Give The Medicine That No Doctor Can Give
By Rev. Dr. Daryl C. Greene

Feelings are chemical; they can kill, or they can cure.
Bernie Siegel
Peace, Love And Healing

Happy Mother's Day!

Do you remember how your mother took care of your "boo-boos"? Why did her blowing or kissing your cuts, scrapes, and bruises make the pain go away?

Bernie Siegel suggests that love is physiological. Scientific studies have demonstrated that when people receive love, measurable physiological changes take place, which promote health and healing. These studies prove that mothers, fathers, spouses, children and special friends all have powerful medicine in their medicine bags.

Actually, the brain stores the most powerful "drugs" or neural chemicals known to man to promote healing and to build up the immune system. Among them are the endorphins. Love, joy, optimism and physical exercise can help release them. So, if you care for someone who has been diagnosed with a serious disease, or who lives with chronic pain and struggles with physical limitations, why not be the "Love Doctor"? Or, think of yourself as the "prescription" for healing. What would be the optimum dosage of love to bring about genuine healing? Physical affection, listening ears, affirmations, compliments, encouragements, jokes, outings, and little surprises are all ways of giving love that act like pills for the healing of the heart, the soul, and the body.

At the same time, remember that mothers, fathers, spouses, children and special friends all have the power to dose out "bad medicine" as well. Fussing, fuming, shouting, grumbling, whining, nagging, moaning and rolling your eyes can make your loved one feel bad emotionally. Such behavior also adds to the stress of coping with physical problems. And stress releases a whole host of "drugs" or neuro-chemicals, which break down the immune system and contribute to a wide variety of diseases. Remember, "Feelings are chemical; they can kill or they can cure".

When it comes to health and healing, God is there. Spiritual healing is possible. God has also given us many plants, and doctors have the wisdom to know how to use them as healing medicines. But perhaps the most powerful healing agent He has given to us is human love. Therefore, if you care for someone with health problems, give the medicine that no doctor can give-give love!

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Dr. Greene, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, is a resident of Richmond, IN, and author of the books "Feeling Better: The Wisdom of the Doc", "You Can Feel Better: How to Cope With and Overcome Chronic Pain and Progressive Disabilities from a Holistic Christian Perspective", and "Walking Free: The Nellie Zimmerman Story."