Chapter 7—Disease That Begins in the Mind
[
See Chapter 75, “Imagination and Illness.”
]
Too Little Thought Given to Causative Factors—Far too little
thought is given to the causes underlying the mortality, the disease
and degeneracy, that exist today even in the most civilized and favored
lands. The human race is deteriorating.—
The Ministry of Healing,
380
(1905).
Nine Tenths of Diseases Originate in Mind—Sickness of the
mind prevails everywhere. Nine tenths of the diseases from which
men suffer have their foundation here. Perhaps some living home
trouble is, like a canker, eating to the very soul and weakening the
life-forces. Remorse for sin sometimes undermines the constitution
and unbalances the mind. There are erroneous doctrines also, as that
of an eternally burning hell and the endless torment of the wicked that,
by giving exaggerated and distorted views of the character of God,
have produced the same result upon sensitive minds.—
Testimonies for
the Church 5:444
(1885).
Mind Affects Body—The relation which exists between the mind
and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sym-
pathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health of the physical
[60]
system. If the mind is free and happy, from a consciousness of right
doing and a sense of satisfaction in causing happiness to others, it
creates a cheerfulness that will react upon the whole system, causing a
freer circulation of the blood and a toning up of the entire body. The
blessing of God is a healing power, and those who are abundant in
benefiting others will realize that wondrous blessing in both heart and
life.—
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 13, 1890
. (
Counsels
on Health, 28
; see also
Testimonies for the Church 4:60, 61
[1876].)
A Well-nourished and Healthy Brain—The brain is the organ
and instrument of the mind, and controls the whole body. In order for
the other parts of the system to be healthy, the brain must be healthy.
And in order for the brain to be healthy, the blood must be pure. If by
51