You've heard self-improvement classes that begin this way, but it is absolutely true of your health as well.
Martin Luther, the founder of the Protestant Faith, expressed his belief as far back as the 16th century, that, "everything that is done in this world is done by hope"!
The same thought retains its validity today. And it is backed up by scientific research.
In a number of studies conducted by the scientific community, religious faith has surfaced as one of the most powerful antidotes to stress.
Cocking a snook at non-believers, diverse and unconnected groups conducting researches in different parts of the globe, have found:
* Strong Belief is Therapeutic:
In a study conducted on a group inflicted with Parkinson's disease, one segment was given a 'fake' pill while the other was given a drug to increase their dopamine secretions.
At the end of the project it was found that the patients, who took the placebo under the impression that it was real, showed the same effects that the real drug provided.
They experienced a substantial increase in the release of the brain chemical dopamine. ON BELIEF ALONE!
* Religious Coping is Therapeutic:
At a study conducted at Duke University researchers asked specific questions in order to determine the extent of dependence on religious faith.
Questions were as specific as " To what extent do you use prayer to deal with your problems?"
At its conclusion, it was found that those who relied more on religion had lower blood pressure readings than others.
* Being Prayed For is Therapeutic:
Some years ago, the Archives of Internal Medicine published a study which found that patients who are prayed for (even without their knowledge) have a better recovery factor than those without such support.
In this context, there is evidence of Reiki practitioners conducting successful 'distance' healing sessions on patients.
* Attending Community Prayers is Therapeutic:
Protective Protein (inter-leukin-6) was found in much higher levels in once-a-week church-goers, during the course of a study conducted in a Protestant locality in the U.S.
* Repetition is Therapeutic:
It's a proven fact that repetitive forms of prayer, such as chants and mantras actually lower production of stress hormones, improve brain function and counter insomnia.
We have, both, experienced the power of belief on occasions too numerous to mention. It was hope that governed us when we came across the rejuvenation technique practiced by the Tibetan Lamas. And, faith and belief led us to try it out on ourselves. A potent combination which changed our lives! There has been no looking back since.