Emuna Therapy

Expressing Affection Reduces Cholesterol

 

 [photo by SillyAngel0906]

The health advantages of expressing affection to loved ones has been proven in two research studies. Floyd et al. (2007) showed that people who wrote out their affectionate thoughts and feelings to their loved ones significantly reduced their cholesterol levels compared to others who simply spent the time writing down mundane daily tasks.  

In the studies, the participants  only wrote for three twenty minute sessions over a 5-week period. Can you imagine the health and mental health benefits that accrue to a person with Emuna, who believes in the importance of speaking lovingly to himself and others all the time? Or, to a person who speaks daily words of love and praise to his G-d?

The goodness of G-d is omnipresent. He has the power to cure all wounds and illnesses. He has the additional advantage of always being available. Hashem shines His greatest Light between two people who express their love for one another. Physical distance is immaterial. We're even doing it over cyber-space! 

Bye the way, if you'd like to be friends on facebook don't be shy. All you've got to do is request it here!

With blessings,

Dr. Zev Ballen

 

 

The Power of Prayer

by Dr. Zev Ballen

What can a person accomplish with continuous heartfelt prayer? Check this out:

Hi Dr. Ballen,

I just read your response to Muriel in this week's (parashat Balak) and want to thank you for such an excellent and clear response. Every sentence was an absolute pearl! In a short space you delineated Rebbe Nachman's emuna approach to illness, treatment, and the medical profession.

About 20 years ago I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. With extensive prayer by members of the kehillah and with complete trust that HaShem would take care of me through surgery and chemo, I underwent surgery for a total thyroidectomy and left radical neck.

When I woke from the anesthesia, I was shocked to hear from my rav that no cancer was found! Needless to say, the surgeon was greatly embarrassed.

Last year I was diagnosed with asthma. This disease is not going away like the cancer did, bit I look upon this experience as an opportunity to correct all of those years when I put such confidence (emuna?) and trust in physicians, medical research, and pharmacology. Now, every time I put a pill or inhaler into my mouth, I say the posuk that you mentioned in your response to Muriel. In addition, I spoke with Rav Brody to get direction about what I need to correct (the spiritual source of the problem). Also, before every visit with the pulmonologist, I have a Pidyon HaNefesh by Rav Arush.

This asthma is truly a gift and I thank HaShem for it daily in hitbodedut!

Shabbat shalom,
Yehudit

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Here is your copy of this week's parsha newsletter: Download CSC NL Week 30 Balak.  Have a great family Shabbos! 

With Blessings Always,

Dr. Zev Ballen