Jantos M, Kiat H. Prayer as medicine: how much have we learned?
Med J Aust 2007;
186:S51-3. [PMID:
17516884 DOI:
10.5694/j.1326-5377.2007.tb01041.x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2006] [Accepted: 03/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
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.
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