Definition
Spiritual practices — prayer, meditation, chanting, pilgrimage, ceremony — have documented effects on well-being, coping, and nervous-system regulation, independent of the metaphysical claims involved.
Why it matters
Secular clinical practice often dismisses spirituality; the biology often supports it.
The Science
Spiritual practices show effects on stress, autonomic regulation, mortality, and coping with illness. Effects are real, though mechanisms and specifics vary.
The NSI Perspective
NSI treats spiritual practice as legitimate nervous-system practice, regardless of the practitioner’s or clinician’s personal beliefs.
Clinical Implications
Ask about spirituality. Do not dismiss it. Do not weaponize it.
Practical Application
Whether or not you believe, practices your culture calls spiritual may be doing your body real good.
References
- 1.Koenig HG. Religion, spirituality, and health: the research and clinical implications. ISRN Psychiatry. 2012;2012:278730.