The human health has always been the epicenter of debate not only for the medical scientists but also for the philosophers and religious leaders. The scientific and esoteric or spiritual traditions have remained clearly at odds since the time of Galileo. The rift peaked in late 19th century and mankind was asked to choose between science and supernatural. With newer discoveries in the 20th Century, the divide between science and philosophy is gradually getting blurred, for once each is coming closer to one another and the fact has been well represented in WHO definition of health, which states, ‘Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity.’ Obviously, being disease free does not translate into being happy. Here lies the role of understanding mind and using its positive attributes.
The mind is the product of billions of years of cosmic and biological evolution. The followers of the Philosophical Science of Mind (PSM) believe that it includes the best in science, religion and philosophy. According to PSM, every individual controls the course of his or her life, success or failure, health or sickness, happiness or disappointment by mental process which functions according to a universal law, based on spirituality. This forms the basis of the recommendation of spiritual mind treatments through affirmative prayer. The Philosophical Science of Mind believes that through prayers and meditation they become more attuned to God’s nature. The proponents of PSM do not accept the affiliation with Scientology but often talk of Spirituality.
When we talk of Science of Mind in neurological term, the role of electrical and chemical events is proven scientifically. The neural network brings about changes in thought process, consciousness and pleasure system. Chemical substances like serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine and endorphins produce a sense of well-being, pleasurable experiences, and effective memory and pain-free positive emotions.
The philosophical Science of Mind believes that healing of sick can occur through the religious power of mind. The scientist talking on mind feels that it only contributes to healing by activation of neural network while cure is likely to occur after the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Thus the best for the mankind would be a holistic approach merging science with philosophy by learning newer developments in science and understanding spirituality.
However, a word of caution, spirituality could help prevent life style disease and may facilitate recovery but only specific scientific treatment after proper diagnosis controls or cures diseases.
(The author is an internationally known neurologist, and a proponent of brain, mind, body medicine)