Let’s face it, there are no magic pills for immediate recovery and good health. But research shows that, in addition to excellent medical care, spirituality can provide an extra dose of healing. And that includes prayer and meditation Kambo Practitioner.
“Everything is connected. When we connect with our spiritual self, we are addressing health and illness on a very intimate level,” says Chaplain Renato Santos, department head chaplain at Baptist Health South Florida. “Prayer and meditation have the ability to reduce the busyness we feel and help us focus on the things that are really important.”
Academic studies point to the same conclusion. The Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry reported a 90 percent reduction in major depression among those who rated spirituality and religion as important. Meditation and mindfulness practices are also linked to reducing inflammation in the body, according to a medical study. And the American Heart Association also reported a link between meditation and lower risk of heart disease, according to a report in the New York Times .
How does the mind-body-spirit connection work?
Prayer and meditation can have a calming impact on the brain, heart rate and other vital signs, according to a variety of clinical studies. That’s important today since electronic devices, time commitments and other pressures can disperse or deplete our attention and energies, says Chaplain Santos.
“When we pray, we find balance. When we find balance, we are creating internal space for health and well-being,” she says.
What is the effect of stress?
Chronic anxiety, stress and depression can cause or contribute to major diseases, including cardiovascular disease, according to a study from Harvard Medical School. And acute stress can reduce the body’s ability to fight colds, viruses and other infections, according to research.
Spirituality and habits related to spirituality and religion can help eliminate stress, says the chaplain. These habits include community involvement, good works, charitable activities, and regular attendance at religious services.
“These habits are linked to faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and reduced readmissions,” says Chaplain Santos. “The faith community also communicates higher levels of health and satisfaction.”
What is the role of Pastoral Health?
Pastoral Health services are designed to help create a safe and welcoming space where health-related anxieties experienced by patients and their loved ones can be reduced. To achieve that goal, Baptist Health offers an interfaith group comprised of clinically trained chaplains who are able to work across faith lines to provide appropriate support as needed or requested.
“Health problems and concerns almost by definition create imbalance in patients’ lives,” says Chaplain Santos. “Our goal is to create an environment where people know that their religious needs are compatible. Baptist Health offers an environment that welcomes the connection between spirituality and health.”
What services are available to patients and their families?
Pastoral Health offers outreach and support through two main avenues: one-on-one with the patient and family, and community programs.
“We respect people on their emotional and spiritual journey regarding religious and cultural beliefs and diversity,” says Chaplain Santos.
Pastoral Health also offers religious programs and spaces where the patient, family and staff can pray, meditate and learn. Baptist Health facilities provide dedicated areas for prayer and meditation, including chapels, meditation gardens and private meeting rooms.
“From the beginning, Baptist Health has understood the importance of fostering the spirit and the direct relationship of the spirit and the heart to good health,” says Chaplain Santos.