Religion has a very profound effect on the human body because it has the ability to influence relaxation responses, health behaviors, social support, coherence, and meaningfulness. There has been research that shows religion can influence health through psychobiological interpretation, through the superempirical interpretation. Religious practice not only can increase the spiritual health of the practitioner, but also the physical wellbeing. An example of this would be Hindus who exercise vis-Ã -vis Yoga techniques, which teaches breathing techniques, stretching of the muscles and also prayer and mantra that supposedly touches the divine (Grabara and Szopa, 2011). In a research study conducted by Abdel-Khalek and Naceur (2007), a sample of 224 muslim college students from Algeria were recruited and the students were required to respond to five self-rating scales to assess religiosity, physical health, mental health, happiness and satisfaction with life. In the research, it showed that religiosity was higher among women than men. Religious activity was correlated with high physical health, mental health, happiness, satisfaction with life and optimism (Abdel-Khalek and Naceur, 2007).
Religious exercise not only influences relaxation response, health behaviors, social support, coherence and meaningfulness, but also provides a metaphysical explanation, a comforting that reminds those who practice a particular religion that one’s life does not end with one’s death. In this context, religion has an existentialist role, one that has been consistent with all human civilizations. If we look at the civilizations around the world, be they Hebrew, Japanese, Chinese, Aztec Indian, Incan Indian, Celtic, Mongol etc, religion played a role in each civilization and a concept of an afterlife was a common theme. This concept of an afterlife provides a spiritual , mental support, which manifests itself into physical experiences. In a research study by Lowis, Edwards and Burton (2009), individuals who were nursing home residents experience a sense of relief in practicing a religious faith because of an assurance in one’s salvation for the next life. The activity of these residents not only influenced the individual’s life, but those around them, and provided a sense of community for all (Lowis et al, 2009).
Religion and religious practice has shaped culture, politics, and social standing throughout the world (Religion, Culture, History, 2013). One can see that religious exercise has a microscopic effect, referring to the personal effect practice has on the human individual, but also has a macro effect in how religion shapes the policies of nations, regions of the world, and interaction of different peoples.
Reference:RELIGION, CULTURE, HISTORY A Philosophical Study of Religion. (2013). Kirkus Reviews, 81(4), 36.
Grabara, M., & Szopa, J. (2011). HEALTH BENEFITS OF DOING PHYSICAL EXERCISES YOGA REPORTED BY THE STUDENTS OF THE ACADEMY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN KATOWICE. Polish Journal Of Sports Medicine / Medycyna Sportowa, 27(2), 123-131.
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