islamic oases from daily stress

Islamic Oases From Daily Islamic Oases From Daily StressStress

Dr. Sahar TalaatDr. Sahar TalaatAssisstant Professor of Pathology, Assisstant Professor of Pathology,

Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, the Head of the Training Unit & Consultantthe Head of the Training Unit & Consultant

for Social Section in Islamonline.netfor Social Section in Islamonline.net

[email protected][email protected]

Islamic Oases From Islamic Oases From Daily StressDaily Stress

• IntroductionIntroduction• Psychological Stress: Types and Effects Psychological Stress: Types and Effects • Coping With Stress: Islamic Viewpoint Coping With Stress: Islamic Viewpoint • 1. The Faith (1. The Faith (imaniman) Oasis ) Oasis • 2. The Meditation and Relaxation Oasis 2. The Meditation and Relaxation Oasis • 3. The Remembrance (3. The Remembrance (zikrzikr) Oasis ) Oasis • 4. The Imagination Oasis 4. The Imagination Oasis • 5. The Praying Oasis 5. The Praying Oasis • Reference SourcesReference Sources

In our highly regimented, fast moving, competitive In our highly regimented, fast moving, competitive environments, we frequently complain of: environments, we frequently complain of:

• unresolved feelings of alienation unresolved feelings of alienation • inadequacyinadequacy• personal powerlessness. personal powerlessness.

This stressful lifestyle produces many types of This stressful lifestyle produces many types of mental and physical illnesses in modern societies(mental and physical illnesses in modern societies(11). ).

Many face a constant feeling of: Many face a constant feeling of:

• Insecurity and worry about their own basic Insecurity and worry about their own basic survival and ability to measure up. survival and ability to measure up.

• The Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and The Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us that we could blessings of Allah be upon him) told us that we could find this internal peace and relaxation during praying. find this internal peace and relaxation during praying.

Introduction

http://www.islamonline.net/English/Science/2004/12/article03.shtml#2%232

• It was reported by Imam Ahmad in (It was reported by Imam Ahmad in (Al Al Musnad)Musnad) that the Prophet (May peace and that the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) has told Bilalblessings be upon him) has told Bilal “call “call for the prayers, it will comfort us.”for the prayers, it will comfort us.”

Important questions: Important questions: • Why do different forms of worship lose their Why do different forms of worship lose their

capacity to help us cope with stress; capacity to help us cope with stress; • How can they be performed in a better way to How can they be performed in a better way to

improve their capacity to help us cope with improve their capacity to help us cope with stress? stress?

Before considering the different types of Before considering the different types of worship and their mechanisms in combating worship and their mechanisms in combating stress, let’s define: stress, let’s define:

• The different types of stressThe different types of stress• Their mechanisms of actionTheir mechanisms of action• Their adverse effects on human beings. Their adverse effects on human beings.

Intro

Psychological Psychological Stress: Types and Stress: Types and

EffectsEffects

• The body tends to show signs of chronic stress very The body tends to show signs of chronic stress very graduallygradually

• The onset of stress may actually go unnoticed in its The onset of stress may actually go unnoticed in its early stages.early stages.

• Symptoms of stress may appear so gradually that Symptoms of stress may appear so gradually that some people are unaware of the severity of their some people are unaware of the severity of their stress condition until they suffer a general nervous stress condition until they suffer a general nervous breakdown(breakdown(33). ).

It was found that when one is experiencing stress, one’s It was found that when one is experiencing stress, one’s brain produces high levels of two specific hormones: brain produces high levels of two specific hormones:

• Adrenaline Adrenaline

• CortisolCortisol

This response is called the “Fight or Flight response”.(This response is called the “Fight or Flight response”.(22).).

Psychological Stress: Types and EffectsPsychological Stress: Types and Effects



• This hormonal response mechanism is considered This hormonal response mechanism is considered to be “the general stress response syndrome”. to be “the general stress response syndrome”.

• This chemical stress response is entirely This chemical stress response is entirely appropriate for the short-term. appropriate for the short-term.

• It is these hormones that make one able to It is these hormones that make one able to respond more efficiently, both physically and respond more efficiently, both physically and mentally, to the hazards in one’s environment (mentally, to the hazards in one’s environment (44). ).



• These hormones are not normally dangerous in the These hormones are not normally dangerous in the short-term.short-term.

• The problem only begins to surface when these The problem only begins to surface when these

messages of danger or emergency continue to be messages of danger or emergency continue to be broadcast from the psyche over long periods of time. broadcast from the psyche over long periods of time.

• The situation gets worse when there seems to be no The situation gets worse when there seems to be no option to confronting the stressful situation directly, or option to confronting the stressful situation directly, or to escaping from it in any way. to escaping from it in any way.

• Feeling trapped by the circumstances, the mind Feeling trapped by the circumstances, the mind responds to the permanent warnings of impending responds to the permanent warnings of impending emergency by manufacturing more and more of these emergency by manufacturing more and more of these hormones. hormones.

• Ultimately, these hormones have no physical or mental Ultimately, these hormones have no physical or mental outlet and the energy just implodes, collapses in on outlet and the energy just implodes, collapses in on itself, and produces a chaos of energy(itself, and produces a chaos of energy(33). ).



The response to stress can be divided into The response to stress can be divided into three stages: three stages:

1.1. The alarm stage: in which there is an The alarm stage: in which there is an increase in the level of previously increase in the level of previously mentioned hormones.mentioned hormones.

2.2. The resistance stage: during which the The resistance stage: during which the body utilizes the produced energy. body utilizes the produced energy.

3.3. The exhaustion stage: which results from The exhaustion stage: which results from persistency of the stresses over a long persistency of the stresses over a long period of time (period of time (22). ).

Psychological Stress: Psychological Stress: Types and EffectsTypes and Effects


• Stresses can be classified according to their period of Stresses can be classified according to their period of exposure into temporary intermittent stresses and chronic exposure into temporary intermittent stresses and chronic persistent stresses.persistent stresses.

• Considering sources of stresses, they can also be classified Considering sources of stresses, they can also be classified into internal stresses (which are related to personal into internal stresses (which are related to personal characteristics) and external stresses. characteristics) and external stresses.

• In addition, they can be classified according to their effects In addition, they can be classified according to their effects on individual health into a good type of stress (eustress) or on individual health into a good type of stress (eustress) or aa destructive type of stress. destructive type of stress.

• Good stress is defined as the ability to respond to the Good stress is defined as the ability to respond to the challenges of life in a way that promotes stimulation and challenges of life in a way that promotes stimulation and encourages personal growth; stress management tools can encourages personal growth; stress management tools can facilitate this reaction.facilitate this reaction.

• Examples of destructive, unhealthy reactions to stress are Examples of destructive, unhealthy reactions to stress are feeling overwhelmed or anxious (feeling overwhelmed or anxious (22). ).



• This stressful life can produce many types of mental and This stressful life can produce many types of mental and physical illnesses and imposes its effects on body, psyche and physical illnesses and imposes its effects on body, psyche and mind. mind.

• Some of the possible symptoms of prolonged exposure to Some of the possible symptoms of prolonged exposure to stress are:stress are:

• Headache Headache • Brain tissue damage Brain tissue damage • High blood pressure High blood pressure • Heart disease Heart disease • Weakening of the bones Weakening of the bones • General immune deficiency General immune deficiency • Muscle tension Muscle tension • Menstrual disorders Menstrual disorders • Miscarriage Miscarriage • Depression Depression • Anger Anger • Fear Fear • NervousnessNervousness • If the body’s immune system is allowed to deteriorate If the body’s immune system is allowed to deteriorate

because of stress, it may lead to other serious medical because of stress, it may lead to other serious medical conditions such as a variety of malignancies (conditions such as a variety of malignancies (33). ).



Coping With Stress: Coping With Stress: Islamic ViewpointIslamic Viewpoint

Those who are extremely stressed can find peace and relaxation by utilizing different Islamic ‘oases’

•Those who believe and Those who believe and whose hearts are set at whose hearts are set at rest by the remembrance rest by the remembrance of Allah; now surely by of Allah; now surely by Allah's remembrance are Allah's remembrance are the hearts set at rest. the hearts set at rest. (13:28)(13:28)

• Medicine has been proven to be inefficient in dealing Medicine has been proven to be inefficient in dealing with the original causes of stress, nor can it adequately with the original causes of stress, nor can it adequately eliminate all of its symptoms. eliminate all of its symptoms.

• Medicine may be necessary for a person in the most Medicine may be necessary for a person in the most critical stages of chronic stress, but medicine alone may critical stages of chronic stress, but medicine alone may not be enough to achieve a cure for all its symptoms. not be enough to achieve a cure for all its symptoms.

• Scientists are trying to find new strategies to cope with Scientists are trying to find new strategies to cope with stress and minimize its effects. stress and minimize its effects.

These includeThese include • Relaxation techniques Relaxation techniques • Meditation Meditation • Imagination (Imagination (22, , 55) ) • Yoga (Yoga (66). ).

• These techniques are extensively studied to determine These techniques are extensively studied to determine their effects and mechanisms of action.their effects and mechanisms of action.

• Different studies have confirmed the efficacy of these Different studies have confirmed the efficacy of these techniques in coping with stress and eliminating its techniques in coping with stress and eliminating its effects. effects.

• These techniques are now entering the medical These techniques are now entering the medical mainstream and are included in many treatment mainstream and are included in many treatment programs (programs (22). ).

Coping With Stress: Islamic ViewpointCoping With Stress: Islamic Viewpoint





• Most of these techniques are rooted Most of these techniques are rooted in Islamic spirituality and different in Islamic spirituality and different Islamic forms of worship, Islamic forms of worship, ‘ibadatat‘ibadatat, , which can be – if performed in the which can be – if performed in the correct manner – considered as good correct manner – considered as good tools for coping with life’s stresses. tools for coping with life’s stresses.

Coping With Stress: Islamic Coping With Stress: Islamic ViewpointViewpoint

• Those who are extremely stressed Those who are extremely stressed can find peace and relaxation for can find peace and relaxation for their minds, body and soul utilizing their minds, body and soul utilizing the following different Islamic the following different Islamic ‘oases’; in terms of a safe place ‘oases’; in terms of a safe place where one can seek refuge from the where one can seek refuge from the ‘desert’ of life: ‘desert’ of life:

Coping With Stress: Islamic Coping With Stress: Islamic ViewpointViewpoint

Islamic Oases From Islamic Oases From Daily StressDaily Stress

• 1. The Faith (1. The Faith (imaniman) Oasis ) Oasis

• 2. The Meditation and Relaxation 2. The Meditation and Relaxation Oasis Oasis

• 3. The Remembrance (3. The Remembrance (zikrzikr) Oasis ) Oasis

• 4. The Imagination Oasis 4. The Imagination Oasis

• 5. The Praying Oasis 5. The Praying Oasis

• Reference SourcesReference Sources

1.1. The Faith (The Faith (imaniman) Oasis:) Oasis:

• Some people are more able to cope Some people are more able to cope with stress than others. with stress than others.

• The determining factor of the level The determining factor of the level of stress experienced is the of stress experienced is the perception of something as a perception of something as a threat, which triggers the stress threat, which triggers the stress response, and not the threat itself. response, and not the threat itself.

• It seems that the stress response is not created It seems that the stress response is not created by any particular type of event or situation but by any particular type of event or situation but rather by the way that event is perceived. rather by the way that event is perceived.

• It turns out then that stress response is a matter It turns out then that stress response is a matter of perception, or awareness. The stress reaction of perception, or awareness. The stress reaction is activated by neural perceptions or by what is activated by neural perceptions or by what amounts to one’s worldview. A worldview can be amounts to one’s worldview. A worldview can be described as the prism of ideas and beliefs described as the prism of ideas and beliefs through which the world is perceived and judged. through which the world is perceived and judged.

• This means that your worldview becomes central This means that your worldview becomes central to the way any stressful circumstance is handled (to the way any stressful circumstance is handled (22, , 33). ).

• Islamic spiritual practices can dramatically alter Islamic spiritual practices can dramatically alter your worldview and thereby restore your feelings your worldview and thereby restore your feelings of self worth and personal meaning, giving you a of self worth and personal meaning, giving you a feeling of deeply rooted power and control. feeling of deeply rooted power and control.

1. The Faith (1. The Faith (imaniman) ) Oasis:Oasis:



• Control has been found to be a key factor in the psychology Control has been found to be a key factor in the psychology of chronic stress. of chronic stress.

• It has been observed in clinical studies that the extent to It has been observed in clinical studies that the extent to which you feel that you are in control of your environment, is which you feel that you are in control of your environment, is the extent to which you will, or will not, experience the the extent to which you will, or will not, experience the hormonal stress response.hormonal stress response.

• Those who feel most powerless or unable to control their Those who feel most powerless or unable to control their circumstances tend to experience the highest levels of stress.circumstances tend to experience the highest levels of stress.

• On the other hand, those who feel they have great personal On the other hand, those who feel they have great personal

control and power over themselves and their environment control and power over themselves and their environment will be much less likely to experience the hormonal stress will be much less likely to experience the hormonal stress response, and this is regardless of the potential seriousness response, and this is regardless of the potential seriousness of the threat (of the threat (22). ).

• In Islam, Muslims feel Allah, Who controls the whole world In Islam, Muslims feel Allah, Who controls the whole world and all the creatures in it, supports them. and all the creatures in it, supports them.

1.1. The Faith (The Faith (imaniman) ) Oasis:Oasis:


• It was reported by Omar may Allah be It was reported by Omar may Allah be pleased with him that the Prophet has pleased with him that the Prophet has said: said: “if you people depended on Allah “if you people depended on Allah as you should, He would provide for as you should, He would provide for you as he provides for the birds you as he provides for the birds leaving their nests hungry and leaving their nests hungry and coming back satisfied.”coming back satisfied.”

1.1. The Faith (The Faith (imaniman) Oasis:) Oasis:

2.2. The Meditation and Relaxation Oasis:The Meditation and Relaxation Oasis:

• Meditation is being riveted on any one idea or Meditation is being riveted on any one idea or object to the exclusion of all other ideas or objects. object to the exclusion of all other ideas or objects.

• Meditation is really a natural quality of the mind. Meditation is really a natural quality of the mind. With meditation, the mind is trained to pay With meditation, the mind is trained to pay attention and to follow commands. In this way one attention and to follow commands. In this way one learns to quiet the thought traffic in one’s mind, learns to quiet the thought traffic in one’s mind, thereby freeing up mental and physical energy. thereby freeing up mental and physical energy.

• The basis of meditation is to adopt a posture of The basis of meditation is to adopt a posture of body and mind that allows one to remain body and mind that allows one to remain comfortable for long periods of time without comfortable for long periods of time without expending significant amounts of energy (expending significant amounts of energy (77). ).


• Dr. Herbert Benson, a Harvard University Dr. Herbert Benson, a Harvard University physician, researched the physiologic physician, researched the physiologic effects of meditation in the early 1970s.effects of meditation in the early 1970s.

• He coined the term “relaxation response” He coined the term “relaxation response” to refer to the stress-reducing effects of to refer to the stress-reducing effects of meditation, which we now know can be meditation, which we now know can be elicited through a variety of relaxation elicited through a variety of relaxation practices including meditation (practices including meditation (88). ).



• In the mid-1980s, Dr. Dean Ornish, clinical In the mid-1980s, Dr. Dean Ornish, clinical professor of medicine at the University of professor of medicine at the University of California, incorporated an extensive meditation California, incorporated an extensive meditation program into a comprehensive lifestyle program into a comprehensive lifestyle program for patients with heart disease. program for patients with heart disease.

• Data published from his five-year trial revealed Data published from his five-year trial revealed reductions in total and low-density lipoprotein reductions in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, decreased anginal symptoms, (LDL) cholesterol, decreased anginal symptoms, and regression of coronary artery disease (and regression of coronary artery disease (99). ).



• Meditation works by eliciting the relaxation Meditation works by eliciting the relaxation response.response.

• The relaxation response is characterized by The relaxation response is characterized by • Decreased heart rate, Decreased heart rate, • Respiratory rate, Respiratory rate, • Oxygen consumption, Oxygen consumption, • Muscle tension. Muscle tension.

• Meditation seems to produce these changes to a Meditation seems to produce these changes to a greater extent and more efficiently than sleep. greater extent and more efficiently than sleep.

• For example, reports from Dr. Benson’s work show For example, reports from Dr. Benson’s work show that oxygen (O2) consumption diminishes by 8 that oxygen (O2) consumption diminishes by 8 percent during restful sleep over the course of four percent during restful sleep over the course of four to five hours, while the relaxation response results to five hours, while the relaxation response results in a 10 to 17 percent reduction of O2 consumption in a 10 to 17 percent reduction of O2 consumption in a matter of minutes (in a matter of minutes (44). ).



• Other studies demonstrate significant reduction in total Other studies demonstrate significant reduction in total peripheral resistance (TPR) and systolic blood pressure in peripheral resistance (TPR) and systolic blood pressure in those practicing meditation regularly. those practicing meditation regularly.

• TPR is the maximum degree of resistance to blood flow TPR is the maximum degree of resistance to blood flow caused by constriction of the systemic blood vessels. caused by constriction of the systemic blood vessels. Reduction of TPR will reduce the overall blood pressure (Reduction of TPR will reduce the overall blood pressure (1010). ).

• Studies also showed diminished lipid peroxide levels Studies also showed diminished lipid peroxide levels resulting in reduced oxidative damage(resulting in reduced oxidative damage(1111). ).

• Also, meditation was used intensively and effectively in Also, meditation was used intensively and effectively in control of cases with chronic pain (control of cases with chronic pain (1212) and anxiety ) and anxiety disorders (disorders (1313). ).

• Meditation by concentrating on Allah’s creatures (plants, Meditation by concentrating on Allah’s creatures (plants, animals, space, human body, etc.) is considered one of animals, space, human body, etc.) is considered one of the most efficient and powerful forms of Islamic worship.the most efficient and powerful forms of Islamic worship.







• In this form of meditation, one concentrates on In this form of meditation, one concentrates on an object or group of objects from the same an object or group of objects from the same category (categorical meditation). category (categorical meditation).

• Those who remember Allah standing and Those who remember Allah standing and sitting and lying on their sides and reflect sitting and lying on their sides and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the on the creation of the heavens and the earth: Our Lord! Thou hast not created this earth: Our Lord! Thou hast not created this in vain! Glory be to Thee; save us then from in vain! Glory be to Thee; save us then from

the chastisement of the fire: (3: 191)the chastisement of the fire: (3: 191)

3.3. The Remembrance The Remembrance ((zikrzikr) Oasis:) Oasis:

• As we mentioned in the previous paragraph,As we mentioned in the previous paragraph, meditation can be done by concentrating our thoughts meditation can be done by concentrating our thoughts on an object or group of objects of the same category. on an object or group of objects of the same category.

• Meditation can also be performed by concentrating on Meditation can also be performed by concentrating on one word or a few words that give the person a sense one word or a few words that give the person a sense of internal peace and calm; for example by repeating of internal peace and calm; for example by repeating the words the words subhansubhan Allah (glory be to Allah) or Allah (glory be to Allah) or al-hamdu al-hamdu lillah lillah (all praise be to Allah). Deep and silent repetition (all praise be to Allah). Deep and silent repetition of such words produces the same physiological effects of such words produces the same physiological effects of meditation (of meditation (77). ).

• It also adds an additional factor that helps in stress It also adds an additional factor that helps in stress elimination and that is giving the individual the feeling elimination and that is giving the individual the feeling that he or she is in extreme proximity with Allah, the that he or she is in extreme proximity with Allah, the Controller of the whole world. Controller of the whole world.


3.3. The Remembrance The Remembrance ((zikrzikr) Oasis:) Oasis:

• Those who believe and whose hearts Those who believe and whose hearts are set at rest by the remembrance of are set at rest by the remembrance of Allah; now surely by Allah's Allah; now surely by Allah's remembrance are the hearts set at rest. remembrance are the hearts set at rest. ( 13:28)( 13:28)

4.4. The Imagination Oasis:The Imagination Oasis:

• This is considered one of the most powerful methods of This is considered one of the most powerful methods of stress reduction. During this practice, the person stress reduction. During this practice, the person imagines that he or she is in a place, which gives him imagines that he or she is in a place, which gives him internal peace, calmness and rest.internal peace, calmness and rest.

• Muslims can find their safe place through imagining what Muslims can find their safe place through imagining what will be present in the Paradise. will be present in the Paradise.

• Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Allah, Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said: I have prepared for the Exalted and Glorious, said: I have prepared for My pious servants' bounties which no eye (has My pious servants' bounties which no eye (has ever) seen, no ear has (ever) heard and no human ever) seen, no ear has (ever) heard and no human heart has ever perceived.”heart has ever perceived.”

5.5. The Praying Oasis:The Praying Oasis:

This includes all of the previously mentioned oasesThis includes all of the previously mentioned oasesincluding including • Meditation, Meditation, • RemembranceRemembrance• Imagination. Imagination. • While praying, each one of us feels that we are in extreme While praying, each one of us feels that we are in extreme

connection with the controlling power of this world (Allah) connection with the controlling power of this world (Allah) and that from Him we receive maximum support. and that from Him we receive maximum support.

• O you who believe! seek assistance through O you who believe! seek assistance through patience and prayer; surely Allah is with the patient.patience and prayer; surely Allah is with the patient.(2: 153)(2: 153)

• It was reported by Gaber may Allah be pleased with him It was reported by Gaber may Allah be pleased with him that the Prophet has said: “your prayers are like a flowing that the Prophet has said: “your prayers are like a flowing river at your doorstep you wash yourself in it five times a river at your doorstep you wash yourself in it five times a day” day”

• Recent scientific investigations show that praying reduces Recent scientific investigations show that praying reduces post-operative complications following open-heart surgery. post-operative complications following open-heart surgery. Praying also markedly reduces the percentage of patients Praying also markedly reduces the percentage of patients exposed to depression following hospitalization (14). exposed to depression following hospitalization (14).

• Nowadays, doctors suggest that praying can be used as an Nowadays, doctors suggest that praying can be used as an alternative therapy as successfully as meditation, exercise, alternative therapy as successfully as meditation, exercise, or herbal treatments.or herbal treatments.

• According to Koenig of Duke University, "when prayer According to Koenig of Duke University, "when prayer uplifts or calms, it inhibits cortisol, epinephrine, and uplifts or calms, it inhibits cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine - hormones that flow out of the adrenal norepinephrine - hormones that flow out of the adrenal glands in response to stress. These fight-or-flight glands in response to stress. These fight-or-flight chemicals, released over time, can compromise the chemicals, released over time, can compromise the immune system, upping the odds of developing any immune system, upping the odds of developing any number of illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, peptic number of illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, peptic ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disorder (IBS)." ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disorder (IBS)."


• Many experts feel that the immune system is Many experts feel that the immune system is strengthened and nourished by a sense of peace elicited strengthened and nourished by a sense of peace elicited during praying. during praying.

• Many doctors believe that praying with their patients Many doctors believe that praying with their patients before and after surgery or before administering a before and after surgery or before administering a course of powerful drugs might actually assist in the course of powerful drugs might actually assist in the patient’s recovery (15). patient’s recovery (15).

• Five prayers have been prescribed to us daily. This is a Five prayers have been prescribed to us daily. This is a good chance to make use of that time not only for good chance to make use of that time not only for spiritual enhancement but also for physical and spiritual enhancement but also for physical and psychological healing. psychological healing.

• Investing this spirit into our daily prayers and Investing this spirit into our daily prayers and meditations could well be the way to a stronger and meditations could well be the way to a stronger and more relaxing mental health.more relaxing mental health.


Reference Sources Reference Sources • 1. Relaxation techniques-stress management techniques from mind tools. 1. Relaxation techniques-stress management techniques from mind tools.

http://www.mindtools.com/stress/RelaxationTechniques/IntroPage.htmhttp://www.mindtools.com/stress/RelaxationTechniques/IntroPage.htm • 2. Sultanoff BA & Zalaquett CP. Relaxation therapies. In: Novey DW, ed. Clinician’s Complete 2. Sultanoff BA & Zalaquett CP. Relaxation therapies. In: Novey DW, ed. Clinician’s Complete

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AN, eds. The Physician’s Guide to Alternative Medicine. Atlanta, Ga: American Health AN, eds. The Physician’s Guide to Alternative Medicine. Atlanta, Ga: American Health Consultants; 1999:335-337.Consultants; 1999:335-337.

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• 11. Schneider RH, Nidich SI, Salerno JW. Lower lipid peroxide levels in practitioners of the 11. Schneider RH, Nidich SI, Salerno JW. Lower lipid peroxide levels in practitioners of the Transcendental Meditation program. Psychosom Med. 1998;60(1):38-41. Transcendental Meditation program. Psychosom Med. 1998;60(1):38-41.

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• 13.Kabat-Zinn J, Massion AO, Kristeller J. Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction 13.Kabat-Zinn J, Massion AO, Kristeller J. Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Am J Psychiatry. 1992;149(7):936-943. program in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Am J Psychiatry. 1992;149(7):936-943.

• 14.14. Prayer and spiritual healing. Prayer and spiritual healing. http://1stholistic.com/Prayer/default.htmhttp://1stholistic.com/Prayer/default.htm• 15. International network on personal meaning. 15. International network on personal meaning.

http://www.meaning.ca/conference04/presenters/koenig.htmhttp://www.meaning.ca/conference04/presenters/koenig.htm

190. Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding.191. Those who remember Allâh (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens andglory to You! (Exalted are You above all that they associate with You as partners). the earth, (saying): "Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose,Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.Quran Chapter 3: Verses 190-191

islamic oases from daily stress

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