Application of Spirituality and Religion in Modern Medicine
Kimiya Amjadi, M.D., Desert Valley Pediatrics, Phoenix, Arizona
Love is a fundamental component of every religion in the world. The effect of love on human growth and development is particularly important in the treatment of many disease processes. It can affect the recovery from multiple medical and psychological conditions, including abuse and neglect. How humans develop and learn depends critically and continually on the interplay between an individual’s genetic endowment and the nurturance and social stimulation that are provided or withheld. Developmental and behavioral problems which are among the most common conditions of childhood and adolescence can also be effectively treated using this approach. These conditions and their subsequent outcomes can directly influence the families as well as the society as a whole. Optimization of health care for these individuals involves management of associated medical and psychological problems, as well as the use of complementary and alternative medical treatments such as meditation, biofeedback, breathing exercises, and prayer. This is a type of clinical practice that results in treating the “complete” patient and not just fixing and addressing one area at a time. If the entire system is not treated adequately as a whole, the problem is destined to show up again later, in another place, location, or disease process. In Sufism, it is believed that for the development of the ideal human being, cognition of the real Self and the essence of our being is needed. Once this is achieved, the true meaning and essence of love is understood. This concept allows for "true healing" to take place, one that takes into account the "whole" person (body, mind, and spirit). This fundamental wholeness and connectedness is essential In Sufism. It is necessary for attaining healing, achieving unity and harmony, and overall healthy living. In the recent decades, as we begin to understand the limitations in modern science and medicine, and as we search for this hidden power of life within us, we will need to examine the role of religion and spirituality more closely in the treatment of our patients. It is this author’s hope that as more clinicians incorporate a similar approach in their patient treatment, a higher level of success and positive outcomes are achieved utilizing Religion, spirituality, and Love.
Love is a fundamental component of every religion in the world. The effect of love on human growth and development is particularly important in the treatment of many disease processes. It can affect the recovery from multiple medical and psychological conditions, including abuse and neglect. How humans develop and learn depends critically and continually on the interplay between an individual’s genetic endowment and the nurturance and social stimulation that are provided or withheld. Developmental and behavioral problems which are among the most common conditions of childhood and adolescence can also be effectively treated using this approach. These conditions and their subsequent outcomes can directly influence the families as well as the society as a whole. Optimization of health care for these individuals involves management of associated medical and psychological problems, as well as the use of complementary and alternative medical treatments such as meditation, biofeedback, breathing exercises, and prayer. This is a type of clinical practice that results in treating the “complete” patient and not just fixing and addressing one area at a time. If the entire system is not treated adequately as a whole, the problem is destined to show up again later, in another place, location, or disease process. In Sufism, it is believed that for the development of the ideal human being, cognition of the real Self and the essence of our being is needed. Once this is achieved, the true meaning and essence of love is understood. This concept allows for "true healing" to take place, one that takes into account the "whole" person (body, mind, and spirit). This fundamental wholeness and connectedness is essential In Sufism. It is necessary for attaining healing, achieving unity and harmony, and overall healthy living. In the recent decades, as we begin to understand the limitations in modern science and medicine, and as we search for this hidden power of life within us, we will need to examine the role of religion and spirituality more closely in the treatment of our patients. It is this author’s hope that as more clinicians incorporate a similar approach in their patient treatment, a higher level of success and positive outcomes are achieved utilizing Religion, spirituality, and Love.