Stress and Human Health

Chronic stress plays a major role in causing many health disorders, including chronic diseases. It is now well-established that chronic stress is the underlying cause of many diseases suffered by humankind in this century. Most healthcare professionals now acknowledge that long-term stress is a major risk factor for many medical disorders, including high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, nervous breakdown, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and suicides. But why are so many people stressed out? The answer is simple. Too many people live a stressful life because of selfishness, greed, and insatiable desires, coupled with the rat race to succeed in a very competitive world. Nations are competing against nations, corporations against corporations, individuals against individuals, athletes against athletes, students against students, politicians against politicians, lawyers against lawyers, doctors against doctors, pastors against pastors, jobseekers against jobseekers, husbands against wives, parents against parents, and siblings against siblings. Everyone wants to capture the gold and none is satisfied or thankful with the silver or the bronze. The competition out there is becoming very unhealthy and stressful. Modern life is now the survival of the fittest. There lies the cause of the stressful life that we are all living. There is no life without stress. All that matters is how you choose to handle your daily stress throughout life. It is time for us all to realize that we came to this world with nothing and we will also exit from the world with nothing. As such, it is incumbent on every individual in this world to learn how to rest and relax daily.

Stress Management

There is no medication for stress relief. You just have to cope with it. Stress management teaches you how to cope with chronic stress more effectively for your own benefit and the benefits of your loved ones and those around you. Since it is entirely impossible to get rid of stress completely, the goal of stress management is to develop effective mechanisms to deal with chronic stress because acute stress is good and healthy in several situations. Therefore, the primary goal of stress management is to identify the things, situations, events, and incidents that are problematic and stressful to each person. We all have different life experiences. As an individual you must identify and understand the conditions, environments, thoughts, words, and actions that add pressure, pose threats or challenge, or drain your energy. In addition you have to device strategies and methods to effectively cope with the stresses in your life and find ways and means to mitigate or overcome the negative emotions that the stressors normally induce. You must learn how to handle stress because your health and general well-being will suffer greatly if you do not develop a coping mechanism for chronic stress. Sustained and persistent stress disconnects your body from your mind and spirit, makes you short-tempered, bitchy, overwhelmed, confused, fatigued, hopeless and helpless. It prevents you from listening to the small still voice within you, and before you realize it, you are already sick. Medical experts now consider stress as the primary cause of several chronic diseases and disorders, including nervous breakdown, dementia, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and heart failure. I have good news. You can reduce stress and prevent these horrible diseases without going to the hospital and spend your hard-earned money just to take care of the signs and symptoms of the disease while leaving the causes intact. If you are living a very hectic life with no time to spare, it is time to re-consider your priorities and make some lifestyle changes to protect your health. To combat the effects of chronic stress, adopt a stress-reduction program and change the habits that frazzle you. The first step in dealing with chronic stress is to learn how to relax. Relaxation counters the effects of chronic stress on your health and general well-being.

Chronic Stress and Depression

A causal link exists between stressful life events and major depressive disorder (Hammen C. Stress and Depression. Annu. Rev. Clin. Psychol. 2005; 1:293–319). Chronic stress induces depression. Suicide is a known risk of depression and some other psychiatric disorders associated with stress. Major depressive disorder has a broad range of symptoms. The emotional symptoms of depression include sadness, feelings worthlessness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, thoughts of death or suicide, and overwhelming feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Physical symptoms include restlessness, trouble concentrating or making decisions, lack of energy, changes in weight, loss of appetite, sleeplessness or too much sleep, and reckless behavior. Other symptoms associated with depression may include aches and pains, tearfulness, constant worry, dwelling on negative thoughts, anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. As a result of increasing stress, depression is now depressingly very common in the US and throughout the world. Depression is experienced twice by women than by men; more among Blacks and Hispanics than Whites; and also more common among the young, poor, and unemployed population. A recent survey in the US showed that one over 2 million people seriously contemplated suicide in 2010 alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States, prescriptions of antidepressants have risen by 400% since 1988. CDC data show that 1 in every 10 Americans over the age of 12 now takes an antidepressant. This figure does not include two-thirds of those with severe symptoms of depression who does not take any medication for the disorder at all. It is quite unfortunate that many subjects with severe depression do not receive adequate treatment especially if they are young, poor, and a member of the minority group. Treatments for Depression There is no cure yet for depression; however, there are a variety of ways to treat depression. Individuals suffering from major depressive disorder have found help through a combination of prescription medication, psychotherapy, and the valuable support of friends and family. Some people may opt for natural remedies such as herbal therapy. Drugs approved for managing the disorder include Cymbalta, Abilify, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Pamelor, Remeron, Effexor, Marplan, Nardil, Pristiq, and Ensam. These antidepressants prescribed by doctors for the clinical management of major depressive disorder can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in children, teens, and young adults. Common side effects of antidepressants include constipation, sweating, nausea, and dizziness.

Chronic Stress and the Nervous System

Chronic stress negatively impacts your mind and nervous system. The brain is the first target for stess. Prolonged stress can prevent the brain from adequately controlling the physiological and psychological coping responses to daily events and stressors in your life, makes you a nervous wreck, and impedes your ability to carry out your daily responsibilities effectively. Constant and continual reaction to stress for a long period of time overloads the brain with hormones and neurochemicals naturally intended for short-term activity during an emergency. The cumulative effect of chemical overload may be toxic to nerve cells in the brain which may lead to the damage and destruction nerve cells and ultimately resulting in the death of brain cells. In essence, chronic stress gradually kills brain cells. It is now widely accepted in medical and clinical circles that stress destabilizes the nervous system. Scientific studies have shown that chronic stress has a cumulative effect on your brain (References). It leads to chronic over-secretion of cortisol and powerful brain chemicals which are needed only in emergency situations for short-term activities. This chemical overload damages and kills your brain cells, impairs your memory, promotes forgetfulness, reduces your ability to remember and learn, hampers your thinking processes, and consequently promotes poor judgments and aweful decisions. Repeated or prolonged exposure cortisol has a deleterious effect on the function of your brain and may likely contribute to the age-related decline in brain function. Overall, long-term stress can shred your nervous system, induce mental poisoning, and put your whole life in total confusion. The psychological ravages of chronic stress are also extensive. It depletes the body’s level of the “feel good” brain chemical called serotonin. Depletion of serotonin can make you moody, depressed, cloudy, irritable, and hypersensitive, and can prevent you from focusing or concentrating on the task at hand and issues of the day. During periods of chronic stress, you become overwhelmed with your normal chores and activities and everything in life becomes a big deal and you end up sweating over things that you normally regard as non-issues or small stuff. Constant and long-term emotional stress may manifest as chronic pain, headache, dizziness, depression, anxiety, fear, anger, and self-hate. Individuals who continually deal with chronic stress are very quick to lose their temper and are easily frustrated and overwhelmed by circumstances. Under stress, some people may spend a considerable amount of crying and complaining over the stressful event instead of taking a corrective action. Chronic stress can also cause a mental block and/or mental poisoning, which can impede your thought processes, hamper your thinking, and prevent you from making right decision or judgment.

Chronic Stress and Your Vibration

Stress alters the natural frequency of your vibration. Chronic Stress weakens the human aura consequently leading to reduction of energy flowing into organs, tissues, and cells in the body. Stressful events in life, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, loss of employment or failure in some life endeavors, alters the natural frequency of your vibration, blocks or disrupts energy flow in your body and makes you vulnerable to various disorders and diseases. The frequency at which you constantly vibrate is the embodiment of your whole being. It determines how you think, what you think about, how you talk, what you talk about, what you do on a daily basis, and how you do what you do. Stressful life events can decrease the frequency of your vibration and change your thoughts and actions. For example, vile, bad, ignorant, evil, angry, wicked, jealous, envious, unhappy, unhealthy, depressed, and violent individuals vibrate at a lower frequency than loving, peaceful, good, enlightened, and happy individuals. When you raise your own vibration to a higher level, your body, mind, and spirit will begin to resonate at a higher frequency and you will begin to realize your connection with God, the source of all knowledge, wisdom, and power. Raising your vibration has the benefit of supplying you with the inspiration, intuition, and extra-ordinary power to accomplish things that were seemingly impossible to accomplish. Thus, a higher vibration brings you closer to fulfilling your mission and goals in life. How then do you raise your vibration to maintain a good health and improve your general well-being? There are several simple ways and means of raising your vibration for health purposes without spending a lot of money. First and foremost develop a strategy for coping with stress which will always be in your life. Effective stress management will go a long way in raising the vibration of your being to its natural frequency. Tried and tested methods for dealing with stress include positive and creative thinking, constant prayer and meditation, purifying your body, mind, and spirit, practicing compassion in your daily life, loving God with all your heart, mind, and strength, loving your neighbors as you love yourself, reading inspirational books and journals, and listening to good and inspirational music.

Physiology of Stress Response

Whether a bear suddenly jumps at you from the woods on a hiking trail, or your plane suddenly drops in altitude during flight, your body reacts similarly. First, your brain receives the information about the threat or hazard you are facing, mobilizes the stress response mechanism which immediately sends an emergency signal alerting the hypothalamus, the control center of your brain about the situation. The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland, the master gland, to release adrenocortical hormone (ACTH) which triggers the release of more cortisol, a stress hormone, and adrenaline into the bloodstream. Cortisol elevates your blood sugar and mobilizes energy for quick response and escape, while adrenaline provides more energy to fight for survival.These chemicals elevate the body’s metabolism, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood vessels open wider allowing more flow of blood to large muscles, alerting them for action if necessary. Throughout the duration of the stress response, the amount of blood pumped by the heart quadruples providing more energy to combat the situation. Instead of going to the skin, kidneys, or guts, blood is diverted to the muscles providing more energy to fight or flee. The airways dilate, breathing rates, blood pressure, and heart rate increases. The liver quickly starts to convert glycogen, your body’s raw material for energy into glucose or blood sugar to supply extra energy and power for for battle or retreat. More glucose is released by the liver to increase the body's energy supply if the need be. These physical and metabolic changes prepare you with the energy to react quickly and handle the danger or emergency effectively. Although the stress response puts enormous burdens on the nerves, the nervous system is very elastic and returns quickly to its original and normal state, ready to respond again and again to other stresses when needed. In the present age, the modern man and woman do not confront hungry and angry animals like our ancient ancestors: however, the stress response remains the same. For example, your stress response is always triggered when a car suddenly swerves into your own driving lane or when your shoe suddenly slides on a slippery snowy road. Although we no longer live under the threat of wild animals in the forest, our long work hours, long commutes, frustrating traffic jams, bad relationships and marriages, tough economy, mean bosses at work, errant kids, abusive spouses, negative newscasts from the media, abnormal and aggressive pursuit of material things, contributes highly to a life full of stress.

Stress Response

Your survival and happiness in this world depend so much on the ability of your body to activate and terminate your stress response mechanism successfully. The stress response is the natural way your body responds in emergency situations such as when you are under attack, feel threatened, upset, or when you sense danger. It served our forebears very well who had to face the threats of hungry wild animals in the jungles of the world. This natural mechanism of responding to danger from beasts and reptiles enabled our ancient human ancestors to become more energetic, alert, and focused to hunt and kill wild animals for food, multiply, fight for survival, or flee when the threat from the beasts became overwhelming. In this present age and environment where many people live a sedentary lifestyle working and living in houses well-protected from the threats of wild beasts and dangers, the fight or flee response is not very necessary as usual. However, the physiology of the human body has not adapted fully to the lifestyle of this technological age. Although human beings in this present age do not frequently confront hungry and angry wild animals anymore like our ancient ancestors, the stress response remains the same. For example, your stress response is always activated when a car suddenly swerves into your own driving lane or when your shoe suddenly slides on a slippery snowy road. We no longer live under the threat of wild animals in the forest; however, our long work hours, long commutes, frustrating traffic jams, bad relationships and marriages, tough economy, mean bosses at work, errant kids, abusive spouses, negative newscasts from the media, abnormal and aggressive pursuit of material things, contributes highly to a life full of stress. If you are constantly being stressed out, your adrenal glands become overworked which may lead to chronic adrenal fatigue and constant feeling of tiredness among other things. Health wise, we are all paying a great price for the constant or daily fight or flight response to the frenetic lifestyle imposed on the body by hustle and bustle of life in the fast lane and advanced technology. So far, the physiology of our body has not caught up with or adapted fully to the fast life of the present high-tech age. The natural reaction to both acute and chronic stress is commonly known in scientific terms as the “stress response.” This response to stress gives every human being, young and old, the ability to cope with daily problems and perform effectively under pressure, and carry daily burdens with patience and dignity. The stress response is always very critical during emergency situations, such as trying to meet a deadline at work, slamming on the brakes of a car to avoid an accident on a winding slippery road, getting ready for a big date, or taking a final exam at the end of a semester. A little of this stress can help keep you on your toes, ready to rise to a challenge. Overall, the body’s response to stress gives every human being, young and old, the ability to cope with daily problems, perform duties more effectively under pressure, and carry out daily burdens with patience and dignity.

Chronic Stress

Stress is a natural part of life; however, experiencing stressful situations and challenges continuously for a long period of time is harmful and detrimental to your health and general well-being. An acute stress that lasts for long periods of time becomes a chronic stress. Nothing good comes from chronic stress; it always triggers negative vibrations accompanied by negative thoughts, negative emotions, negative behaviors, and poor mental and physical health. It is now widely believed by most healthcare professionals that majority of all doctor’s visits in this present high tech age results from stress-related health issues. As such, it is important to know and understand how stress, especially chronic stress, affects your day-to-day life, long-term health and general well-being. Chronic stress is dangerous to your life and detrimental to your health and general well-being. It is now scientifically established that chronic stress is a health risk and a major contributor to several life-threatening diseases and events, such as heart diseases, stroke, high blood pressure, lung diseases, and cirrhosis of the liver, suicides, and accidents. In the United States, the pressure to succeed and live the American dream is a key factor behind the chronic stress experienced by many people in this century. The causes of chronic stress include financial difficulties resulting from non-payment of bills, long-term economic hardship due to unemployment, relationship conflicts such as separation from a sexual partner, or divorce and major life changes such as the loss of a loved one. Social issues, especially arguments about personal, political, and religious beliefs can also lead to chronic stress. Living in the ghettos in large crime-ridden cities and unsafe neighborhoods where violence is the norm and most residents worry over their personal safety, combined with feelings of discrimination because of your race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation may also lead to chronic stress. Scientific evidence has shown that the pressure to succeed and live the good life as well as office politics, and the daily pressure and conflict from a job is the main cause of long-term stress for many people. The daily stress of long commute to and from work, personal conflicts at work with your boss and colleagues, and spousal abuse may lead to chronic stress if allowed to continue for a long period of time. It is now well-established that chronic stress is a health hazard and plays a significant role in the initiation, development, and progression of chronic diseases and disorders.

Acute Stress

Stress can be classified into two broad categories: acute and chronic stress. Acute stress is good because it serves as a natural self-protective mechanism. The so-called “fight or flight” response is classified as acute stress. This type of stress includes your body’s sudden reaction to an emergency, a new challenge, demand or event, such as being pursued by a barking aggressive dog, a near-miss vehicle accident, a costly mistake at home, school, or work, or a heated argument with your boss, spouse, family members, your teenage son or daughter, or a close friend, as well as firefights in warfare. An offer of a new appointment, a positive pregnancy test, success in an examination, winning a huge amount of money in the lottery or casino, can cause acute stress as well. As the name implies, an acute stress does not last very long before it goes away. Severe acute stress resulting from personally experiences traumas and life-threatening events, such as serious accidents, natural disasters, witnessing a tragic or violent event, captivity, stress suffered by rape victims or soldiers in the heat of battle, may lead to severe mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an anxiety disorder characterized by symptoms of excessive emotions, including intense fear, feelings of horror and helplessness, intrusive recollections of the stressful event, nightmares, about the stressful event, hallucinations, flashbacks, and the fear that the stressful event may happen again. Moderate acute stress is good and wonderful; it enhances your willpower, gives you motivation and provides the energy to meet deadlines. For example, acute stress gets you ready on time if you are interviewing for a new job, or working longer hours to meet a deadline without getting very tired. In moderate doses, acute stress revitalizes your body, prevents boredom, makes your life a bit more exciting, strengthens your immune system, and improves the ability of your body to wade off infection. An acute stress episode gives you an emotional boost, stimulates you into action, helps you perform a task better, and provides you with a sense of accomplishment. Good stress provides you with pleasant feelings, like the joy and excitement you feel when your favorite soccer or hockey team scores a goal, or when you get an unexpected call from a childhood friend. Moreover, the excitement for good stress stimulates your brain to release lovely chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins that makes you feel really good.

Chronic Stress and Your Health

Stress is a physical, mental, or emotional response to threatening or upsetting events. Any event, condition, or environment that adds pressure, or poses a threat or challenge, to your life or general well-being can be considered as stress. The events that trigger stress can be real or imagined. Basically, stress refers to a feeling of physical or emotional tension created by our reaction to some particular events in life; like a student loosing sleep worrying about tests, examinations, and school work, or pressures to meet deadlines and improve your performance at work. The daily pressures of being a wife or husband, parenting, employment, underemployment, unemployment, and finances can be overwhelming and increase the feeling of stress. Long-term stress, otherwise known as chronic stress, is now a major risk factor for many clinical and mental disorders, including nervous breakdown and suicidal thoughts. In this present fast, wireless, and high-tech age that lacks moderation; life is full of challenges, demands, deadlines, hassles, pressures, frustrations, and stress. The hustle to climb the economic or social ladder imposes a lot of stress on both the poor and rich. For today’s modern man and woman, coping with the stresses of life is now a big challenge. Experiencing stress in life is not always bad or harmful. Stress can good in some instances. In normal or small doses, stress can motivate you to do your very best or help you perform exceedingly well under pressure. However, stress becomes harmful and destructive to your mind, body, and spirit when you are constantly on emergency mode to meet the demands of your high-paced modern life everyday without rest or relaxation. Men and women of all ages now contend with increasing psychological and physical stresses that arise from internal and external forces from man-made technological environment that we live in. In the short-term, stress prepares your body to rise up to a challenge to meet a tough situations you may encounter in life with stamina, strength, and focus. However, long-term stress can sap your strength and energy and render you frustrated, overwhelmed, depressed, bedridden, and inactive. Stresses in life whether acute or chronic, can cause tension, anxiety, and worry. Some types of insidious and chronic stressmay be due to hardship, suffering, poverty, bereavement, lack of emotional and/or financial suppoert lack of love life or dating relationships, or discrimination due to race, ethnicity, body weight and sexual orientation. Today, chronic stress has become the scourge of modern society. It is the predominant health problem now faced by most human beings. Chronic stress is now experienced by the rich and the poor, the civilized and the uncivilized, the highly educated and the less educated. It is an irony that the healthcare systems of all nations in this world, both developed and developing, spend trillions of dollars on healthcare delivery and treatment of diseases, without adequate care or concern to the root cause of ill-heath suffered by the modern man and woman in this wireless high tech age, which is chronic stress. The primary cause of diseases affecting humanity today can be traced to the impact of chronic stress on majority of men and women living in this planet called Earth.

Medical Meditation

Meditation is one of the oldest of spiritual processes. Inner peace and calmness of mind have been a valued priority for centuries in most parts of the world, but largely ignored in the Western culture. Medical meditation facilitates relaxation, reduces stress, helps prevent diseases, enhances the healing process, and increases the rate of recovery from diseases. The practice of meditation which relaxes the body and brings peace of mind is now being explored in the Western world. It is a time-tested and scientifically proven practice that ushers in deep relaxation, mental clarity, and produces a profound sense of connection to one’s inner self. It also increases intuition, boosts creativity, inspiration, and problem-solving capacity. The practice of meditation is an effective technique to inject a positive attitude in your life and keep things in their proper perspectives. Through meditation, you can consciously seclude ourself from the material world and withdraw into the holy place of your soul for a brief time, at least in our thoughts. The primary purpose of meditation is to temporarily separate oneself from the affairs of the world. Separation in this sense does not mean denying or negating the world, or separating yourself from other human beings; it refers to a temporary separation in application of thought and action. By separating yourself temporarily from the daily tasks and affairs of the gross material world, you become keener of the unity of all beings and realize the inseparable mental and spiritual connection between your whole being and God. In practical terms, meditation has a calming effect on your nerves, body, mind and spirit. Divine inspiration, peace of mind, and tranquility are facilitated by meditation. Routine practice of meditation stirs your heart and mind to love others as you love yourself. Meditation transforms your mind and consciousness. It elevates your thought process and consciousness from a lower level to a higher level. The human consciousness is like a stream of different depths or like a piano keyboard with its various octaves. As you mediate you get into the deeper or higher recesses of the mind. The purpose of meditation is to produce a transition in consciousness so that you can get into the lofty or deeper levels of the mind through the change consciousness. It is a simple procedure that enables you to commune with the inner core of your being and with God at the same time. To meditate is to close your minds and thoughts from the outside world and shut off all impressions of things around and within you. Meditation builds a bridge between the human mind and the Mind of God and leads to a state of peace, serenity, calmness, and harmony. Because it does not involve the focusing of consciousness on any particular impression or stimuli, meditation differs from both concentration and contemplation. It elevates the human consciousness to a higher level. In a simple term, meditation can be described as conscious relaxation. Meditation is not a forced state or condition. Any form of stressful condition prevents the mind from attaining the meditative state. A relaxed body coupled with a clear mind is necessary for successful meditation.

Healing Prayer of Faith

Prayer is a loving communication between an individual and the God of his/her own heart. It is a transcendent method of communion with the Almighty, based on the realization and conviction that God is an omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient loving Father who is always willing to listen to your petitions and meet your sincere needs. Praying enables you to communicate with God and to receive divine inspiration, guidance, protection and help. All effective prayer contains three vital elements: gratitude, confession, and intercession. Everyday of your life, you need to sincerely give thanks to God for having received so many blessings from Him, especially the blessing of good health. You should always make the effort and time to raise your heart to God in gratitude and thanksgiving everyday for being blessed in so many ways, even when you are facing difficulties and cannot presently realize or appreciate the true worth of what you have through God’s love, grace, and mercy. You also need to confess your sins of commission or omission such as an error of judgment, conduct, or action to God and plead for forgiveness. Furthermore, you need to repent and ask God to intercede and help you whenever you have vital constructive desires or whenever you need a solution to a problem in life. You should also pray for others and for the world and all of its people Since God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present, you should be aware that He knows your desires and inner thoughts, and is completely acquainted with what you need in life to live a happier and more abundant life. You must go into prayer with the belief and realization that the Almighty God is fully aware of what is best for us. To go into prayer with the assumption that God does not know your desires, needs, and wants, and that you must advise, remind, urge, or convince Him to adopt your viewpoint and grant your petition is a serious mistake that is made while praying. Prayer should be considered as the most personal and intimate contact with your Creator, and should be approached with a clean heart and absolute surrender to God’s will. True prayer is based on this spiritual law which was clearly stated by Jesus, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8). Thus, you must ask in order to receive; you must express your desires before it will be granted. The doors to blessings in life are always opened by the reverential expression of your wishes and desires in a sincere manner. Since prayer is a spiritual communion, a meeting of minds between you and God, it is not the time for babblings. Prayer is an occasion for the deepest and innermost part of your being to solemnly, sacredly, quietly, and sincerely commune and speak with God. Because He already knows the thoughts in your heart that is moving you to pray, you should avoid the mistake of presenting a long list of your wants, needs, and desires to Him. All you need to do during prayer is to approach God with an attitude of reverence, thankfulness, and appreciation, and express your desire for divine blessings in just a few words. Since the gift of life is the greatest blessing that God can give, you should always utter some words of profound appreciation and thankfulness for the life and consciousness which animates your being.

Prayer

Prayer is an integral part of all religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and traditional religions all over the world. Praying is a universal practice which goes back to the origins of humankind and the dawn of time. A majority of the world’s inhabitants pray everyday, both in civilized and uncivilized societies. Praying is a universal practice which goes back to the origins of humankind and the dawn of time. Prayer is the supreme expression of faith and hope in the Almighty; it is a private and loving communication between an individual human being and God. It is an active effort to communicate with God either to offer praise, to make a request, to seek guidance, or simply to express one's thoughts and emotions. People who pray must invoke God in their hearts. Effective prayer consists of putting all of one’s effort in every word used because the secret of the power of prayer resides in the ability to articulate each word with deep emotion, conviction, and full concentration. Righteousness has the power to attract additional divine influx into your body and into the world, establish the royalty of God’s kingdom on earth, and rebuild the divine sanctuary in every human heart. You should endeavor to pray until the thought of God has so much spirit in it that you don’t have any other thought other than that of the Lord; until the mind is so full of God that there is no room for thinking about anything else in creation but awesomeness of God. When practiced with sincerity, devotion, and conviction, prayer can lead to always express Divine Love and Divine Power in the world. What did Jesus Christ teach us about prayer? “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men, I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep babbling like pagans, because they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6: 5-8). Here, Jesus stresses that prayer is a private communication with God. The true essence of prayer is not to gain public approval but to communicate intimately with God. Although there is a place for public prayer, you should focus on God when praying because He is your real audience. Jesus prayed both privately and publicly. When praying, you should make sure that you surely mean what you are saying. Jesus encouraged honest and persistent prayer offered with a sincere heart. He condemns self-righteous hypocritical prayer offered in public for others to notice, as well as shallow repetition of words that are not heartfelt. The bottom line is that you must focus all attention on God while praying and express your faith and trust in Him, thank Him for all the blessings you have received, praise Him for His steadfast love and mighty power, worship and adore Him, and last but not the least, make sincere requests for your needs and the need of others.

Jesus Christ and Faith

Jesus Christ demonstrated the power of faith in His healing ministry. Faith was involved in all the mighty deeds and works of Jesus. He performed miracles and healed all diseases through knowledge and faith. It is crystal clear that absolute faith in the Father combined with His mastery of natural and spiritual laws enabled Him to accomplish His miraculous healings. Thus, a spiritual healer should emulate Jesus and be a person of great faith, great energy, great will-power, and great determination; positive, sympathetic, compassionate, merciful, loving, and kind. The Son of God emphasized the importance of faith in life and healing with statements such as, “Your faith has healed you” (Matthew 9: 22). “I tell you the truth, if you have faith like as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything, in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:12-14). These statements represent assurances from Jesus that everything is possible for those who sincerely believe in Him and the Father without an iota of doubt. Faith can move mountains. Unshakable faith is always involved in healing traditions; faith either from the healer or from the person afflicted. A spiritual healer should be a person of great faith, great energy, and great will-power, positive, determined, sympathetic, compassionate, merciful, and kind. Genuine faith, a gift from God, is the attitude of complete trust and confidence in God; it is the only avenue to experience God’s healing presence in your life. It is absolutely clear from the teachings and accomplishments of Jesus Christ, that a healer must have an absolute and implicit faith in the science of healing and God-given power. Throughout His life, Jesus lived a healthy, virtuous life. He thoroughly understood the art and science of healing. Jesus utilized the curative manifestation of faith combined with His knowledge and understanding of natural and spiritual laws, including the science of health and well-being, to permanently cure the diseases and ailments of His patients. Jesus is the Creator and Architect of the human body. He had full knowledge of the anatomy, physiology biophysics and biochemistry of the human body. He knows that a person in good health is charged with positive vitality and positive electromagnetism or aura. On the other hand, and one in ill-health has negative vitality and is charged with and surrounded by negative electromagnetism or aura. He fully understood that to heal a patient, the positive polarity of the healer must be discharged by the healer’s will-power into the receptive nervous system of the patient. Energy flow from the healer to the patient restores homeostasis in the sick person’s body and the miracle of healing happens.

Role of Faith in Spiritual Healing

God is a compassionate and merciful God who heals all diseases and infirmities. However, our faith in God’s healing power contributes immensely to the healing process. When Jesus healed the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years, he said to her, "Daughter, Your faith has healed you" (Mark 5:34). When Jesus healed two blind men, He said, "According to your faith will it be done to you" (Matthew 9:29). And when Jairus requested healing for his daughter, Jesus said, "Don't be afraid, just believe, and she will be healed" (Luke 8:50). Listen to Peter’s speech to the astonished audience at the Solomon’s Portico after healing the crippled beggar. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. (Acts 3:16) With this speech Peter explained that the healing was not by his power or the power of his colleague, John, but was God’s doing through the power of the name in Jesus. This explanation illustrates that faith in the precious name of Jesus is exceedingly powerful. Peter invoked the name of Jesus and the beggar who had been crippled for years got up and walked. By invoking the name of Jesus, Peter showed that Jesus gave him the power and authority to heal. Here, Peter and John gave glory to Jesus for healing the crippled beggar, and emphasized what God can do through them. Therefore, when you pray in the name of Jesus, you must always remember that it is faith in Christ, not merely the sound of the name, Jesus Christ that gives power to your prayers. The name of Jesus should be used in faith and should not be used like a magic wand. Faith is complete trust and reliance in God and an essential characteristic of all human beings. It is the wonderful power of the mind that enables every human being to believe in unseen realities. According to the Apostle Paul, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11: 1). In its highest form, faith is the conviction and realization that as humans, we are spiritual and related directly to the Spirit of the Almighty God, and that through faith in the Spirit, we can do mighty works just like Jesus did. Faith is always involved in healing; faith either from the healer, the physician, or from the person (patient) afflicted.

Spiritual Healing Methods

The concept of spiritual healing energy is not new. Many Ancient and Eastern religious, philosophical, and healing systems have acknowledged and utilized such energies or forces for thousands of years. However, healing energies are just beginning to be recognized and accepted by Western medical professionals. Spiritual healing energies defy time and space, and can be directed and projected by a person’s mind and consciousness. As such, an individual can receive such healing forces in the presence of a healer or from thousands of miles away from the healer. Typically spiritual healing is used to shift and re-align subtle energy patterns that may be preventing the healthy functioning of the physical body and mind of a person, and thus restore harmony and well-being to the individual. Commonly used methods used for spiritual healing include prayer, concentration, projection (transmission) and visualization. To date, these subtle energies, also known as biofields, which are utilized for spiritual healing, have defied measurement by reproducible scientific methods. Treatments involving biofields are based on the concept that human beings are infused with vital energy or life force. Spiritual Healing has been shown to have a profound effect on our health. While on earth, Jesus Christ showed that spiritual healing can cure both acute and chronic diseases and provide permanent relief from physical and mental ailments as well as the worries, anxieties, and difficulties that plague all human beings.

Spiritual Healing

What is spiritual healing? Let me make one fact clear. All healing techniques, whether modern, traditional, or ancient, depend on the wisdom and power of the Almighty God, our Heavenly Father. Spiritual healing utilizes and channels God’s healing force or energy to heal or maintain good health. Thus, spiritual healing refers to any technique that uses subtle energies coming from the God or Spirit for oneself or others. It involves the transmission healing energy from a spiritual source (a healer) to another person to cure a disease, to remove a disorder, or to restore wholeness to an individual who needs healing. The spiritual healing force is latent in and around every human body and can be released to heal the sick and the infirm though concentration and prayer. The Spiritual Healing Force proceeds directly from God and is pure and powerful. Therefore, all healers and those desiring cures from diseases and disorders should endeavor to remove all impurities from their beings and fill their hearts and minds with pure thoughts, and live their daily lives with pure and constructive activities. Anyone seeking the power for spiritual healing must be willing to conform to the natural laws of purity: pure air, pure food, pure thinking, and pure living. If he/she ignores these important health-giving factors, the person may be invoking the Divine Healing Force in vain. The healing energy from the Spirit was greatly manifested in the Master Healer, Jesus Christ. Through the power of God’s healing energy, Jesus Christ, the Great Physician acquired the ability and authority to change and raise the vibrations of His patients to a higher frequency. This enabled Him to eliminate all the poisonous elements in the patient’s system, purify the blood, rebuild and renew the all cells, tissues, and organs of the body, and restore the normal physiological functions of His patients without the use of drugs. Spiritual healing can be seen as a systematic, purposeful intervention by a spiritual healer with the sole purpose of curing a specific disease or helping another human being to regain a good health. This can be achieved by means of focused intention or hand contact just as Jesus did. Thus, spiritual healing involves prayer, concentration (focused intention) and meditation, or laying of hands to transfer healing energy from the healer to afflicted person. Individuals who conduct spiritual healing are believed to utilize natural forces and energies that are not available to modern medical practitioners. Depending on the faith and beliefs of the patient and the healer, the spiritual healing process is attributed to God, a Higher Power, the Holy Spirit, and universal energies, and unseen or unknown power.

Spirituality and Medical Practice

Spirituality and medicine have been shown to be interconnected from prehistoric times. Ancient doctors and healers were predominantly religious leaders and priests. Even in today’s world of biochemical Western Medicine, many traditional healers in Third World countries, especially in Africa, are religious leaders and priests of one religion or the other. These healers are believed to know and understand spiritual laws. They all believe that most of the diseases and afflictions originated from the spiritual world. However, due to advances in the science of medicine and technology, most inhabitants of the modern world do not believe in the ancient perspective of the spiritual causes of diseases. Today, most people believe that health and disease originate solely from genes and the environment. However, recent evolution of consciousness in the minds of open-minded scientists and doctors has propelled the research on the role of the mind and spirituality in health and disease. Evidence from modern scientific research institutions like Harvard University and Duke University in the United States, has shown that faith, prayer, meditation, visualization, thoughts, concentration thoughts and thought transference, can influence the biological, physiological, emotional, and mental functioning of all human beings. Thanks to the effort and dedication of few scientists who are redirecting their attention to the study of Ancient Truths. The interaction between mind, body, and spirit is now an active area of investigation in major academic institutions all over the world. Scientists have found that non-visible and subtle energies in and outside the human body directly affects the health and well-being of human beings, Although some of these scientists believe that they have discovered something new, ancient thinkers, philosophers, healers, and great religious leaders, including Jesus Christ were aware of these truths centuries ago. Spirituality by itself is a healing technique. It takes into account the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of the human being and conveys the message that love grace, power, peace, happiness, harmony, and health are available to all. These facts are now generally accepted by the scientific and medical community all over the world. Although many factors involved in spirituality are difficult to understand and measure by scientific methods, spirituality remains a very important aspect of the human experience. Spiritual health is not just the absence of sickness or disease; it is a state of well-being; the quality of living in which you are at peace with yourself and in harmony with other fellow beings, as well as the whole world and the immediate environment in which you live. Essential components of spiritual health include a sense of meaning and purpose; a sense of mission in life, and the realization of God-given potentials and talents to accomplish the mission, the feeling of being in control of your life. It also includes a sense of personal control and empowerment, a sense of a direct connection to your inner self and God, and the realization that there is some law and power at work within yourself and in the universe which is above and beyond the rational and natural. Convincing evidence from medical literature now support the beneficial role of spirituality in health, well-being, and in the practice of medicine. Because of this realization, several open-minded scientists and medical professionals are now exploring the relationship between spirituality and medicine.. To better understand the role of spiritual health in the healing process, courses in spirituality are now being offered in many medical schools in the United Sates as part of the medical education curriculum.

Spirit and Spirituality

The dictionary defines spirit as the vital principle or the animating force within all human beings. It is the Divine Essence, the Divine Intelligence which is not a part of the physical make-up of human beings. It is the immaterial, immortal, and energy-giving component infused in all humans. It is the invisible entity that produces all reality. Spirit is the greatest stimulant within and outside the human body. It vitalizes all cells, tissues, and organs. It uplifts our minds and consciousness; inspires and ennobles us to accomplish anything we can embark on. It quickens and transforms our whole being and heals our infirmities. To the modern medical professional, the spirit is the restorative power of nature. The Spirit gives us wisdom and insight. Within the deep recesses of every human being, male or female, rich or poor, civilized or uncivilized, is the conviction that a Superior Power or Intelligence guides and directs our daily lives. Consciously or unconsciously, we willingly follow the direction of this Higher Power, which is the Spirit within us! Thus, spirit is the life principle and can be considered as life itself. In the Christian Bible, we are told that “God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Spirit is the invisible non-material part of man. All human beings are infused by the same spirit and the same God. The desire to excel which is inherent in every individual comes from the inspiration of the Spirit. Jesus Christ was completely infused with the Divine Essence of God’s Spirit. His realization of the infusion enabled Him to transcend the limitations of human existence. Just like Jesus, infusion with the Divine Essence can enable you to control your physical appetites, lusts, and material aspirations, and rise above the limitations of our corporeal existence What then is spirituality? The term spirituality refers to a person’s search for meaning and a personal relationship with God or a Higher Power. It is the way an individual finds comfort, hope, harmony, happiness, and peace of mind in his or her own life. Spirituality involves the realization and acceptance of God, a Higher Intelligence, or Divine Essence with whom an individual can commune with and have a personal relationship. The realization and conviction of the divine presence of God in our lives provide love, peace of mind, harmony, health, security, inspiration, power, energy, and happiness, far above and beyond what is possible in the absence of the conviction and realization of the presence of a living God. Most people find spirituality through religion, while some find it through philosophy, mysticism, music, arts, or through a connection with the natural environment. Still others find spirituality through their principles and values in life. Christians find spirituality through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and God’s Incarnate on Earth, who came to the world to teach and show us how to live life more abundantly.

The Benefits of Positive Thinking

You have nothing to loose with positive thinking. It is always beneficial to your health and general well-being. Positive thoughts elevate your vibrational frequency, whereas, negative thoughts lower it. For example when you harbor thoughts of love, peace, harmony, happiness, joy, purity, health, and good will towards the world and others, your vibration energy shoots high and you will feel good about yourself. However, when you harbor impure thoughts full of hate, anger, revenge, sadness, the frequency of your vibration takes a dive and you will feel bad, depressed, unhappy, despondent, and unhealthy. In essence, the way you think and what you think about determines your rate of vibration, which controls your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual state of being. When you think positively, the frequency of your vibration increases, your attitude becomes more positive, you feel good about yourself, your whole being becomes radiant, your eyes sparkle, you walk tall, you become more energetic, your voice becomes more powerful, and your body language communicates a message of hope, confidence, goodwill, success, and happiness. Jesus Christ remained upbeat throughout life because He was vibrating at a higher frequency than the average Joe of His time. To remain positive and healthy, always glorify God with your thoughts, words, and actions everyday. Watch everything that gets into your mouth and everything that comes out of it. Your body is the holy temple of God; it harbors the Spirit of God, so respect your body and keep it as holy as you can. Please don’t abuse your body. Think positively and expect only favorable results and situations, even if your current circumstances are not as you wish them to be. In time, your mental attitude will affect your life and circumstances and change them accordingly because you will always be unhealthy when you do. To avoid negative thinking, pray without ceasing and socialize and be friends with virtuous and good people who love God. Fill your heart with thoughts of love, peace, harmony, health, happiness, joy, purity, mercy and kindliness and endeavor to love your neighbors as you love yourself. Avoid intimacy with worthless men and women and do not associate with individuals whose minds and hearts are filled envy, jealousy, hate, malice, and anger, and those who think negatively, use vulgar language or behave negatively for their company will lower your vibration. Associate yourself with like-minded individuals who would edify you and bring the best out of your being. Hang out and spend time with highly intelligent, honest, and hard working individuals who are optimistic, loving, peaceful, kind, and compassionate. Don’t keep the company of pessimistic, argumentative, greedy, selfish, unthinking vulgars, who cheat, deceive, lie, and steal their way to material success. Such people vibrate with low frequency. Your vibration and energy level would be low if you surround yourself with such people. Emulate Jesus Christ. He surrounded Himself with His disciples and followers and hung out in the synagogues discussing the Laws of Moses with the Scribes, Rabbis, and the learned men and women of Palestine.

Think Positively

It is an established fact in life that you get what your mind and heart expect. When you think positively, your mind will be filled with thoughts that are conducive to growth, good health, happiness, and prosperity. Thus, a positive mind anticipates good instead of evil, joy instead of sadness, forgiveness instead of revenge, peace instead of violence, and success of failure. Positive thinking brings love, inner peace, joyousness of living, success, prosperity, better relationships, improved health, satisfaction, and prosperity. If you think mostly about love, peace, happiness, joy, good health, kindliness, mercy, and success, you will cause others to love you and desire to be around you, and help you, because they enjoy the vibrations that your boy, mind and spirit emit. Overall, you need to develop a positive attitude toward life, take all necessary actions to ensure and achieve your success, so that positive thinking can produce the results your dreams Negative thoughts and words can decrease the frequency of your vibration and give rise to negative actions, moodiness, and sadness. Harboring negative thoughts most of the day results in mental poisoning which causes more sadness, misery, and frustration. When you think positively, your life looks more promising and brighter and your daily activities moves more smoothly. When you are thinking and vibrating positively, people around you are positively affected by your mental moods and emotional countenance because positive thinking is contagious. Associate yourself with people who think positively. Think positively and expect only favorable results and situations, even if your current circumstances are not as you wish them to be. In time, your mental attitude will affect your life and circumstances and change them accordingly. To avoid negative thinking, pray without ceasing and socialize and be friends with virtuous and good people who love God. Fill your heart with thoughts of love, peace, harmony, health, happiness, joy, purity, mercy and kindliness and endeavor to to love your neighbors as you love yourself. Avoid intimacy with worthless men and women and do not associate with individuals whose minds and hearts are filled envy, jealousy, hate, malice, and anger, and those who think negatively, use vulgar language or behave negatively for their company will lower your vibration. Associate yourself with like-minded individuals who would edify you and bring the best out of your being. Hang out and spend time highly intelligent, honest, and hard working individuals who are optimistic, loving, peaceful, kind, and compassionate. Don’t keep the company of pessimistic, argumentative, greedy, selfish, unthinking vulgars, who cheat, deceive, lie, and steal their way to material success. Such people vibrate with low frequency. Your vibration and energy level would be low if you surround yourself with such people. Emulate Jesus Christ. He surrounded Himself with His disciples and followers and hung out in the synagogues discussing the Laws of Moses with the Scribes, Rabbis, and the learned men and women of Palestine.

The Thymus Gland

The thymus is an endocrine gland located in the upper chest, near the throat. It is the infection-fighting endocrine gland of the immune system. The thymus produces hormones and chemicals that fortify and strengthen the body’s immunity. It regulates the body’s immunity by stimulating the production of white blood cells. The gland plays a significant role in the establishment and development of the immune system during gestation until puberty. The thymus gradually shrinks after puberty, thus, its functions diminish in adults. Shrinkage of the thymus is a biomarker of aging. The thymus is believed to control the maturation of T lymphocytes by an endocrine mechanism. It produces thymosin and other hormones which stimulate the maturation of T cells involved in cell-mediated immunity. In addition to T cell activation, thymus gland hormones are also involved in producing immune signaling molecules such as interferon, interleukin, and colony stimulating factor. These immune molecules, otherwise known as lymphokines, promote the proliferation and activation of white blood cells which protects the human body against invading bacteria, viruses, and germs which may cause harm to humans. Hormones produced by the thymus can also prevent tissue wasting which often accompanies diseases like AIDS, can reduce autoimmune reactions, observed in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, and can increase the number of disease-fighting antibodies in our immune system. Overall, the main function of the thymus gland is to normalize, enhance, restore, and balance the immunity of the human body. Disorders of the thymus can affect its immune-surveillance role. An individual with a defective thymus gland is prone to getting sick regularly. The person may likely suffer from allergies and may be vulnerable to cancer. Known thymus disorders include thymoma (cancer of the thymus) and congenital athyma (absence of thymus).

Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

The thyroid is the largest and one of most important glands in the human body. It is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the middle of the neck, just below the voice box and just above the collar bones. The major function of the thyroid gland is to produce thyroid hormone (TH) which regulates the rate with which the human body utilizes energy while performing its vital functions (metabolism). Often referred to as the body's metabolic hormone, the thyroid hormone regulates the metabolism of the human body by increasing cellular activity through the activation and stimulation of enzymes that combine oxygen and glucose, a process that increases your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and body heat production. TH is also critical for nervous system development and maintenance. In addition, the hormone regulates tissue growth and development and helps maintain normal blood pressure, Malfunctions of the thyroid can cause many disorders and diseases. The thyroid gland can malfunction mostly in two different ways. It can produce or release a very low level of thyroid hormone, resulting in a condition commonly known as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). It can also produce or release too much thyroid hormone, resulting in what is commonly known as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). When too little thyroid hormone is synthesized and secreted by the thyroid gland, the body's metabolic rate decreases, and the function and performance of the body slows down. This condition can make us feel depressed and tired, make the muscles weak, impair the memory, cause weight gain, cause less bowel movement, slow down the heart rate, cause low body temperature, and may result in irregular or heavy menstruation or infertility in women. When too much TH is produced and released by the thyroid, the body's metabolic rate increases, resulting in increased metabolic rate. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include nervousness/irritability, fast/irregular heart rate, weight loss, enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), increased body heat, increased perspiration, sleep disturbances (insomnia), more frequent bowel movements, and shorter and scantier menstrual flow in females. Parathyroid Parathyroid glands are four small endocrine glands located in the neck behind the thyroid. The main function of the parathyroid glands are to control calcium levels within the blood. Calcium makes our bones hard and strong. Without calcium, our bone would be soft and fragile. Calcium levels in the bones are controlled and regulated by the parathyroid glands. Through the production and release of parathyroid hormone (PTH), these four small glands, which are normally the size and shape of a grain of rice, determine how much calcium is absorbed from diet, how much is released in urine by the kidneys, how much is retained within the nervous system and muscles, and how much is stored in the bones. The parathyroid glands are activated to release PTH when the blood level of calcium becomes low. PTH increases blood calcium by stimulating bone cells to be released from bones. PTH also increases the absorption of calcium from the digestive tract by activating vitamin D, therby facilitating calcium uptake by the kidneys. Abnormal secretions of PTH are causes of disorders in humans, especially bone diseases. One or more of the four parathyroid glands may go bad resulting in the relase of abnormal levels of PTH. Too much production of PTH (hyperparathyroidism) by an overactive parathyroid results in increased concentrations of calcium in the blood. In individuals with hyperparathyroidism, one or more of the parathyroid glands might be out of control and continue to make large amounts of parathyroid hormone regardless of the high levels of calcium already circulating in the blood. The development of benign tumor in any of the parathyroid glands is the most cause of hyperparathyroidism. The symptoms of hyperparathyroidism can aptly be described as “moans, groans, stones, and bones.” Persistent elevated calcium levels due to overproduction of PTH results in pains in the bones and osteoporosis, a term that describes the loss of calcium in the bones. In severe cases, the bones become brittle and break. Bones with osteoporosis can often ache and hurt. Osteoporosis occurs in almost all individuals with parathyroid disease. The problem of osteoporosis is more of a concern in elderly females. Hyperparathyroidism can also initiate and cause development of gastric ulcers, and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). High calcium blood levels can also cause the linings of the stomach and the pancreas to become inflamed and painful (ulcers and acute pancreatitis). Persistently elevated blood calcium level leads to development of kidney stones. Because the major function of the kidney is to filter and clean the blood, the kidneys are constantly exposed to high levels of calcium in individuals with hyperthyroidism. Constant filtering of large amounts of calcium within the renal tubules results in kidney stones. Due to deposition of large amounts of calcium within the kidney, the entire organ can become calcified and in extreme cases, the kidneys may take on bone characteristics. This condition can be very painful and may cause kidney failure. The overall dangers of hyperthyroidism include osteoporosis, bone fractures, kidney stones, peptic ulcers, and pancreatitis. In contrast, inadequate production of PTH (hyperparathyroidism) results in decreased concentrations. The resulting low levels of calcium often lead to tetany and convulsions, and can be life-threatening.

The Pineal Gland

The pineal gland is a small enigmatic endocrine gland that lies deep in the middle of the brain' between the left and right cerebral hemispheres. Because of its location deep inside the brain, its function is mythical, mysterious, speculative, and surrounded by superstition, mystical, and metaphysical theories. Over the ages, both ancient and modern, the true function of this mysterious gland has been contemplated by Spiritual Adepts and philosophers. Some spiritual and religious traditions believe that the pineal gland has mystical powers, and some mystics and metaphysicians consider it the Spiritual Third Eye or our Inner Vision. The physiological functions of the pineal gland were not known until recently. However, mystical traditions and esoteric schools have long known this area in the middle of the brain as the connecting link between the spiritual and physical worlds. The pineal gland is considered the most powerful and highest source of spiritual energy available to humankind. The organ is believed to be important in initiating supernatural powers by spiritual healers and ardent seekers of psychic powers. This gland of higher vision is closely associated with development of psychic talents. Rene Descartes, the French philosopher, mathematician, scientist, and writer dubbed the pineal gland as the “Seat of the Soul” because of its unique location in the anatomy of the human brain. Pineal structure is not duplicated either on the right side or the left hemispheres of the brain like many other organs. Activated by light, the pineal regulates and controls the various biorhythms of the body in conjunction and harmony with the hypothalamus gland which directs the body's thirst, hunger, sexual desire, our biological clock and aging processes. Melatonin is the principal hormone produced by the pineal gland. The synthesis and secretion of melatonin is stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light. Thus, the hormone is released in the dark during sleep. The major physiological function of melatonin is the regulation of daily body rhythms, most notably the circadian rhythms (day/night cycles). Melatonin is believed to inhibit the growth of cancer. Women with breast cancer have lower levels of melatonin in the blood. In addition, the hormone has a stimulatory effect on the immune system and also protects us against genetic damage. The decline in melatonin production is believed to serve as a trigger for the aging process. As the pineal gland calcifies with age, the synthesis and secretion of melatonin correspondingly decreases. Melatonin production by the pineal gland is also affected by environmental stresses which adversely impact the body's endocrine functions, overall body alertness, and body temperature. Known stresses that affect pineal function include unusual light, especially in big cities, radiation, magnetic fields, nutritional imbalances, sudden temperature changes, and overall daily stresses of modem living in this technological age. Malfunction of the pineal gland has been implicated in a number of disorders including sexual dysfunction, hypertension, cancer, epilepsy, and Paget's disease.

The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland, also called the "master gland” of the endocrine system, controls most of the functions of other endocrine glands. It is about the size of a pea, and located in the base of the brain, just behind the bridge of the nose. Attached to the hypothalamus by nerve fibers, the pituitary establishes an important link between the nervous system and the endocrine system. The pituitary gland has two distinct parts, the anterior and the posterior lobes, each of which releases different hormones which affect bone growth and regulate activity in other glands. This master gland releases many hormones which affect growth, sexual development, metabolism and the system of reproduction. The anterior lobe produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin (PRL). Thyroid stimulating hormone stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and secrete thyroid hormone which controls and regulates the basal metabolic rate and plays an important role in growth and maturation. Almost every organ in the body is affected by thyroid hormone. Growth hormone regulates the growth and metabolism of the human system, and the adrenocorticotropic hormone triggers the production and release the hormone cortisol, by the adrenals. Cortisol regulates carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism as well as blood pressure. The adrenal glands which sit above the kidneys produce hormones which are also responsible for the body's fight or flight response mechanisms. Luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone stimulate the ovaries and testes to synthesize and release sex hormones including estrogen and testosterone. These hormones are in charge of sperm and egg maturation and release, while prolactin stimulates the production of milk during breast feeding. The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland produces antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin. Antidiuretic hormone, also referred to as vasopressin, increases absorption of water into the blood by the kidneys and therefore decreases urine production. Oxytocin stimulates contractions of the uterus during childbirth and the ejection of milk during breast-feeding. The pituitary can produce either too much or too little of these hormones. Consequently, an imbalance could occur which could lead to disorders of the endocrine system. Hormonal imbalances and deficiencies have several health implications. For example, deficiencies of thyroid hormone, adrenal cortical hormone (cortisol) or antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) can be life-threatening. Abnormalities of the other hormones, can lead to ill-health and diseases and quality of life can significantly be compromised. Abnormal growth of pituitary cells, including tumors, infections, inflammations, and injuries to the head and brain, can cause the pituitary gland to malfunction. A tumor can make the pituitary to be nonfunctional or function abnormally and prevent it from secreting certain necessary hormones or secrete excessive or very low levels of a very important hormone. For example, high prolactin levels may suppress production of the pituitary hormones, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone that stimulate production of estrogen or testosterone, causing infertility, decreased libido, and osteoporosis. Abnormal levels of growth hormone, ACTH, and TSH may cause acromegaly, Cushing's Disease, and hypothyroidism, respectively. Men with pituitary tumors have low testosterone levels and may lose their sex drive and their masculine characteristics, such as hair, muscle, erections, and ability to produce sperm, and eventually self-esteem. On the other hand, women with prolactin producing tumors have low levels of estrogen, and often cease to ovulate during menstrual periods. Females with low sex hormones often develop osteoporosis.

The Endocrine System

Another system in the human body that serves as a regulatory and information signaling system much like the nervous system is known as the endocrine system. While the nervous system controls and regulates faster human processes such as movement, heartbeat, and breathing, the endocrine system controls and regulates slower body processes such as reproduction, metabolism, growth, development, and aging. Whereas the nervous system utilizes nerves to conduct and transfer information, the endocrine system utilizes blood vessels as channels for information transfer. The human endocrine system is comprised of several ductless glands which produce and release signaling molecules known as hormones into the circulatory system. Hormones travel to distant organs, tissues, and cells through blood vessels to regulate the functions of their target. How these hormones indentify and influence their specific targets is a miracle. Blood levels of hormones can be influenced by infection, disease, lifestyle, stresses of daily living, body fluid balance, electrolytes and minerals in the blood, as well as our thoughts, emotions, and moods. The major glands that constitute the endocrine system are the hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenals, testes, and ovaries. Pituitary The pituitary gland, also called the "master gland” of the endocrine system, controls most of the functions of other endocrine glands. It is about the size of a pea, and located in the base of the brain, just behind the bridge of the nose. Attached to the hypothalamus by nerve fibers, the pituitary establishes an important link between the nervous system and the endocrine system. The pituitary gland has two distinct parts, the anterior and the posterior lobes, each of which releases different hormones which affect bone growth and regulate activity in other glands. This master gland releases many hormones which affect growth, sexual development, metabolism and the system of reproduction. The anterior lobe produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin (PRL). Thyroid stimulating hormone stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and secrete thyroid hormone which controls and regulates the basal metabolic rate and plays an important role in growth and maturation. Almost every organ in the body is affected by thyroid hormone. Growth hormone regulates the growth and metabolism of the human system, and the adrenocorticotropic hormone triggers the production and release the hormone cortisol, by the adrenals. Cortisol regulates carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism as well as blood pressure. The adrenal glands which sit above the kidneys produce hormones which are also responsible for the body's fight or flight response mechanisms. Luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone stimulate the ovaries and testes to synthesize and release sex hormones including estrogen and testosterone. These hormones are in charge of sperm and egg maturation and release, while prolactin stimulates the production of milk during breast feeding. The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland produces antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin. Antidiuretic hormone, also referred to as vasopressin, increases absorption of water into the blood by the kidneys and therefore decreases urine production. Oxytocin stimulates contractions of the uterus during childbirth and the ejection of milk during breast-feeding.

Neuronavigation Technology

Neuronavigation provides intraoperative orientation to the surgeons helps in planning a precise surgical approach to the targeted lesion and defines the surrounding neurovascular structures. Preoperative planning and intraoperative identification of anatomic landmarks are especially important in neurosurgery since they help to avoid or minimize surgical morbidity and mortality. Evidence from recent studies has shown that integration of functional brain mapping using fMRI and magnetoencephalography (MEG) with neuronavigation in surgical decision-making offers the chances of more radical resections with minimal morbidity and helps to avoid the eloquent areas of the brain during surgery. Although neuronavigation technology has been found to be useful in procedures such as skull base tumors, syringomyelia, medulla tumors, aneurysms, and endoscopy guidance, so far, the technology has been mostly applied to improve surgery in the brain tissue. The procedure allows very precise intracranial and spinal surgery. Since neurosurgical intervention remains the mainstay of diagnostic and therapeutic management of brain tumor, accurate localization of brain lesions is necessary and important. Recent studies have demonstrated that frameless stereotactic neuronavigational systems provide improved localization accuracy of brain lesions compared with traditional methods of localization that involve only the use of neuroimaging and surface anatomy. Because the neuronavigation system displays 3-dimensional reconstructions of lesions, vessels, nerves, and fiber tracks during surgery, and makes use of image fusion techniques, neuronavigation is now a procedure of choice for brain surgery. The use of the neurosurgical navigation system has been shown to improve the post operative quality of life of patients suffering from brain and spinal tumors. It offers several advantages including improved medical outcomes, shorter hospitalizations, and better and faster surgical procedures with fewer complications. Thus, this remarkable technology which has proven to be an effective tool for several neurosurgical applications has revolutionized the practice of neurosurgery.

Recent Advances in Neuroimaging and Neurosurgery

Several imaging techniques are now available to clinicians caring for patients with neurological disorders. These techniques include computed tomography (CT), CT angiography (CTA), perfusion CT (pCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MR angiography (MRA), functional MRI (fMRI), MR spectroscopy, perfusion MRI (pMRI), and MR Neurography. Other interventional techniques such as angiography, embolization and stenting of vascular structures, spine interventions such as discography, selective nerve root injection, and epidural injections are also available. In general, MRI is more sensitive than CT for detection of lesions affecting the central nervous system (CNS), particularly those of the cranial nerves, brain structures, and spinal cord, while CT is more sensitive than MRI for visualizing fine osseous details and lesions affecting the skull base. However, CT is the pragmatic choice for the initial evaluation of patients with suspected acute stroke, hemorrhage, and intracranial or spinal trauma because it is widely available and can be quickly obtained. In recent years, the advent of computer-based technology and the development of new digital scanning techniques have resulted in medical images of exquisite anatomical and pathological details. The integration of these anatomic and functional imaging techniques with neuronavigation technology has revolutionized the practice of neurosurgery. Neuronavigation, also called frameless stereotaxy, has improved the ability of neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiologists, oncologists, other clinicians, and neuroscientists to understand and apply medical images and imaging systems in the treatment of patients with brain disorders, especially brain tumors. Neuronavigation technology allows multi-modality-based images to be merged into a single model in which anatomic and pathologic changes are at once distinguished and integrated into the same framework. Thus, the technology helps neurosurgeons to use multimodality imaging data in a rational and quantitative fashion for purposes of surgical localization and operation. The key elements of neuronavigation technology include model-based image understanding, visualization and display platforms and related software for information and display, the use of computing clusters to increase the speed of computation and at the time optimize performance, and advanced devices and systems for 3-dimensional (3-D) device tracking and navigation. Neuronavigation, which displays 3-D reconstructions of brain lesions, vessels, nerves, and fiber tracts during surgery and makes use of image fusion techniques, is an important tool in the neurosurgical management of brain lesions.

The Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a small cone-shaped structure located in the middle of the base of the brain. It serves as the primary link between the nervous system and the endocrine system via the pituitary gland and controls several important bodily functions. The hypothalamus can be considered to belong to both the nervous and endocrine systems. This important neuro-endocrine gland activates and controls some areas of the nervous system that controls involuntary body functions, and many endocrine functions. The hypothalamus contains several cells that secrete brain chemicals and projects directly to the ‘master gland’ commonly known as the pituitary gland. Brain chemicals produced and secreted by the hypothalamus include epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine. The major function of the hypothalamus is to keep the entire human body in perfect harmony, otherwise known as maintenance of homeostasis in scientific lingo. The hypothalamus serves as a relay station to transmit communication signals and messages from many parts of the brain to the pituitary gland. Like other components of the brain, the hypothalamus consists of interconnecting nerve cells with a rich blood supply. Nerve cells from the hypothalamus control the pituitary gland by stimulating the production and release of hormones that either suppress or stimulate hormone secretions from the pituitary. Moreover, hormones produced by the hypothalamus relay signals to the pituitary gland, which in turn transmits its own signals to various parts of the human body. These signals regulates blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, fatigue, anger, circadian cycles, thirst, food intake, hunger, appetite, and obesity by stimulating the production and secretion of hypothalamic-releasing hormones. The major hormones released by the hypothalamus include growth hormone-releasing hormone, growth hormone-inhibiting hormone, corticotrophin-releasing hormone, and thyrotrophic-releasing hormone. Because of its vital brain functions, the hypothalamus can be regarded as the ‘brain of the brain.’ Loss of motor and sensory functions in patients with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease are believed to be due to a degenerative process that damages multiple areas of the central and peripheral nervous system, including the hypothalamus.

Autonomic Nervous System Disorders

It is now clear that the autonomic nervous system is the regulatory component of the central nervous system. It helps all human beings, male and female, young and old to adapt to changes in both internal and external environments. In response to stress, the autonomic nervous system modifies and/or adjusts vital body functions. Autonomic disorders can affect any part of the human body. Since autonomic nerves go from the spinal cord to the heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, bladder, and sex organs, damage to the nerves connected to any of these organs may cause the affected organ to malfunction. Autonomic nerves connect the central nervous system to the heart. Damage to these nerves can adversely affect the heart's electrical activity and the heart's ability to contract, consequently making the heart to beat faster or at different speeds. The brain and spinal cord communicate with the blood vessels that keep the blood pressure constant and steady. Any malfunction of the blood vessels due to damage of the autonomic nerves may cause high blood pressure. The digestive system, including the stomach and the intestines, are connected to the central nervous system via autonomic nerves. Any malfunction or disorder of these nerves may affect digestion which may lead to indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, or nausea. The autonomic nervous system also supplies the nerves to the bladder. Disorders of any of these nerves can prevent an individual from knowing when to go to the bathroom, hold urine too long, or urinate accidentally. It may also cause bladder infections. Autonomic nerves connect the spinal cord to the bronchi of the lungs; damage to these nerves may prevent adequate airflow to the lungs. Furthermore, the autonomic nervous system supplies the nerves to the penis and the vagina. Disorders of these nerves in male can lead to erectile dysfunction and impotence and prevent a man from having sex. In females, any damage to autonomic nerves can decrease libido or prevent a woman from getting wet during intercourse. Some diseases, particularly diabetes, can also cause autonomic disorders. Damage to the autonomic nervous system from diabetes may cause problems with having sex in both males and females. Other diseases associated with the aging process include Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and heart diseases, as well as medications used to treat the diseases may damage the autonomic nervous system.

Components of the Central Nervous System (CNS)

Autonomic Nervous System The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the part of what is called the peripheral nervous system that acts as a control system to maintain the normal and harmonious function (homeostasis) of the entire human body. Also known as involuntary nervous system, the ANS functions without voluntary or conscious control. Because the ANS supplies nerves to the cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and several endocrine glands; it also influences the activity of most tissues and organ systems in all parts of the body. Thus, the ANS makes a significant contribution in maintaining the normal functioning of the entire body. The regulation of blood pressure, gastrointestinal responses to food, contraction of the urinary bladder, regulation of body temperature are some of many homeostatic functions regulated by the ANS. The regulation of blood pressure, gastrointestinal responses to food, contraction of the urinary bladder, regulation of body temperature are some of many homeostatic functions regulated by the ANS. The system modulates heart rate, digestion, respiration rate, salivation, and perspiration, urination, and sexual arousal. The main components of the ANS include the sensory system and the motor system of the parasympathetic nervous system and sympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic Nervous System The sympathetic nervous system is a component of the autonomic nervous system. It originates from the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord. Just like other divisions of the nervous system, the sympathetic nervous system operates through a series of interconnected nerve cells, called neurons. Sympathetic neurons of the central nervous system communicate with peripheral sympathetic neurons through a mass of nerve tissue known as sympathetic ganglia. The sympathetic nervous system is in charge of regulating most of the homeostatic mechanisms in the human body. Best known for mediating the neuronal and hormonal stress response, commonly known as the ‘fight-or-flight’ response, the sympathetic system supplies energy to every organ system in the human body. The sympathetic nervous system promotes the "fight or flight" response, through acute energy generation and inhibition of digestion by diverting blood flow away from the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract and skin, by constricting the blood vessels, enhancing blood flow to the lungs and skeletal muscles, by facilitating greater alveolar oxygen exchange, and by dilating bronchioles of the lung, These activities provide the mechanism for enhanced blood flow to skeletal muscles by increasing the heart rate and the contractility of cardiac muscles, dilating the coronary blood vessels of the heart, and allowing more light to the eye by dilating and relaxing the lens of the eyes. Parasympathetic Nervous System The parasympathetic nervous system is another important component of the autonomic nervous system. It originates from the brain stem and the lower part of the spinal cord. In general, the parasympathetic nervous system opposes the physiological effects of the sympathetic nervous system. It promotes the "rest and digest" response, promotes calms of the nerves, enables the human body to return to regular function, and enhances digestion. The parasympathetic nervous system increases intestinal activity and stimulates digestive secretions, slows the heart rate, relaxes sphincter muscles, constrict the pupils, and dilate blood vessels. During unusual conditions of anxiety and/or fear, the parasympathetic system causes spontaneous responses such as urination, excessive secretion of gastric and salivary juices, including nausea or vomiting.

The Diencephalon and Brain Stem

The diencephalon is located beneath the middle of the cerebrum and on top of the brain stem. It contains two very important structures: the hypothalamus and the thalamus. The hypothalamus occupies a major portion of the ventral region of the diencephalon and directs several important body functions. Located below the thalamus, and just above the brain stem, the hypothalamus links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. It plays a vital role in keeping conditions inside your body constant. It performs this function by regulating body temperature, thirst, hunger, and circadian cycles by modulating the release of hormones from the nearby pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is also an important emotional center, controlling the molecules that make all human beings feel exhilarated, angry, or unhappy. The thalamus has multiple functions. It acts as a relay station for incoming sensory nerve impulses, sending them on to appropriate regions of the brain for processing. It is also responsible for alerting the brain about what's happening outside of the body. The thalamus plays a major role in regulating arousal, the level of awareness and activity, as well as states of sleep and wakefulness. Damage or malfunction of the thalamus may lead to permanent coma or a prolonged period of unconsciousness. Jesus might have raised Lazarus from the dead by re-activating and/or restoring the functions of his thalamus. Brain Stem The brain stem lies at the bottom of the brain, connecting the brain with spinal cord. It serves as a sensory and motor pathway to the body and face. The functions of the brainstem include breathing, digestion, heart rate, blood pressure and arousal. Parts of the brain known as the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata by biological scientist and neurologists belong to the brain stem. The midbrain contains auditory and visual reflex centers and serves as the nerve pathway of the cerebral hemispheres. The medulla oblongata which functions primarily as a relay station between the spinal cord and the brain contains the respiratory, vasomotor and cardiac centers, as well as the mechanisms for controlling reflex activities such as coughing, vomiting, swallowing and gagging.

The Human Brain

Basically, the human brain is an electrochemical organ powered by electromagnetic energy. It is composed of many parts, each of which has a specific function. The brain contains billions of neurons with various specialized functions. Although the brain works as a unit, it can be divided into four main parts for the sake of simplicity. These are the cerebrum, cerebellum, diencephalons, and brainstem. The Cerebrum Also known as cerebral cortex, the cerebrum is associated with higher brain function such as thought and action. The cerebral cortex is the largest part of your brain. The cerebrum is responsible for all conscious experience, including perception, emotion and planning. It is the thinking, analytical, feeling, and creative part of the brain. The cerebrum detects and interprets visual images involved in hearing and storing memory, perceives and interprets sensations like touch, heat, cold, and pain, and also involved with speech, movements, thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Without the cerebrum, humans cannot reason, walk, dance, play games, study, or critically analyze issues and situations. The cerebrum is split into two halves called hemispheres. Located on either side of the head, each half communicate with each other. Scientists believe that the right half is involved with the processing of abstract and creative thoughts such as thinking about things like music, time, space, colors, and shapes. The left half is believed to be involved with analytical subjects like math, logic, and speech. Some scientists have suggested that the right hemisphere of the cerebrum controls the left side of the body, and the left hemisphere controls the right side, however, this concept is not known for sure to be true. Cerebellum The second largest part of your brain is the cerebellum. It is located underneath the cerebrum toward the back of the brain, connected to the brainstorm and relatively protected from trauma. The cerebellum is involved in the coordination of voluntary motor movement, balance and equilibrium, as well as muscle tone and posture. As humans, we easily move around, stand upright, and keep our balance because of the cerebellum. To accomplish its vital function, the cerebellum integrates and aligns sensory perception with motor control. Thus, the cerebellum can be considered as the guru of coordinated movement. Clinical observations suggest that mental activities also are coordinated in the cerebellum. Injury to the cerebellum results in slow and uncoordinated movement. Damage to the cerebellum can lead to loss of coordination of motor movement, movement tremors, inability to judge distance, inability to perform rapid alternating movements, staggering, tendency toward falling, weak muscles, slurred speech, and abnormal eye movements. Thus, individuals with cerebella injuries tend to sway and stagger when walking.

Miracle of the Nervous System

The nervous system is one of the most complex systems in the human body. The system monitors and controls all the activities and functions of every cell, tissue, and organ in the body. The realization of our existence and life on this earthly plane depends on the nervous system. It controls our personality, senses, thoughts, intelligence, memory and understanding, basic body functions, and how we relate with other human beings. According to Life Scientists and Medical Doctors, the nervous system is composed of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS consists of a network of nerves that transverses all cells, tissues and organs of the body. The nervous system serves as the decision and communication center of the human body; the brain serves as the control room of the human system, while the spinal cord functions like a superhighway, instantly conveying messages to and from the brain. God in His wonderful design protects both the brain and the spinal cord with bones. The skull protects the brain and the vertebra protects the spinal cord. The basic functioning of the nervous system depends on nerve cells also called neurons. Bundled together in a network of thin threads, nerve cells carry messages back and forth just like telephone wires. All human senses and activities such as seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, thinking, remembering, memorizing, dreaming, breathing, heart beating, moving, running, sleeping, laughing, singing, feeling pain or pleasure, studying, or writing depend mainly on the nervous system. Information from the environment are gathered by sensory neurons and sent to the spinal cord which speedily amplifies the messages and relay them to the brain. The brain sensitizes the messages and fires off a response to motor neurons. The motor neurons deliver instructions from the brain to the rest of the body. Thus, when a message comes into the brain from anywhere in the body, the brain tells the body how to react. For example, if you accidentally touch the side of a hot oven, the nerves in the skin of your fingers sends an instant message of pain to your brain. The brain instantly responds with a counter message telling the muscles in your hand to pull away. Thanks to the marvels of electricity and chemistry that enable all neurons to instantly convey messages to and from the brain and to each other through complex electrochemical processes. Neurons generate electrical pulses when stimulated by vibrations such as heat, cold, light, sound, touch, or sound. The generated electricity triggers the release of chemicals that convey the pulse to the next neuron. This process which proceeds from one neuron to the other allows the brain to monitor and regulate the involuntary or unconscious body processes, such as digestion and breathing and to coordinate the conscious and/or voluntary movements of your body. The brain is also the site of our consciousness, allowing us to think, learn, imagine, and create. No doubt, the functions of the brain are very miraculous and cannot be fully comprehended by human beings.

Pacemarkers and Heart Waves

Recent advances in scientific research have led to the development of man-made pace makers to assist a failing heart. The technological pacemaker is surgically inserted in the chest by medical doctors to deliver steady and regular electric impulses to a defective heart. The device can help stabilize the electric conduction system when the natural pacemaker cells are not functioning properly. When there is power failure in your heart due to disease or malfunction, everything else in the body ceases to function, blood flow to organ tissues stops, every other system in your body shuts down, and life ceases. You are dead! No amount of oxygen will restore your life unless your heart’s electricity is restored. That’s why the doctor checks the heart first before he or she pronounces a person dead. The ability of the heart to function effectively is affected by several diseases. The major disorder that affects the electrical property of the heart is called cardiac arrhythmia which may cause heart failure. Signs and symptoms of arrhythmias include palpitations, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fainting. It was calibrated by Jesus to beat at a certain rate. Abnormalities in the electrical functions of your heart and its electrical potentials can be detected by electrocardiogram (EKG), a procedure that records electrical changes in the heart. In medical practice, clinicians utilize the EKG for detection and diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias, heart attacks, electrical conduction abnormalities, electrolyte disturbances, cardiac stress tests, and screening for various heart diseases. Your heart waves are measured with the aid of an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). The electrocardiogram is a safe and non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart over time. The device is used by doctors and nurses to check for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. The EKG measures your heart waves by recording your heart’s electrical activity into line tracings on paper. Your heart waves are represented by the spikes and dips in the line tracings. The paper tracings are then interpreted by trained cardiologists, physicians, nurses, and clinicians.