The Three Paths to Healing

Many discoveries are made in medical science every day. A new procedure or tool for treating a disease is introduced, a new form of illness is diagnosed and cured, or a body part is repaired or replaced. Sadly, many new diseases and viruses have also been discovered, which may reflect changes in our physical and environmental conditions with our fast-paced lifestyle.

Reflecting on my own many illnesses and accidents that have left my body full of broken bones and some parts that are not fully functioning, I have learned the mistakes that I made and also the one-sided approach I took to deal with my sicknesses and medical problems, and now have realized that, in my opinion, there are three approaches to healing. If we could combine them, it would be very beneficial for healing and for living a healthy life.

I will try to explain my understanding of these ways of coping with our health issues. These are the three ways that we can approach our health issues, physical or emotional:

1. Taking charge of and ownership and management of our health problems

There is a mistaken idea in society that doctors are responsible for healing all our health issues, and if we have a problem, we go to a doctor, usually “to give me pills to take care of it”. This approach is misguided, particularly with the quick access to information these days. It is an easy escape from reality and a way of removing our responsibility to be part of the solution when we place all the responsibility on the medical professional, to the extent that even when doctors make suggestions to change our lifestyle, whether dieting or avoiding alcohol, we ignore them and insist on getting medicine for the problem. We can arm ourselves with helpful information about the nature of the problem and read the suggestions for addressing it, so that when we see our physician, we understand better the course of treatment and how important it is that we do our part in healing ourselves.
We have to realize that our health and its prolongation are our primary goals, and that we have a vital role to play in this. Physicians can provide their best care if they know they have your commitment and full cooperation with the treatments they suggest. I have experience with many cases in which, through knowledge and awareness, patients cured or avoided many illnesses without visiting a physician. That proves to me that we can be our own physicians if we want to take some ownership of our health. In this way, we can be participants in the healing process rather than helpless victims.

2. Finding competent medical professionals and relying on their suggestions and instructions

Consulting and trusting a physician protects us from thinking we can figure it out ourselves or from ignoring the problem, which can lead to very tragic consequences.
Here is what the Baha’i Writings suggest:

“It is incumbent upon everyone to seek medical treatment and to follow the doctor’s instructions, for this is in compliance with the divine ordinance, but, in reality, He Who giveth healing is God.” ~Abdu’l-Baha

Finding a competent physician is not easy, since in some parts of the world, patients have no choice in choosing or changing their doctors or other professionals. Also, it requires sufficient knowledge and self-confidence to challenge or question opinions or prescriptions if one experiences side effects or believes they are not helping or worsening the condition. However, the concept of getting a second opinion is well known to professionals. In many treatment centers or clinics, you will find a team of doctors or professionals rather than just one. This method is advantageous because, by working together to develop a course of treatment, they have access to a diverse pool of ideas and approaches.
There is increasing awareness and access to many alternative medicines that provide organic and natural remedies for the body and mind. It is vital to learn more about them to have more options for healing.
AI has started to contribute as a tool for finding relevant information for individuals and professionals. Still, we have to remember that, like surgical tools and equipment, it is a tool, and its usefulness depends on careful study, in addition to the advice of professionals.

3. Relying and believing in a Higher power

This approach requires a leap of faith, since, against the backdrop of the misuse and exploitation of religion and so-called spiritual healing, which has been a big business and an easy way to make money, advocating the benefits and validity of spiritual healing and the power of prayer is not easy. Even though there is much evidence of healing through believing in God or a higher power, it is hard to scientifically prove the power of prayer and of trusting in the Creator of the universe, who is the source of all healing. But studies on this subject have shown that prayers, meditation, and belief in a higher power have had significant positive effects on the healing process.
The quote below reflects the belief of followers of many religions throughout human history and continues to be a source of hope where there appears to be no hope:

“But the fourth kind is when healing is brought about through the power of the Holy Spirit. This depends neither upon physical contact, nor upon sight, nor even upon presence: It is not dependent upon any condition. Whether the disease be mild or severe, whether there be contact between the bodies or not, whether a connection be established between patient and physician or not, whether the patient be present or not, this healing takes place through the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Abdu’l-Baha

Whether we believe in a higher power or in other approaches to healing, it is vital to recognize that we ourselves are one of the most important factors and to invest in empowering ourselves with any approach or method to heal ourselves and help others heal.
It is valuable to remember that, no matter how long we prolong our lives by combining these three paths, we all eventually die, and this knowledge can help us face illnesses. We can compare ourselves to a car that has a limited warranty and body parts; even if we replace a few of them, eventually they stop functioning and accepting that fact prepares us for accepting death, which is an undeniable truth.
Abdu’l-Baha explains:

“Therefore, in this world he must prepare himself for the life beyond. That which he needs in the world of the Kingdom must be obtained here. Just as he prepared himself in the world of the matrix by acquiring forces necessary in this sphere of existence, so, likewise, the indispensable forces of the divine existence must be potentially attained in this world.”

This reality, hopefully, helps us find ways to heal and live long, meaningful lives with purpose, and to die with a healthy frame of mind and a peaceful soul.