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Published in: Journal of Religion and Health 1/2023

14-01-2022 | Original Paper

Review of the Cardiovascular Implications of the Social and Religious Practices Associated with Donning Phylacteries

Authors: Sydney Schacht, Brian O’Connor, Akiva Kirschner, Katie Steelman, David H. Rosmarin, Jack Rubinstein

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

We previously published a manuscript suggesting that use of phylacteries, ritual straps worn during Jewish prayer services, affects cardiovascular and inflammatory function (Owens et al., Am J Physiol-Heart Circ Physiol, 315(6):H1748–H1758, 2018). Observed physiologic changes were associated with improved cardiac outcomes, though a direct link between phylactery use and improved cardiovascular outcomes is difficult to prove as there are a number of associated religious and spiritual practices that may confound the observed effects. In this review, we assess the scientific literature regarding religious and spiritual practices associated with phylactery in order to better understand the cardiovascular implications of the practice of donning phylacteries. We focus on key aspects traditionally associated with donning phylacteries including gathering in groups, meditation and prayer.
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Metadata
Title
Review of the Cardiovascular Implications of the Social and Religious Practices Associated with Donning Phylacteries
Authors
Sydney Schacht
Brian O’Connor
Akiva Kirschner
Katie Steelman
David H. Rosmarin
Jack Rubinstein
Publication date
14-01-2022
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-021-01478-1

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