Spotlight on Spirituality & Health

What do you think the 2012 London Olympics will be remembered for? For me, it will be the talk by commentators, athletes, and coaches regarding the importance of gaining a ‘mental edge’ which is often the difference between victory and heartbreaking disappointment. I think gaining a ‘mental edge’ includes a greater awareness of the mind-body [...]

I like toy stores. Seeing the old classics (Legos, pogo sticks, balsa wood gliders, etc…) always provides a pleasant reminder of childhood innocence. Yet on a recent visit to my local toy store, my reminiscing received a disturbing jolt. Turning a corner, I found myself confronted with colorful representations of various disease microbes like “Cholera,” [...]

In his March 18th article, “Food news can cause indigestion,” The Seattle Times staff columnist Jerry Large humorously begins, “Do you eat food? If yes, then maybe you haven’t been reading all the latest news.” Large writes how he is striving to adapt to changing nutrition recommendations and doing “whatever it takes to stay healthy.” [...]

After reading recent media reports such as The Seattle Times series, “Methadone and the politics of pain,” I’ve been saddened to learn of the overwhelming number of Washington residents living in chronic pain and/or addicted to painkillers.  Also, the near universal frustration of both patients and providers for solutions is alarming. I’m sure that all caring persons [...]

If you’ve ever wanted to see an example of the mind-body connection or the ability of thoughts to influence health, consider Wim Hof.  A Dutchman who regulates his body temperature mentally, Hof, 52, has set numerous world records including: swimming long distances under ice, running half marathons barefoot in ice and snow and being immersed [...]

Is love good medicine? When it comes to maintaining health, how does love compare to hygiene or diet? In “The Cure Within: A History of Mind-Body Medicine,” author Anne Harrington provides some interesting answers. In her chapter, “Healing Ties,” she highlights the famous 1945 studies of psychiatrist Rene Spitz whose data proved love to be [...]