Health is undoubtedly the most important aspect of human life. Though many treasure it, those who do not are forced to realize its absolute necessity as son as it is seriously compromised and, possibly, lost forever. Despite the fact that for millennia Man has searched for the Tree of Life to restore what many believe might have been the original human condition on earth, a state most likely characterized by total physical and psychological well-being, this much sought-after goal continues to be elusive. Recent statistics show that the countries worst affected today by debilitating diseases are, paradoxically, those whose healthcare systems consist of the most modern medical practices and technologies.
Though traditional medicine has scientifically proven that lifestyle, diet, stress and degraded environmental conditions do impact human health, as a holistic health practitioner, I firmly believe that other, more intangible elements may play a fundamental role in the dynamics of health and healing. I asked myself, Do perception and beliefs impact our health, and, if yes, to what extent?
This study starts with an examination of what health and disease really are. It looks closely at the placebo effect and at the power of suggestion. It explores the power that the mind and spirit exert, as suggested by the practices of ancient and primate cultures, as well as the individual’s level of awareness and consciousness. Finally, through analyzing and observing seven case studies, it attempts to identify and name those factors responsible for elevating human well-being to its optimal level.
Statement of the Problem
Too often, people resign themselves to eventual diagnoses of disease based on inherited genes and chronic illness among their relatives. Though genetic factors may indeed render a person more prone than another to a certain health condition, it does not necessarily follow that the individual is destined to express it. The belief that we have no control over our health is, in fact, the consequence of negative and passive attitudes that denote a lack of knowledge and information, low awareness of who we really are and how our bodies function and communicate with us, poor understanding of how the individual belief system influences human life and health and ultimately, of the powerful ability we may have to potentially avoid altogether or reverse certain conditions.
Certainly, very often people get sick and do not heal under conditions of the psychological stress they experience as a consequence of the way they interpret and perceive reality. However, as they become aware of this dynamic and improve their mindset, favorable physiologic results often occur, some nearly immediately.
