Prayer as medicine: how much have we learned?
Many people use prayer, and some studies have shown a positive association between prayer and improved health outcomes. This article explores four possible mechanisms by which prayer may lead to improved health. While acknowledging the efficacy of prayer and recognising the needs of patients, prayer, being a personal spiritual practice, cannot be prescribed, nor should it be used in place of medical care.
Jantos
Marek
M
Behavioural Medicine Institute, Adelaide, SA. mjantos@behavioural-medicine.com
Kiat
Hosen
H
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001315:Australia; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D029221:Faith Healing; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012107:Research Design; D029181:Spirituality