In addition to this situation, a variety of situations exist in which the spirit may influence illness. Asian philosophies often discuss the spirit's relation to the body and illness, suggesting that those who can maintain their spirits also do a service to their bodies. For example, the ancient art of Shiatsu teaches that the body, mind, and spirit are all connected by energy, and that the Hara, located in the abdomen, is the center of the body that connects it to the spiritual world. Thus, by "centering" oneself, illness, pain, and even mental anguish can be overcome. Asian medical and spiritual arts like Shiatsu have come to influence the modern movement based on what is termed the law of attraction. This theory suggests that all living things are made of energy, and so the creation of positive energy through positive thoughts and an open spirit leads to better health.
While these new age and Eastern philosophies are traditionally seen as accepting the body-spirit connection, it is important to note that even...
In fact, when someone is afflicted with an illness, the Bible urges that person to pray. The church has long focused on the power of prayer and meditation in prayer or on scripture to not only heal diseases, but also for pain management.
While these situations suggesting a connection between the mind and the spirit seem to be topics for the church or temple rather than the hospital or doctor's office, many modern medical practitioners are starting to realize the importance of the body-spirit connection in regards to illness. For this reason, hospitals are outfitted with chapels, and therapists and other medical practitioners are taught the importance of connecting with their patients on a spiritual level to influence healing. While the body may show physical signs of distress, personal testimony and the numerous amount of situations in which the spirit affects illness offer proof of the tight-knit connection between the physical and the spiritual.
