Introduction:This chapter includes tracing the elements of internal healing of the body which means detecting the factors that aid the body in its process of healing and examines the conditions under which these components are active.
The aim is to prove that the healing process depends not only on drugs and medications, associated with typical healthcare, but is also related to other factors particularly in the surrounding built environment that affect the psychology of the patients and consequently their healing process. Definition of healingHealing is a dynamic and multi-faceted process that is experienced individually but with common patterns. (1) The process of healing is affected by subjective conducts and relationships.
Doctors and patients are overcome with a system of healthcare that prioritizes focus on disease over health conception; this type of systems often condones some faces of healing and disjoints them, it is also costly and often inefficient. On the other hand, organizations and researcher are recognizing more and more that in order to achieve a high quality of healthcare, a more holistic approach that takes the patient as the main focus and thus emphasizing healing as importantly curing.The origin of the word “healing” dates back to the old English term: haelen which means “wholeness” (2) from which came the logical necessity of aiming towards holistic healing and the achievement of consistency. Healing is interference, a consequence and a progression and at times all three.
This term is related to a variety of disciplines such as medicine, psychology, education, public health and spirituality. Healing takes place on different levels including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental; either in micro level as in cellular wound remedy to the macro level as in national healing. Healing initiates from inside the individual and is also affected by external elements (e.g., doctors, medicines, herbs, community, religion…) 504825183515Figure 1-1: Diagram showing the elements taking part in the healing process.Source: Glaister JA. Healing: analysis of the concept.
Int J Nurs Pract. 2011; 7:63-8.00Figure 1-1: Diagram showing the elements taking part in the healing process.Source: Glaister JA. Healing: analysis of the concept. Int J Nurs Pract.
2011; 7:63-8.73342589535(1) Jonas WB, Chez RA, Smith K, Sakallaris B. Salutogenesis: the defining concept for a new healthcare system.
Global Adv. Health Med. 2014; 3(3):82-91.(2) Kritek PB, editor. Reflections on healing: a central nursing construct. New York, NY: NLN Press; 1997.00(1) Jonas WB, Chez RA, Smith K, Sakallaris B. Salutogenesis: the defining concept for a new healthcare system.
Global Adv. Health Med. 2014; 3(3):82-91.(2) Kritek PB, editor. Reflections on healing: a central nursing construct.
New York, NY: NLN Press; 1997.-10223566040001.2 The Body’s Internal Healing:1.2 The body’s internal healingWithin the mind there is a great power to heal the body.
Different internal body systems are influenced when the mind is comfortable, particularly on the level of brain pharmaceuticals. The immune system is found to be partly controlled by the nervous system according to studies focusing on the Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI).This mutual connection allows for a harmonious functioning of the body systems.(3) Consequently, there is an apparent connection between the brain, the mind, and the immune system; thus, the mind has incredible power over the immune system.Numerous studies show much evidence of the body’s ability to “self-heal” through its ability to ‘tap into our internal pharmacies’. (4) “Brain Pharmaceuticals” are chemicals released in the brain that play an important role in the body’s process of healing itself. 343852579692500381000105410000Types of brain pharmaceuticals include Endorphins which are natural chemicals in the brain released in the pituitary gland (see fig1.
1.) that reduce the perception of pain and lead to feelings of euphoria. (5) This type of chemicals enhances the response of the immune system in the same way as traditional drugs but only without the possible side effects.Fig1.2: figure showing the location of endorphin release which boosts the immune system.Fig1.3: diagram showing that the chemicals released in the brain affect many organs of the body.Thus, these internal pharmaceuticals can replace the potentially addictive drugs as they are able to fortify the immune system and decrease diseases’ symptoms while avoiding the negative side effects.
-169545173105(3) Kabat-Zinn, Jon.1998. “On Healing” Chap.
13, In Full Catastrophe Living, New York, NY: Dell Publishing. Page 175(4) “Pituitary Gland” Society for Endocrinology, last modi?ed 2016, accessed Oct 3, 2018, yourhorones.info/glands/pituitarygland(5) Ibid.00(3) Kabat-Zinn, Jon.1998. “On Healing” Chap. 13, In Full Catastrophe Living, New York, NY: Dell Publishing.
Page 175(4) “Pituitary Gland” Society for Endocrinology, last modi?ed 2016, accessed Oct 3, 2018, yourhorones.info/glands/pituitarygland(5) Ibid.-647701000801.2.1- Traditional drugs vs.
“brain pharmaceutical”:60686951986915Traditional Drugs00Traditional Drugs123825112649000There are signi?cant di?erences between traditional drugs and brain pharmaceuticals. The former is used to make alterations in chemicals secretion in the brain including the pain receptors, however, many risks and side effects are associated with their use, especially if they were taken for a long term or in high doses.(6) (see figure1.4). The side effects that may occur during the prescription of these drugs include confusion, troubled breathing, fainting, racing heartbeat, weak pulse, vomiting, and many others.238125-31115Figure 1-4: Traditional drugs: their use and dangers ( side effects)Source: By author00Figure 1-4: Traditional drugs: their use and dangers ( side effects)Source: By author2343152091690Figure 1-4: Traditional drugs, their use and dangers (side effects).
Source: By author00Figure 1-4: Traditional drugs, their use and dangers (side effects).Source: By author21488402047777Dopamine interacts with opiate receptors of the brain to reduce perception of pain. They also lead to feelings of joy, modulate appetite and hormones and enhance the immune response.00Dopamine interacts with opiate receptors of the brain to reduce perception of pain. They also lead to feelings of joy, modulate appetite and hormones and enhance the immune response.1917708788400060661551756410Body Chemicals00Body ChemicalsBrain Pharmaceuticals on the other hand are natural chemicals in the brain with the potential to have the same e?ect as traditional drugs, with additional healthy bene?ts.
Natural chemicals produced by the body do not pose any issues of overdose or addiction, yet they can have the same e?ect as traditional drugs.-723903489325(6) Gerteis, M., (2003). Introduction: Medicine and health from the Patient’s perspective, from Through the Patient’s Eyes by Gerteis, M. et al.00(6) Gerteis, M., (2003).
Introduction: Medicine and health from the Patient’s perspective, from Through the Patient’s Eyes by Gerteis, M. et al.-1358903500755003390902278380Figure 1-5: Natural body chemicals, their benefits and actions on the immune systems with no side effects in comparison with the traditional drugsSource: By author00Figure 1-5: Natural body chemicals, their benefits and actions on the immune systems with no side effects in comparison with the traditional drugsSource: By authorThe thesis aims to study environments that stimulate these chemicals through the use of brain pharmaceuticals.461010038100001.
2.2- Holistic Medicine:45720001050290Fig1.6: Holistic Medicine ConceptSource: By Author00Fig1.6: Holistic Medicine ConceptSource: By AuthorThe fact that the body has internal healing capacities and that traditional drugs have many side effect, has led the way to the rise of “Holistic Medicine” which is a form of healing that considers the whole person — body, mind, spirit, and emotions — in the quest for optimal health and wellness. Practitioners who embrace this approach to medicine see the human being as the total of aspects that depend upon each other meaning if one part is not working properly, all the other parts will be influenced.
(7). Thus, any physical, emotional or spiritual downfall can damage the overall well-being. Holistic practitioners encourage patients to take control over their well-being by their will and perseverance in order to attain optimal health conditions. Their strategies include:Patient education on lifestyle changes and self-care to promote wellness. This may include diet, exercise, psychotherapy, relationship and spiritual counseling, and moreComplementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, homeopathy, massage therapy, naturopathy, and othersWestern medications and surgical procedures2685415316865001.3.
The senses role in the internal healing:Brain pharmaceuticals respond to stimulations from di?erent senses (see figure 1.7). The brain will react to environmental relaxers or stressors and release chemicals in the brain that respond to the fitting situation. Melatonin for example is a hormone linked with the inception of sleep; its release is often activated by dense light wavelengths of specific colors such as yellow and orange.2743200661670Fig1.7: figure showing the 5 senses that affect the release of brain pharmaceuticalsSource: webmd.com/ pituitary gland 00Fig1.7: figure showing the 5 senses that affect the release of brain pharmaceuticalsSource: webmd.
com/ pituitary gland Numerous projects and studies revealed corporal reactions and conducts of responding to a variety of sensorial settings. We are continuously taking in impressions through the five sense organs the ears, skin, eyes, tongue, and nose. Sensory impressions are considered critical to health. Just as the nutriments we eat generate our bodily tissues, our sensory impressions regulate the quality of our thoughts and feelings. If better physical and emotional wellbeing is aimed at, we can use sounds, sights, tastes, and smells to accomplish equilibrium and heal ourselves. 28194011049000383540100330(7) Deng GE, Frenkel M, Cohen L et al. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for integrative oncology: complementary therapies and botanicals.
Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology. 2009 ,p 85-8600(7) Deng GE, Frenkel M, Cohen L et al. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for integrative oncology: complementary therapies and botanicals. Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology. 2009 ,p 85-86This fact led to the rise of several sense-based types of therapies including:Sound Therapy:Every single sound has a biological effect. When an individual listens to a lovely piece of music or inspirational verses, a flow of pleasure-producing chemicals streams through his body, assisting health and wellbeing in its entirety.
On the other hand, studies of urban environments show that people exposed to constant noise pollution are more likely to undergo stress and experienced regressed immune activity. Healing Sights:The optical impressions one experiences have a deep effect on the mind, body, and emotions. Unpleasant sights activate the body’s stress response, generating nervy cells and overwhelming the immune system. In contrast, viewing serene or beautiful imageries creates a cascade of calming neurochemicals in the body. Images that elevate the spirit are as important for health as nutritious food.
Spending time in nature for example is therapeutic for the mind, body, and soul. When viewing a sunset, seeing the loved ones, or seeing a painting work, one develops the power of his inner pharmacy.Aromatherapy:The most basic of the senses, smell ties people right with their memories, emotions, and instincts. When we smell something, we are essentially gripping part of its molecules, making aromatherapy a form of natural medicine. Different scents have different actions such as refreshing, cooling, calming, etc.Therapeutic Touch:19050070104000Touch is essential to health and well-being. When the skin is stimulated by massage for example, it secrets several healing chemicals that boost immune function, enhance circulation, and promote peaceful sleep.
(8)2381252763520Fig1.8: figure showing the sense-based types of therapies, their methods and their effect on the body.Source: By author00Fig1.8: figure showing the sense-based types of therapies, their methods and their effect on the body.Source: By author123190333375(8) Coming to Our Senses: Healing Ourselves and the World through Mindfulness Paperback – Deckle Edge, January 18, 200600(8) Coming to Our Senses: Healing Ourselves and the World through Mindfulness Paperback – Deckle Edge, January 18, 20060283095001.4. Stress and Healthcare:31908751438275002165353731895Fig1.
9: Images showing the stressful environments of typical healthcare centers, both internally and externally.Source: https://www.gettyimages.ae/ accessed October 4, 201800Fig1.
9: Images showing the stressful environments of typical healthcare centers, both internally and externally.Source: https://www.gettyimages.ae/ accessed October 4, 2018219075143319500A visit to a healthcare facility can be tenser than the stress that took one there to begin with. This is directly linked with stress.
Many healthcare facilities in?ict high levels of stress on patients, visitors, and sta? members, this is because they tend to be designed merely based on its functions, namely; bed-related inpatient functions, outpatient-related functions, diagnostic and treatment functions, administrative functions and service functions Physical relationships between these functions determine the configuration of the healthcare facility without deep understanding and consideration of the patients’ psychological factors and their influence on their healing process4181475324548500Stress is not so much an external factor, but rather it refers to the wear and tear on the body as it attempts to deal with environmental stressors. Stress puts the body into a “?ght-or-?ight” mode, shutting o? all systems unnecessary for the immediate potential danger. Stress reaches two biological systems: the endocrine and the nervous systems.
When under stress the body releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), a stress hormone, which stimulates the adrenal cortex to kill white blood cells which control allergic reactions and hypersensitivity (9) .( Long-term exposure to stress reduces the body’s ability to ?ght diseases, infections, and mental illnesses such as depression. Hormones released during stress also directly take part in the development of degenerative conditions and diseases.4181475438785Fig1.10: Diagram showing the effect of stress on the bodySource: Awofeso, Niyi. “Rede?ning ‘Health’, World Health Organization00Fig1.10: Diagram showing the effect of stress on the bodySource: Awofeso, Niyi. “Rede?ning ‘Health’, World Health OrganizationEssentially, stress debilitates the immune system.
This thesis aims to benefit from the internal healing capabilities of the human body and avoid the stress-stimulating design that diminishes the brain pharmaceutics.254005276850037465535940(9) Awofeso, Niyi. “Rede?ning ‘Health’.” World Health Organization (WHO), accessed October 4, 2018, www.
who.int/ bulletin/bulletin_board/83/ustun11051/en/.00(9) Awofeso, Niyi. “Rede?ning ‘Health’.” World Health Organization (WHO), accessed October 4, 2018, www.who.int/ bulletin/bulletin_board/83/ustun11051/en/.1.5 Conclusion of Chapter 1:95250767715Table 1.1- Table summarizing the deduced elements that take part in the different methods of healingSource: By Author00Table 1.1- Table summarizing the deduced elements that take part in the different methods of healingSource: By AuthorFrom the data and analysis previously mentioned in this chapter, a group of conclusions were derived and summarized in the following table which portrays evidence about elements that take part in the healing process and which should be taken in consideration when designing a healthcare facility and how to stimulate these elements of self-healing for better healing process (Table 1.1)Healing by Internal Healing Healing by medications Healing by Holistic Medicine Healing by SensesComponents Brain PharmaceuticalsTraditional drugs(with possible side effects) Interdependent Body, Mind, Soul and Emotions – Healing sights- Sound Therapy- Aromatherapy- Therapeutical touchChemicals released by the body(endorphin, cortisol,.., with no side effects) Diet, Exercise, Psychotherapy, Relationship and Spiritual Counseling
