relate to how spirituality is integrated into its practice. While the concept of linking mind and body is not particularly threatening to the average person, just imagining how spiritual beliefs fit in makes some people feel uneasy, to say the least.

Without fully understanding the underlying basis for including spirituality in medicine, many erroneous assumptions surface that tend to distance people from the care that may very well be exactly what they are searching for.

Before attempting to clarify this issue, it is important to begin by stating that the type of mind-body approach I’m about to discuss represents its practice by the medical profession. Such programs are typically offered through medical schools, university centers and community hospitals. These institutions universally operate according to mission statements that ensure the best care possible without bias for race, sex or religion.

In these settings, there is exquisite sensitivity for respecting individuality. Patients are not coerced into any activity that does not support their own belief system. One is never asked to adopt any religious ideology or custom, and the concept of changing one’s spiritual focus to fit into a particular mold is frankly contrary to the mind-body approach.

What does typically occur, however, is gentle encouragement to follow each person’s spiritual path¾ to build upon the power of one’s beliefs to aid in the healing process.

For clarity sake, it’s easier to dispel the myths head on, rather than describing the process itself. Therefore, I’ll begin by attempting to set the record straight.

· Myth 1 – Mind-Body programs are based upon the practice of “New Age” religion.

· Truth – Nothing could be further from the truth. Mind-Body programs encourage each patient to follow their own spiritual path.

· Myth 2 – The practice of Mind-Body medicine places the healing power in the hands of the individual, rather than in God.

· Truth – The Mind-Body approach is best described by the statement, “God helps them who help themselves.” It encourages each person’s active participation in their healing process, and it fully respects the power of the Creator.

· Myth 3 – In order to meditate, I must relinquish my free will and open myself to forces beyond the realm of God and my religion.

· Truth – Meditation has been used in one form or another for thousands of years by every religious group. Mind-Body medicine encourages meditation as a tool to help individuals rediscover their inner voice and connection with their Creator. Learning to harness one’s free will through the choices that God enables is emphasized.

· Myth 4 – Guided imagery is a process that places extraneous thoughts into one’s head that lead to a path contrary to religious upbringing.

· Truth – Guided imagery is the receiving end of story telling. It is an experiential process that has been used throughout the ages to help people relax and mentally create a safe place for contemplation and problem solving. Nature imagery typically serves as the background for discovering inner peace.

· Myth 5 – If the health care providers do not respect my God, I cannot be expected to heal.

· Truth – Mind-Body medical practitioners learn to focus their intention on helping patients to receive what they need. Utmost respect for the individual and his/her beliefs are the foundation for this approach. Patients are encouraged to travel their own healing journeys in their own particular ways.

In essence, spirituality is simply the glue that holds mind-body medicine together. It is the ultimate force that binds mankind with universal wisdom¾ Mind over Matter!