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Mind: Source of Illness



The consequences of the unfortunate incident involving our house extended beyond the manageable hassle. We feel that my father in law felt so sad and depressed that he lost his appetite. This in turn led to electrolyte imbalance that triggered a kidney failure. We probably almost lost him, had it not for the prompt emergency management of the TMC nephrologists. He is out of the intensive care unit now although he might continue to undergo more hemodialysis.

What happened to him may be a proof of the powerful effect of the brain centers on other organs of the body. It is a testimony that psychological disorders can trigger organ malfunctions as well. Dr Willem Kop, a nephrologist, said this about depression and kidney failure: "People with depressive symptoms have a higher risk of subsequent adverse kidney disease outcomes. The association with depression is stronger in patients who are otherwise healthy compared to those who had co-existing medical disorders such as diabetes or heart disease.” (Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology)

This psychosomatic hypothesis, which was popular in the mid-20th century, held that repressed emotional conflict was at the core of many physical diseases: Hypertension was the product of the inability to deal with hostile impulses. Ulcers were caused by unresolved fear and resentment. And women with breast cancer were characterized as being sexually inhibited, masochistic and unable to deal with anger. The reason is that the source of all illnesses is not inside the body, and is not in some external agent. All of these supposed causes are really just the symptoms of the real issue. The source of illness is in the mind. The Law of Attraction teaches us that your thoughts create your reality, including all illnesses.

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