The Importance Of Spiritual Healing

Practices relating to spiritual healing are found in all religions (Watts, F. 2011, p.2), including the New Age movement. New Age faiths focus on self-spirituality, criticism of traditional institutions, and an appreciation of nature (Hedges, E. and Beckford, J. 2000, pp.170-171). Similar ideas are reflected in their practices of spiritual healing, which emphasises holism, both inner harmony and with nature, and self-healing (Heelas, P. 1996a, pp.56, 81). There are many different types of spiritual healing, for example, crystal healing, mindfulness, and meditation (Gilhus, J. and Sutcliffe, S. 2013, pp.53, 63), many of which have basis in Eastern Religions, and often propose some form of healing ‘energy’ (Hedges, E. and Beckford, J. 2000,

Illness may disrupt one’s life and cause feelings of helplessness (Kinsey, B. 2011, p.92); spiritual healing gives people responsibility and control over their own health and treatment, which can be tailored to them as an individual, and not dictated by institutions or tradition (Melton, G. 1990, p.216; Heelas, P. 1996, pp.82-83). Spiritual healing offers opportunities for not only physical healing, but also self-actualisation, self-fulfilment (Gilhus, J. and Sutcliffe, S. 2013, p.54), and remedy problems of identity common in the contemporary world (Gilhus, J. and Sutcliffe, S. 2013, p.229), taking their personal experiences and environment into account. Furthermore, due to the emphasis on holism and harmony, spiritual healing presents a chance for not only betterment within oneself, but also with the natural world and in relationships with others (Heelas, P. 1996b, p.53). All of these things hold the promise of improving a person’s wider life. Spiritual healing also provides a means to spiritual enlightenment (Melton, G. 1990, p.75). Even if spiritual healing will not cure a person, it is known to give people peace of mind in the face of chronic or terminal illness (Heelas, P. 1996a,

and Oulanova, O. 2011, p.146). Many products related to spiritual healing are sold commercially in the mainstream market, as well as healing methods being directed towards those not a part of any New Age faith, for consumerist benefit (Heelas, P. 1996b, p.61,83). However, in what is perhaps a more positive development, elements of spiritual healing practices have been taken on by mainstream medical services, as they have been shown to have benefits for patients (Gilhus, J. and Sutcliffe, S. 2013, p.53). For example, doctors are beginning to take more of an interest in all parts of a patient’s life, acknowledging how they may affect their patients’ health (Schlitz, M. 2011, p.140). Practices such as Mindfulness and Meditation are used in secular settings such as universities and workplaces, as well as hospitals, given their benefits related to stress relief (Tighe, M. and Butler, J. 2007,