Spirituality is a complex and elusive topic.
Major world religions, philosophical and secular humanistic traditions, and personal approaches of every kind use the term to indicate their deepest appreciation of human life and living. All share the conviction that an adequate understanding of the nature and purpose of human life must include the spiritual. For most of the 2,500 year history of Western medicine there has been a connection between spirituality and healing. This is true in the first place because many hospitals and institutions of healing have their roots in religious communities and traditions. An even more profound and interesting connection exists because both medicine and spirituality address the problem of suffering.