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Running Heading: HEALING THROUGH SPIRITUALITY

The Healing Process through Spirituality


Brittney L. Hilligoss
Holistic Approach to Wellness
Ivy Tech Community College
10/25/2015

The Healing Process Through Spirituality

Abstract
The way that an individual accepts spirituality can be indicative of how their body responds to
the healing process. Otherworldliness comes in many forms and can be viewed as altruism,
mutuality, devotion to a higher being, a mind-body-spirit connection, and a multitude of other
effects. Only just recently have researchers began to discover the correlation between mysticism
and wellness. Being active in spiritual practices has been shown to elicit a more favorable health
result than that of the contrary. The facets in which are being influenced consist of: cognitive
ability, social capacity, and somatic function. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact medicinal
properties that spirituality can evoke, but it is evident that it has a justifiable place in the world of
healthcare.

The Healing Process Through Spirituality

For thousands of years, mankind has longed for the truth behind what remains unseen.
Folklore, fairy tales, scripture, and tradition have rivaled against one another to make it all the
more confusing. One certainty is the innate need for us as humans to believe in something
greater than ourselves. There is a wide array of how and where a person can exercise their
spiritual beliefs, none of which is wrong. Some individuals are instinctively spiritual because of
upbringing, while others feel it is a requirement. Contrarily, there are some that lack the nature
to accept that abstract forces are even possible. So how prominent is the topic of spirituality in a
world where everything is credentialed by fact? Only just recently have scientists started to
reveal an essential connection between spirituality and healing (Young, 2009). A shift from
verity to concept is becoming more conventional, and society is beginning to look towards
alternative methods.
The longstanding theme of transcendental healing has more recently erupted on the
forefront of not only alternative medicine, but traditional as well. Scientists have been hard at
work trying to crack the code that encompasses spiritual healing. The relationship between
numinous practices and health benefits has been linked to cognitive health and social livelihood
collectively (Young, 2009). Because of the attention this topic has received, many consumers are
now turning toward alternative resources for getting themselves and their loved ones better
faster. For the longest time, natural or spiritual healing had been placed on the backburner and
viewed as an unconventional way to address illnesses. Now more than ever though we are
seeing supplementation of many spiritual methods integrated into everyday wellness.

The Healing Process Through Spirituality

To truly understand the inner being, one must first acknowledge that the human spirit
itself is an incorporeal entity. It is without dimension, and therefore, unable to be noticed by the
naked eye. Some theologies view this human counterpart merely as an individuals awareness,
insight, and judgment; others opinionate that there is no absolute definition for spirituality as it
can be perceived differently by each individual (Ball, 2015). According to the book Integrative
Health: Holistic Approach for Health Professionals, the realm of spirituality can be further
divided into eight constituents: prayer, love, hope, grace, forgiveness, peacemaking, mystery and
suffering (Young, 2009). Love for example, is characterized by the ability to extend
benevolence, affability, generosity, and empathy to others (Young, 2009). Looking inward and
questioning actuality can aid in creating your own interpretation of spirituality. Concepts to be
considered are: mystic forces, existence, and self-actualization. You may also take a moment to
ask yourself what offers you internal tranquility and how to achieve it.
Without regard to an individuals personal stance on spirituality, it is still important to
explore the ideals behind different techniques. Yoga, art and music therapy, reiki, meditation,
and guided imagery are all forms of divine restoration (Young, 2009). Some of the benefits that
are believed to result from these methods are stress relief, mental clarity, disease prevention,
lowered blood pressure, and reduced pain (Young, 2009). In recognizing this, many massage
therapists, fitness trainers, psychologists and other practitioners are beginning to employ these
techniques in their own practices.
Mind-body healing is an all-inclusive way to provoke ones own betterment through
mystic forces. How thoughts and energy influence someones wellbeing is a topic that many
suggest should not be taken lightly. There is a vast collection of practices that can lead towards
the improvement of mental and physical conditions. It is said that with daily exercise of these

The Healing Process Through Spirituality

approaches a person can achieve significant results. Typically, all of these techniques can be
done individually and with a moments notice. Just reserving five minutes for meditation or
prayer can be all that a person needs in that instant. On the contrary, some people choose to
practice sanctity in a more communal fashion. Experiencing spirituality with others can aid a
person in feeling less isolated and fuel sentiments of belonging (Young, 2009). Additionally,
others can attain personal identity and self-esteem within this type of structure. Whatever the
case, developing a spiritual connectedness can elicit positive feelings for everyone involved.
Meditation is an ancient yet contemporary practice in which focus is used to create
harmony within an individual (Young, 2009). Since meditation is considered to have dual
benefits (the body and the mind), it is looked to as a more logical means of self-care in todays
society. The need for people to take a break from their hectic lives is more vital now than it has
ever been. Because everything is our world is catered towards immediate gratification, it is a go
to for many. Some people can experience the effects of meditation in as little as ten minutes,
which for some, is all of the time they have. The acceptance of this healing technique has grown
considerably in the past decade, but more significantly, has begun to crop up in professional
settings. Not only are certain rehabilitation facilities and clinics now offering complementary
meditation, but some employers are requiring it (Ball, 2015). It has been discussed that
meditation possesses the capacity to improve both medical and mental illness. Regular practice
of meditation has been proven on a small scale to reduce heart disease, pain, anxiety, and blood
pressure (Young, 2009). The allegation surrounding this method is that an in tune mind can
actually quadruple the advancement of the healing process (Young, 2009). With the odds in its
favor, meditation is viewed by some as a simplistic and available method for finding relief.

The Healing Process Through Spirituality

Two words that are commonly intertwined are religion and spirituality (Young, 2009).
Although many people believe that religion hints at the existence of a higher being, others view
it strictly as a set of beliefs. Utilizing prayer---which is often associated with religion---is a way
in which a person can express themselves either inwardly or outwardly. Prayers can take the
form of adoration, praise, confession, desires, or respect (Young, 2009). In tandem with seeking
profession assistance, individuals often turn to prayer because of illness, suffering, or need for
resolution. Spiritual prayer follows along the same guidelines as religious prayer. It gives the
person a heightened sense of their own spirit and can be felt as an out-of-body experience
(Tiffany, n.d.). Many still consider it to be an intimate gateway to speaking with a higher being
or beings. Sometimes prayer is used as a last resort for a person that is undertaken by hardship,
whether physical or emotional. Whatever a persons need or want is to pray, it seems to give an
internal sense of satisfaction and mental exuberance.
Another outlet that many turn to is a daily journal. Not only is journaling recommended
for personal growth, but it can also behave as a tool for expressing spirituality. It can assist in
giving insight to a persons emotions in an accessible and perpetual way (Young, 2009). Luckily,
there is no right or wrong way to keep a journal. A lot of individuals will journal for days
without perusing back through old entries, while others will glance back habitually. No matter
what the reason is for journaling, individuals can remain confident in knowing that it is one
source that can be retrieved anytime. Writing down your thoughts in a journal is said to improve
grief, loss, insecurity, and outlook (Young, 2009). An important aspect to note is that journaling
is not just reserved for text. Certain people express themselves better by including pictures,
shapes, colors, and collages intermittently throughout (Ball, 2015). Another way to enhance this

The Healing Process Through Spirituality

experience is to take to the outdoors. Journaling alone has favorable results, but doing so while
in nature can have supplementary benefits.
Nature has played a pivotal part in the search for contentment and personal renewal
throughout the ages. Inhaling fresh, crisp air from the outdoors leaves most people feeling less
anxious and more wholesome. What a person observes while out in nature (sights, sounds, and
other experiences) promotes not only an improved mood, but body function as well. Studies
have shown repeatedly that spending time outdoors has a positive influence on the immune,
nervous, and endocrine systems (Young, 2009). Many experts suggest that it is by far one of the
simplest ways help yourself feel improved. So what is it about stepping foot out the front door
that is so miraculous? The actual science behind this occurrence is due in part to the sun.
Natural sunlight stimulates vitamin D production within the integumentary system (Young,
2009). This is turn, elevates mood levels and decreases certain disorders.
When patients become hospital-bound, the intensity of treatment reaches a new level.
Some patients may only require a few days until they are released, but others must be retained
for a longer period of time. When this occurs, hospital staff will do everything in their control to
maintain a relaxing and comfortable environment for the duration of the persons stay. Being
delayed in a hospital does not have to be a negative experience though. An unprecedented need
for many patients is being able to trust and believe in their caregivers. Healthcare providers face
a multitude of barriers when it comes to applying patient care in a spiritual manner. They must
first gage whether or not that person is accepting of that type of care before it can be
implemented into their plan. Sometimes setting aside time to pray with a patient is extremely
pivotal for their advancement (Young, 2009). According to some professionals, after patients
reach a certain point in which results have halted, they need to turn to alternative care. It is

The Healing Process Through Spirituality

appropriate for physicians, social workers, chaplains, and parish nurses to be involved in the act
of prayer, but this is not to say that all of these individuals are well equipped to do so (Young,
2009). Many healthcare workers are not specifically trained in the area of providing spiritual
care. When this happens, a referral is the best route to take in order to find someone who is
comfortable and qualified to perform this task.
On occasion, the best practice to determine a patients direction of care is to prepare a
spiritual assessment (Young, 2009). The purpose of this evaluation is to outline the patients
spiritual perspective (such as religious standpoint or outlook regarding care) in order to
determine what interventions can be used (Young, 2009). It is fundamental to recognize though
that not all patients are well suited for a spiritual assessment. As it is, elderly, hospitalized, and
critically ill patients are for the most part the ones that participate. Many of these people have
little reserves left and do not mind speaking outwardly about their beliefs. Sometimes, a
practitioner can decide to use a spiritual assessment based on previous indications as well.
Patients who openly converse about their religious viewpoints or spirituality are prime
candidates for this kind of test (Young, 2009). Several tools exist to help physicians conduct a
spiritual history. After necessary precautions are taken and it is decided to utilize this tool, the
provider can present the assessment. The questions within the spiritual assessment contain many
detailed components relating to spirituality. It includes queries regarding the individuals moral
values, spiritual ideals, and faith-based principles along with a slew of others (Young, 2009).
Once this information is digested, the healthcare team can begin implementing alternate
strategies into the patients plan of care.
All of us age and as we do the means for which we can provide for ourselves diminishes.
Things that once seemed simple such as bathing, dressing, or eating, becomes increasing

The Healing Process Through Spirituality

complicated for many aging adults. Fortunately, science reveals that even though physical and
cognitive abilities may lessen, the spirituality of an individual remains intact (Boyle, 2003). As a
person ages, sense of time and priorities change dramatically. Oftentimes when a person is
young or middle-aged, thoughts are more materialistic and time squandered is without remorse.
For the geriatric population, life is perceived quite differently. For the most part, elderly people
tremendously value the time that have left and with that, desire to put it to good use. Time that
was once spent working a job or raising children is now liberated and can be replaced other
activities. Without as much responsibility, it is the picture-perfect moment in a persons life for
reflecting on a cosmic level. There are several reasons why the aging population requires and
should maintain spiritual interaction; it can give the person a sense of strength, emotional
fortitude, improved endurance, and less risk of developing an illness (Boyle, 2003). Developing
routines for prayer, meditation, and reflection can all assist in creating a greater quality of life.
Why does a person experience a strong sensation right before something integral
happens? Is it sheer luck, the subconscious mind, or something greater? A lot of people might
refer to this event as awareness or instinct taking over, but others digress that it is of mystical
property. Scientists believe that there is an imperative message to be deciphered regarding the
relationship of health and the human spirit. Many practitioners are beginning to take a more
spiritual approach when it comes to serving patients. Spiritual and holistic practices are
moderately becoming integrated into client care that before, were solely Western-based.
Although much of what we know within the realm of spirituality is unfounded, there is a residual
notion that it does exist. Unfortunately for us, until more research is achieved, the topic of
spirituality amid healing will befittingly remain a mystery.

The Healing Process Through Spirituality

References
Ball, PhD, M.W. (2015, July ). Spirituality & Health. 3 Models of Psychedelic Healing and
Spirituality . Retrieved September 13, 2015, from http://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/3models-psychedelic-healing-and-spirituality
Boyle, PhD, J. (2003). Ethical and Spiritual Issues at the End of Life: The Relevance of Spiritual
Care to Bioethics. Bioethics Update, 3(2), 1-4. Retrieved , from http://www.ccbiutoronto.ca/documents/bioethic_update/2003_ethic-spirit-end-life.pdf
Cyndie, K., & Young, C. (2009). Health and the Human Spirit. Integrative Health: A Holistic
Approach for Health Professionals (pp. 31-5). Sudbury, Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett
Publishers, LLC.
Tiffany, N.R. (n.d.). Holistic Health Resources | American Holistic Health Association. AHHA:
Spirituality and Healing. Retrieved September 13, 2015, from
http://ahha.org/articles.asp?Id=66
Woods, MD, M. (2015, March ). Beliefnet. Spirituality and Healing. Retrieved September 13,
2015, from http://www.beliefnet.com/healthandhealing/content/13619/Spirituality-andhealing.aspx

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