The article said prayer is the second most common method of pain management after oral pain medication, but is the most common complementary non-drug method of pain management with 90% of patients with serious injuries using it. But how does it work? The article gave a list of how prayer can benefit a persons health and well-being:
- The relaxation response - prayer elicits the relaxation response, which lowers blood pressure and other factors heightened by stress.
- Secondary control - prayer releases control to something greater than oneself, which can reduce the stress of needing to be in charge.
- The placebo response - prayer can enhance a person's hopes and expectations, and that in turn can positively impact health.
- Healing presence - prayer can bring a sense of a spiritual or loving presence and alignment with God or an immersion into a universal unconsciousness.
- Positive feelings - prayer can elicit feelings of gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, and hope, all of which are associated with healing and wellness.
- Mind-body-spirit connection - when prayer uplifts or calms, it inhibits the release of cortisol and other hormones, thus reducing the negative impact of stress on the immune system and promoting healing.
The reason it is the most commonly used is because it is something that can be used word wide. Most people and most cultures have a religious figure that they believe can heal them or fix their problems. It is also the cheapest option.
Source: http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/prayer
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