Faith and Healing

The Cure Within: A History of Mind-Body Medicine - Anne Harrington - Book Review - New York Times  Yesterday I read this excellent review of a new book about the age-old question of the mind-body connection and its role in healing. Dr. Groopman says the author did a masterful job of retracing the history of the “stories” people use to give meaning to our suffering when we are sick or injured.

As a physician-survivor, I’m fascinated by patients’ struggles—including my own—to balance science and the mystery of their illnesses. In an essay for professionals in oncology, I recently wrote about mind-body healing as regards one common technique discussed in survivor circles: Visualization

Like the breast cancer patient quoted in Groopman’s book review, I have done and continue to do some things as part of my approach to healing—praying daily, painting my study pink and purple—even though I know that no solid scientific evidence exists to support that these measures will help me live longer. I do them with the hope that they just might--maybe, inexplicably--help me live longer, but primarily because of my expectation that they will help me live better in whatever time I have.

I'm looking forward to seeing what this book has to say.

Comments

[Will Russell MD]

Studies looking at patients who pursue alternative medicines show them to be on the whole, educated and to be "hedging their bets" by adding alternative treatments to conventional treatments. In the case of mind-body healing, which I consider complementary, almost all my patients pursue this. Whether by prayer, meditation or visualization. I believe this is a significant part of the coping and healing process and encourages my patients to openly discuss what they are doing with the staff and me.
In the case of prayer, there are a few studies that showed improved outcomes. One involved southern California heart patients who were prayed for without their knowledge but most involved participation.
After all, the journey is as important as the destination.

[Wendy]

Dear Dr. Russell,
Thank you for your comments. I especially appreciate that you encourage open communication about everything your patients are doing (or not doing) in hopes of encouraging their physical and emotional healing.
With hope,
Wendy