Nelson Fernandes Junior (photo) was born into a Spiritist family in the Brazilian city of Araraquara, in the state of São Paulo, where he still lives. He has a degree in Hospital Management and works as consultant for several organisations. Health issues are his main concern and are at the centre of his research and work, as he explains in the following interview:  

Can we envisage a health model for the new phase of the planet, which is moving from Trials and Tribulations towards Regeneration?

This is a complex matter, but the Spiritual Benefactors often highlight the importance of focusing on holistic health.

When I talk about holistic health, I am referring to the several aspects that we need to look after: existential, physical, psychological, emotional, social, educational and spiritual. I believe that if we pay attention in a balanced manner to all these aspects, which all humans share, we will be in a better position to enjoy a level of health compatible to the new phase of regeneration the planet is entering.

Is there a practical way of achieving that, both from an intellectual and a moral perspective?

Yes. I believe that investing on that is one of the main priorities of our existence. When we become aware that we are immortal, multidimensional beings in permanent evolution, when we get to know that Natural Laws that dictate human behaviour and when we put into practice the Gospel of Jesus, we will then get the “profitable results” from that investment.

How will be the transition for a new health model for the population of the planet as a whole?

That is a big question. I think that “the model comes from the top but the changes, from the bottom.” In other words, humankind needs to implement the proposals that will improve their quality of live and prevent illnesses. That must be a priority, not the current approach, which puts emphasis on treatment and rehabilitation, after illnesses occur. We need to understand health as a holistic issue, which is connected to our habits and daily activities.

What role can Spiritism play in that effort?

Spiritism is Christianity reborn and as such it helps us understand reincarnation, the several dimensions of existence, it sheds light on the Natural Laws that rule our lives and bring back the purest examples set by our Guide and Model, Jesus. All that makes us stronger and gives us guidance on how to achieve holistic health.

And from a practical perspective, how can Spiritist centres help in that effort?

They already do a great deal by helping those who are suffering. They will be doing even more if they help people understand the multidimensional aspect of health, working on anti-smoking programmes, in initiatives to prevent suicide and widening the debate on psychological and emotional health.

How role can the public health system play?

It can play a very important role indeed. In Brazil, the public health system (SUS) has been encouraging complementary medicine to prevent, treat and rehabilitate health issues. Homeopathy, phytotherapy and fluid therapy are some of the treatments being uses. I believe this is sign of change in the health approach being used and it can lead to major transformations in the area.

What are the main challenges for a new model of regenerative medicine?

Conscience, attitude and being actively interested. We still need to improve a lot our understanding of holistic health. We need to become directly responsible for a balance in our health. We need to be brave and skilful to break up with the current model, which is unsustainable, of super specialised health professionals with high treatment costs.

And what do we need to do to awaken our conscience?

We need to align our thoughts with God’s wishes, to prepare for the new world of regeneration, which is coming, to practice universal love, to help others and to improve our faith.

What practical advice would you give to our readers who may be willing to gradually adopt this new approach?

Ideally, everyone should prepare their guidelines based on their needs and their skills. I could, however, list a few attitudes that should help everyone: avoid automatic thoughts and actions, work constantly on physical, emotional and spiritual self-knowledge, to create better health conditions at home, at work and in relationships, to keep a level of coherence between what we feel, think, speak and do and, last but not least, to be grateful for all that we are and all that we have.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Health is a personal and non-transferable asset. I urge everyone to make the most of the teachings and guidance that the Spiritual Benefactors have given us through their works, since the days of Allan Kardec.