Healing from THE GREATEST HEALER

Concept of the Human Body & Human Rights in Islam

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Life) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:19:00 +0000

Islam invokes respect for the body as a gift from Allah; a Muslim does not assume absolute “ownership” of his or her body, but only cares for it as a precious gift while he/she lives until it is returned to its Creator upon death. Muslims are required to take good care of their health and that of other Muslims as much as humanly possible. They’re also required to respect nature, the environment, and the physical well being of all living things, including humans of other faiths. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) conveyed to Muslims that they will be asked in front of Allah on Judgment Day about how they used the gift of healthy bodies in life. Contrary to some other faiths, a Muslim is prohibited from terminating his own life, is not allowed to abuse or destroy his body, nor is he required to humiliate it to achieve excellence in worship or closeness to the Creator. The Qur’an says what means:

*{And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to [your] destruction; but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good.}* (Al-Baqarah 2:195)

Islam teaches that every living being has an equal right to life-sustaining elements, and humans get the greatest share of respect as the deputies of Allah on earth. Muslims are instructed to study the functions of their own bodies in order to appreciate Allah’s magnificence and to be able to save precious lives. The Qur’an says what means:

*{As also in your own selves: will ye not then see?}* (Adh-Dhariyat 51:21)

For example, in the Qur’an, Allah speaks about the stages of man’s embryonic development to invoke curiosity for learning among Muslims. The Qur’an says what means:

*{We created Man from an extract of clay. Then We made him as a drop in a place of settlement, firmly fixed. Then We made the drop into a `alaqah [leech, suspended thing, or blood clot], then We made the `alaqah into a mudghah [chewed substance]...}* (Al-Mu’minun 23:12-14)

According to these rules, seeking medical help to “repair” affected or impaired physical functions becomes a priority for a good Muslim to maintain a body healthy enough to fulfill his Islamic duties on earth.

Islam, a Religion of Healing

Islam is a religion of healing for humans on all levels of their being: mind, body, and soul. Seeking medical help is advised in many prophetic traditions asserting that “there is a remedy for every malady and it’s excellent to get treatment.” (Narrated by Muslim.)

In addition to seeking medical assistance from a professional to cure the body on emergencies or chronic cases, Islam offers the sick and the ailing cure for their souls and minds through an array of Qur’anic verses and supplications called ruqyah. A Muslim believes that Allah is the Creator of everything in the universe, including germs, illness, accidents, natural disasters, etc. So, after seeking medical assistance, Muslims are instructed to turn to Allah to seek complete and comprehensive healing for the marvelous miracle that is the human body.

The healing philosophy is taken a step further as Islam looks at the Muslim nation as one healthy human body; if one member is sick, the rest of the body suffers, as Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) teaches in his tradition. Consequently, Muslims worldwide are supposed to offer assistance, first aid, and life sustenance to their Muslim brethren in other lands affected with natural disasters or epidemics—thus the creation of international organizations such as Islamic Relief and the Red Crescent.

Islamic Ethical System Refines Arabs’ First Aid Skills

Before Islam, Arabs lived in a very rough environment. Desert life resulted in an array of accidents and injuries that required all levels of medical skills to treat, whether those injuries were from domestic chores, child rearing, work, travel, hunting, war, or contracted diseases and infections. Cuts, burns, bruises, bone fractures, dehydration, sunstrokes, animal and insect bites, wounds and infections were all common problems for the native Arabs, who had a wide knowledge of the healing properties of animal extracts, medical plants, and various first aid materials suitable for each case.

As Islam spread, a comprehensive ethical system was introduced into all aspects of the daily lives of its followers, capitalizing on existent skills while refining them into a model example for civilized social systems. The Qur’an elaborates on being kind and humane to others, even to prisoners, captives, and enemies during wars. The Qur’an says what means:

*{If one amongst the pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge.}* (At-Tawbah 9: 6)

Respect was granted to all, even to dead bodies, which were recommended for prompt burial out of protection and respect. Torture, mutilation, dismembering of dead bodies, or any kind of physical humiliation was prohibited. Even hitting the face in fury was prohibited, even between parent and child, to prevent humiliation, which is not suitable for a dignified Muslim.

Even during wars, medical help and first aid was systematically offered to everyone in equal measure, Muslim soldiers as well as prisoners of war. Muslim women volunteered as nurses at war, and Rufaida, the first female doctor in Islam was personally appointed by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). She was given a spacious tent to serve as a makeshift battleground hospital. As a result, many captives embraced Islam after sampling superior humane treatment from their Muslim captors.

Many may not know that the modern international laws of the UN in use today for treating prisoners of war (POWs) were based on the impeccable conduct of the great Muslim conqueror Salah Ad-Din (Saladin) and his armies, who fought to liberate occupied Muslim lands in the Middle East in the Middle Ages.

Islam also takes into consideration the special conditions of the Muslim sick and wounded when performing acts of worship. They’re given the benefit of special rulings in Islamic fiqh (jurisdiction) to allow for their weakness. Other Muslims are expected to assist them and support them whenever possible. For example, senior citizens and severely ill Muslims can perform their five daily prayers sitting instead of standing, or even lying down in their beds if they can’t get up. Proper food, healthy living conditions, and tender loving care are detailed in many Qur’anic verses and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Muslim ethics and medical knowledge were spread through many other ways besides wars. Travel was required to perform Hajj and to fulfill the duty of da`wah (spreading the word of Allah) to all corners of the earth; thus, all Muslims, both men and women, found it necessary to learn some level of first aid in order to offer life-saving help whenever needed. Men and women excelled in medical practice and could treat each other in emergencies. Even the great Caliph `Umar ibn Al-Khattab on his nightly rounds personally offered first aid to poor people on various occasions—without revealing his identity so as not to intimidate them.

Consequently, Muslims were sought after as skilled first aid and medical experts when they traveled across the world. People came to them for advice and information. Many such stories are recorded in history and travel books in Europe, Asia, and Africa. In a few decades from the dawn of Islam, Muslims built the firm foundations of the science of modern medicine, anatomy, and surgery. The work of the great Muslim scientist Ibn Sina (Avicenna) is still taught at top international universities to this present day.

Halal and Healthy

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Life) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 10:02:00 +0000

"O you people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and clean..."(Quran 2:168)

Assalamu alaikum and welcome to our halal and healthy section.

We see, both trends, Halal and healthy, being supportive of each other. Insha Allah, we hope to tweak your taste buds on a regular basis with recipes from around the world providing you with some low fat, traditional and or quick and easy cuisine. The recipes come from many kitchens with cooks who have perfected their favorite dishes. Jazakullah and happy living.

Join Ban Feeding Animals to Animals Petition

Recipes

Mad Cow & other Food Madnesses:
What Cows are Forced to Eat
Mad Cow: It is time to be organic and natural
How to survive the food madness
Animals fed animals: Are they halal ? Hormones etc.
Eco-labels: A guide to environmental labels
WHO Fact Sheet: Mad Cow Disease
Mad Cow Disease in Europe: PBS Special
Hazards of Genetically Engineered foods and crops [pdf]
Ten Reasons Why GE Foods Will Not Feed the World
Facts about genetically engineered foods

Basics of Eating Halal and Being healthy:
Halal and Haram in the Quran and Hadith
Health Guidelines From the Quran and Sunnah
A Select Book list about Halal and Haram in Islam
Terminology of Halal and Haram
List of Halal and Haram Food Ingredients
Halal-Haram Lists: Why They Do Not Work?

Zabiha or Non Zabiha:
4 Big Reason to Choose Zabiha over Non Zabiha
Zabiha or Non Zabiha: Three Scholarly Opinion
Zabiha in US Prison

A Hard Look at Muslim Halal Meat Business
What Muslim Countries Are Eating?
5 Questions to Ask Your Halal Grocer
Halal Certification, The Local Picture
7 Tips for Muslim Businesses
6 Things You Can Do To Support Muslim Business
Mazhar Husaini Resigns from IFANCA

Non Muslims in the Halal Business: Al-Safa
As As Safa Grows So Does Opposition to it
The Controversy Surrounding the Al Safa
Controversy around Al-Safa's Halal continues [Third article]
Al Safa and ISNA break ties [Second article]
Muslim Consumers of the non Muslim Halal Business [First article]

Learning about Kosher & Vegetarian Diets:
Kosher Labeling: How it Works
Is Kosher Halal
Why Halal is not Vegetarian Diet
What Fast Food is Halal to Eat

McDonald's Vegetarians & Muslims:
Muslims and Vegetarians File Appeal against McDonald’s
McDonald's Corporate Responsibility & American Muslims' Civic Responsibility
Muslims making push to join McDonald's fries settlement

Being Healthy
Just Look at Those Hands!
A Guide for Food and Drug Safety
A Guide for Safe Handling of Meat
Guidelines for Healthy Eating
Choose Diet of Many Grain Products, Veggies & Fruits
Find Organic Foods
National food safety education month
In the Largest Survey of its Kind, Consumer Reports Found 83% of the Most Successful Dieters Said They Lost Weight Entirely on Their Own
Science, Precaution And Food Safety: How Can We Do Better?
Tips for creating your dream kitchen

Caring for the Poor and the Homeless
See Page on Poverty
Statistics on Poverty & Food Wastage
Aisha, the Mother of Homeless in Chicago
Quran and Hadith on Helping the Poor
Jihad Against Food Wastage: How tos
9 Things Families can do for the Poor
Start a Zakat Clinic
Homeless Kids on Capitol Hill

Natural Therapeutics Of Medicine In Islam (Part-7)

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Life) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:27:00 +0000

XI. APPENDICES

The following include colleges for natural therapeutics. Some major information about them as well as the courses offered by those colleges. These appendices are important in evaluating the effectiveness of these colleges in training practitioners to handle patients.

APPENDIX ONE: CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE

Chiropractic medicine gives particular attention to the relationship of the structural and neurological aspects of the body in health and disease. Its therapeutics utilize adjustive and manipulative procedures, physiological therapeutics, dietary correction and supplementation, kinesiology and rehabilitative procedures, and other drug less procedures to aid in restoration of anatomical relationships and physiologic capabilities.

The study of chiropractic medicine requires four and a half years and includes study of both the basic sciences (anatomy, embryology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, psychology, and pathology) as well as clinical medicine, chiropractic manipulation, radiology, nutrition, and acupuncture and direct, supervised clinical experience.

APPENDIX TWO: NAUROPATHIC MEDICINE

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of healing - a philosophy, science, art, and practice which seeks to promote health through education and the rational use of natural agents. As a separate profession, naturopathic medicine incorporates all natural methods of healing, including such things as botanical medicines, homeopathy, nutritional therapy, medical electricity, psychology, and manipulative therapies.

The human body possesses tremendous power to heal itself through mechanisms of homeostasis - restoring balance in structure and function and adapting to environmental changes. The naturopathic physician uses those therapeutic substances and techniques which act in harmony with the body's self healing processes and avoids treatments which are designed to counteract or supervene them. Ideally, naturopathic methods are applied as a means of stimulating and enhancing this "healing power of nature".

The study of naturopatby requires four years. The first two years emphasize basic medical sciences and include courses in biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, anatomy (gross and microscopic), physiology, immunology, public health, first aid and emergency medicine, and physical diagnosis. The last two years concentrate on clinical practice and include courses in clinical diagnosis, radiology, pharmacology, psychology, physio- therapy, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, nutrition, biomechanics, manipulative therapy, acupuncture, orthopedics, urology, and dermatology. In addition, clinical externships give direct experience in the practice of this branch of medicine.

APPENDIX THREE: NAPRAPATHY

Naprapathy is a system of manually applied movements, both passive and active, designed to bring motion, with consequent release of tension, into abnormally tensed and rigid ligaments, muscles and articulations of the human body. These tissues and structures are normally moveable, flexible and resilient.

Naprapathy contents that a favorable internal environment is essential for growth, development and maintenance of all normal health. Naprapathy's procedures assist the body to maintain this favorable internal environment by releasing points of tension and by the use of rational dietary and hygienic measures.

The study of naprapathy requires three years after two years of under- graduate study. Course work includes anatomy, genetics, chemistry and biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, and botanical studies, and naprapathic physiology and practice. The third year concentrates mainly on clinical practice.

XII. BIBLIOGRAPHY

I.    Aikman,L."Nature's Healing Arts;From Folk Medicine to Modern Drugs. " National Geographic Society Books, 1977.

  2.   Benowicz, R.J. "Non-Prescription Drugs and Their Side Effects". Grossel and Dunlap, A. Filmway Co. Publishers, N.Y. 1977.

 3.   Dingle, J.H. "The Ills of Man" Scientific American. 293: 77 - 84, Sept. 1973.

 4.   Dunlop, D.M.D. "Drug Control and the British Health Service. "Annals of Int. Medicine 71 (2): 237 - 244, 1969.

 5.   Glazier, W. "The Task of Medicine." Scientific American, 288 (4):14 - 33, 1973

 6.   Goddard, J.1. "The Medical Business." Scientific American. 293: 161- 166, Sept. 1973.

 7.   Goodhart, R.S. and Shils, M.E. "Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease - Dietotherapy" Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, 1974.

 8.   Green, L.S. (Editor) Malnutrition, Behavior, and Social Behavior, p. I - 288,, Academic Press, N.Y., 1977.

 9.   Lew, E.A. and Seltzer, F. "Color Survival of Generations Since 1840. Milbank Memorial Fund Quaterly, July 1964.

 10.  McKeonn, T. and Lowe, C.R. "An Introduction to Social Medicine." F.A. Davis Company, p. 1-18, 1973.

 11.  McManus, I.C. "Life Expectancy of Italian Renaissance Artists." Lancet 266-267, 1975.

 12.  Muhammad, S.D. Al-Tibb Al-Nabawy (Arabic) Dar Al-Hikmah, Beirut, Lebanon,

 13.  Newton, N. "Battle Between Breast and Bottle". Psychology Today, p. 68-89, July 1972.

 14.  Newton, N. "Trebly Sensous Woman." Psychology Today, p. 68 - 73, July 1971.

 15.  Sakr, A.H. "Dietary Regulations and Food Habits of Muslims" J. Amer. Diet. Assoc. 58: 23, 1971.

 16.  Sakr, A.H. "Fasting in Islam". J. Amer. Diet. Assoc. 67: 17 - 21, 1975.

 17.  Sakr, A.H. "Overeating and Behavior" The Muslim Scientist and in J. Islamic Med. Assoc.

 18.  Selye, H.
"Stress: It's a General Adaption Syndrome". Psychology Today, p. 25 -
56, Sept. 1969.

from : http://welcome.to/islamic.medicine

Natural Therapeutics Of Medicine In Islam (Part-7)

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Life) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:25:00 +0000

IX. OATH OF A MUSLIM PHYSICIAN

For the first time in the history of America, a professional group such as the lslamic Medical Association of the USA and Canada (IMA) adopted a professional oath in 1977. This oath is known as "The Oath of a Muslim Physician." This oath has been adopted in English and Arabic languages and is used yearly by the members of the INM in their annual conventions. The following is the oath in the English language.

"Praise be to Allah (God), the Teacher, the Unique, Majesty of the heavens, the exalted, the glorious, Glory be to Him, the Eternal Being who created the Universe and all the creatures within, and the only Being who containeth the infinity and the eternity. We serve no other God besides thee and regard idolatry as an abominable injustice.

Give us the strength to be truthful, honest, modest, merciful and objective.
Give us the fortitude to admit our mistakes, to amend our ways and to forgive the wrongs of others.
Give us the wisdom to comfort and counsel all towards peace and harmony.
Give us the understanding that ours is a profession sacred that deals with your most precious gifts of life and intellect.

Therefore, make us worthy of this favored station with honor, dignity and piety so that we may devote our lives in serving mankind, poor or rich, wise or illiterate, Muslim or non-Muslim, black or white, with patience and tolerance with virtue and reverence, with knowledge and vigilance, with thy love in our hearts and compassion for thy servants, thy most precious creation.

Hereby we take this oath in thy name, the Creator of all the Heavens and the earth and follow thy counsel as thou have revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

"Whoever killeth a human being, not in lieu of another human being nor because of mischief on earth, as if he hath killed all mankind. And if he saveth a human life, he hath saved the life of all mankind". (Qur'an 5:32)

X. SUMMARY

The subject of "Natural Therapeutics" has become important in our daily life. This article has dealt with this subject vis-a-vis the Islamic approach of good and sound health. The paper included types of therapeutics, limitations of drug therapy, colleges dealing with natural therapeutics, recommendations on natural foods, recommendations of the Muslim World and an "Oath of a Muslim Physician",

One of the important points brought out in this paper is the eclectic approach which should be adopted through the establishment of an institute of health delivery.

Natural Therapeutics Of Medicine In Islam (Part-6)

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Life) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:24:00 +0000

VII. RECOMMENDATIONS OF NATURAL FOODS

A. Natural Foods There are four different types of vitamins sold as "natural". These are:
1. An extract of food concentrated so that the vitamin is in higher quantity than the original food - examples: Heart muscle as a source of B vitamins, liver and yeast as sources of B vitamins, rose hips and edible organ meats as sources of vitamin C.

2. Highly concentrated crystals or purified vitamins altered somewhat, but extracted from foods - examples; Vitamin E acetate from vegetable oils, from B-12 as cobalamin concentrate.

3. Synthetic vitamins for which the starting materials are natural material - examples; Ascorbic acid from corn sugar, Vitamin A from citral, derived from lemon grass.

4. If a natural base such as yeast is included, the addition of synthetic vitamins may not prevent the product from being called "natural". Many food supplements include ground up deposits of rock from the desert as sources of minerals and these are called "natural" minerals because they come from natural rock deposits.

B. Reading Labels When reading labels, one has to be careful for the following:

I. Look for Dietary Balance
a. Are the vitamins present in proportion to their individual recommended daily intakes?
b. Do B-complex formulas include all the B-complex vitamins, and are they adjusted to recommended amounts?
c. Are ingredients listed in amounts of active components?
d. Are insignificant amounts of vitamins included for advertising purposes?
e. How much "window dressing" is used?
f. Are ingredients adjusted to "cost" rather than requirements?

2. Know your preferences for sources
3. Look for expiration dates
4. How well are they assimilated?
5.Know what you mean by "natural" "organic."
a. All vitamins are organic molecules and fall into this chemical classification.

VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE MUSLIM WORLD

It is recommended that the Muslim World look into the concept, philosophy and benefits of the natural and practical implications. It is also recommended that the ministries of public health in cooperation with the ministries of higher education should establish colleges of natural healing arts. Such colleges should include all types of natural healing including the old Arab Hakim, folk medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic, naprapathy and the like. It is recommended that they take into consideration an eclectic approach as well as the needs of the Muslims everywhere urban and rural areas. Since most of the people in the Muslim World are inclined to a natural approach of healing, such a project could be very successful, very beneficial, less expensive and much safer to the lives of the individuals.

Natural Therapeutics Of Medicine In Islam (Part-5)

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Life) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:23:00 +0000

VI.COLLEGES FOR NATURAL THERAPEUTICS

A. Definations
1. Allopathy "Substitutive therapy" auxotherapy; a therapeutic system in which disease is treated by producing a morbid reaction of another kind or in another part - a method of substitution."

2. Naturopathy " A system of therapeutics in which neither surgical nor medical agents are used, dependence being placed only on natural forces."

3. Naprapathy a. "A system of therapeutic manipulation based on the theory that morbid symptoms are dependent upon strained or contracted ligaments in the spine, thorax, or pelvis."

b. From Naprapathic Philosophy Notes, Theory and Principles" A system of specific manipulative therapeutics based on the theory of inter- ference to nerves, blood vessels and lymph channels, by pathologic soft tissue such as connective tissue or muscles with consequent secondary pathology or dysfunction resulting there from."

4. Chiropractic "Aphilosophic system of mechanical therapeutics that attribute disease to vertebral subluxations; it treats disease with manipulation of the vertebra in order to relieve pressure on the nerves at the intervertebral formation so that nerve force may flow freely from the brain to the rest of the body."

5. Homeopathy "A system of therapy developed by Samuel Hahnemann on the theory that large doses of certain drugs given to healthy persons will produce certain conditions which, when occurring spontaneously as symptoms of a disease, are relieved by the same drug in small doses."

6. Osteopathy "A school of medicine based upon the idea that the normal body when in "correct adjustment" is a vital machine capable of making its own remedies against infections and other toxic conditions. Practitioners use the diagnostic and therapeutic measures of ordinary medicine in addition to manipulative measures."

7. Folk Medicine "Treatment of ailments in the home by remedies and simple measures based upon experience and knowledge handed on from generation to generation ."

8. Acupuncture "An ancient medical system of therapy using puncture by fine needles. Most recently, this has been used for anesthesia."

9. Preventive Medicine "The branch of medical science that treats by the prevention of disease."

10. Curative Medicine A special type of medicine which is designed to the restoration of health - it means; "to heal, to make well, and is a special method or course of treatment."

11. Podiatry Medical treatment, the specialty that includes the diagnosis and/or medical, surgical, mechanical, physical, and adjunctive treatment of the disease, injuries and defects of the human foot.

12. Hakim Hakim is an Arabic word. Literally, it means: a wise and a knowledgeable person. In practice it is meant a physician without a formal education or a degree. His knowledge is through personal tutoring as well as through inheritance. The "medicine" that a Hakim practices is composed of a combination of herbal medicine, homoeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic and others. This type of "medicine" is still practiced in most of the "Developing Nations".

B. Types of Colleges There are many colleges and institutes in North America dealing with natural healing. Among which are the following:

1. Naturopathic Medicine College
2. Chiropractic Colleges (eighteen colleges in North America)
3. Naprapathy College
4. Homeopathy College

C. General Information The General Infonnation including the course of study for these colleges of natural therapeutics are found at the end of this article in the Appendices.

Natural Therapeutics Of Medicine In Islam (Part-4)

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Life) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:22:00 +0000

V.DIET AND NATURAL HEALING

As far as the diet is concerned, Islam has laid down the foundation in the Qur'an and the Sunnah for the best approach in keeping good health. This approach is mainly through selection of the best, preventive methods, and to be aware of any harmful drugs. The following is a summary of the principal ideas of Islam relating to diet and health:

A. Allah asked everyone to eat what is lawful (Halaal). The Qur'an states in Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow):

"Ye people: eat of what is on earth, lawful and wholesome" (2:168). Read also (5:91).

B. People are to ENJOY their food as it affects their personality character. Enjoying the eating of food is a matter of worship as any other aspect of life in Islam.

C. Muslims are to SELECT the best quality of food. In this regard Allah says in the Qur'ari in Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave):

"Now send ye then one of you with this money of yours to the town: let him find out which is the best food (to be had) ... " (18:19).

D. Muslims are to EAT the best food after selecting the best. Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah Al-A'raf (The Heights) "Eat of the good foods We have provided for you." (7:160).

E. The best approach in the process of prevention is the concept of MODERATION in eating habits. The Qur'an states emphatically this idea in Surah Al-A'raf (The Heights).

"Eat and drink, but waste not by excess, for God loves not the prodigals.' (7:31).

F. Regarding the idea of moderation through diet, it is mentioned in Surah Taha whereby Allah says:

Eat of the good things We have provided for your, sustenance, but commit no excess therein." (20:8 1)

G. Another approach that Islam demands from its followers is the idea of TOTAL ABSTINENCE of food and drinks for one whole month from dawn to sunset. The benefits of fasting have been tested and documented especially in biochemistry, physiology, clinical therapeutics, clinical nutrition, etc. It is beyond doubt that fasting helps the individual to get rid of most of the toxins in his body. At the same time fasting increases productivity and by its frugality curbs inflation. In this regard, it would be a good idea to point out here what Islam says in this regard. Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow):

"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may learn self- restraint" i.e. to have Taqwa (2:183)

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

"Fast (the month of Ramadan) so that to heal your bodies from diseases."

The word Taqwa has been explained in many aspects some of which are related to health and disease, food and dietetics, physical fitness, etc. Finally, it has been explained to mean: self-training, self-restraint, self- control, self-discipline, self-education and self-evaluation.

It should also be mentioned here that the personality, behavior, and performance of the individual is affected by the food eaten and, therefore, one has to select the best type of food for his good health. There is thus a linkage between physical and mental health. A proverb related to this subject has been narrated saying:

A sound mind is a sound body and vice versa".

It is difficult to reason well while one is physically sick. Similarly, mental illness may adversely affect various body functions (e.g. ulcer). This dual, complementary approach to mental and physical health is exemplified by Islamic views towards the nursing of infants. The advantages of breast feeding are numerous since the mother transfers many nutrients, hormones, and even antibodies through sucking , The particular amino acid composition of human milk may accelerate and even increase cognitive development in the infant". In addition, one must not forget how this close physical contact strengthens the emotional relationship between the mother and child",". In this regard, Allah says in the Qur'an about breast feeding.

The mothers shall give suck to their offspring for two whole years if the father desires to complete the term. But he shall bear the cost of their food and clothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear. No mother shall be treated unfairly on account of her child, nor father on account of his child. An heir shall be chargeable in the same way. If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no blame on them. If ye decide on a foster mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided ye pay (the mother) what ye offered, on equitable terms. But fear God and know that God sees well what ye do." (2:233).

Natural Therapeutics Of Medicine In Islam (Part-3)

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Life) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:21:00 +0000

III. LIMITATIONS OF DRUG THERAPY

Drug therapy has become the concern of many people 2,22 . The reasons are obvious, among which are the following:

A. Most drug therapy must be closely monitored and carefully dosed. This dose may have to be altered frequently due to the nature of the particular disease process or other concomitant ones the patient may have.

B. Even so, toxic effects may occur. Often one has to weigh the advantages of drug use against the side effects. The choice is not always clear.

C. Therapeutic drugs are usually much more expensive than preventative measures.

D. The choice whether or not to use drug prescriptions depends greatly on the disease process. Acute, life-threatening diseases usually require such intervention. However, for chronic, non-curable diseases (such as arthritis) the rationale for drug prescriptions is much more subjective. The psychologic makeup of the patient is likely to play a large role in the decision to use a drug

.

IV. TYPES OF NATURAL THERAPEUTICS

Among the natural healing treatments are the following:
A.Preventive medicine
B.Dietetic approach
C.Folk medicine
D.Hakim's medicine
E.Chiropractic
F.Naturopathy
G.Naprapathy
H.Homeopathy

In dealing with this subject, Islam's approach to healing is an eclectic one i.e., one is to use the best of every discipline so that the health of the individual will be preserved.

Natural Therapeutics Of Medicine In Islam (Part-2)

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Life) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:19:00 +0000

II. ISLAMIC VIEWS ON THERAPEUTICS

Islam is a way of life to live, a system to be followed, a code of ethics and a constitution to be applied in the daily life of every person. As such, Islain has many constructive ideas to offer in the fields of health and medicine. In order to find out what Islam teaches, one has to read the Qur'an and the Hadith. Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah the poets (Ash-Shu'ara') about healing from diseases:

"..... and when I sicken, then He (Allah) heals me (26.80)."

As far as the Prophet is concerned, related to the healing of diseases, it was reported by Jabir bin AbduUah that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

"For any disease there is a cure, and when the cure matches the disease, the person recovers by the will of Allah ....."

The prophet also said about the healing of diseases:

It was reported by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (pbuh) said:

"Allah never inflicts a disease unless he makes a cure for it. ..."

As far as the treatment of diseases it was reported by Usamah bin Shareek saying:

"I was with the Prophet (pbuh) and Arabs came to him asking: 'O messenger of Allah: Do we take medicine for treatment?' He said: 'Yes, Oh you the servants of Allah, take medicine, as Allah Almighty has not created a disease without having created a cure for it except one disease.' They asked, 'What it is?' He said: 'Old age."' In another saying: "Allah never inflicts a disease without providing a cure; only those who were aware of it knew it, whereas those who were not aware, were ignorant of it."

As far as the preventive approach in health, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

"An ounce of prevention is better than a ton of treatment."

Hence, healing medicine is an art and a science. It is done through prevention (prophylaxis), diagnosis, treatment, and cure. In so doing, the individual may prolong his happy life and reduce the degree and the rate of occurrence of illness. Islam encompasses all these approaches so that a person may stay healthy, happy and strong.

Natural Therapeutics Of Medicine In Islam (Part-1)

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Life) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:16:00 +0000

Zyed Ahmed Ali, M.D., Dr. Sadiq H. Hussain , Ahmed H. Sakr, Ph.D.

1.INTRODUCTION

Medicine is both an art and a science. It encompasses prophylaxis or prevention, diagnosis, and finally treatment (both curative and palliative).

Preventive medicine is especially important and has been neglected as a major factor in health care. In fact, it is well documented but little known that most of the health gains (expressed as life expectancy, morbidity, and mortality) attributed to modem medicine are principally due to advancements in diet and sanitation, rather than to the more complex technologies. Preventive medicine as a natural measure of therapeutic stresses the involvement of the individual in his own health care. This is accomplished by educating the patient as to proper nutrition, hygiene and physical activities. Equally important are the psychologic and spiritual factors as these can greatly influence the disease.

Curative medicine is as important as the preventive one. In the process of healing, natural approaches have been used. The natural art of therapeutics is not a new approach in the filed of medicine, rather it is as old as people have been the inhabitants of this planet. Man has done his best in protecting himself from diseases and in preventing himself from sickness.

Preventive and curative approaches have been used by man to keep himself healthy, happy and strong. Some of these so-called "primitive" measures have been shown to be scientifically sound and have this been added to the "modern" therapeutic regimens. Some approaches were considered to be natural (e.g. herbs, natural foods, etc.) while others were oriented towards the use of drugs and synthetic remedies.

Anyone studying or practicing medicine realizes that be is at best providing therapy to impede the disease process so that the body can take over and effect a cure with the mercy of Allah. In an lslamic sense, the health care practitioner must be viewed as an agent through which Allah acts. He must not delude himself into a position of exaggerated self-importance.

In this paper the authors wish to approach the subject of natural therapeutics in medicine vis-a-vis the Islamic approach of good and sound health. The paper will also include some aspects of the following: types of natural therapeutics, diet as an approach to natural healing and colleges that deal with natural therapeutics. The paper does include some recommendations related to natural approaches in medicine for the Muslim world.

Such a paper is helpful to all those concerned about sound health of the individuals including those, groups dealing with the allopathic and the natural medicine. This research is of great help to all those colleges teaching medicine and especially those colleges teaching natural therapeutics. It is a source of help to the physicians, patients, hospitals, grocery stores, health food stores and the like. This paper is of great assistance to the Third World, i.e. the emerging nations whose technological resources are meager, and whose health delivery approaches are more or less still oriented towards the natural therapeutic methods.

It is the hope of the authors that an eclectic approach be adopted by the Third World, i.e. to pick up the best of every discipline. It is hoped that the Third World nations will establish an INSTITUTE OF HEALTH CARE DELIVERY which will catalogue the entire spectrum of medical approaches including the "natural" methods. If the Third World nations establish such a health institute based on the natural approaches, they will undoubtedly help save themselves money, time, effort and the more expensive technology. This will lead to better healing and finally faster and better results.

Spiritual Medicine

noreply@blogger.com (Studio Life) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:08:00 +0000

Susan E. Kolb, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Certified by The American Board of Holistic Medicine, 2-01
Plastikos Surgery Center
Millennium Healthcare
Avatar Cancer Center
4370 Georgetown Square
Atlanta, GA 30338
(770) 457-4677
www.templeofhealth.ws
www.plastikos.com
www.millennium-healthcare.com
www.avatarcancercenter.com

Spiritual medicine begins with a doctor or practitioner becoming more aware of energy fields. Usually this is as a result of spiritual practices such as:

· Meditation
· Yoga
· Tai Chi
· Breath work

The practitioner begins to sense his or her energy fields and only then can begin to sense these fields in the patient.

As the majority of other practitioners do not yet have this perceptual awareness and traditional medicine does not yet recognize energy fields, the practitioners undergoing these shifts have few reference points. Each person's awakening is different but these seem to be common elements. Most begin with a desire to be more in silence, often out in nature. Radios are turned off and the person avoids large crowds and noisy bars and restaurants. Music is soft often without words. More and more time is spent in meditation or other spiritual practices. Dietary changes occur away from alcohol, caffeine and red meat as a result of preferences not abstinence. Spinning sensations are felt in different parts of the body as the charkas or energy centers open up. Often neurological symptoms such as tingling, heat or jerking occur spontaneously. Intense emotions including fear, anger and love rise up from within, often with no apparent connection to external reality.

Relationships often change abruptly with the person sensing that they must leave a job or a mate or both simultaneously. My own awakening occurred more quickly when a clairvoyant came to my plastic surgery office with the book "Hands of Light" and told me that I was a healer and needed to get started. When I went into meditation I was told internally to quit my job. I did so and did not work for the next five months but instead meditated 5-7 hours a day, began a vegetarian diet and worked with a spiritual group several times a week in order to develop spiritual sight and hearing.

Faith is developed and tested as the person learns to walk "the razor's edge", relying on intuition rather than logic or the advice of others. Families are often alienated as they sense an abrupt change in the person and resent their advice not being followed.

As energy shifts occur the practitioner becomes more aware of their energy body, especially of weak areas. By working in meditation with weak energy centers, many acute illnesses can be avoided. Whereas before the shift, I would suddenly become ill with a viral infection, I now have a chance to work with weak "charkas" or energy systems and often can avoid the cold or flu. As energy centers open up, one develops an ability to sense or feel things intuitively. Other sources of clairvoyant information develop including spiritual hearing or clairaudience and spiritual sight or clairvoyance. And finally, the strongest intuitive information comes through an acute sense of "knowing".

My experience with this shift included having my car radio break 11 times within a six-month period so that when I was in the car I would hear internal lectures on the spiritual cases of illness. Later I would read Carolyn Myss' and Dr. Norm Shealy's book, "The Creation of Health" and have an interesting confirmation of the information in these lectures.

My beeper would go off and I would "see" the injury of the person waiting for me in the emergency room or I would lay hands on a patient and see the conflict of hear the name of the person with which they were in conflict. Several of my patients must have thought I was a witch, considering how high they jumped when I said a few words to them. But this is the core of spiritual medicine. Conflict not previously resolved in the mental and emotional plane can cause illness in the physical plane.

Spiritual medicine acknowledges this and helps the patient see how conflict resolution is crucial in order to get well quickly. As a hand surgeon, I have seen time and again these principles in and hand injuries. The thumb is involved in spiritual will issues, the index finger in faith issues, the middle finger in self-love issues, the ring finger in material and security issues including money and the little finger in relationship and sex issues. If I can help my patients recognize the connection and they are able consciously to work on these issues, they recover faster and are less prone to re-injury.

So how do we become ill?

Each of us has a certain amount of "life force" energy. We can measure this energy with devices that measure the aura. Without such devices we have to rely on our intuitive senses. Often we can feel the energy around the person. People with large bright auras make us feel better and people with dark auras drain us.

Each of us is given a "quanta" of energy, to use for "our daily bread". How much we have at the end of the day depends on how we use it. Life force energy can be stimulated by sunlight, exercise, meditation and vital foods. Dr. Valerie Hunt has a videotape of a machine that measures auras, recording the difference in the aura of a person eating vital food and eating junk food. Anything or anybody we bring into our field has the capacity to change our field. Meditation, yoga and breath work very much increase the life force as if we are tapping directly into the source of this energy. Any creative activity also increases the energy flow into our field.

What depletes us?

The two most significant ways to waste energy is through judgment and defending one's sense of self-importance. Certain types of foods, electromagnetic fields, and additions deplete the field. Addictions actually use up a certain amount of etheric or life force energy with each "desire" created. Addictions can be to a wide variety of things - food, drugs, sex, alcohol, body image and materialism. All addictions suppress spiritual growth by depleting life force energy. All are serving the same purpose, to suppress some form of emotional energy that should be allowed to surface and be released.

What can we do to encourage such releases?

Any activity that causes the release of negativity can infuse us with energy. These include forgiveness, gratitude, praise and praying for others. Healing occurs when there is a large release of negativity rather than the suppression of the energy. The healer helps the patient to transmute the energy.

Do not hold onto old relationships. Energy determines relationships so that if a relationship is not working, release it so that the energy can come back into balance. Do not hold onto any particular relationship, allow change to occur without fear. So many illnesses are related to us holding onto that which no longer serves us. Old patterns of behavior, relationships that are not working, and outdated patterns of thought. What causes us to hold on? Fear including fear of loneliness, fear of separation and fear of rejection. The hell we know is better than the hell we don't know.

Healing is transmuting that fear into faith. Faith that creation will provide us with what we really need, not with what we think we need. Fear causes us to breathe shallowly and causes our life force to diminish.

Forgiveness is a vast topic and one that is crucial to healing. For those of you working with forgiveness issues, I highly recommend Dr. Michael Ryce's work "Why Is This Happening To Me Again" including his No Fault Forgiveness Worksheet. Forgiveness, as Michael teaches, is for the release for energy in us, not for the person we are forgiving. The release of negative energy generated by the onset of forgiveness can stimulate the immune system enough to reverse diseases such as cancer.

Holistic medicine uses techniques to stimulate the "field". Chiropractic, acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, massage, homeopathy and other holistic methods increase the energy field and thus the immune and endocrine systems. Spiritual medicine adds to this releasing techniques of spiritual healing, forgiveness work, past life regression, and hypnotherapy to aid in the areas of weakness of the energy body. Spiritual practices such as meditation, fasting, yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and breath work help to balance the energy body. Add to this intuitive diagnosis and you really have lost he majority of the medical profession. But as we say at Millennium Healthcare-the shift is on, the shift toward more compassionate and effective healthcare. We are on the verge of an awakening. The institutions of medicine, law, and politics will only shift as those within these institutions wake up and start to shake the belief systems. And as with any transformation, there will be much "gnashing of teeth". But, as we move forward into the 21st Century, all we can say is "shift happens".