Spiritualism and personal hygiene

Abstract

Spiritualism serves an important role in the mental health of the individuals. But how does it affect physical health, and what role does it have in personal hygienic behaviour? Is it possible to give space to religions in awareness raising for personal hygiene? What possible role could they have in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic?This study reviews the linkage between spiritualism, faith and health, highlighting the customs related to personal hygiene. Based on literature and the religious texts we present the connection between spiritualism and hygiene to draw attention on this less represented research area. With the ritual of handwashing in the centre of this article, we illustrate that handwashing is an established custom in many religions, which has a potential in public health interventions and hygiene promotion activities. As main part of this study we review the ritual handwashing practices (ablution) of six religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hindu, Shintoism and Baháʼí.After the review of these considerations, we phrase recommendations reflecting the contemporary multicultural environment of public health interventions. We argue that professionals involved in health promotion should establish an intercultural awareness, including knowledge on religious customs of beneficiaries, which might have a positive effect on the success of their programmes. We also suggest to involve religious leaders in hygiene promotion activities as they might be able to utilize religious rituals as examples for good hygienic behaviour.