The Mind as a Healer
We live in an age of wild health claims. Miracle diets, miracle foods,
miracle herbs, miracle medical treatments and claims of miraculous
results bombard us every day. There are a lot of problems with what is
happening in the health industry. It is very difficult for the average
person to know what is a valid claim and what is not. What is
particularly dangerous is the fact that some claimed miracle drugs and
foods can be very harmful--even if they are natural. It is also
important to understand that taking a miracle drug or food as a
substitute for a known cure for financial or social reasons can put off
medical help to the point of becoming dangerous and actually add
additional expense.
There has been some literature describing what is called "the
placebo effect." National Geographic
(August 2004, page 1) published some of the surprising placebo effects
that have been observed:
- Researchers treating arthritis by arthroscopic surgery sedated a
group of patients, nicked their knees and when they awoke told them the
operation was a success. Two years of follow-up showed that the placebo
patients had the same improved function as those who actually had the
operation.
- 50 percent of Parkinson's patients showed improved motor function
after receiving a saline injection.
- The same cream was put on two spots on subjects' arms, and they
were told one would reduce pain and the other would not. Heat was
applied that could produce a burning sensation to both spots. Brain
scans and verbal responses showed that the cream that was identified as
pain relieving really worked while the other one did not.
- A group of patients was told that a pill (which was sugar) might
cause headaches, insomnia, and nausea and a group were not told that.
The group that was told these things dropped out of the trials six
times more often than those who were not told.
Some will say that all of this is just in the minds of people, but
there is evidence that there is more going on here than that. Brain
scans have shown that just the anticipation of relief in Parkinson's
patients can increase dopamine production in the brain (a major factor
in the disease). Our minds control our bodies and there are many
chemical responses in our bodies to what we think, see, and hear. Our
attitudes and our activities can have a major effect on how we respond
to physical ailments. Doctors tell us that a patient's attitude has a
huge effect on recovery, and we have all known people who sailed
through a treatment that crippled someone else.
The human mind is an
incredible example of God's design. Not only is
it incredible in its ability to process data and control body functions
and think, but it also has a major role to play in our health and
well-being. The Christian system is a part of that design, because it
offers the positive message of home and salvation that enables us to
reduce fear and anxiety and face the things that the world brings upon
us. All of this together gives us the potential for maximum health and
enjoyment of life, and the brain is the key element in all of this. It
just makes the message of the Psalmist all the more clear when he says,
"I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and that my soul knoweth right
well" (Psalm
139:14).
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Does God Exist?, MarApr05.