Spiritual Healing
A fellow at New York City's Weill Cornell Medical Center, Dr. Sam Parnia is one of the world's leading experts on the scientific study of death. Last week Parnia and his colleagues at the Human Consciousness Project announced their first major undertaking: a 3-year exploration of the biology behind "out-of-body" experiences.
An eye-opening survey reveals widespread belief that divine intervention can revive dying patients. And, researchers said, doctors "need to be prepared to deal with families who are waiting for a miracle."
More than half of randomly surveyed adults -- 57 percent -- said God's intervention could save a family member even if physicians declared treatment would be futile. And nearly three-quarters said patients have a right to demand that treatment continue.
"Happiness does not heal, but happiness protects against falling ill," says Ruut Veenhoven of Rotterdam's Erasmus University in a study to be published next month.
After reviewing 30 studies carried out worldwide over periods ranging from one to 60 years, the Dutch professor said the effects of happiness on longevity were "comparable to that of smoking or not".
A new study finds a significant decline in psychotherapy practiced by U.S. psychiatrists.
The expanded use of pills and insurance policies that favor short office visits are among the reasons, said lead author Dr. Ramin Mojtabai of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.
New research indicates that your personality may have a lot to do with what kind of illnesses you contract, London’s Daily Mail reported Monday.
For instance, it has been suggested that people with Type A personalities are prone to have heart problems.
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, AP Science Writer
WASHINGTON - The Bible counsels misers that it's better to give than to receive. Science agrees. People who made gifts to others or to charities reported they were happier than folks who didn't share, according to a report in Friday's issue of the journal Science.
Chronic pain sometimes develops for no apparent reason — but the pain is very real. Consider possible causes and ways to reclaim your life.
Chronic pain may develop for no apparent reason. Despite thorough exams and tests, your doctor may be unable to find a specific physical cause. But this doesn't mean your pain isn't real.
What's going on?
Often, the cause of chronic pain isn't found. Years of research have failed to uncover the precise physical causes of many painful ailments, including fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome.
Thou shall not pollute the Earth. Thou shall beware genetic manipulation. Modern times bring with them modern sins. So the Vatican has told the faithful that they should be aware of "new" sins such as causing environmental blight.
Scientists and faith-based counselors debate whether people should forgive the unforgivable -- for the sake of their health.
By Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
December 31, 2007
CLOSE your eyes and think of someone who has hurt you. The offense may be profound or small but deeply painful, a single arrow to your heart or a thousand wounding slights. The perpetrator may be a stranger -- the guy who caused your accident, the gang-banger who took your child.
New research reveals the biological roots of positive thinking. How a rosy outlook can affect your health.
"The best of all healing worlds -- modern Western medicine blended with centuries-old Oriental wisdom."