Can meditation and Dhamma really cure illness? (Spirituality & Health)

When problems arise in our lives, when we feel deeply troubled, many of us seek some kind of help, don't we? Some go to a temple, church, or temple to calm down. Others meditate and try to calm their minds. So can such religious and spiritual things really affect our physical health, especially our minds? Today we are talking about this topic that is important to many people.

The connection between your brain and your spiritual life

Traditional Western medicine has not paid much attention to a person's religious beliefs. But that is changing. A number of new studies are showing that spiritual or religious practices can have a surprising impact on our health, especially mental health.

Simply put, numerous studies have shown that people who follow a spiritual or religious practice have lower rates of depression, suicide, and substance abuse . Additionally, those who regularly attend church, pray, meditate, and help others are more likely to recover from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and become mentally stronger after a traumatic event.

According to Lisa Miller, a psychologist at Columbia University, these practices provide a sense of security during the most difficult times in life, “someone is watching over us, we are not alone.” People who find meaning and purpose in their lives through their spiritual beliefs build the mental strength to face any difficult problem and overcome it, building resilience to face any challenge that comes their way.

This isn't just limited to mental health. Studies have shown that people who regularly attend religious services are less likely to be hospitalized, and even if they are hospitalized, they recover and go home sooner. Even patients with serious illnesses like cancer report a higher quality of life if they follow a spiritual practice.

Some parts of the brain of someone who has been depressed for a long time may appear to be “thin” (hypotrophy). However, research has shown that those parts of the brain of someone who recovers through spiritual practices “thicken” (hypertrophy). These changes in the brain may provide protection against mental illness . However, exactly how this happens is still being researched.

The most important thing is that, rather than just believing, it is very important to follow a practice related to it . It is like a psychological treatment prescribed by a doctor. For example, in treatments like ( Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT) , it is the continuous practice of those things that brings results.

Is the concept of 'God' essential?

No. Your spiritual belief doesn’t necessarily have to be religious. It can be a connection to a “higher power” or a “universal force.” For some, it’s simply a sense of “something bigger than themselves.” It can range from the traditional belief in a God to a deep connection with the universe, with art, with nature, or with other people.

Imagine that deep feeling we feel when we look at a beautiful sunset, listen to a beautiful poem or song, or enjoy the beauty of nature from Sigiriya or the End of the World. That too is a spiritual experience.

So, formal beliefs and practices are not necessary. You can be grateful to others, show kindness, do community service, or spend time with nature. If you feel happy and peaceful, listen to music, read poetry, and do those things more.

The power of unity over anything done alone

When we talk about “spirituality,” it can sometimes seem like a very personal, individual thing. “But we are social beings. We need other people. We need a place to belong,” says sociologist Brandon Vaidyanathan.

Perhaps this is why belonging to an organized religion has a greater impact on health than being spiritually independent. At least that's what a survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic found.

When you go to a temple or a church and join others, you get the feeling that “I am part of this community.” That is the best medicine for loneliness. You don't get that feeling when you meditate alone in a room.

But there is another side to this. Not all religious or spiritual communities are good. If you feel punished by your god or community, abandoned, and made to feel like you are a sinner, it can increase your anxiety, depression, and stress. Also, if there is politics, favoritism, and gossip within your religious community, it is certain that stress levels are high among them.

How can medical treatment and spiritual healing be reconciled?

Some doctors and psychologists are already integrating patients' personal religious or spiritual practices into their treatments (e.g., CBT). Studies have shown that this approach is particularly effective in managing substance abuse, chronic depression, and trauma.

Anna Yusim, a psychiatrist at Yale School of Medicine, is a passionate researcher on this topic. As she says, “Spiritual needs are a core and essential part of a person’s existence.”

She incorporates various religious and spiritual practices into her treatment plans. If the patient's core beliefs are part of the treatment plan, she incorporates things like prayer, reading religious scriptures, and attending religious ceremonies. For those without such specific religious beliefs, she uses things like meditation, yoga, and breath work . She says these methods have been able to make a very powerful and transformative difference in the lives of patients.

So, if you feel that your spiritual beliefs are important to your mental health, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it. Tell him or her about your beliefs and what brings you comfort. It can help make your medical treatment more effective.