According to Tracy Shepherd, Divine Reiki Master and Teacher of Reiki, Angel Therapy and Shaman Practitioner, ʺSpiritual healing takes place the moment you realize you want to feel better in life.ʺ
The definition of spiritual healing differs from person-to-person. There are hundreds if not thousands of forms of spiritual healing. These types of spiritual healing may include but are not limited to the following:
• Visiting a sacred place like Lourdes, France or a place of worship
• Meditation
• Reiki
• Visualization
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Singing
• Chanting
• Prayer
• Divination with crystals
• Shaman journeys
Many incorporate spiritual healing as part of their alternative or complementary medicine. As stated by the University of Maryland Medical Center’s (UMMC) website, ʺthere have been numerous studies conducted over the past 50 years that show a person's health and well-being benefits when his or her spiritual needs are addressed.ʺ
Those spiritual healing benefits may include:
• Improved sense of well-being
• Improved management of cardiovascular needs (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure)
• Shorter hospital stay
• Improved experience of their hospital stay
• Improved pain management
• Improved motivation to complete the tasks of healing
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one type of program which incorporates a spiritual aspect.
Some studies revealed those with strong spirituality:
• Heal faster from surgery
• Are less anxious
• Are less depressed
• Have lower blood pressure
• Cope better with chronic illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and spinal cord injury
A Duke University clinical study ʺfound that people who attend[ed] regular religious services tend to have better immune function. In another clinical study of 232 older adults undergoing heart surgery, those who were religious were three times less likely to die within the six months after surgery than those who were not. Not one of the 37 people in this study who described themselves as deeply religious died. Of course, the studies are not comprehensive, and many people find help in spiritual resources for numerous conditions.ʺ
Another interesting form of spiritual healing is an ancient form of energy movement called reiki.
According to Shepherd, ʺreiki is connecting with the energy that the universe or God consciousness (or whatever you consider your Source to be) is and bringing it down to our earthly being for replenishment and chakra washing.ʺ
Reiki is based on the laying of hands. A Reiki Master releases the positive energy of reiki.
Shepherd said, ʺReiki energy is pure and only positive results occur and can be used to help physical healings, too. As a recipient of Reiki you may literally feel the positive filling your solar being up and a physical release will follow... you know that all-loving Woooosh... of strength that you are meant to be right here, right now.ʺ
ʺMost healing modalities are nondenominational," said Shepherd. ʺI encourage you to find your local metaphysical store and start your journey.ʺ
References:
Spirituality. University of Maryland Medical Center | Home. Retrieved January 22, 2012, from
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/spirituality-000360.htm
Tracy Shepherd ANGELS. Tracy Shepherd ANGELS. Retrieved January 22, 2012, from
http://tracyshepherdangels.blogspot.com
Understanding The Nature of Spiritual Healing | Silva Mind Body Healing. Silva Mind Body Healing - Energy Healing Techniques. Retrieved January 22, 2012, from http://www.silvamindbodyhealing.com/articles/healing/spiritual-healing
What is Spiritual Care? University of Maryland Medical Center | Home. Retrieved January 22, 2012, from
http://www.umm.edu/pastoral_care/spiritual_care.htm
Reviewed January 23, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith