Introduction
The understanding of health and the process of healing in regard to the religious belief of individuals goes beyond the realm of spirituality (Suzanne, 2008). Health is believed by every religion as the most important value at which insights can be created, and as well a practical means at which the health of individuals can be promoted. The secular perspective of religion is considered a contributing factor which broadens the unique religious contribution and individual’s concern to spiritual dimensions. However, the essay to be discussed is on the issue of the spiritual perspective of individuals from different religious faith, and our main religious focus will be on the Buddhist religion, Sikh religion and the Baha’i religious faith. Elaborations will also be made on the practices that hasten healing practice on each of these faiths and the role of healthcare providers in the provision of care to these patients.
Spiritual Perspective of Healing by Buddhists
The Buddhist perspective of health and healing is basically on the concept of spiritual involvement, imaging and meditation (Penit, 2008). Visualization is another way of meditative practice by the Buddhists and it can be used both in the process of healing and on the spiritual development of individuals. In visualization, individuals involved in this practice does not need to understand the words (pali words), instead, it was noted that the calming and soothing of a person’s mind can only occur by just listening to the vibration sounds or visualizing a vivid image of Buddha (Penit, 2008). Moreover, the utilization of the meditative techniques used by the Buddhists along with medical treatments can be used in healing many chronic diseases like h...
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... should always be carried out by healthcare providers in other to understand the spiritual need and practices of their patients, thus promoting their health.
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In a previous paper I explored how new generations of Western doctors are more focused on treating the disease, rather than the patient as a whole. If doctors spent extra time with each patient to treat their spiritual well-being, as well as their physical ailments, they could create a new dynamic in the way medicine is practiced. In this paper I will discuss why arts from Eastern mysticism should be incorporated into Western medicine practices, as well as a few ways they may be incorporated.
...cept and making provision for the process for these faith is significant to customer survives within the health care industry and for the healthcare system own spiritual growth. We are merging holistic treatment so it is only fair that we acknowledge and accommodate all religions. The health care provider can gently probe into our patient religions only to gather data for better provision of care and to document such responses for future use. Recently American has been pressured about not been the world favorite but yet people of diverse culture seek medical care from us. These opportunities give us a chance to show our true color. These patients always become overwhelmed by our caring culture and personalized it. This may be their own private and personal experiences but this a real picture of our healthcare system always striving to improve our customer services.
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He not only provided for people physically, he also provided for them spiritually. He healed the diseased and healed the spiritually dead. A healing hospital aspires to embody what Jesus did for mankind. They care not only for the physical needs of patients, but also considers and cares for all aspects of their health. In Matthew nine, a bleeding woman was healed because of her faith (ESV). Jesus considered not only her condition, but her spiritual health as well. This aspect of Jesus’ ministry is seen in these environments and helps healing hospitals succeed in their care of patients. This philosophy is backwards in the medical world. Only the physical needs are considered in most hospitals and this new concept has the influence to change it (Eberst, 2008). The paradigm seen from Mercy Gilbert shows that this concept helps patients and continues to serve patients in the best ways possible (Eberst, 2008). Jesus is the paradigm of healing hospitals should
The concentration of a healing hospital is to make an environment which aids to decrease the tension level of patients and their kin. When the patients are transferred to the hospitals they went through a lot of tension and anxiety like, frightening of the unknown, hurting therapeutic processes, modification in financial status because of the increasing expenses due to hospitalizing and are considerable as most hard times of their life. By careful self evaluation of the fact that spirituality is one of the greatest key factor in the healing recovery stage, the healing hospitals goal is to enhance overall wellness of the patients and their relatives like brain, spiritual, and feeling needs of life (Eberst, 2008). This essay descript the factors of healing hospitals, their relation to spirituality, the mountains and barriers in making a healing environment and a biblical message that supports the procedure of healing hospitals.
Developing a sense of wholeness and having an established relationship with their creator, can assist the individual with maintaining stability during times of illness, stress, or when a cure is not possible. This can facilitate a source of healing within, which will promote the health of members in the faith based community. “To promote healing, the nurse builds on strengths to encourage the connecting and integrating of the inner spiritual” (Stanhope, Marcia, & Lancaster, 2012, p. 972). Connecting with the inner spiritual is an important aspect because it can assist the individual with making healthier lifestyle choices. By making healthier lifestyle choices, the individual will achieve their optimal health or wellness and this will be beneficial for the individual and faith based
Illness is something that for many is a term taken for granted. There is a conception particularly in the west, that illness is simply matter of physiological malfunction. It is through pure manipulation of the physical body; through mainly traditionally western scientific methods that illness is eliminated. However, this is a singular way of viewing illness. Throughout the world, traditional and indigenous practices have shaped cultural perceptions about the body in ways western medicine cannot comprehend. One of the most common ways to rationalize illness is through some form of possession. Within the Sufi tradition, healing is derived from mystical knowledge, which Muslims refer to as ilm-i-ruhani, or soul knowledge. Sufi healers known as
Western medicine has recently discovered the powerful affects of meditation, by allowing doctors to treat the body and the mind. In reality, the mind is a very misunderstood and unexplored region of the human existence. Modern science knows more about the composition of the earth than it does about the mechanics of the human brain. Yet, meditation thwarts all notions of modern medicine with its shocking ability to to take obscure visualizations and create physical responses in the body. Mahayana Buddhism, found mainly in the autonomous region of Tibet, has become the main reference and standard for meditation practices in the west. Tibetans have used meditation for centuries as treatment for illness, and now, modern medicine of the western world is just beginning to reap the benefits of this unique and unconventional treatment for a variety of physical and mental ailments. Once a practice reserved strictly for Buddhist monks, meditation has become a worldwide phenomenon. Simply enter “Buddhist meditation” into the any Inter...
...relationship between health and spiritual beliefs. He emphasized that most practicing Sikh Punjabis find comfort in knowing that a greater power than themselves is watching over them.
Throughout history, it seems that medicine and spirituality have been linked in many circumstances. In a study looking at the use of complementary and alternative therapies in cardiac patients, spiritual healing was one of many practices patient sought to utilize. In another study, 29% of participants chose to use prayer or premeditation as a way to cope with their chronic illness. In both studies, prayer or meditation was more likely to be used by individuals who had a large social network, as well as support from another person in the same health situation. Based on these studies, it seems that many individuals (not just cardiovascular patients) turn to their spirituality in times of health distress.
Eastern practices are greatly focused upon religion and philosophy. These practices are heavily based upon observations, subjectivity, and feelings. A Western nurse, on learning of the practices of eastern medicine stated, “Eastern philosophy attempts to remind us that as human beings, we are similar to all in nature, nothing more, nothing less.” (Griff p. 37). Tibetan methods of diagnosis are far mo...
In today’s society, it is very important for the healthcare professional to be educated about the culture of their patients. It can be seen that the number of patients who are Muslim are increasing throughout the healthcare system. It is challenging for healthcare workers to care for the needs of Muslim patients when they don’t understand their cultural beliefs. Muslims don’t necessarily have the same health beliefs, outcomes, or priorities that their providers have, therefore making it more difficult to come to a final healthcare decision (Al-Oraibi, 2009.) “This intercultural gap in understanding between clients and providers may result in poor care services and low levels of satisfaction” (Al-Oraibi, 2009.) Muslims are not being properly accommodated in healthcare settings because of a lack of education from healthcare workers about the Muslim culture and religion.
...healing process of the patient. Healthcare professionals should frequently ask questions in order to fully understand if certain needs are to be met because of religious practices or beliefs. For example, a fresh bed sheet can be offered to a Muslim in order for a clean space for their daily prayers (pg. 21, Singh, 2009). Certain medical decisions can be difficult to finalize since religion must be taken into consideration. Healthcare providers will come into contact with people of different faiths, nationalities and cultures. All patients should be treated with the same amount of respect and acceptance in order for their medical needs to be fairly met.
Religion is a significant aspect of culture that must be understood and respected. Through understanding the differences in peoples cultures, a nurse who is tending to a patient who’s beliefs differ from his or her own can appropriately adjust care to respect the patient’s beliefs and
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