Western psychotherapy and medicine have long been dominant forces in the landscape of mental health and healing. This dominance, while grounded in empirical research and scientific rigour, has often come at the expense of alternative practices such as shamanism, Spiritism, spiritual healing, and prayer. Despite a growing body of research that indicates these practices possess tangible benefits, scepticism and bias against them remain prevalent. Over the past few decades, there has been a growing body of research suggesting that shamanic practices, spiritual healing, and prayer can have significant positive effects on an individual’s mental and physical well-being. Despite this evidence, Western psychotherapy and medicine have been reluctant to incorporate these approaches into their practices. This article will explore the reasons behind this bias and the potential benefits of integrating shamanic, spiritual healing, and prayer practices into Western healthcare. Understanding the roots of this bias can shed light on the potential for a more integrative approach to healing.
Reductionism
First, it is essential to understand the historical and cultural context of Western psychotherapy and medicine. These fields have their roots in a reductionist, materialist worldview that focusses on physical, observable phenomena. This perspective has led to a bias against anything that could not be measured, quantified, or empirically proven, with the methods available, such as spiritual experiences or shamanic journeys. Moreover, the dominant Western paradigm has been shaped by a strong separation between the realms of science and spirituality, which has further contributed to the marginalisation of shamanic and spiritual healing practices.
Pharmaceuticals
Another factor that has played a role in the bias against shamanic, spiritual healing, and prayer practices is the medicalisation of mental health. In the 20th century, the mental health field shifted its focus towards a medical model, emphasising diagnosis, treatment, and the use of pharmaceuticals. This shift has led to a narrower understanding of mental health and well-being, often overlooking the potential benefits of spiritual and shamanic practices. Professor Thomas Szasz, for instance, argued against the routine use of pharmaceuticals.
Imperialism
Another critical factor in the bias against alternative healing practices is cultural imperialism. Western medical practices, often viewed as a universal standard, may overlook the profound cultural significance and psychological efficacy of shamanic and spiritual approaches rooted in indigenous traditions. This ethnocentric viewpoint not only undermines the legitimacy of these practices but also perpetuates a narrative that dismisses the holistic understanding of health and wellness integral to many non-Western cultures.
Cognitive Dissonance
Moreover, cognitive dissonance plays a significant role in maintaining this bias. Healthcare professionals and researchers who have dedicated their careers to scientific rigour may find it difficult to reconcile their established beliefs with practices that seem to oppose their foundational principles. To accept the validity of spiritual healing would challenge the very tenets of their professional identities.
Yet, many of these studies are still viewed with scepticism in academic and clinical circles. The challenge lies in reconciling qualitative, subjective experiences with quantitative research. The methodologies used to evaluate such practices often do not align neatly with the paradigms of Western scientific inquiry, which can lead to their marginalisation.
Efficacy of Spiritual Healing
Despite these biases, an increasing amount of research suggests that shamanic practices, Spiritism, spiritual healing, and prayer can lead to significant improvements in mental health and well-being. Studies have found that these practices can help alleviate anxiety, depression, PTSD, and even physical ailments.
However, research in recent years has begun to challenge this bias, revealing the potential benefits of shamanic, spiritual healing, and prayer practices. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Holistic Nursing found that spiritual interventions could significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress in patients. Similarly, a review of research on spirituality and mental health, published in the Journal of Religion and Health, concluded that spirituality was positively associated with psychological well-being and lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Shamanic practices, too, have been shown to have therapeutic potential. A study in the Journal of Transpersonal Psychology found that shamanic drumming could induce a hypnotic state, leading to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, shamanic journeying has been reported to facilitate personal growth, self-awareness, and a sense of connection to something greater than oneself.
Barriers
Despite this evidence, there are still barriers to the integration of shamanic, spiritual healing, and prayer practices into Western psychotherapy and medicine. One significant obstacle is the lack of standardisation and regulation in these areas, which can make it difficult for healthcare providers to assess their efficacy and safety. Additionally, there is a need for more rigorous, controlled research to further explore the potential benefits and risks of these practices.
An Interdisciplinary Approach
To overcome these challenges, it is crucial for the mental health and medical communities to adopt a more open and inclusive approach to shamanic, spiritual healing, and prayer practices. This can involve promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between practitioners of these practices and Western healthcare providers, as well as supporting further research into the therapeutic potential of these approaches.
Recognising Merit
Western psychotherapy and medicine have long held a bias against shamanic, spiritual healing, and prayer practices, despite evidence suggesting their merit. This bias stems from historical and cultural factors, as well as the medicalisation of mental health. However, as research increasingly supports the efficacy of these approaches, there is an urgent need for a paradigm shift. Embracing a more integrative model of healing that respects and includes diverse modalities can provide a more comprehensive understanding of mental health, opening new paths for individuals seeking healing in a world that is often more complicated than any single tradition can address. In doing so, we may not only enhance therapeutic efficacy but also honour the rich tapestry of human experience that informs our understanding of wellness.
Recent research has begun to reveal the potential benefits of spiritual healing practices, indicating the need for a more inclusive and open-minded approach to mental health and well-being. By embracing shamanic, spiritual healing, and prayer practices, Western healthcare providers can expand their toolkit for promoting mental and physical health, offering clients a more comprehensive and holistic approach to healing.
Worldwide Temple of Aurora 