Heal your life – 1: Medical science embraces spiritual wisdom

Time of India

2 days ago

The writer is a national-level swimmer and record-holding mountaineer. She also serves as vice-president of Tourist Guides Association, Mumbai, the only group of govt-approved guides, licensed and trained by the ministry of tourism LESS ... MORE
Life is beautiful—and becomes even more meaningful when it is driven by purpose. At birth, most of us arrive with perfect bodies and pure minds. But as we grow, we unknowingly begin to pollute this perfection—with impure food, unhealthy lifestyles, negative thoughts, and toxic emotions. We spend the first half of our lives working hard to earn money and the other half spending that money on trying to restore our deteriorated health.
Is there a way to live life fully while maintaining physical, emotional, and mental well-being? Can we live not just a long life, but a wholesome one? True wellness arises from a balance between the material and the spiritual. Importantly, spirituality is not about rituals—not about visiting temples daily and practising dishonesty outside them. It is about living a righteous, conscious life.
The science behind spirituality
Let's begin with a symbol familiar to all: the global medical emblem. Once represented by a red cross, it has now been largely replaced by the Caduceus—a rod with two serpents entwined around it, topped with wings and a glowing orb. This ancient Greek symbol, associated with Hermes (the messenger god), is rich with esoteric meaning.
In spiritual science, this rod symbolises the spinal column, the central conduit of life force that governs all organs. Where the snakes cross corresponds to energy centres or chakras in the etheric/energy body. The two serpents represent the dual aspects of the nervous system—the motor and memory channels. In yogic philosophy, these are the Ida (lunar, feminine) and Pingala (solar, masculine) energy pathways. The central rod is the Sushumna, through which Kundalini energy—the coiled feminine power at the base of the spine—ascends when awakened, bringing wisdom and enlightenment.
This concept is reflected across spiritual traditions:
In Hinduism, Shiva's Trishul represents Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna.
In Chinese Taoism, the concept of Yin and Yang parallels this duality; so does the Ardhanarishwar.
The alchemical marriage in Western mysticism represents this energetic balance.
Lord Ganesha's snake belt signifies that his Kundalini has reached the navel chakra.
Cleopatra's serpent crown reflects her energy reaching the forehead chakra.
Numerous deities—from Shiva Lingam, Gautam Buddha, Mahaveer, Lord Vishnu, etc.—are depicted with multi-headed serpents behind them, indicating varying degrees of awakened energy (3, 5, or 7 heads representing the layers opened).
Even in modern times, this spiritual system underpins the very symbol of global medicine—a silent acknowledgement that spiritual science is now accepted by medical science.
The unseen is not unreal
Just because we cannot see something does not mean it doesn't exist. We cannot see love, anger, jealousy, or sorrow—yet we feel them powerfully. Similarly, the chakras, nadis, and aura are subtle energies that science is beginning to measure. Devices like Kirlian cameras and GDV cameras have now captured images of auras, emotions, and chakras, even the rise of Kundalini energy.
Physics identifies four states of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. When gas is heated further, it becomes plasma—a state so refined that its particles are more dispersed than in air. Our bodies are made of all four: primarily liquid, then solid, gas, and subtle plasma.
The yogic tradition describes several subtle bodies:
Physical Body: Composed of organs, tissues, muscles, bones, etc.
Etheric Body: Houses our senses and vitality.
Emotional or Astral Body: Holds our emotions.
Mental Body: Our thoughts reside here.
Causal Body: Stores accumulated karma.
When negative emotions and thoughts accumulate in the emotional and mental bodies, they filter into the physical body—eventually manifesting as disease.
A real-life example
Consider a young boy hospitalised with a fractured leg. After three weeks, expecting to be discharged, he is told he must stay for two more. Disappointed, he becomes emotionally low. His sadness deepens into depression. Though the injury is physical, the emotional body is now impacted. Gradually, this emotional burden affects his appetite, energy, and social behaviour—proving how intimately the bodies are interconnected.
True healing, therefore, must address not just the physical, but the emotional and mental imbalances as well.
The symbolism of the serpent and wings
The snake—often feared—is a universal symbol of healing, rebirth, and transformation. It periodically molts or sheds its skin, which is a symbol of 'letting go,' releasing old patterns, regeneration, and renewal. The wings atop the Caduceus remind us to elevate our lives by balancing the material and the spiritual. The golden orb represents the illumined soul, our highest, most divine potential. The presence of the Caduceus in hospitals and clinics today affirms a subtle but powerful shift: modern medicine acknowledges the ancient wisdom of energy, consciousness, and spiritual balance.
Spiritual science in modern healing
Today, many chronic ailments are traced back to emotional or psychological roots. In the subsequent articles, all of which are inspired by the teachings of my guru, Pranic Healing founder Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, I will eleborate on the following topics:
How lifelong suppressed anger can lead to arthritis and chronic back pain.
How lifelong suppressed stress and worry are linked to diabetes.
How lifelong suppressed resentment and bitterness can eventually affect kidney function severely.
Understanding these patterns allows us to not only heal but transform. By integrating spiritual wisdom into daily life, we can live with clarity, vitality, joy, and good health. You may heal your body and your life with this wisdom.
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Views expressed above are the author's own.