Alternative Medicine
And now for something completely different!
I was discussing alternative medicine with some friends earlier - specifically homeopathy and bach flower remedies. I know that some Christians have problems with lots of alternative medicine.
Personally, I exclude anything that involves “energies” - like the flower remedies, reiki, acupuncture, and the like - but things like homeopathy, herbal remedies, etc. I’m pretty much ok with.
I got to thinking that this might be a good discussion for here - since we’ve got a lot of people with varied backgrounds - and it’s also got NOTHING to do with the Lakeland Revival, Todd Bentley, heresy, or tornadoes!
So - what do you think? Maybe I should put a poll up, but I don’t have time right now.
August 27th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
I don’t see a real difference between homeopathy and Bach flower remedies; neither have a basis in medical fact and both rely on some ‘qualities’ from the physical ingredients being infused into the carrying medium. I’ve used both in the past - homeopathy did nothing whatsoever, Bach’s Rescue Remedy drops actually had a positive calming effect (maybe it’s the minuscule amount of alcohol). The individual flower remedies for specific issues did nothing either.
I don’t see a problem with using them, but if God told me No, I’d say Okay, as I did when He told me not to practice yoga. So far He hasn’t said anything about them to me.
I’m very much against reiki and other physical manipulations of energy by others, as well as stirring up my own ‘internal energy’ - I’ve had a terrible experience of reiki, and the ‘attunement’ which is passed on by and to ‘reiki masters’ rings alarm bells for me now. It actually made me quite ill (completely blocked my nose so I couldn’t breathe and I nearly passed out - vile feeling), and it made my Mum as sick as a dog both times she had it. I used to do shamanic dance/trance workshops and they made me collapse semi-conscious, sometimes hours afterwards - same kind of feeling.
Traditional (European) herbal remedies are fine as long as you’re aware of the medical contra-indications eg. the mint family for pregnant women. If in doubt, see a qualified herbalist. I wouldn’t touch Chinese herbal medicine; too many bad news reports of people who’ve caused themselves enormous physical damage.
Also got no problem with therapeutic massage; I have a back and neck massage once a month at work from a lady who comes in and sets up in the boardroom. She’s quite brutal but it really unlocks the muscles in my lower back which protect my slipped disks. I also wouldn’t go near hypnotherapy; too close to the pathworking I used to do. I’ve had positive experiences of Alexander Technique which is re-educating your body on posture rather than anything ethereal. Conversely, chiropractic made my back collapse very dramatically to the point where I couldn’t walk for 2 days.
So it seems that the dividing line for me is manipulation of ‘energy’ by others and by myself through activity. My views on all this may change if God speaks to me about any of it, but I think it would be more likely to be in a ’steer clear’ direction of further things rather than ‘That’s okay after all.’
August 27th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
I steer very clear of alternative medicine. I figure, if it’s not regulated by the medical industry, it’s ineffective, and if it is effective, it should be regulated by the medical industry. It’s not perfect, but it’s got a scientific basis, and the thing about science is that it works.
It’s not a happy position to be in. Whenever I speak up, my family heaps on the anecdotal evidence–even though one of them was crippled by a chiropractor–and it’s no use telling them about proper study design. They’ve been brainwashed by my Newage (rhymes with sewage) aunt to distrust the very foundations of science.
August 28th, 2008 at 8:12 am
I have no doubt there are herbal medicines that can be helpful, but from all I’ve read Homeopathy is nothing but crap.
August 29th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
They had reiki at my parish last summer–I freaked out BIG TIME, wrote our pastor a Big Bad Email, and whether it was because of me or not, we didn’t have it this year…
August 29th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I have found a herbal concoction over here that literally stops colds! I know that sounds unbelievable but it does. Ive been referring it to family and friends and they have become fans. Its amazing. Admittedly its produced by a regulated “herbal/natural” drug company. Its called “cold combat” and claims to be a powerfull herbal remedy. I dont know half the herbs the label mentions but it works.
In answer to your question Kathi, Im basically the same as Jules - stay away from energy manipulated therapies…
August 31st, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I had a bad experience with something called “cranial-sacral therapy”. I went to see this lady for what I thought was a massage. Instead, she said she was going to do this because it would help my anxiety. She didn’t really touch me; she just had her hands slightly above me. Then she would stop and I could hear her whispering. I asked her what she was doing because I was getting “weirded out”. I thought maybe she was praying. She said she was talking to the different parts of my body; she was telling them to do what they were supposed to do. Needless to say, my experience was not good. She almost through me into a panic attack. When we were done, I told her that. She told me that she knew that because she could see it? I only went to her about 2-3 times. I just felt like it was not right spiritually. I go to a friend’s mom for reflexology and massage. I don’t feel weird, but I did want to question her the other day because I opened my eyes while she was giving me a massage and her eyes were closed. Was she praying or doing this CS therapy like the other lady?? My grandma was really into herbal remedies, but I don’t know about some of it. She used to get her eyes “read” (iridology) and I have to. I don’t know that I put much stock in it and wondering whether I should even be dabbling with that.
August 31st, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Nicole, if you continue on with a massage go to one that is cerified and ask questions before they touch you. Only God knows the person and be careful who you let touch you
September 1st, 2008 at 9:19 am
Thanks, Rev. I have been to several massage therapists, and most are just generally about massage; they don’t add anything into it but loosening up the muscles. I believe “J” is okay, but I will ask her next time I see her. I’ve known her for probably 25 years.
September 2nd, 2008 at 5:46 am
On the subject of massage - when I was still a pagan (so this is 9 or 10 years ago) I very nearly enrolled in a massage therapy course at the local community college. I didn’t do it for a variety of reasons, partly because I didn’t see in the course description where they taught you a lot about MASSAGE - it was much more a touchy-feely-new-age class and it seemed silly and redundant for me to be there. I’m not sure what Christian massage therapists DO - because as a Christian I surely wouldn’t be in a class like that!! and it’s required to get your MT license in this state.
Chiropractors, too, seem to be all about kinesiology and therapeutic touch and reiki - none of which I’ll touch with a twenty-foot disinfected bargepole.
To be completely contrary to what I just said
I have gotten massage from people who JUST massage. And we do know a couple of chiros who are JUST back-crackers. Including one who doesn’t believe in x-rays and 100 repeat visits, but unfortunately he’s retired now.
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:19 am
Due to a car accident a number of years ago I see a Chiropractor on a weekly basis. I will for the rest of my life because of a permanent neck injury.
I’m extremely thankful for my doc, as I’ve tried not going, and within a months time I’m in extreme pain. He keeps me pain free. And he’s strickly a ‘back-cracker’.
On the other hand, right after the accident a friend of mine’s husband is a Reiki master and I received some therapy from him. My experience was that it was amazing - instant warmth and relief. But on a long term basis? I don’t know. I didn’t continue.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:12 am
your welcome Nicole
September 6th, 2008 at 11:55 am
[...] Alternative Medicine [...]