"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) I never cease to be amazed at the wisdom of God, especially in regard to His creation of the human species! He has built within us a system of healing that, given the proper nurture, is perfectly capable of completing its task. Have you ever cut a finger, say a paper cut, or even with a knife? In most cases, without going to a doctor, having stitches, or any other help, the cut healed itself. It did so because God has built into our bodies the ability to self-heal. You get a cold and, guess what? You get over it! You get influenza and in a matter of days you are well again. All we have to do is allow it to happen providing we don't do things to counteract the natural response, and we do those things that enhance the natural response.
On the other hand, if we deny our bodies the proper nutrients it takes to mount up a defense against irritants, it may be too weak to heal. That brings me to the point of this post.
Have you ever heard of the placebo effect? Placebos have been used in clinical trials to compare the efficacy of medicines with the natural healing processes of the human body. They will use what are called "sugar pills" given to a segment of the study, who are told that they are receiving medicine, while another segment is given the actual pharmaceutical. To the amazement of those doing the studies, the human mind is capable is signaling healing without the actual medicines many times. By the way, there is an opposite effect as well. Studies have shown that, on occasion, when chemo therapy has been used for instance, persons taking the placebo have shown the same effects as those on the actual therapy, including nausea, weakness, and hair loss. How can this happen? Because the mind is a very powerful tool! Recent studies have shown that the placebo can actually change heart rate, digestion, blood pressure and more. Have you ever been worried about a matter to the point you had heartburn or an upset stomach? What you think, or what you believe, has a huge influence on how you feel. Often when a person is depressed, for instance, it is said that it coincides with a chemical imbalance BUT a legitimate question is, "Did a chemical imbalance lead to depression, or did depression lead to a chemical imbalance?" I believe it is WRONG for doctors to tell a person they have X number of months to live or that there is no hope for their condition. It's almost like casting a spell on the individual because, if he or she believes there is only just so much time left, they will start THINKING in a negative manner and the doctor has determined their demise!
You can actually boost another person's immune response by kind, encouraging words, by laughter, by a hug, by watching an uplifting movie, or by sharing some positive thought. On the other hand, you can be negative, hurtful, and damaging to that person's immune response. Why? Because the mind, what I think, how I feel can either be healthy or unhealthy. We have as many nerve receptors in our digestive system as we have in our brains! You've probably heard the phrase "butterflies in the stomach". Well, that's caused by a thought process!
During this cold and flu season practice positive thoughts. I mean tell your spouse "I love you", try to avoid conflicts, hug your children and your friends. Don't be so afraid of spreading germs because the immune boost you give them will probably ward off the bugs! Spend time praising God and thinking about His Person and works. "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." (Psalm 139:14) Especially for the way he has design you and given you a body that, in most cases, is capable of healing itself.
My anxiety leads to a good chuck of my own issues. When I'm relaxed my body handles it much better. I agree 100% that positive thinking will have positive results. I really enjoy the scripture it fits perfectly.
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