What fundamental aim is suggested by the Old English derivation of the word healing, *hælan*?
Answer
Restoration to integrity and making the person whole, sound, and well
The historical etymology of the word healing points toward a core intention of completeness. Derived from the Old English word *hælan*, its meaning incorporated the concepts of cure and salvation, specifically aiming to 'make whole, sound and well.' This inherent connection to 'wholeness' suggests that the goal has always been a restoration of integrity, rather than just the removal of a symptom or disease. This concept contrasts with a mere medical 'fix' because wholeness can be attained even when physical limitations or suffering persist, indicating an internal state of being rather than an external physical status.
Related Questions
What primary focus distinguishes true healing from modern medicine's goal of curing disease?What fundamental aim is suggested by the Old English derivation of the word healing, *hælan*?What state might wholeness represent for an athlete versus someone with rheumatoid arthritis?According to qualitative study among medical professionals, what is healing defined as concerning suffering?What concept illustrates painful, rejected parts of the self that still govern us unconsciously?What is necessary for permanent healing to ensue, concerning mental constructs?Which dimension of health focuses on body nurturing through nutrition and preventive care?How does healing address *why* a condition is happening compared to treatment addressing *what* is wrong now?What is the critical second phase in the tangible engagement process for emotional wounds?What relationship structure, built on continuity and shared vulnerability, is essential for the relational aspect of healing?