The Bible looks at the physical, spiritual and emotional aspect of medicine and healing. Medicine can be food or herbs, prayer or being at peace with yourself and others. Modern day studies show that this balance is essential for total good health. This places medicine into categories of preventative to corrective. Preventative includes food, physical activity, prayer and having balance in your life. Corrective incorporates the use of such things as antiseptics.
Significance
A healthy lifestyle is the best medicine. Get regular exercise. Muscles are kept in shape and your digestion is aided. Romans 12: 11 talks about working hard and serving the Lord. According to the American Diabetes Association, "The major cause of adult onset diabetes is insulin resistance in the muscles due to lack of regular, vigorous physical activity." Cholesterol is also reduced with regular exercise. Vigorous exercise causes the release of endorphins, which make you feel good so you feel energized.
Features
One of the major medicines in the Bible is oil. This is olive oil, which comes from the olive tree, known as far back as 6,000 B.C. The oil is made by crushing all of the fruit of the tree, including the pit. Then the liquid and solids are separated. Water is then separated from the oil. In Genesis chapter 8, there is mention of an olive branch. Olive oil was used for holy anointing oil (Exodus 30: 22-29). Grain and olive oil were Old Testament sacrifices (Leviticus 2: 1-7, 15-16, 14:10-29). Olive oil was used on bread (Exodus 29:23). It is used throughout the Mediterranean and as part of a healthy diet. It is good to use if there is a concern about cholesterol. According to the European Journal of Cancer Prevention olive oil consumption is an important factor for good health. Olive oil also can be used on wounds. Wine was used medicinally in the New Testament. Paul told Timothy, in 1 Timothy 5:23, to use a little wine as a digestive aid due to Timothy being sick. Also, the Good Samarian used wine in Luke 10:34, "...bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine." Alcohol is an antiseptic. In "Wine as Food and Medicine" Dr. Salvatore P. Lucia, professor of medicine, University of California School of Medicine states:
"Wine is the most ancient dietary beverage and the most important medicinal agent in continuous use throughout the history of mankind . . . . few other substances available to man have been as widely recommended for their curative powers as have wines."
Considerations
When you forgive, as you have been forgiven by God, research indicates people have better health. There is reduced blood pressure and healthier hearts. If you are bitter and unforgiving, those negative emotions are quite literally destructive.
Prevention/Solution
The Laws of the Old Testament work on a preventative medicine basis. One example is washing to be clean. Also, removing mold from a house is recommended. Bible dietary measures were for healthy eating.
Theories/Speculation
A study done at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore shows that laughter may protect against heart attacks. Psalm 32:1-2 relates that those who have done wrong but are forgiven and are in right standing with God are happy. Proverbs 17:22 talks about how a merry heart is a good medicine.
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