Belief plays an essential role in healing. Having confidence in my doctor when he assures me that I am doing fine encourages a more rapid recovery than if that spiritual factor is absent.
I wasn’t surprised to read an article in BMJ, formerly known as the British Medical Journal, revealing that about half the doctors in the United States, Denmark, Israel, and the United Kingdom dispense placebos.
The great 19th century American psychologist William James wrote of the efficacy of these chemically inert prescriptions. Placebos are particularly effective in pain management activating the same regions of the brain as opiate-drugs. Brain scan research reveals a common neurological reaction to both placebo-induced pain relief and narcotic-induced analgesia. Indeed, the body’s health and physical well-being flows from the brain, the mind, and the soul.
Ancient Jewish wisdom assures that our physical bodies and spiritual souls are welded into one. Bodily realities impact our souls. More importantly for health purposes, spiritual realities impact our bodies.
