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1. What do we do when we are sick?

i) It is our conviction that the first thing to do, if the situation is serious but not overtly an

emergency, is to call for the elders of the church in accordance with the advice of James (5:14).

ii) Healing can come in two ways. Occasionally it is dramatic and rapid. We would term this amiracle of healing. More often it is much more like a process. From getting worse and worse,

the direction changes; one starts to get better. It really is irrelevant that one may be on medical

treatment. The point is that the direction of the sickness changes subsequent to prayer. It is as

though the train of disease has been stopped and put into reverse.

iii) Unless a miracle has happened and there is obviously nothing wrong any more, we have

doubts as to the wisdom of great delay in then seeking medical help, if you have not done so

already. Some infer that there is a danger of demonstrating lack of faith by consulting a doctor,

having received prayer for healing, but the reality is that healing of either type described above

should result in cessation of symptoms or very clear and sustained improvement. It certainly wasso when Jesus prayed for people. And even when He prayed, the healing was not immediately

complete on every occasion, e.g. Mark 8:22-25, where the blind man is healed in two stages.

Even under Jewish law, miraculous healing of a leper had to be confirmed by the priest, who

worked according to detailed instructions. It was no good telling the priest that ‘the healing is on

its way’; he wanted to see the evidence of it! If we believe that God will be angry with us for our

lack of faith in going to a doctor, then our concept of God’s character is too small and untruthful.

John Stott wrote that ‘all healing is divine healing, whether without the use of, or through the use

of, physical, psychological or surgical means’, - though this is not a mandate for using healing

methods rooted in occult practice. It is not a sin to consult a doctor!

2. Whom Should You Consult?i) The first stage of any consultation is normally towards diagnosis, and the first priority is to

exclude a serious diagnosis. We believe a conventional doctor is best placed to do this: he has

had great exposure to disease in the course of training - undoubtedly greater than that of

alternative practitioners. He also has access to appropriate expertise and investigations. Whether

he is able to give the best treatment depends on the diagnosis.

ii) Sometimes a conventional doctor really cannot come up with a diagnosis. This often happens

when there are lots of unrelated and rather vague symptoms e.g: some patients complain of

general lethargy and malaise. This often happens as a consequence of pressure and stress, ordepression; or sometimes the vacuum caused by the pointlessness of living without the awareness

of God and His love for us. Then it is good for the doctor to be honest and say that examination

and tests have not revealed serious disease. The Christian doctor may then even be in a position

to point to God’s love in Christ. This is also the point where it is common for patients to look for

alternatives.

3. What Alternatives?

The choice is bewildering. Are there any limits for the Christian, or is everything ‘all right’?

How should we discern? Or are there simple rules? If you are uneasy with a therapy, avoid it.Think twice, though, before telling other people to avoid it too, unless there are very clear grounds for so doing.

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Dramatic Warnings: There has been a great tendency for dramatic warnings about

complementary therapies. For example - homeopathy is sometimes cited as a therapy to be

avoided. One reason is because it appears to work in a way which cannot be explained by

conventional theories of how drugs work; therefore some people think, ‘It must be working

through occult means’. Whatever one’s reason for avoiding homeopathy, this should not be one

of them. It presupposes that we know all there is to know about biological systems, which isarrogant nonsense. We do not. It is rather an example of ‘devil of the gaps’; if you cannot

explain something, it must be of the devil. If only matters were so simple! Nevertheless

homeopathy does present particular problems, which are dealt with at greater length later in the

book. We suggest the following as a reasonable way forward when assessing therapies.

i) Is there direct occult involvement, or close association with the culture surrounding

another spirituality? If so, we counsel caution. For example, classical acupuncture is so tied up

with Eastern religion and its philosophy that we would be wary of using it as a therapy.

Conversely, when shorn of its associations and practised in a clinical way, as medical

acupuncture, we would be much more inclined to try it.

ii) What is the spirituality of the practitioner? Another example: Classical homeopathy is

practised according to clearly defined rules. Prescribing is complex, but two experienced

homeopaths are liable to come up with similar prescriptions. However, if the practitioner

requests a sample of hair or blood, then it is likely that he is taking an occult short cut - the use of

the pendulum. Some practitioners assert that the pendulum is not occult, but is affected by the

electromagnetic field; but other practitioners actually question the pendulum, asking it questions,

interpreting its direction of swing as an affirmative or negative answer. Its use is inherent in

radionics. We think any practice using it needs to be regarded with the greatest concern by the

Christian. As a further example: Herbalism at best is using that which is natural and a part ofcreation as the healing agent, and few could question proper scientific herbalism. But herbalism

is practised by followers of anthroposophy, a system founded by Rudolph Steiner, an occult

philosopher. Such practitioners embody occult concepts into their practice, including astrological

elements, and put herbalism in a different light altogether! Should one avoid herbalism? No.

One should be aware of the background of the practitioner.

iii) How associated is the practice with the occult, or New Age spirituality? It is regrettable

that some practices appear to have been almost hijacked by movements which are, at root level,

spiritual. Whilst we do not think that this precludes their use by Christians,we do think that

caution is wise.

NB: If we have doubts about a therapy, there are two avenues to follow. One is to find out

something about it. The other is to ask God for wisdom, in accordance with James 1:5. It is

certainly our conviction and experience that He gives wisdom, and we do believe that asking Him

to keep us from evil is only asking according to his will!

4. A note on Health, Stress and MeditationThere are ways in which we can abuse our bodies - some of them in the name of fitness and

beauty. We can abuse our minds by the things which we feed them. We can also abuse

ourselves spiritually if we move in an unhealthy direction.

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i) Meditation is something God wants us to do - but not all forms of meditation are good. Yoga,

and other forms based on Eastern religions, are undirected; they are very likely to fill our minds

with unhelpful ideas and bring us into contact with unpleasant and eventually destructive spiritual

forces. Health-giving meditation must be focused on God and his word to us in the Bible.

ii) To relax, fill your mind with scripture, then allow God to speak to you and make its meaningclear. This will refresh, challenge, and give you a firm and sure direction through life. Complete

wholeness in all aspects of our being - what we often divide up into body, mind and spirit - can

come only through Jesus Christ.

We certainly live in a society which produces a lot of stress. Driving, working, even our

‘playing’ and going on holidays can induce stress. Stress can lead to ill health, so ways of

reducing this should be beneficial. Much of the stress in our lives is because we fail to live by

God’s standards in the first place; broken marriages, over-concern with money leading us into the

rat race, lack of humility and gentleness leading to aggressive driving. We should be concerned

with changing our lives so the stress is not there in the first place - not ignoring the cause andsimply tackling the symptoms. To be concerned with health and fitness, without becoming

obsessed by them, is no more than having respect for ourselves. God made us in his image and

the Bible tells us our bodies are temples of God’s Holy Spirit. God wants us to respect ourselves;

to look after ourselves and keep as fit and healthy as possible. Then we will be ready to do the

good things He has planned for us.

5. These, then, are the principles we recommend, after seeking prayer:1. Consider consulting a conventionally trained doctor initially, for diagnosis and counsel.

2. If conventional treatment appears problematical for some reason (side effects, or lack of

benefit), ask your doctor if he sees any reason for not trying an alternative therapy.3. Choose your therapy guided by the following considerations:

a. Is there overt connection with the occult, or non-Christian spirituality or culture? If so,

think again.

b. What is the spirituality of the practitioner? Aim for a Christian, or at least someone who

practises from a scientific perspective free from spiritual overtones (or undertones).

c. What are the associations surrounding the practice? If it appears to be almost exclusively

the preserve of the New Agers, for example, be a little wary.

Below are lists suggesting to which categories different alternative therapies belong.

6. How alternative therapies might be categorisedOvert Connection with the Occult; Classical Chinese acupuncture; Spiritual healing;

Radionics; Athroposophical homeopathy/herbalism; Psychic healing

Care Needed: Know the Spirituality of the Practitioner: Reflexology; Iridology;

Naturopathy; Homeopathy practised on a scientific basis; Aromatherapy; Herbalism

Consider These: Medical acupuncture for pain relief; TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve

Stimulation); Chiropractic manipulation; Osteopathic manipulation; Conventional medicine

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7. Definitions of Medicine and Alternative therapies

i) In the West

Conventional medicine: Western, orthodox, scientific, evidence based. Formal training at

Medical School compulsory. Practitioners are qualified doctors answerable to the law for

negligence e.g. all staff have to be insured.

Alternative medicine: Fringe, folk, complementary, alternative health care, energy medicine,holistic (whole person - body, mind, emotions and spirit). Some practitioners are qualified

doctors, many are not. Currently little regulation or control. Slowly being incorporated into

NHS.

ii) In Other Countries

Traditional healing is often based on Eastern religious philosophy, animism, mysticism,

occultism or magic.

Examples:

Africa, Pacific,} Witch doctors, magic, charms, spells

South America} Voodoo,cursing,Asia/India ‘Shamans’, ‘hakims’, Hindu ayurvedic medicine

China Traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture, herbal medicine - Taoist influence)

Islamic Nations ‘Sufis’ (Muslim mystics)

8. Some Alternative Therapies*Acupuncture; *Acupressure; *Anthroposophical Medicine; *Alexander technique;

*Aromatherapy; Auricular Therapy; Bach Flower Remedies; Charms/Runes; *Chiropractic;

Cranial osteopathy; Cranial-sacro therapy; Crystal Therapy; Colour Therapy; Dowsing

(diagnostic); Energy Balancing; Herbal Medicine; *Homeopathy; *Hypnosis; *Iridology

(diagnostic); *Kinesiology; Macrobiotics; Naturopathy(Rudolph Steiner); Osteopathy *Past-life

therapy; Pendulum (diagnostic); Psychic Healing; Radionics (diagnostic); *Rebirthing;

*Reflexology; *Reiki; *Shiatsu; *Spiritualist/Psychic Healing; T’ai Chi; *Therapeutic Touch;

*Transcendental Meditation (TM); *Visualisation Techniques; *Yoga; Zone Therapy

* Therapies spreading into the National Health Service

9. Why is there increasing interest in Alternative Therapies?• i) Disillusionment with orthodox medicine (pressure in the NHS - time and money). Dangers of

side effects of some drugs, e.g: Drug allergies; Foetal damage - Thalidomide; Tranquillisers -

Addiction.

• ii) Royal patronage in UK makes some therapies fashionable.

• iii) Promotion by media, Health Food Shops, Pharmacies, ‘Mind, Body, Spirit’ Festivals and

Psychic Fairs.

• iv) East/West transmigration - commerce and culture, medicine and religion.

• v) Apparent U-turn by medical establishment.

• vi) Awareness of holistic, whole person approach to healing popular. People more open to ‘faith

healing’ (new awareness of the supernatural and occult).

• vii) Option of alternative therapies now considered ‘progressive.’

N.B. Alternative medicine is widely considered to be the ‘medical arm of the New Age

Movement’.

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10. Alternative Medicine/Conventional Medicine - What is the difference?

i) Conventional Medicine - Essential PrinciplesWestern, orthodox, scientific, evidence based and strictly regulated.

Based on: Fact, as currently known, - anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology.

Diagnosis and Investigation: Symptoms, signs and scientific investigation (x-rays, blood testsetc.) Aims to find specific cause for disease.

Treatment: Aims to be evidence based - scientific evaluation of efficacy, dose, toxicity. Clinical

trials important to establish side-effects. It is essentially NON-SPIRITUAL.

Problems: Medicine develops powerful drugs and doesn’t always fully understand their effects in

context of whole body. Doctors understand only in part. Thence eg: we bring in a drug for

arthritis with a fanfare and later discover it has unexpected side effects because we really don’t

know enough about COX-2 receptors ....

ii) Alternative Medicine - Essential Principles

Fringe, folk, complementary, energy, holistic, virtually unregulated.Based on: Healing systems or concepts, folklore, individual ‘revelations’ rooted in Eastern

religion/philosophy, energies e.g. yin yang.

Diagnosis and Investigation: Usually non-scientific, but not always. Chiropractors Xray and

osteopaths often work alongside GP’s recommendations. Many alternative therapies may involve

divination, the occult, astrology, dowsing, pendulum swinging etc. (Iridology, Kinesiology and

Radionics - largely diagnostic)

Treatment: Aims to be holistic (i.e. mind, body, emotions and spirit). Healing power/energies

within oneself. Essentially involves spiritual dimension but concept of ‘god’ is as cosmic force,

not personal. Frequent aim is to achieve balance in the flow of ‘Universal Cosmic Energy’ by

various means.NB: Universal Cosmic Energy

YANG is sunny, active, male force

YIN is dark, passive, female force

Force or energy called: NAME ORIGIN

Ch’i Chinese Taoism

Ki Japanese Shintoism

Prana Hinduism

Mana Maori

Orende North American Indian

Ojas Ayurvedic Medicine

Lung-gom Tibetan Buddhism

Vital Energy Homeopathy

Etheric Body Anthroposophical Medicine

The Innate Intelligence Chiropractic (D.D.) Palmer)

Universal Cosmic Energy New Age

Energy flow balanced by: METHOD THERAPY

Needles Acupuncture, Auricular Therapy

Massage/Pressure Reflexology, Acupressure, Shiatsu

Zone Therapy, Cranial Osteopathy

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METHOD THERAPY

Manipulation Chiropractic

Hands Therapeutic Touch, Psychic Healing

Dilute, Potentized Medicine Homeopathy

Essences Aromatherapy, Bach Flower

RemediesFood/Diet Macrobiotics

Exercise, Movement, Posture Yoga, T’ai Ch’i

Meditation and Mantras Yoga, Transcendental Meditation

Postures, Breathing and Shouting Martial Arts

11. Practical assessment of Alternative Therapies

A. Medical Perspective

a. Use of alternative therapies requires a radically different approach from orthodox medicaltraining. Is this reasonable? Is this valid? Orthodox medicine is based on a premise -

interaction of matter, molecules etc - unlike physics which largely deals with energies.

b. Many alternative therapies are advocated for an extremely wide range of diseases without

scientific justification. But we must not, in the west, betray our own polarisation. If we say

‘this is dangerous’ we fail to observe that China is an ancient civilisation and its ‘folk’

medicine has evolved, not by order of demons, but by a gradual build ing up of understanding.

The problem is not the inherent integrity of it; it is rather the cultural/spiritual milieu in which

it has been developed.

c. Modern conventional medicine is trying to do the right things. But it is sometimes driven by a

pernicious and pervading drug industry which purveys highly toxic and inadequatelyunderstood compounds which are investigated for their therapeutic effect. However there is

lack of adequate understanding of the complexities of physiology and biochemistry of the

WHOLE organism leads to unexpected problems in practice. “It is a dreadful problem! I, for

one, would avoid almost any new drug (less than 20 years old) if I possibly could. Also drug

testing inevitably involves animal experimentation with which many violently disagree.”

(Michael Harper)

NB: Problems: Diagnosis and treatment may include lack of proper diagnostic tests, missed

diagnosis of serious disease and delay in proven orthodox treatment. Some medicines, e.g.

Chinese herbal preparations and some aromatic oils, have been demonstrated to have toxic

properties. But so have almost all conventional drugs! Physical complications may arise fromacupuncture and manipulative therapies e.g. chiropractic. These complications are now rarer

in occurrence and regulation is helping.

d. Is ‘medicine’ not containing demonstrable medicine a deception? (e.g. homeopathy).

e. Meridians, energy channels; an acceptable concept or a misconception? (e.g. acupuncture,

reflexology).

f. Alternative therapists may spend more time with patients.

g. Placebo affect significant. How valid in serious disease? This, of course, points to the power

of the WHOLE person approach.

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B. Christian Perspectivea. Validity of treatment with alternative therapies questionable from an orthodox medical

perspective.

b. What are the ‘roots’ and the ‘soil’? Religion, Culture etc.

c. Suspicious phrases: life force, cosmic/vital energy, harmony with nature/universe, flow of

energy, blocked channels, psychic experience, potentization, natural magnetism, lines of force,meridians. Michael comments: “What’s the difference between a body just prior to and just

after death? I’ve watched many dying people am and there’s a point at which the ‘life goes out

of them’ - looks like the spirit departs - often accompanied by a grimace and occurs shortly

before physical death ....”

d. Involvement with alternative therapies/therapists may lead to spiritual ill health - see

‘Problems and Dangers’.

e. Diagnostic procedures of some involve divination, astrology, the occult and the psychic -

which are clearly forbidden in the Bible.

12. Warnings in the BibleGod forbids divination and the occult.

Divination = ‘Insight or discovery of the unknown or future by supernatural means.’ (This

is the counterfeit of God-inspired revelation.)

These scriptures describe in detail the practices which God hates:

Leviticus 19:26 Do not practise divination or sorcery.

Leviticus 19:31 Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists; for you will be defiled by them. I

am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 20:6 If a person turns to mediums and wizards (spiritists), playing the harlot after

them, I will set my face against that person, and will cut him off from among his people. Leviticus 20:27 A man or a woman who is a medium or a wizard shall be put to death; they shall

be stoned with stones, their blood shall be upon them.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his

daughter as an offering, anyone who practises divination, a soothsayer (cloud-reader), or an

augur (fortune-teller), or a sorcerer (spell-caster), or a charmer, or a medium, or a wizard, or a

necromancer (one who inquires of the dead). For whoever does these things is an abomination

to the Lord.

Isaiah 47:13-15 Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions

month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble;

the fire will burn them up. ... Each of them goes on in his own error; there is not one that can save you.

Ezekiel 13 (esp v20) I am against your magic charms.

Hosea 4:12-14 My people inquire of a thing of wood, and their staff (pendulum) gives them

oracles. For the spirit of prostitution has led them astray, and they have left their God to play

the harlot. .... A people without understanding shall come to ruin.

Acts 16:16-21 ....a slave girl had a spirit by which she predicted the future.... Paul became so

troubled that he said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of

her.’ At that moment the spirit left her.

Acts 19:19 A number who had practised sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them

publicly.

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Galatians 5:20 The acts of a sinful nature are ..... witchcraft.....

Revelation 9:21 Nor did they repent of ... their magic arts.

Revelation 21:8 ...those who practise magic arts, their place will be in the fiery lake of burning

sulphur.

Revelation 22:15 ... outside (God’s city) are ... those who practise magic arts.

N.B. Charming = hypnosis, spellsCharms = runes, ankhs

Wooden idols = pendulums

Stick of wood = dowsing

The occult is often presented as ‘fun’ e.g. horoscopes, fortune telling, seances, ouija boards.

God considers these sins impurity, spiritual adultery, abomination. His warning is solemn.

13. Does Alternative Medicine work?

Relevant FactorsSubjective assessment; Anecdotal evidence is not equivalent to scientific proof; Inaccurate

diagnosis; Natural remission; Widely used for non-serious, self-limiting disease; Placebo effect;

Concurrent orthodox medical treatment - increasing use of the word ‘complementary’ instead of

‘alternative’; Effect of Christian prayer and ministry; Counterfeit signs and wonders - By what

spirit?

This is all true. yet if you look at conventional medicine you find a really good medicine

requires, say, three people to use it before one person benefits. This is called ‘NNT’ (Number

Needed to Treat) before one might expect tangible benefit. It’s why if medicines don’t obviously

help they shoud be stopped. In fact, often what happens is something else is added (poly pharmacy). So the issue ‘does it work’ must be applied to conventional medicine too - so must

the risk which is often much underestimated in favour of benefit.

Problems and dangers of Alternative MedicineDiagnostic tests limited; therefore we conclude you should first go to a GP! May mask specific

diagnosis - generally treats symptoms; May delay proven orthodox treatment; May occasionally

have toxic properties (e.g. liver damage); May have physical complications (e.g. acupuncture);

May involve deception or misconception; May involve diagnosis which is occult, psychic or

astrological; May lead to involvement in New Age, the occult or eastern religions; May lead to

spiritual ill health: anxiety; depression; fear; lack of Christian assurance; interference with prayer life and Bible reading; demonic oppression

Joshua 24:23 ‘Now then’ said Joshua, ‘throw away the foreign gods that are among you and

yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.’

Psalm 81:9 You shall have no foreign god among you; you shall not bow down to an alien god.

N.B. It is neither valid nor honourable to assess any method of therapy without a basic

understanding of its roots, its technique and present practices, and its claims for effectiveness.

That is why the accounts of several alternative therapies (acupuncture, aromatherapy,

chiropractic, herbs, homeopathy, kinesiology, reiki and yoga) have been set out in some detail in

the Addendum 1: A-Z below. There is a further Addendum 2 A Biblical View of healing and

Wholeness.

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Addendum 1: an A-Z of Common Therapies Please note that many other therapies will be included in the book ‘Choices’!

ACUPUNCTURE

There is archaeological evidence that the practice of acupuncture, for whatever purpose, goes

back to the Stone Age (the needle being described as a bain) and similar bronze needles have

been identified from the Bronze Age.

Acupuncture has been practised in China, and possibly Sri Lanka, as an important branch of

medical treatment for all types of diseases from the 6th century BC onwards. The theory and

practice of acupuncture was described in ‘The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine’ or

Nei Ching Su Wen (dated variously from 770-400 BC), still recognised as the authoritative

textbook. The practice of acupuncture and its western name were introduced to Europe by a

Dutch physician, Willen Ten Rhyne, after his studies in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1685. There has

been an increasing interest in this therapy in Europe, including the UK, during the last three

decades.

Fundamental Concept

This concept asserts that all life is activated by CH’I or vital force or vital energy. Ch’i pervades

all things and is derived from air, food etc. As long as Ch’i flows freely through the body, health

is maintained but depends on a balance between opposing forces ‘Yin’ and ‘Yang’. Yin is

equivalent to water and sinks, whilst Yang is equivalent to fire and rises.

Whilst everyone is believed to be a Whole Being, i.e. mind, body and spirit interconnected, they

may be attacked by disease from internal causes e.g. emotions such as anger, joy; or external

causes e.g. climate and trauma. Emphasis is not, however, placed on the origin of the disease but

on the body’s ability to deal with these adverse factors by the quality of its Ch’i. Any imbalance

of Yin or Yang, it is said, can be corrected by the appropriate acupunctural technique. This

consists of manipulating the patient’s Ch’i and balancing the Yin and Yang forces by means of

the insertion of needles into points on the body’s surface. These are applied along the pathways

of twelve Meridians which stretch over the body’s surface, connect with inner organs and

constitute channels through which ‘energy’ can pass, e.g. the meridian of the colon runs from the

nail point on the index finger, along the arm, over the shoulder and neck to the nose and then by a

deep pathway to the colon. There are six Yin meridians leading to the storage organs, i.e. heart,

heart protector, spleen, kidneys, lungs and liver, and six Yang meridians leading to the ‘hollow

organs of activity’, i.e. small intestine, triple heater, stomach, colon, bladder and gall bladder.

Two extra meridians are sometimes described - the Conception Vessels at the front and the

Governor Vessel at the back of the body.

Acupuncture - Diagnosis

The diagnosis relies on a mixture of ‘traditional’ observations, e.g. colour, tongue, voice, skin,

blood pressure etc., together with the assessment of pulses, corresponding to various organs.

Thereby a diagnosis of past, present and future illnesses is formulated! This diagnostic method

includes two philosophical concepts i) All things are composed of five elements or forms of

energy, i.e. wood, fire, earth, metal and water and eight conditions of energy balance which need

consideration, i.e. interior / exterior; hot / cold; deficiency / excess; Yin / Yang. ii) A disease

pattern is then determined which is considered to be dependent on whether excesses or

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deficiencies exist, and the basis of treatment is then predominately: dispersion (release of energy)

or tonification (increase of energy) by means of acupuncture therapy.

Acupuncture - Treatment; If acupuncture is decided to be the treatment of choice, needle

techniques and the possible use of moxification are then considered. Needles are applied to

special points on the appropriate meridians leading to the organs considered to be diseased. The points vary according to the type of energy balance to be corrected. Nei Ching considered that:

to Tonify (increase) the energy, needles should be inserted at 45 degrees, aligned with the

meridian and slowly rotated clockwise for 30 seconds. The hole, after needle removal, should be

closed by rubbing the skin. To Disperse (decrease) the energy, the needles should be rotated

anticlockwise and left in place for 30-60 minutes. The needle should then be withdrawn slowly

and the hole left open.

Moxibustion may be used to augment energy and consists of the burning of a small cone of the

dried leaf of mugwort over the acupuncture point. Stainless steel needles are used today, of half

inch, one inch or one and a half inch length. They penetrate a few millimetres and, after use,must be sterilised carefully or thrown away if there is a history of hepatitis or infection with the

HIV virus.

Application, Contraindications and Complications

Beginning with the ancient and traditional Chinese viewpoint, balance of Yin and Yang produces

a harmony of Ch’i which leads to good health. Exercises to promote this are still used today. If

the bodily, mental/emotional or spiritual functions are disturbed or diseased, it is claimed that a

rebalance of vital energy by means of acupuncture should restore normal function. Whilst it is

taught by its advocates that most diseases are amenable to acupuncture, it is agreed that it is more

appropriate to treat chronic disease, particularly chronic pain, than acute illness, and that it isunrealistic to expect immediate elimination of symptoms.

Some contraindications are identified and clear warnings are given by acupuncturists:

Pregnancy - especially avoid needles where the foetus could be affected. Babies - cranial points

particularly must be avoided. Tumours or glands - never insert needles near these. Avoid the

use of acupuncture in patients who are intoxicated, emotional or who have recently had a meal.

It is usually stated that complications are virtually non-existent but cases of pneumothorax,

pericardial damage and exacerbation of migraine and asthma have all been recorded. During

recent years there has been an attempt to assess the application and efficiency of acupuncture as amethod of alternative therapy, including B.M.A. (1986) and W.H.O. (1979) reports.

The consensus of opinion appears to be that, in practical terms, acupuncture has a reputation for

being of value in some cases of chronic pain even for some months after treatment. There is a

distinct lack of evidence, by way of double blind or other clinical trials acceptable by the

standards of modern western medicine, for the effectiveness of acupuncture in systemic internal

illnesses such as asthma, colitis, duodenal ulcer, migraine and drug addiction. Some claims are

made for acupuncture in a wide range of these diseases but a clear warning is always expressed

by western medical authorities that ‘where life is at risk there is no alternative to orthodox

medicine’.

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The Mechanism of Acupuncture

There has been increasing research in recent years to determine the possible mechanisms by

which acupuncture might work, but there is no evidence for the identification of ‘meridians’ on

an anatomical or physiological basis. Similarly, the evidence for ‘energy flow’, whether positive

or negative, has denied measurement by any known scientific instrument up to the present time.

Gate Control Theory of Pain

This was developed by Melzack and Wall in 1965 suggesting that pain response from small nerve

fibres can be inhibited by the stimulation of large nerve fibres, as in acupuncture, and produce

pain relief. This does not explain why the action should be prolonged after therapy unless the

pain ‘gate’, for some unexplained reason, remains closed for some long time after the treatment.

Endorphin Liberation

Acupuncture has been shown to be accompanied by liberation of endorphins into the

cerebrospinal fluid and enkephalins in serum which could, in theory, relieve pain at some level.It is known, however, that endorphins are very rapidly destroyed in the body, so this explanation

does not satisfactorily explain its use in chronic painful conditions. A theoretical explanation for

pain relief as a result of acupuncture is, nevertheless, quite inadequate to account for its other

claimed effects or possible therapeutic value in other disease processes. In western medicine the

application of acupuncture is much more commonly used for the treatment of chronic painful

conditions that for serious systemic disease.

It is also difficult to equate the above two theories, which rely on pain nerve stimulation in

response to needling, with apparently similar therapies such as reflexology and zonal therapy

where there is no pain nerve stimulation by needling of the skin.

Christian Assessment of Acupuncture

Even from a non-Christian, but orthodox, western medical standpoint there are serious doubts

regarding its validity as an advisable therapy. Two possible arguments commonly used are a.

that it sometimes works; but so do many other bizarre treatments and even placebo in some cases,

and b. that it has been practised for thousands of years; but so have magic, witchcraft, astrology

and so on, which does not give them present credibility! The strictly Christian approach requires

more detailed consideration of some features of acupuncture.

Its RootsUnquestionably acupuncture is based on the Taoist system of religion and philosophy which

included divination, astrology and other occult practices and teaching. Scripture teaches that

good things cannot grow out of bad roots e.g. Matthew 7:16-18 Do people pick grapes from

thorn bushes or figs from thistles? ..... A good tree cannot bear bad fruit and a bad tree cannot

bear good fruit.

Meridians or Lines of Force

It is believed that the twelve meridians were originally related to the twelve signs of the zodiac,

that the original number of insertion points was 365 (based on the days of the year) and that the

efficacy of treatment was related to atmospheric conditions and phases of the moon. A biblical

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Christian viewpoint must reject any occult or astrological influences (e.g. Deut 8:9-14; Is 47:13)

No physiological or anatomical evidence exists for the presence of meridians but there are many

drawings of occult origin which show similar lines of ‘force’ or ‘energy’. N.B. It has recently

been noted by E. Ernst, Professor of Complementary Medicine, that ‘close to 100% of pain

sufferers benefit from sham acupuncture where needles are stuck into non-acupuncture points.’

Whole Person Concept in the Treatment of Disease

The concept of treating the whole person, body, soul and spirit, is one which heartily commends

itself to Bible believing Christians, and is the aim of caring professionals. Therefore, when we

practise or recommend any therapy, we must be totally satisfied that there is no trace of any

occult influence in the treatment we prescribe. We need to be reminded that there are two

kingdoms, i.e. the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness, and we may only move in

the area of the Kingdom of Light. The expressed philosophy of acupuncture, from its Taoist

base, is that there is no supreme power or person which created life, therefore life and death,

sickness and health can be manipulated by balancing the positive and negative life forces

represented by Ch’i in our bodies by acupunctural techniques. Christians assert that God is theCreator, Sovereign Redeemer and in Him alone is the ultimate source of our life and health. (Ex

15:26; Ps 103:1-4; Is 53:4-5; Matt 8:16-17)

The Christian Response

In many areas of the Far East, where the practice began, there is an increasing move for

Christians, medically qualified or not, to destroy their acupuncture equipment and give up this

alternative therapy. This has also been the case in the UK with some former practitioners of

acupuncture who reconsidered this from a Christian approach.

ConclusionUndoubtedly acupuncture, as usually practised in this country, has been considered ‘westernised’,

and its eastern religious and philosophical origins are largely ignored. It is generally considered

to be a somewhat unpredictable but usually harmless, if maybe a slightly bizarre, approach to

pain relief where other methods have failed. This could broadly be considered comparable to the

use of poultices, physiotherapy, K3 spots etc. with a basis in ‘counterirritation’. There is,

however, little scientific evidence for its efficacy despite the amount of anecdotal evidence, and

even less information about its mode of action. It is difficult to discount serious suspicions of

occult influences in its history and practice.

From a Christian standpoint two major issues need to be considered:i) It is necessary to decide whether there is sufficient, properly documented, medical and

scientific evidence that this therapy is safe, reliable and effective for the disease for which it is

advocated. As we have seen above this is very doubtful, and must make it a questionable therapy

for Christians to practise or advise.

ii) It is vital to decide whether its roots and subsequent development from eastern, non-Christian

and occult religion and philosophy preclude its use today, accepting that it now has a modern,

westernised and apparently respectable format. The teaching in Matt 7:15-20 leads to serious

reservations about a therapy which has such well documented and agreed non-Christian and

occult origins and associations. There is, therefore, little to commend acupuncture on both

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counts and it certainly has a doubtful record of effectiveness in the treatment of serious disease.

These roots and associations which are unacceptable from a biblical standpoint must alert

Christian caring professionals to its potential dangers both to Christians and non-Christians alike.

As we now see the Holy Spirit to be moving in increasing power in our land, we need to test and

reject when necessary any subtle diversion or any counterfeit of the healing power of this same

Spirit of God.

Over the past few years it has become increasingly apparent that acupuncture, in common with so

many other branches of holistic or alternative medicine, is a highly recommended technique

within the New Age Movement.

N.B. Acupressure, Reflexology, Zonal and Polarity therapy have similar bases and

connotations, as does Auriculotherapy. (see below)

Reflexology/Endorphins Reflexology is compared with acupuncture in theory and technique,

and a similar comment regarding meridians must be made. Also, as body skin is not broken or

‘pained’ (made to feel pain), it can hardly be likely to produce endorphins on the same scale asacupuncture.

ACUPRESSURE

This is a mixture of the theory of acupuncture and massage which can be traced back to ancient

China and Japan (Shiatsu). It has the same roots as acupuncture in eastern religious philosophy

and similar objections and reservations would apply.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUEA disciplined posture and exercise technique (includes ‘self-ordering’) said to help ‘breathing and

circulation’. However, it goes hand in hand with a humanistic philosophy and New Age ideas.

Founder was F.M. Alexander, 1869-1955, an actor and recitalist who believed that his head

position and poor posture caused his intermittent voice loss. Whole person healing based on

posture.

ANTHROPOSOPHICAL MEDICINE

Originated from the ideas of Rudolph Steiner, 1861-1925, an Austrian philosopher and scientist.

He was the founder of Anthroposophy as a break away from Theosophy founded by MadameBlavatsky, the originator of much New Age thought and activity. His belief system theorised that

humans were made up of a physical, ethereal and astral body with an individual spiritual core

which he called the Ego. It included belief in reincarnation and viewed illness in relation to past

and future life entwined with personal destiny.

Anthroposophical medicine embraced a mixture of herbal medicine, homeopathy, aromatherapy,

meditation and inner development as well as eurhythmy (an exercise of mind and body harmony

in sacred dance or movement). Problems and difficulties of understanding and accepting this

form of therapy would be a sum total of all the individual elements involved.

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AROMATHERAPY

This should not be confused with the perfectly reasonable and legitimate use of aromatic oils

extracted from plants and used in perfumes and cosmetics, and as antiseptics and decongestants

in orthodox ear, nose and throat treatment. Aromatic oils derived from plants were used both for

cosmetic and medicinal purposes in many ancient civilisations including Chinese, Persian, Greekand Egyptian and also in Biblical times. Through the ages there are records of a variety of herbal

preparations being used for their healing characteristics with a particular emphasis on their use as

external local applications. Also there is nothing wrong in using a few drops of lavender in the

bath or on a pillow as this can be very relaxing and restful for some people. Christians use oil to

anoint people for healing or to set them aside for a special task (James 5). Jesus was anointed

with spinnard and given frankincense at His birth. It is so important to keep a careful balance in

all these things.

In recent times there has been a revival of interest in treatment with aromatic oils and the word

‘aromatherapie’ appears to have been coined by a French chemist named Gattefosse (1928) whoworked in a perfume factory. He produced a scientific paper and later a book publicising the

medicinal value of aromatic oils. In the 1930s a French Army surgeon, Dr Jean Valnet, used

aromatic oils to treat burns and injuries, finding that lavender essence promoted healing of burnt

tissues. He later, however, used these aromatic oils for the treatment of psychiatric patients! He

also wrote was considered to be a standard textbook on aromatherapy. Dr Valnet used similar

preparations to treat cancer, tuberculosis and diabetes, but the efficacy of his treatments is

questionable.

Aromatherapy as a holistic treatment was developed and publicised further by Pierre

Franchomme (1987) who believed that ‘all essential oils contain positive or electrical chargeswhich help to bring about the healing process.’

A wide range of definitions is used by aroma therapists, some of whom regard it as a relaxing

beauty treatment, others as a sophisticated form of herbal medicine and yet others believe that

there is a much wider dimension to its use as a holistic therapy in which the so-called essential

oils have a therapeutic use in terms of body, emotions, mind and spirit.

Note: The use of the word ‘essential’ is interesting. This refers to the fact that the oil produced

is an essential extract from that particular plant. Some incorrectly suggest that the word

‘essential’ indicates that a particular oil is essential for the maintenance of good health, but thereis certainly no scientific evidence for this interpretation. Others believe that there is some

essential energy liberated from these oils which, on close examination, suggests a reference to the

‘vital life force’ or ‘cosmic energy’ which is the basis of so many alternative therapies in use

today.

Use of Aromatic Oils: Over the course of time these oils have been used for: perfumes;

cosmetics; fumigation; embalming; antiseptics; decongestants; incense; anointing; massage

(Swedish, neuromuscular, Shiatzu, reflexology); healing (aromatherapy). The first eight uses

listed above have been practised over the course of many centuries and appear valid and popular,

depending on the culture in which they were used. Such oils may be used to facilitate massage in

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a general sense but a warning needs to be issued when used in association with some other

therapies such as Shiatzu and reflexology.

Although aromatic oils can can have a valid use in the instances outlined above, ‘aromatherapy’

as a holistic therapy involving the treatment of body, mind, emotions and spirit is a therapy where

origins, practices and claims need to be seriously challenged. The oils can be used as inhalations,

in drops, in capsules or as a local application associated with massage. Treatments by inhalationsand drops, as a decongestant for nasal and throat passages for example, are well substantiated in

orthodox medicine and may well have a valid place as soothing local applications. However,

their use as a system of holistic healing as established by Gattefosse, Valnet, Franchcomme and

others is much more questionable and lacks scientific evidence and credibility.

Supposed Mode of Action

Essential oils are said to act by releasing ‘essential cosmic energy’ or ‘vital energy’ within the

body in order to heal imbalances and thus promote healing. The therapy is said to act through

‘energy and radiation’ rather than by an identifiable chemical reaction. This mode of action is

stated to be a balancing of the same positive and negative energies as symbolised by theYin/Yang symbol of ancient Chinese acupuncture and of other therapies based on the concept of

‘vital life force’. Whilst these oils could have some healing properties in tissues surrounding the

place to which they are applied, it is much less credible to suggest that they have healing actions

in a wider range of diseases in organs at a distance from their point of application.

Present Practice

There are a number of well recognised schools and teachers of aromatherapy at the present time,

including the Tisserand Institute in the UK. In Robert Tisserand’s book ‘The Art of

Aromatherapy’ there are frequent references to universal cosmic energy, to the Chinese concept

of Yin/Yang, and the influence of the planets. Massage plays a very important role inaromatherapy and it is said that ‘aromatherapy massage is a combination of Swedish (soft tissue),

Shiatzu (acupuncture), and neuromuscular massage’. Individual aromatic plants used in

aromatherapy as set out in Tisserand’s book are classed as Yin or Yang and are identified as

having a ruling planet such as Mars, Mercury etc.

Although somewhat guarded claims are made for the beneficial effects of these aromatic oils,

their healing properties are said to be valuable in a wide range of medical conditions including

convulsions, depression, dyspepsia, hysteria, kidney disorders, liver disorders, asthma, bronchitis,

cholera, diabetes, diphtheria, gallstones, malaria, measles, tuberculosis and typhoid fever. These

oils may be used in all the conditions above and in many others. These claims that aromatherapyoffers a significant contribution in treatment or there would be no point in their recommendation.

These therapies are widely advertised as being safe, it must be noted that some oils are toxic, and

the consumers’ magazine ‘Which?’ in 1990 recommended that one in ten should be used with

caution, as they could be extremely toxic, especially in pregnancy.

Christian Perspective

i) Aromatic oils as a regular therapy for specific organic disease has not been substantiated by

any scientific trials or pharmacological investigations. The application of these medicaments

by means of massage does not allow for scientific measurement of the dose, and the toxicity

of some of these oils has been well documented. Can they, therefore, be used with integrity?

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ii) Astrological links with these oils, as set out by some therapists, together with other possible

occult associations such as pendulum swinging for diagnosis, are forbidden in the Bible

(Leviticus 19:26; Isaiah 47:13-15; Ezekiel 13:20; Hosea 4:12; Acts 19:19; Galatians 5:20).

Some aromatherapy bottles are overprinted with signs of the zodiac.

iii) Aromatherapy is often seen to be on offer in close juxtaposition to occult and astrological

practices, tarot card reading, palmistry etc. at ‘psychic fayres’ and holistic exhibitions withstrong New Age associations.

iv) Claims that aromatherapy is effective in the treatment of spiritual sickness, e.g. lavender oil

for migraine, depression, anxiety, blood pressure, low self-esteem and psychological

disorders, raises serious questions both from a medical and Christian perspective. Spiritual ill

health may indeed require treatment within spiritual realms but if this is not by the Holy Spirit

of God and based on biblical guidelines, one has to ask the very serious question, “By what

‘spirit’, supernatural or occult force is healing being attempted?”

Comment: Much of the above is drawn from the writings of aroma therapists themselves, and

indicates that aromatherapy is not just a simple application of pleasant oils, but is closely

identified with many other alternative therapies based on the Ch’i and Yin Yang philosophy ofChinese Taoism and cosmic energy or vital force. Aromatherapy is frequently recommended and

practised by those associated with the New Age Movement & N.A. alternative therapists.

AURICULAR THERAPY

Probably of ancient Chinese, Indian and Egyptian origin but ‘rediscovered’ by a Dr Nagler of

Lyon, France, in the 1950s. Similar to acupuncture in theory and practice but it was believed that

the whole body was represented on the ear (in the foetal position) and that there were 200

acupuncture points on the ear representing all the organs of the body. Needling was carried out

as in acupuncture or small electric currents passed through the needles. No scientific evidencehas been offered and it is difficult to see how the whole body meridians of acupuncture can

equate to those crammed into the ear as in auricular therapy.

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES

These are various remedies derived from plants and claimed to be of value in the treatment of

emotional illness and personality disorders.

Origins Dr Edward Bach (1880-1936) was regarded both as a healer and mystic. He qualified

with a degree in general medicine at University College Hospital in London and continued to

work there for a time as a bacteriologist. He then worked as a pathologist and bacteriologist atthe London Homeopathic Hospital, where he became interested in homeopathic and herbal

remedies. He later moved to Wales to pursue a search for herbal and natural remedies.

He published a book called ‘Heal Thyself - An Explanation of the Real Causes and Cure of

Disease’ in 1931, and ‘The Twelve Healers’ in 1933. Records show that he claimed to follow

Christ as one of the Great Masters but trusted his ‘spirit self’ (the Divinity within himself) for his

‘inner knowledge’ and guidance. His method of diagnosis was said to be intuitive and it was

recorded that, when he was undergoing a bout of personal depression, he passed his hands over

plants to find out which would be the most suitable to treat and cure his own depression. From

the early 1930s until his death in 1936, he studied a whole range of plant essences which he felt

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might be useful in curing disease.

Principles His three principles of healing were:

a. Realisation of a Divine Force within us.

b. All disease is due to disharmony between our personality and soul.

c. Discover the fault causing disharmony & overcome this by developing the opposite virtue.

Bach believed that nature has provided a cure in the form of healing plants, sunlight, spring water

and fresh air, that disharmony of personality and emotions were basic ingredients in the

production of illness, and that these could be treated by the appropriate natural herbal remedy.

With these principles in mind, Bach originally selected twelve herbs, later increased to 38, from

which he produced his herbal medicines, together with a further general medicine which he

called a ‘Rescue Remedy.’ Dr Bach maintained that his remedies ‘cure, not by attacking

disease, but by flooding our bodies with the vibrations of our Higher Nature, in the presence of

which disease melts away as snow in sunshine’.

Practice and technique

Bach concluded that dew, warmed by the sun on the surface of a plant, absorbed some of the

properties of that plant or its ‘essence’. As it was impractical to collect a sufficient quantity of

dew from the plants, he worked out techniques for the production of his remedies on a

commercial scale. He used two techniques:

a. He put the flower heads or petals on the surface of a glass bowl full of pure spring water and

left it to stand in the sun for a few hours, believing that the healing properties of the flower

flowed into the water. The resulting solution was bottled together with a few drops of brandy

in order to preserve it. This became the primary ‘stock remedy’ from which he took a few

drops to add to one ounce bottles of pure water. The patient was recommended to take a fewdrops of this medicine in a little water three or four times a day.

b. Where the remedy was to be extracted from the plants or stalks of a bush or tree, these were

boiled in water to produce an infusion and the resulting solution became the stock remedy.

It is clear that Bach intended his remedies to be used primarily for treatment of personality and

emotional disorders so that inner harmony could be restored and good health promoted.

Examples of his recommendations included the use of aspen for anxiety, beech for arrogance,

elm for feelings of inadequacy, holly for jealousy and envy, mustard for deep depression and pine

for feelings of guilt. There were also specific remedies for stress, lack of confidence, hatred and

a wide range of human emotional problems. Generally up to five or six remedies may be used ata time and, whilst usually supplied as bottles of fluid, they can be made up as creams for local

application.

In order to determine which particular remedy was of value, it was said that he used his ‘intuitive

powers’, together with an assessment of the patient's personality type. One present day

practitioner holds his patient’s left hand in his right, passes his own left hand along the whole 38

remedies, waiting until he feels a tingling sensation indicating that this bottle contains the

appropriate remedy. This method of diagnosis has been called ‘divining the treatment.’ There

are only a few fully trained practitioners of Bach remedies in this country at present but the

Remedies are quite freely available for self treatment and long lists are supplied, indicating which

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particular plant or herb is advised for specific emotional or personality problems. The remedies

themselves can be found in Health Food stores and New Age shops. The centre for production

and distribution of the Bach Flower remedies is the Bach Centre in Wallingford, Oxfordshire,

where they provide a three stage course for potential therapists and keep a list of 350 who have

completed the course and signed a code of ethics and practice. There is no formal regulation of

this therapy.

Comment: Whilst at first sight the Bach Flower Remedies, simply based on naturally occurring

herbs, might seem attractive and safe to use, there is no satisfactory evidence of their usefulness.

Indeed, the lack of any recognisable medicine in the remedies would make it difficult to see how

they could be effective, excluding, of course, a placebo effect. Investigation has shown that there

are no chemicals leaking out of the flower into the water during the two types of preparation

described above and careful analyses of these remedies show that there is nothing in them apart

from alcohol and spring water. There are no scientific trials to show that these remedies have a

clinical effect.

Whilst it would appear that Bach Flower Remedies are similar to homeopathic treatments, there

are some important differences:

a. All Bach Remedies are prepared from herbs, flowers, plants and trees, whereas homeopathic

preparations include a whole range of chemicals in addition to plant substances.

b. In the preparation of Bach remedies, unlike homeopathy, there is no shaking or sucussion

carried out at any time during the process.

c. With regard to dosage, it is claimed that homeopathic medicines are more effective in the

treatment of disease when the solution itself is weaker. In the Bach Flower Remedies there

appears to be no attempt whatsoever at a scientific assessment of dosage except in the use of

one to four drops from the bottle supplied.d. Homeopathy is claimed to be useful across a very wide range of illnesses but Bach Flower

Remedies are essentially aimed at emotional and personality disorders.

Both Bach Flower Remedies and Homeopathy do, however, have some elements in common:

a. Both are said to exert their healing effect by means of an intrinsic ‘power’ or ‘force’, supplied

to the medicine in homeopathy by sucussion (shaking) and to the Bach Flower Remedies from

the essential essence of the flower or plant used. The source of this power is not defined.

b. Both in diagnosis and in the choice of remedy there appears to be some form of ‘intuitive’ or

‘divinatory’ process at work, which is certainly recorded in the case of the originators of both

therapies.c. Both remedies suggest the value of ‘typology’, i.e. the basic personality of a patient is

important, both in diagnosis and choice of medicine.

d. Both therapies appear to be intrinsically safe in themselves, which is to be expected, as they

contain no scientifically recognisable ingredients. There must, however, be dangers if these

remedies are used in serious illness without proper diagnosis and orthodox treatment is delayed

or avoided.


All treatments based on the natural world of plants and herbs and involving a holistic (body,

mind, emotions and sprit) approach may seem particularly attractive to Christians, but it is

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necessary to test their acceptability from a spiritual as well as a medical perspective. There are at

least four important considerations:

i) There is evidence to indicate that, in some of the diagnostic procedures and choice of

medicine, there is an element of intuition or divination taking place. Divination is forbidden in

the Bible. There shall not be found among you anyone .... that uses divination ... Deuteronomy

18:10.

ii) It is claimed that the effectiveness of Bach Flower Remedies, (and of homeopathy), is due to

some form of ‘power’ imparted to the remedy during its preparation. It is necessary for a

Christian, therefore, to consider the source of this healing power and, if this is not from the

Holy Spirit, what other powers might be involved? Although there are practitioners of both

these therapies who would wish to disassociate themselves completely from any suspicion of

occult involvement, there is ample evidence to implicate the originators of these therapies in

such activity.

iii) There is little doubt from examination of Bach’s books and influence that he was committed primarily to the treatment of emotional illness and many of the indications for which he used

these remedies would, for a Christian, come under the heading of spiritual sickness. Guilt,

anxiety, depression, feelings of inadequacy, jealousy and hate are all emotional conditions with

a very significant spiritual association. It must be clear that spiritual sickness (including sin!)

demands spiritual treatment, and the principles for this are set out clearly in the Bible. By

means of prayer and the healing ministry of the Holy Spirit, Christians can find healing and

wholeness from the many emotional problems from which we are prone to suffer.

iv) It should be noted that the Bach Flower Remedies are also closely associated with the New

Age Movement and it is by involvement with an alternative medical therapy that many firstencounter New Age and are drawn into many of its other beliefs and activities.

CHIROPRACTIC

The term ‘chiropractic’ is derived from two Greek words keir meaning ‘hard’ and praktikos

meaning ‘practical.’ Chiropractic has variously been described as:

a. ‘manipulation of spinal column as method of curing disease’ (Oxford Dictionary)

b.‘an entirely manipulative therapy designed to maintain the spinal column and nervous system

in good health without the use of surgery or drugs’ (Textbook of Alternative Medicine - Dr

Andrew Stanway 1992)c. ‘An independent branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical

disorders of joints, particularly spinal joints, and their effects on the nervous system. Diagnosis

includes the used of x-rays and treatment is done mostly by hand without the use of drugs or

surgery.’ (The British Chiropractors Association)

d.A therapy which uses manipulation in order to correct misalignment or subluxations of the

vertebral column in order to correct deficiencies in the transition of vital nerve energy from the

spinal cord said to be a major causation of bodily ailments. (Summary of statements by D. D. Palmer)

As in the therapy of osteopathy, there is a wide variation in the claims, application and scope of

chiropractors today, although the majority of consultations would be in relation to problems

clearly defined as musculo-skeletal, particularly those affecting the cervical spine and back.

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Chiropractic, however, as set out by its founder D. D. Palmer was believed to be a proper and

effective treatment for a wide range of diseases which, in orthodox medical opinion, would not

appear to have a direct relationship with misalignments or displacements of the spine

Foundations; Whilst the various manipulative techniques used in the treatment of disease found

in ancient documents from the Egyptian, Hindu, Chinese, Babylonian and Assyrian cultures may be suggested as the origin of chiropractic, osteopathy and other manual treatments, it seems

unlikely that there is an exact correlation between ancient and modern methods. Present day

chiropractic can be clearly traced back to David Daniel Palmer (1845-1913), who began as a

grocer and then developed an interest in magnetic healing and mesmerism (hypnosis). He was

strongly influenced by A.T. Still, the founder of osteopathy. Palmer, who was a Canadian,

studied under A.T. Still in Missouri, USA, in the early 1890s. He disagreed with some of Still’s

views and eventually founded the Palmer School and Institute of Chiropractic in Iowa, USA, in

1895, apparently following an experience in which he healed the long-standing deafness of a

janitor after manipulation of his cervical spine. The basis of his therapy was that maladjusted or

displaced bones pressed on nerves, altering their communication carrying power so that theyfunctioned too little or too well, thus producing disease. He believed that maladjusted vertebrae

restricted normal nerve conduction, interfering with the proper flow of what he called ‘innate

intelligence’ throughout the body.

From his comments and those of other chiropractors this can be equated with the ‘vital force’ of

so many other alternative therapies. Palmer stated that such interference with normal nerve

function, as a result of pressure from misaligned bones, was the cause of 90% of all diseases! He

slowly gave up his previous therapies of mesmerism and magnetic healing and began to study in

more detail the basis for his own therapy, devoting himself entirely to chiropractic.

Developments and Present Day Practice

Since Palmer’s day chiropractic has been used by a slowly increasing number of therapists,

spreading out from the USA to most western countries. Although it was initially received with

much scepticism and opposition in North America, there are now more than 30,000 chiropractors

practising legally under state and provincial laws. It is now recognised in some Australian states,

New Zealand, Switzerland, Denmark and Norway. Chiropractors may, according to the country

where they work, be required either to have a medical qualification, formal training in

chiropractic leading to a DC (Diploma in Chiropractic), or a BSc (chiropractic) following a four

year course of training (Bournemouth UK). They may practise in some countries as alternative

medical practitioners without evidence of formal training being required.

The commoner abnormalities treated by chiropractors include neck pain, whiplash, low back

pain, headaches, sports injuries and musculo-skeletal injuries. Whilst this would constitute a high

proportion of a chiropractor’s regular work, there has been considerable criticism of a number of

chiropractors’ claims that this therapy is also of value in the treatment of such general illnesses as

asthma, indigestion, arthritis, chest pain, heart failure, kidney disease and diabetes. In relation to

known anatomy and physiology of the body, reasonable orthodox medical thought would find it

hard to accept a valid place for manipulation in the treatment of these illnesses.

Attempts to investigate chiropractic by the usual trial methods of orthodox medicine have proved

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difficult because it is not really possible to give people, for example, sham chiropractic treatment

by simulating manipulative techniques and compare the results with the effects of a bona fide

session of manipulation. There have been some trials apparently showing chiropractic to be more

effective in the area of low back pain than some other treatments, but further carefully controlled

trials would need to be carried out in order to substantiate this.

Whilst the general advice given to patients undergoing this therapy would include reference to

diet, exercise and rest where necessary, its mainstay is specific manipulation in the chiropractic

style. Other treatments such as the application of cold or heat, ultrasound and so on may well be

added. A significant number of chiropractors would also advise treatment with other forms of

alternative medicine such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, reflexology, aromatherapy and yoga.

Many chiropractors, however, would wish to disassociate themselves with therapies not accepted

as having a rational or scientific medical basis.

Note: Whilst manipulation in the treatment of musculo-skeletal disease is well recognised as an

appropriate option in some cases, it is questionable whether the wide range of general medicaldiseases for which chiropractic may be advised is suitable for this type of treatment. Relieving

pressure on a nerve structure by the manipulation of a misplaced (or subluxed) vertebra is

perfectly reasonable and practised by those involved in orthodox orthopaedic treatment and

physiotherapy, but a rather more in depth look at the philosophy of Palmer and some of his

followers, notably John Thie, based in Pasadena USA, raises serious questions. There seems

little doubt that Palmer believed that pressure on nerves interfered with the transmission of ‘vital

nerve energy’, which he referred to as ‘The Innate’ or the ‘Innate Intelligence’. This appears to

be similar to the ‘life force’ or ‘Ch’i’ of Chinese medicine and many other alternative therapies,

e.g. acupuncture, reflexology, and aromatherapy.

John Thie states, ‘The Chiropractic believes that the Innate Intelligence that runs the body is

connected to the Universal Intelligence that runs the World, so each person is plugged into the

Universal Intelligence throughout the nervous system. It is the job of the chiropractor to help this

communicating system to ensure that the body will function. He does this by working with the

spine, the central core of the CNS, the master system of the body. Then the body can take care of

itself because there is no interference between the Intelligence and the body.’ This theory is set

out in his book, ‘Touch for Health’, which largely relates to applied Kinesiology, muscle testing

techniques and so on. There is also reference to the flow of Ch’i moving through meridians and

the ability of the therapist to modify this by gentle hand movements two inches or so from the

body surface but moving in the line of the meridians. When asked by a science magazineinterviewer about the energies ‘he was balancing in his treatments’, Thie replied, “They are the

energies of the Universe taking form in the individuals. To really understand this, we must

remember that we are all one with the Universe, with the Universal Energy. When this energy is

highly concentrated we call it ‘matter’, and our bodies are that matter, therefore our bodies are

literally this Universal Energy in some of its various forms.” The concept of the universe being

energy and individuals also being energy, i.e. all at one with one another, is another expression of

the ‘Universal Cosmic Energy’ which is the basic religious philosophy of many eastern

alternative therapies and also the New Age pantheistic view of God.

Comparison between manual therapies

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A range of therapies from the most orthodox to the extremely unorthodox and bizarre have an

element of ‘hands on’ or manipulative treatment. Orthodox western medical treatments in the

areas of orthopaedics, accident and emergency surgery, physiotherapy and massage would all

appear to have a reasonable scientific medical basis relating to known facts of the body’s

anatomy and physiology. There have been certain proponents of manipulation as a significant

area of physiotherapy, such as doctors Cyriax and Maitland, making good what was possibly anarea of deficiency in earlier medical treatment. Whilst osteopathy and chiropractic are similar in

that they both use manipulation as a major part of their therapy; chiropractic tends to concentrate

on minor displacements leading to upset of the local mechanics of the spine and nerves, whereas

osteopathy concentrates more on long level manipulation to relieve pressure and blockages.

Chiropractic emphasises abnormality of the nervous system whereas osteopathy concentrates on

disease due to disruption of muscular and lymphatic systems. Both, however, claim that

manipulative treatments can be used for a wide variety of medical diseases as well as musculo-

skeletal problems, and their founders Palmer and Still appear to have been involved in the

balance of ‘energies’ and ‘the innate’, which have clear similarities with the Ch’i of eastern

religious philosophy of healing and the universal cosmic energy of many therapies with a close New Age connection.

Both osteopathy and chiropractic may be practised in alternative medicine clinics which also

provide a wide range of alternative therapies of questionable value, some with possible occult

associations, and an underlying New Age perspective both on the origin of disease and its

treatment.

There are on record some cases of harmful effects from inappropriate chiropractic treatment.

One book published in 1996 called ‘Chiropractic - The Victim’s Perspective’ lists around twenty

people who had suffered from stroke, paralysis or residual pain as a result of their treatments, andinstances of dubious claims made for the treatment of epilepsy, kidney, heart and joint conditions

and problems with hearing. Whilst this may not amount to a large number of cases compared

with all those treated by chiropractic therapists, it must give cause for concern that a significant

proportion of these practitioners had no formal medical background or training and were not

subject to medical or legal regulations.

It is, of course, true that orthodox western medicine is not claimed to be perfect and practised

without error or mistake, but regulations and controls are in place in order to minimise these.

Comments and Christian PerspectiveAs is the case with osteopathy and certain other alternative therapies, first sight may suggest a

very reasonable basis for treatment. It is, however, necessary to look very carefully at those

therapies which have not been incorporated into the whole range of orthodox, scientific,

evidence-based medicine. Where these have been initiated by a single person, such as Palmer for

chiropractic and Still for osteopathy, it is important to consider the their background and the

philosophy which initiated their treatments.

i) The association of Palmer with spiritualism, hypnotism and magnetic healing is well

documented, as was his belief that 90% of all diseases were due to blockage of energy (Innate

Intelligence) in the nervous system, from which he developed the principles of chiropractic.

ii) Christians should be wary of alternative therapies which are based on the concept of universal

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cosmic energy, Ch’i (Yin and Yang) and, in the case of chiropractic, ‘innate intelligence’, which

relates to some extent with the religious philosophy of Taoism and other Eastern religions. As

these have no confirmed basis in our understanding of anatomy and physiology, they would seem

to be outside the realm of evidence-based medicine and the standards expected by sick people

seeking treatment in today’s milieu of scientific knowledge, medical trials and clinical integrity.

iii) Many chiropractors would, of course, maintain that they are practising a form ofmanipulative treatment allied to orthodox orthopaedics or physiotherapy, and would not believe

in the energy basis for chiropractic treatment set out by Palmer, and a number of his followers

such as John Thie. Nevertheless, they continue to use the name chiropractic which is inextricably

linked with Palmer and his theories.

iv) Christians need to exercise careful discernment and great caution when considering

involvement, either as a patient or practitioner, in holistic therapies, however benign they might

appear on the surface and however sincere, caring and committed individual therapists might be.

COLOUR THERAPY: Several different typesa. Simple colouring e.g. make-up to add colour, ‘ordinary’ art/painting.

b. Implication that the wearing of certain colours is an indicator of personality. e.g. people who

wear pink are compassionate, and those who wear yellow have trouble with emotions!

c. Linking of colours with birth signs and mysticism.

d. Colours advised on the basis of an individual’s ‘aura’ (invisible energy fields). e.g. most

people’s auras show that they should wear more orange to ‘balance their energies’!!

CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY

This is practised by only a small proportion of osteopaths in the UK who may use it for thetreatment of headaches, dizziness, migraine, neuralgia, raised blood pressure and stomach ulcers.

It is said to work by improving the position of the bones of the skull and assisting the flow of

cerebrospinal fluid around the brain. There is no reasonable scientific evidence to support these

theories and it would be dangerous to use this therapy if symptoms were those of underlying

serious brain disease.

CRYSTAL THERAPY

Crystals are said to have healing properties. They are promoted to balance chakras, enhance the

benefits of yoga and to combine with sound and colour to produce a complete healing experience.Crystal healing may be associated with astrological birth signs and dowsing or pendulum

swinging for diagnosis. They are also promoted as useful in treatment but no scientific evidence

is offered. They are said to be capable of concentrating power and healing at a distance. Crystals

are favoured amongst New Agers, especially as agents of healing.

HERBS

Herbalism includes a variety of treatments practised by medical herbalists, Islamic Hakim,

herbal practitioners and traditional Chinese medical herbalists. These may use astrological or

other occult methods of diagnosis, and the most famous British practitioner of herbal medicine,

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Dr Culpepper (1616-1654), was described as an Emmaus astrologer physician! His classic

textbook is still available today, and herbs are described as being governed by Saturn, Venus, the

moon etc. In Indian, Chinese and Medieval European history there is evidence of Eastern

mystical, vitalistic concepts, superstition and occult rituals associated with herbal remedies.

References can be found to a ‘vital force’ within the human body which can be ‘enhanced’ by

herbal preparations. Whilst herbal products may have an as yet unrecognised active ingredient,little scientific evaluation of use, dosage or toxic effects has been made and treatment must

inevitably be unreliable, haphazard and potentially dangerous.

The use of herbs in practice today

Herbs and the extracts from some herbs have long been valued in orthodox medical practice. For

example digitalis from the foxglove plant is useful in heart disease, quinine from the cinchona

bark in the treatment of malaria, and morphine from the poppy (papaver somniferum) as an

effective pain killer. These are part of God’s natural creation and order, and have been identified

and scientifically evaluated as effective and acceptable for medical use.

Retail herbalists sell ‘over the counter’ herbal products with a reputation for effectiveness in a

wide variety of conditions. They have no occult connections and may well be harmless.

However, they are not yet subject to Government controls or scientific investigation, and there is

increasing evidence that some can be very harmful. In a recent British Medical Journal there is a

report of four women sustaining severe liver damage after taking herbal remedies to relieve

stress. There is always the danger, of course, that taking herbal medicine (or any form of

alternative medicine or therapy) without proper medical diagnosis and advice may mask a serious

disease and lose valuable time before treatment is begun.

Hakim herbal practitioners in Islam, India and our immigrant communities practise a system ofhealing (Unani) of which herbal remedies are a part, associated with Islamic religious practices

and beliefs which make them unacceptable to Christians.

Chinese herbalists usually combine traditional Chinese herbal remedies with acupuncture as an

alternative or complement. The ancient Taoist religious background, methods of diagnosis and

occult connections with acupunctural techniques would, again, be unacceptable to Christians.

There are a few professional Medical Herbalists, some of them qualified medical practitioners,

who use herbal remedies, sometimes in preference to orthodox treatments and medicines. These

can only be assessed on an individual basis. Those who use diagnostic procedures which areunacceptable to Christians such as dowsing, pendulum swinging, radionics, iridology etc. should

be avoided, particularly if they are associated with homeopathy, acupuncture, hypnosis or allied

therapies. Many herbal practitioners would want to disassociate themselves from astrological

connections.

Comment: In assessing the alternative medicines, techniques and therapies, it is necessary to

take great care, and to avoid prejudice, both for and against, in making a Christian assessment of

acceptability. The value of herbs in medical practice may vary from a completely reasonable and

scientifically proven use to total unacceptability from either a medical or Christian perspective.

We suggest that one should avoid practitioners who associate with spirituality and religion

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contrary to Christian faith; and rather consider consulting a qualified Medical Herbalist,

preferably a qualified practitioner, who disclaims use of the procedures described on the previous

pages. As Christians, we need to accept the absolute authority of scripture (e.g. in the forbidding

of astrology, witchcraft, pendulum swinging and all occult practices), and the particular wisdom

and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we test the acceptability of all medicines, practices and

systems of ‘healing’ available today, including herbalism, both inside and outside of the NationalHealth Service.

HOMEOPATHY

Like other ancillary paramedical practices, homeopathy is increasingly respected today, even in

some sections of the medical profession. It is a “science” dating from the beginning of the

nineteenth century. From the beginning of the twentieth century, conventional medicine has made

enormous progress in its knowledge of disease through physiology and biochemistry. It has

sharply focused on some revolutionary treatments: antibiotics, antituberculars, insulin, vaccines

and others. Homeopathy from the time of its originator, Hahnemann, has remained separate fromconventional medicine. J.J. Kent, grand master of American homeopathy (1849-1916), jealously

accentuated the division between the two schools: “There is no valid excuse for getting lost amid

the dark and misleading paths of the patterns recommended by traditional medicine. There are

people incapable of grasping the wisdom of homeopathic doctrines who practise a mongrel

homeo-allo-pathic medicine. The homeo therapy of these is moreover just as ineffectually

understood and applied as their allopathic.”

(The Science and Art of Homeopathy pp. 174, 175)

It is staggering to note how, in recent years, the separating line is gradually disappearing. From

the homeopathic side, doctors are closing with the conventional position. For example, DrLeeser, a German, is studying and assimilating the recent discoveries in biochemistry for his

homeopathic research. From the orthodox side, there are more doctors and chemists who are

attempting to treat their patients by homeopathic means. In France homeopathy is being taught in

faculties of pharmacy. In Switzerland the number of enrolled homeopathic practitioners stands at

approximately 2000. Doctors in France, Germany and Switzerland have the opportunity

regularly to attend courses on this method. In French-speaking areas there is seldom to be found

a chemist’s shop which does not have the word “homeopathy” displayed in large writing on the

window. People swallowing its pastilles or liquids are evidently growing more numerous. It is

likewise true in the United Kingdom: nearly every chemist stocks homeopathic medication.

Certainly homeopaths are right when they condemn the prescription, for commonplace illnesses,

of powerful drugs that have sometimes dangerous side effects. Antibiotics, for example, are

inappropriate for uncomplicated viral illnesses. It is equally inappropriate to give corticosteroids

for every arthritic pain. Similarly, it is undeniable that homeopathy owes its growing success

with patients to the fact that it presents itself to many people as a medicine that is both personal

and scientific, with a remedy both individual and natural. One often hears of patients running

from one doctor to another without finding real help. Faced with a technical and impersonal

medical routine, sufferers are drawn to the homeopath, who takes pains with the patient and treats

them with treatment ‘shaped’ to their need. However Christian need discernment if they are to

avoid inadvertent involvement in a practice tainted with overt occultism.

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It is for this reason that we now look more closely at the doctrinal origins and basis of

homeopathy.

Samuel Hahnemann, the father of Homeopathy

The word homeopathy is of recent origin, coined at the end of the eighteenth century by the

German doctor Samuel Hahnemann, from the Greek homoios - like, common, similar, and pathos - pain, suffering. Homeopathy, therefore, is defined as a therapeutic system of treating

patients by means of agents producing a condition kindred to the one being fought. Hippocrates,

born about 460 B.C., had already established two therapeutic principles; opposites and

similarities. Galen, 138-201 A.D., used the ‘opposites’ theory to characterise the therapy of his

era. This is the basis of classical medicine, allopathy, from the Greek alloios - different and

pathos - suffering. The following example explains the principle. If a person is suffering from

diarrhoea, he is given a preparation to constipate him. For constipation the opposite is

prescribed, a substance producing diarrhoea. In the Middle Ages Paracelsus, 1493-1541, rejected

Galen’s ideas and developed the principle of similarities, identical to that of Hippocrates.

The originator of homeopathy, as it is taught and practised today, was Samuel Hahnemann, born

in 1755 at Meissen, the son of a china painter. A good student, he studied medicine at Leipzig,

Vienna and Erlangen. Later he married a chemist’s daughter. His medical practice at Leipzig

was a failure and his family had a tragic history. He died in Paris in 1843

In Leipzig the book ‘Substances in Medicine’, by the Scottish doctor Cullen, attracted his

attention. Interested in the description of the effects of cinchona (Peruvian bark) or quinine, a

medicament for malaria, he set about carrying out tests upon himself. He noted that quinine

produced in him the same symptoms as of a patient who had contracted malaria. After this

discovery, he intensified his tests with other medicaments and eventually formulated a law:‘Similia similibus curantur’ or ‘like heals like’. He began to attack official medicine, which was

guilty of making many mistakes through its use of harsh and limited treatments, such as opium,

purgatives and bloodletting.

In 1810 he published the most important work on homeopathy: ‘Organon of Medicine’, in which

he develops his whole doctrine. It also marks a total break with classical, or orthodox, medicine.

Right up to our own day the ‘Organ’ is the foundation of all homeopathic treatment. Dr Pfister of

Clarens summed up the significance of this treatise with the words, ‘The Organ is for the

homeopath what the Bible is for the Christian. Homeopathy must consider the Organ as the

foundation and basis of its therapy.’ Hahnemann’s disciples are encouraged to meditate on this book, paragraph by paragraph, in order to grasp the spirit of it. Dr. J.Kunzli writes of the

‘Organ’, ‘You’ve got to penetrate the spirit of this remarkable book; you must reflect and

meditate on all it contains, and the more you study it, the greater will be the profit you’ll derive

from it.’ And Dr. Galiardi said, ‘It’s futile to reject this or that principle enunciated in the

‘Organ’. There remains more than enough to recognise the unfathomable intuition and divinatory

spirit of its author.’ (Swiss Homeopathic Journal No. 4/1960)

The problem is that homeopathy is so different from conventional therapies that it does demand a

break from the ‘old way of thinking’ to understand it. This is legitimate, but we must beware of

being sucked into a passive acceptance and retain our critical and independent faculties.

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Concerning inspiration, Hahnemann wrote, ‘I have accomplished only what an individual can do

with his feeble means, guided by the invisible powers of the Almighty, listening, observing,

tuning in to his instructions, paying most earnest heed and religious attention to this inspiration.’

It is both useful and necessary to study the spiritual orientation of Dr. Hahnemann. We know

that he was a member of a lodge of Free Masons, and it is significant that he placed on the title page of his ‘Organ’ the Freemasonry motto ‘aude sapere’, ‘dare to be wise’. Dr. H. Unger gives

us a clear description of his spiritual personality: ‘Like Goethe, Hahnemann embodies the two

streams of the classical German genre (kind or style), the pantheistic idealism of nature and the

rational idealism of freemasonry.’ (Swiss Journal of Homeopathy No. 1/1962) This shows the

relationship between the spiritual heirs of Goethe, the anthroposophists, and those of

Hahnemann, the homeopaths, both having a similar transcendental vision. Later, Hahnemann

identified himself with Eastern religions, then took Confucius as his model, while rejecting Jesus

Christ. Of course, many scientists have non-Christian spirituality, and true scientific discovery

can be independent of spiritual perspective. Yet, precisely because homeopathy is described in

such spiritual terms, we should be aware of Hahnemann’s own perspectives.

The doctrine and method of Homeopathy

1. Law of similitude or similarities reads thus: the treatment likely to cure a patient is that one

which, tried out in heavy dosage on the healthy person, produces phenomena and disorders

similar to those observed in the patient. For example, a patient afflicted with vomiting will be

given the substance NUX VOMICA, in greatly diluted form. Nux vomica is characterised by its

emetic effect on a healthy subject. ‘All homeopathic medicines cure illnesses the symptoms of

which they most resemble.’ (Organ:26) Hahnemann has formulated a whole doctrine explaining

this law. Firstly he considers man as a tripartite being:

a. will and thought (the inward man) b. vital energy, spirit substance or immaterial essence (the ethereal body of the anthroposophists,

the god Prana of the Hindus AND the spirit of the Christians)

c. the body which is material.

‘In the state of health, the dynamistic, immaterial, vital energy, animating the material part of the

human body, reigns absolutely.’ (Organ:9) ‘A person becomes ill when a diseased agent

infiltrates the body and disturbs the vital energy by dynamystic influence.’ (Organ:11) ‘It’s only

when the vital principle is troubled by a diseased element (that is to say by the intrinsic nature of

a virus in the form of incorporeal substance) that it emits reactions and symptoms of disease. The

principle and consequence of helping are explained by Kent, ‘A weaker dynamic condition is

permanently removed by a stronger, if the latter is like it.’ (The Science and Art of Homeopathy, p.150) The cure must act upon the vital energy. To achieve this, it must resemble the disease as

closely as possible in the totality of its symptoms by being tested on a healthy person.

2. Pathogenesis is the testing of potential medicaments on healthy people. Hahnemann tried out

60 substances on himself. Homeopaths have tried out about 1,000 substances: minerals, extract

of plants, snake and spider venom, whole ground insects and others.

3. Individualisation of the patient. Homeopathy does not seek out organic disease, the lesion of

a part of the body. It attempts to find a remedy to correspond exactly to the affected individual.

The diagnosis and choice of treatment are carried out on three levels:

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a. by subjective symptoms, meaning that the doctor takes note of the totality of the patient’s

complaints;

b. by objective symptoms, that is, the examination of the patient, if necessary, by means of test

such as X-rays, blood samples and others;

c. by unforeseen symptoms, as if accidental or fortuitous, resulting from very precise questioning

(such as changes in food preferences etc.)

4. Miasmata or diatheses Diseases are categorised as acute or chronic. Hahnemann

established three major chronic miasmas: psora, syphilis, psychosis.

a. Psora (scabies) This would appear to be ‘the fundamental cause of disease, the origin of

almost every complaint.’ (Organ:80). Psora is compared to leprosy in the Old Testament. Psora

would represent the consequence of leprosy which signifies impurity, the consequence of sin. A

host of manifestations are attributed to psora: psychic and mental disorders, epilepsy, cataract,

deafness, jaundice, haemorrhage, arthritis, gout.

b. Syphilis (V.D.) Characterised by chronic history and cutaneous, osteo-arthritic and mental

indications. Heredity would play a big part, including hereditary alcoholism.c. Sycosis (Gonorrhoea) By this Hahnemann understands particularly the chronic type of

gonorrhoea. It comprises affections of the subcutaneous or mucous tissue, with benign

peduncular and glandular tumours.

Later two more miasmas were added:

d. tuberculoid

e. canceroid

5. Homeopathic determinants A. Nebal and L. Vannier have defined basic determinants/types

as:

a. the carbo-clacic or carbonic type, short and squat, stolid, strong, of decisive habits, strict,lacking imagination, headstrong.

b. the phospho-calcic or phosphoric type, long-limbed, tall, lithe, graceful, distinguished, polite,

lover of fine arts.

c. fluoro-calcic (calcium fluoride): variable height, easily deformed frame, lacking elegance,

fidgety, unstable.

These types are also used in conventional medicine: mesomorphs, ectomorphs and endomorphs.

6. Infinitesimality The treatment, selected according to the principle of similarities, is prepared

by successive dilutions. These attenuations are obtained by very well defined techniques, and are

reckoned in tenths and hundredths:a. The decimal scale:

The starting point is an original tincture from which one drop is taken and mixed with nine drops

of liquid (water). By again mixing one drop of this first dilution with nine drops of liquid the

second decimal dilution, indicated by the symbol D2, is obtained.

b. The centesimal scale:

This involves the mixture of one drop of the original tincture with 99 drops of liquid. One drop

of this first centesimal dilution mixed with 99 drops of liquid gives the second centesimal

dilution, represented by C2.

The lower dilutions range from D1 to C5 (the same as D10); the higher from C6 to C30 or even

as high as C100 and more.

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Scientific evaluation

Scientifically, using the example of the salt NaC1 (sodium chloride), it may be proved by a

simple calculation that there is no longer a single molecule left in the dilution after C12. In the

case of organic substances, e.g. Belladonna, this limit is already reached at C10 or C11

(Avogadro’s number). Any patient receiving a homeopathic treatment at C30 should be under noillusions as to its composition. There is no longer any material substance in the pill or liquid

whatsoever. Any activity must, therefore, reside within the space between the molecules.

Indeed, homeopathic teaching declares that the more diluted the substance, the more active it is.

It’s not just a question - and this is their secret - of a simple dilution, but of a process known as

dynamization or potentialization, produced by repeatedly shaking the mixture between dilutions.

Such repeated sucussion makes it possible to contact and retain a hidden power in the liquid, its

immaterial essence. We’ll let the ‘Organ’ explain (No. 16): ‘The doctor can only remove these

morbid affections (illnesses) by bringing to bear upon this immaterial energy certain substances

endowed with modifying properties that are equally immaterial (dynamic) and are discerned bythe all pervasive nervous system. Accordingly it’s only by their dynamic action on the vital

energy that the curative remedies are able to redress, and do indeed redress, the biological

balance and restore health.’ Rudolf Steiner, the pioneer of anthroposophy, had the same

concepts of this invisible life energy, which he called ethereal substance or the ethereal world.

Comment

Firstly, we would be foolish to believe that we know all there is to know in our Western approach

to science. Secondly, it is perfectly reasonable to accept that the descriptions used in the 19th

century may be odd and archaic - the same is true in conventional scientific writing of that time.

It may well be that the ethereal world equates to our developing knowledge of theelectromagnetic field between the particles in a substance.

There have been few controlled studies which prove the efficacy of homeopathic treatment given

to any group of patients. The results of a series of scientific studies carried out in Germany have

all been very discouraging for Hahnemann’s method. Doctor Fritz Donner, the son of a German

doctor and homeopath, has dedicated himself to scientific research in order to explain and justify

homeopathy. In 1966 he published a paper in which he confessed all the failures and all the

errors of homeopathy discovered during his years of work. For example: For a test, a certain

number of research workers were divided into two groups. One of the groups received silicea

C30 (a homeopathic preparation); the other group a placebo (pill or liquid lacking any medicinal properties). After waiting for results, the experimenters were incapable of telling whether they

had received the medicine or the placebo. When the group who had received the medicine were

informed of it, they were unable to identify it. Having said that, there have been one or two

convincing studies. One notable example is a study involving a homeopathic pollen mixture

preparation, written up in the British Medical Journal. In addition some veterinary experiments

have yielded convincingly positive results. But the majority of work is not so positive.

However, some of those teaching homeopathy would very much like to find a scientific basis to

explain the effects of their therapy. They refer to conventional theories, with some resemblance

to Hahnemann’s theory. Three principles of classical medicine are often used to provide a

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scientific explanation:

i) Vaccination This immunises an individual against a microbial disease by inoculating him with

the attenuated microbe or its toxin. The technique is well known and clearly defined. It consists

of stimulating the production of specific antibodies to act against the microbe. Homeopathy is

not based on this technique. There is no production of specific antibodies.

ii) Allergies These are exaggerated reactions (asthma, nettle-rash, eczema) of a person madesensitive to a substance by contact with it. The violent reaction produced by a substance, often of

very weak concentration, would seem to validate homeopathy. But that is not the case, because

here too the precise and well known physiological procedure is absent in the homeopathic

method.

iii) Hormones and Biocatalysts They, too, have a clearly recognised role in the biochemical

reactions of the metabolism. Even in very weak concentrations, they can be detected, measured,

and their levels corrected. Thus, when there is a deficiency, as in the case of dysfunction of the

thyroid gland, the degree of the thyroid hormone can be precisely measured and corrected by

supplying this hormone. Homeopathic preparations do not resemble these substances. The

scientist Claude Bernard, with his discovery of the principles of control by minor excitation,using substances of weak concentration, is far from supplying an aid towards understanding

Hahnemann’s doctrine.

Clearly, then, we are looking for some other explanation for those occasions when homeopathy

has been seen to be effective.

Christian assessment

i) Is there any suggestion of occult involvement in researching homeopathic remedies? To find

the cure, that’s to say the herb, for the original tincture of the preparation, certain researchers

sometimes have recourse to occult practices such as the pendulum. Dr. A. Voegeli, a famoushomeopathic doctor, has confirmed that several homeopaths work with the pendulum. There are

groups whose research is carried out during séances, through mediums who seek information

from spirits.

ii) The testimony of a person who worked in an important homeopathic laboratory of high

standing in France is very interesting. She told about the interview she had with the former

director and founder of the establishment with a view to her recruitment. After a short

introduction, this director asked her which astrological sign she was born under. Satisfied with

the knowledge in this field of his future co-worker, he then wished to know whether she was a

medium. As this was so, he confided to her the secret of the practices of the place. Newtreatments were researched there during séances, through the agency of mediums, persons having

occult powers by which to question spirits. Today the person mentioned is converted and follows

Jesus Christ. She separated herself from every occult practice, as well as from homeopathy, used

by Satan to blind and to bind people. As a matter of fact the vocabulary is esoteric and the ideas

are impregnated with oriental philosophies like Hinduism. The predominant strain of pantheism

would place God everywhere, in each person, each animal, plant, flower, cell, even in

homeopathic medicine. ‘The cure alone really knows the patient, better nor the cause of the

disorder and the method of getting to it. Neither the patient nor the doctor has as much wisdom

or knowledge.’ (Dr. Baur, Swiss Journal of Homeopathy No. 2/1961, p. 56).

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iii) There is an interesting passage in the book ‘The Science and the Art of Homeopathy’ by J.T.

Kent: ‘In the universe, everything has its own atmosphere. Each human being also possesses his

atmosphere or his aura, as also each animal. This conception of the aura opens up some very

interesting horizons from which we may descry the pale light, and it occupies a very important

place in homeopathic studies. (p108) The truly homeopathic doctor must have knowledge ‘of the

four states of matter: the solid, liquid, gaseous and radiant states.’ The author explicitly statesthat it is necessary to be able to see ‘with the eyes of the spirit’, in order truly to grasp the

Hahnemann method. There is truth here, as conventional scientists will confirm that an

electromagnetic ‘aura’ exists which can be revealed by a type of photography (Kirlian

photography), and which is altered in disease - yet the terminology used is much more related to

the spiritual world.

iv) The Christian is concerned above all else to please God. The Bible alone is his sole

authority, and it clearly warns of the consequences of certain practices highly treasured by some

homeopaths. Yet there are some honourable and conscientious doctors seeking to utilise a

homeopathy detached from any obscure practices.

v) Please take care with the use of homeopathic medicines and especially anthroposophic

products. The question to ask is this, ‘Am I confident that this medicine has not been produced

with some occult involvement, and am I confident that it has not been prescribed using occult aid

(such as the pendulum)?’ If the answer is, ‘No’, think twice. We must remember any effect of

homeopathy is in the ethereal level. This may be simply neutral e.g. the electromagnetic field

between molecules, but it may involve occult forces, and can sully the Christian. A person may

be cured of a bodily ailment, but this is replaced by psychic imbalance. Spiritual life ebbs away.

In this connection it is significant to find evidence of nervous depression in some families using

homeopathic treatments, but not necessarily all.

vi) If you have questions about the treatment you have been offered, or are considering, ask

advice of Christians who have had experience in these matters; and do pray.

The Lord Jesus wants to lead us into all truth and the truth sets us free.

HYPNOSIS

This was practised in ancient religion by Greeks, Druids, Hindus and Buddhists, and wasvariously described as casting spells, enchanting, charming etc. It was popularised by Mesmer

who called it ‘animal magnetism’. It is essentially an altered state of consciousness or trance

when concentration is distracted by means of voice, object or light, and willpower is modified or

lost.

Control is then exercised by the power of suggestion from the hypnotist. It has been used in

psychiatry, for asthma and eczema, for the control of addictions and for anaesthetics.

Very variable results have been recorded but there may well be unwelcome side effects such as

change in personality and physical and mental disturbances. From a Christian perspective there

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is evidence of spiritual harm and ill health as a result of submitting one’s mind to another’s

influence in this way.

IRIDOLOGY

A method of diagnosing disease by careful examination of the iris (coloured portion) of the eyes.

Iridologists believe the discolouration or flecks in the iris indicate the health and energy state ofthe body. This is a false belief (Peczely 1822-1911). Iridology may involve psychic diagnosis

and it is sometimes claimed that future health may be predicted.

KINESIOLOGY

Kinesiology, strictly speaking, is the study of energy and particularly its relation to the movement

of particles or bodies when force or energy is applied to them. There is, however, a wide

variation in terms used in connection with kinesiology, and definitions and descriptions may vary

considerably depending upon individual sources. For general purposes the classifications listed

below may be helpful.Formal, pure, scientific kinesiology

This fairly restricted definition of kinesiology indicates that there is a valid place for the study of

kinesiology within the wider sciences of physics and chemistry, and that there is a perfectly

reasonable application for its use in some aspects of medical care, particularly physiotherapy and

occupational therapy. This may include the testing of muscle power and tone in health and

disease and may be useful in relation to the provision of artificial limbs and other prostheses.

Strictly speaking, this latter usage would reasonably warrant the use of the term ‘applied

kinesiology’ but this is the term which is frequently used by some of those involved in areas of

so-called kinesiology which are outside the constraints of a reasonable, proven and scientific

approach to this subject, and which should be categorised within the realms of alternativemedicine.

Systematic kinesiology (applied kinesiology)

This is frequently presented as a comprehensive system of alternative medicine with applications

both in the areas of diagnosis and of treatment. It is widely defined as the science of testing

muscle responses in response to pressure in order to determine imbalances in the function of

body processes and to identify blocks in energy channels which have led to ill health or disease.

Following identification of various types of energy blockage, these imbalances may be treated by

such means as massage, touch, acupuncture, acupressure and a wide variety of other alternative

therapies in order to balance energy and stimulate lymph flow. It is maintained that the natural orvital energy of the body may thus be balanced with a view to stimulating natural healing, leading

to a state of holistic health.

Behavioural kinesiology, clinical kinesiology, educational kinesiology and bio kinesiology

These are all terms used in connection with systematic (applied) kinesiology and have different

shades of meaning and practical applications amongst those interested in and practising these

subsections of kinesiology.

History and development: Systematic kinesiology appears to have had a relatively short history

in terms of alternative medicine, but a closer examination suggests that many of the theories upon

33



which it is based can be traced back to ancient times, albeit the terminology is somewhat

different. Theories and practice of present day kinesiology can be traced back to the influence of

three names.

Firstly, at the beginning of the 20th century, Frank Chapman became convinced that the massage

of specific ‘pressure points’ could improve the flow of the lymph fluid in various parts of the body with benefit to health.

Secondly, an American osteopath called Terence Bennet, working in the early 1930s, believed

that blood circulation to various internal organs could be improved by the touching of certain

pressure points on the skull. He also claimed that there was an association with certain pressure

points on the skull, breast bone and knee with various muscle groups which, in turn, were linked

to internal organs of the body. He concluded that these pressure points, muscle groups and

organs were interconnected by channels of ‘energy’ equivalent to, or identical with, the meridians

upon which the theories and practice of acupuncture are based.

Kinesiology as practised today

Present day kinesiology can be dated from 1964 when Dr George Goodheart, a chiropractor in

USA, built on the theories of Frank Chapman and Terence Bennet and deduced that

kinesiological tests, which were used to determine muscle strength and tone over a whole range

of muscle groups and joints, could indicate the ‘balance of energy’ in each of the body’s systems

or organs such as the liver, kidneys, small intestine etc.

Using his understanding of chiropractic, of trigger or reflex points on the body, together with the

theories of acupuncture meridians and their relationship to organs and muscle groups, he

developed a relatively complete system of diagnosis and treatment. He believed that the testingof various muscle groups could be used to diagnose organic dysfunction and even dietary

deficiency. Goodheart combined the ancient Chinese principles of ‘natural energy flow’ in the

body (Ch’i - Yin/Yang) and his own assessment of the value of the muscle testing and massage,

to identify and treat a wide range of health problems. These theories were increasingly adopted

in various areas of international sports medicine and in chiropractic and osteopathic practice in

Europe, USA, Australia and New Zealand.

Present practitioners of systematic kinesiology rely on the concept of ‘vital life force’, which

supposedly represents the cosmic energy within our bodies, the imbalance of which leads to ill

health. Some assert that this ‘vital energy’ can be related to electromagnetic fields flowingthrough and round about our bodies, which can be recorded by kirlian photography, a colour

representation of electromagnetic vibrations which is usually described as an aura. It is believed

that massage by fingertip pressure encourages the body to adjust its own energy patterns and that

the ‘innate intelligence’ which controls the body mobilises a healing process wherever it is

needed.

A further type of kinesiology, sometimes called bio-kinesiology, was described and used by John

Thie, another chiropractor in USA who worked with Dr Goodheart in the early days. He believed

that he could determine allergic responses in patients by placing samples of food or other

substances under a patient’s tongue and detecting alteration in muscle tone and strength which

34



indicated whether or not the patient was allergic to the substance under test.

Other practitioners of bio-kinesiology believe that similar information can be produced by

placing specific dilutions of a potentially allergic substance on the patient’s navel or within a

phial passed close to their body! For this test the patient generally lies on a couch with his arms

raised in certain positions while the test is carried out. Weakness of the patient’s arm muscles orlack of resistance to pressure upon them would indicate a potentially allergic reaction to the

substance under test. This muscle testing may sometimes be carried out on a leg instead of the

arm.

These tests are said to be useful for the testing of allergic problems, particularly those causing

catarrh, headaches, depression, tension or tiredness, and also in the diagnosis and subsequent

treatment of phobias or fears. Having used bio kinesiology and systematic kinesiology primarily

as diagnostic measures, various practitioners might then embark on treatment by chiropractic,

naturopathy, homeopathy or herbalism.

Note that one textbook, described as an ‘introduction to kinesiology’, states that this is the ‘most

powerful force for practical and preventative health care available.’ It also states that ‘it is a truly

holistic approach, helping in the mental/emotional realm leading to relief of emotional traumas.’

Conclusion

Whilst an initial consideration of kinesiology might suggest that it is based on scientific

principles of energy and movement, closer inspection indicates a somewhat different emphasis.

Its basic philosophy and theories include a mixture of the Ch’i of Chinese acupuncturists, the

vital life force of the vitalists, particularly homeopaths, and the innate intelligence referred to

by various chiropractors. To these may be added the concept of electromagnetic energy uponwhich healing by means of magnetic forces is said to be based.

According to various sources, kinesiology is based on a mixture of ancient and new philosophies

of disease processes which are variously used in relation to other popular areas of alternative

medicine. It is promoted for an extraordinarily wide range of conditions, including obvious

physical complaints such as injury or musculo-skeletal abnormalities, as well as a whole range of

symptoms relating to supposed allergic reactions. It is used by osteopaths, chiropractors,

naturopaths, homeopaths and herbalists as an aid to diagnosis before practising their particular

form of alternative medicine.

Formal/scientific kinesiology is used by physiotherapists and occupational therapists in branches

of orthodox medicine.

Investigation of systematic kinesiology, as outlined above, suggests that there is little to

commend it from a scientific and orthodox medical view point. In the absence of reliable

scientific evidence for the existence of a vital life force, innate intelligence, electromagnetic

energy or Ch’i and their relation to health and disease, the case for using kinesiology either in

diagnosis or treatment appears to be unproven, and it has been questioned whether or not some

occult practice such as ESP or divination may be at work in some of the above practices.

As in so many branches of alternative medicine, anecdotal evidence is often quoted in support.

35



But with the increasing demand for evidence based medicine and on the basis of information

available and the absence of acceptable clinical trials, kinesiology cannot be said to be of proven

value.

Christian perspective

i) From a Christian perspective it must be noted that the original roots of kinesiology can betraced back to ancient times, when Eastern religion and occultism were the basis for many

therapies now classified under the heading of alternative medicine. To this has been added

similar and more recent concepts such as the vital life force and innate intelligence of the

chiropractors.

ii) This must surely bring into question its use by Christians. Note also that involvement in a

whole range of similar alternative therapies may serve as an introduction to the New Age

Movement, of which alternative medicine is widely regarded as the medical arm.

MACROBIOTICS

A general healing therapy based essentially on diet which identifies Yin and Yang foods. Special

cooking methods and the adjustment of diet are said to promote good health by the balancing of

body energies and forces.

MASSAGE

Can be a perfectly acceptable and orthodox physical therapy for painful or stiff muscles which

involves close hands-on contact. Most ‘holistic healers’ see massage as a healing art involving

spiritual therapies and correction of ‘energy imbalances’ as in Therapeutic Touch, reflexologyetc.

NATUROPATHY

A discipline involving diet, fasting, exercise and ‘pure thoughts’ to create a ‘pure’ environment to

‘cleanse the toxic-ridden body with an internal house cleaning.’ Although sounding fairly

innocent, it is often associated with other alternative/occult therapies.

OSTEOPATHYThis was founded by A.T. Still in the USA in the mid 1870s. He was reported to be a clairvoyant

who claimed to ‘see under the skin.’ He believed that a wide variety of diseases were due to

disruption of vascular, lymphatic and nerve supply to body organs which impaired the ‘healing

forces’ of the body. He suggested the theory of an ‘osteopathic lesion’ which could be healed by

manipulation of spinal joints and soft tissues. There is no real agreement today as to what does

constitute an osteopathic lesion and there is a wide variety in osteopathic practice. Many of

today’s osteopaths would want to distance themselves from Still’s original philosophy of disease

process.

PAST LIFE THERAPY

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This is based on belief in reincarnation and suggests that ill health may result from events in a

past incarnation. It is said that recognition and understanding of this may contribute to healing of

sickness in this life.

RADIONICSThis is a method of ‘diagnosis at a distance’ and is concerned with the ‘energy patterns’

supposedly emitted by all forms of matter and which are said to be disturbed in any disease

process. The object is to identify and then correct disharmony of these energy patterns which

have been upset as a result of illness. The usual procedure is for the patient to complete an

exhaustive questionnaire and to send a sample of blood or hair for analysis by a rather dubious

electrical machine. Treatments are then suggested to correct the causes of the disharmony in

body energy patterns. There appears to be no reliable evidence for the theory, practice or

effectiveness of such therapies.

“Perhaps the most vital piece of equipment is the pendulum. there is a special art in using the pendulum which not every one possesses..... The technique is to set the pendulum swinging

freely and, having established the signal for ‘yes’ and ‘no,’ relax and note its response. we are

often asked where the pendulum gets the answer from and the best answer is from the ‘collective

unconscious mind’ - that great pool of all knowledge that is accessible to all who ask in truth.”

(from ‘Healing with Radionics,’ ALG Dower, ISBN 072225-1541-3, pages 31-32). Christians

need to remember that the use of the pendulum is strictly forbidden in Scripture.

REBIRTHING

Women go through various techniques to ‘unravel’ psychological problems from their own birth/infancy so that they are then prepared to give birth to their own babies! A technique

involving deep breathing enables you to take on board new thoughts to give you an ‘experience

of mastery’ in your life. This could be considered as a counterfeit of real new birth in Jesus

Christ.

REFLEXOLOGY

This appears to have been recognised in ancient China, India and North America but, in more

recent times, it was based on the theory of Dr W. Fitzgerald. He divided the body into ten zones

running up and down the body, relating to the ten fingers and toes. He believed that internalorgans could be related to these zones and that diseases could be diagnosed by sensitive touching

of the appropriate zone, particularly on the foot or ankle. Similarly, massage of the appropriate

area was said to produce a healing process in the relevant diseased organ. Later refinement of

this method of diagnosis and treatment by individual therapists produced quite complicated

‘maps’ of the representations of body organs on the soles of the feet. There appears to be no

clear cut division between reflexology and zone therapy but it needs to be stated that the various

maps and charts used by either therapies are by no means identical and some contain wide

variations. Similarity will be noticed between the lines of force in reflexology and zone therapy

and the meridians of acupuncture, and similar objections apply.

REIKI

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Reiki is a relatively new form of healing characterised by gentle touch applied to certain areas of

the head and body and is said to be effective by balancing the universal life force within our

bodies, thus promoting personal growth, healing of the heart, mind, soul and body. It is

recommended as a regular spiritual exercise. Reiki is a Japanese word made up from two

elements:

Rei - the invisible and universal source of all beingKi - life force or essence (equivalent to the Chinese ch’i

with its two components of Yin and Yang)

Origins

The Usui system of Reiki was named after Dr Mikao Usui, who developed this form of healing in

Japan early in the 20th century as a result of a vision and initiation which he received whilst

alone on a mountain. This system spread to Hawaii, USA and Canada and is now used on a

world-wide basis in association with a global organisation called The Reiki Alliance. There is a

first degree Reiki described as ‘shoden’ and a second degree described as ‘okuden’. This therapy

is now spreading steadily through the UK.

Other varieties of Reiki include a Tibetan type and a newer Golden Age Reiki, which is said to

have evolved from many different aspects of Reiki and from direct guidance through Shimara

from the Ascended Masters, Dr Usui and Kuthumi (John the Apostle). This newer form of Reiki

is said to be ‘a unique initiation or attunement process’ which brings through more healing

energy affecting all levels of being, mind, emotions, body and spirit. The Reiki Rays are said to

emanate directly from the Creative Source of all things, mother/father God, Divine Intelligence

or whichever term is preferred.

There are an increasing number of centres for teaching and application of this form of healinggrowing up within the UK.

Principles: The essential principle is to produce a balance of body energies by means of touch,

which activates and enhances the body’s ‘innate healing intelligence’ to produce a healing

process wherever it is needed. It is said that energy flows from the healer to the patient through

the chakras, or energy centres, of the body, particularly involving the Crown Chakra, Third Eye

Chakra, Throat Chakra and Heart Chakra. These are comparable to the chakras (energy centres)

described in the Hindu practice of yoga. Reiki claims to be independent of thoughts, feelings,

belief systems and faith, with no religious associations. Reiki is also said to act on the aura,

physical and emotional levels as a holistic system of healing, and to be connected with the EarthElemental Ray of Healing which can be experienced as hot or cold whilst physical, mental and

emotional healing takes place.

Practice and Technique: A usual treatment from a Reiki healer involves the patient lying on a

massage couch whilst the healer places their hands gently on about 15 positions on the head and

body, leaving them in position for about 5 minutes. During this time a process of natural healing

is said to take place. The therapy is claimed to be effective at all ages from 7 to 70 and no special

ability, experience or religious belief is said to be necessary. Reiki is also said to be useful as a

distance treatment, and can also be learnt as a self-treatment.

Comment: Reiki can be identified as one of a considerable number of alternative therapies

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which involve some form of touch, pressure, massage or manipulation. Their common basis

appears to rely on the concept of a universal life force or energy, variously called ch’i by the

Chinese, ki by the Japanese, prana by the Hindus, orinde by the North American Indians, the

innate by D.D. Palmer (the founder of chiropractic) and vital energy by Samuel Hahnemann (the

founder of present day homeopathy). A wide range of sickness is said to be caused by the

imbalance of this energy and many therapies claim to produce healing by their own particulartechnique for balancing this energy flow. Needles are used in acupuncture and hands or massage

in reflexology, zone therapy, acupressure, therapeutic touch and in forms of psychic healing. It is

interesting to note that touch or massage of the head is a particular feature of cranio-sacral

osteopathy as devised by W.D. Sutherland, a student of A.T. Still, the founder of osteopathy.

This similarity may, however, only be superficial and coincidental, as the basic philosophy of

Reiki and osteopathy are quite dissimilar.

From a medical viewpoint, there is no evidence for the common and widespread view amongst

practitioners of alternative therapies that sickness and health depend upon the balance of internal

cosmic energy, nor that it can be influenced by any of the touch, massage and manipulativetherapies under the general heading of alternative medicine. Whilst anecdotal evidence and

testimonials are frequently quoted in support of such therapies, no scientific evidence is offered

nor are any acceptable clinical trials recorded. It can hardly be classed as ‘evidence based’

medicine. It is noteworthy that Reiki is increasingly on offer at the Mind, Body and Spirit

festivals, psychic fairs and similar events which take place up and down the country and where

the New Age background and philosophy are very much in evidence.


i) Whilst Reiki does not have any easily identifiable roots in ancient eastern religious philosophy

and practice, there can be little doubt that there are recognisable similarities in the basis, principles and practice of Reiki. The concept and identification of Reiki as the invisible source

of all being and of Ki as life essence, or universal cosmic energy, which permeates and sustains

all living things is quite at variance with the Christian belief in God as our Creator and heavenly

Father, and that ultimately health and wholeness are in his hands and depend on a personal

relationship with Him. Reiki claims not to have any association with any religious faith but the

deeper elements of its philosophy and belief system are certainly comparable with those of some

Taoist, Hindu and other non-christian faiths. As in all areas of holistic medicine which claim to

include elements of spiritual healing, the essential question for Christians is whether this is by the

Spirit of God and, if not, what other spiritual powers may be involved.

ii) It has been the unfortunate experience of some of those who have been involved in certain

areas of alternative medicine that this has led to spiritual sickness such as anxiety, depression,

fear, lack of Christian assurance, and interference with prayer life and Bible reading rather than

the healing which they were seeking.

The following notes are written by a former practitioner who is now a Christian and no

longer gives or receives Reiki:

Symbols are given to you when you are 'attuned'. Dr Mikao Usui, was given these symbols after

fasting for a month on a mountain. These are used by the practitioner to tap into the healing

source (It is called Universal Energy 'which is available to us all' but it is never REALLY

39



explained where it actually comes from!) This energy is activated/tapped into by marking out a

symbol with your index finger in the palms of each hand. Before beginning a treatment more

symbols are drawn in the air, again with the finger to 'protect' the room, yourself and the recipient

from all 'evil influences'. (You are advised that you should never allow the recipient to see what

you are doing.)

There are different symbols given to you as you are taught each degree of Reiki, of which, at time

of writing, there are three.

1. The first degree (Shoden) deals with healing on the physical level. You are taught how to give

treatments to yourself and other people. You can also heal animals and plants.

How it’s done: The practitioner places his or her hands on, or a few inches above, the patient’s

body, and the energy emanating from the palms of hands flows into the recipient, which

then 'kick starts' their body's own healing mechanisms. Treatments can be given with the patient

lying or sitting down (for a brief session) and can last anything up to an hour and a half.

Depending on where you are taught, you can be encouraged to intuit where you place your handsand for how long. There ARE guidelines given to where and where not to position hands and you

are always supposed to explain procedures to patients before treatment, ask if they are on

medication for anything, and which form of the therapy they are most comfortable with i.e. hands

on or away from body.

2. Mental/emotional level (Okuden) Here, again using symbols, you are taught how to intuit

past, present and future events, send distance healing and heal emotionally traumatic past* events

of yourself and others. *nothing to do with past life regression.

3. Soul level, (Master level), qualifies you to be able to 'attune' others. It is claimed that it alsogives you the ability to heal souls of the deceased. I have been told on one occasion that 'spirit

guides' can use the practitioner as a channel, to help with the healing.

You can become a qualified practitioner after the first level, and earn money from so doing. It

can be used in conjunction with other complementary therapies e.g. aromatherapy, reflexology

etc.

Anybody can be 'attuned', you can come from any background and quite frankly be doing it with

any ulterior motive. The first two degrees usually take a weekend to learn at about £60 and £80

respectively, the third can take up to a year, as supervision is supposedly required, and you can

pay anything from hundreds to thousands of pounds for it.

This was written by a present practitioner:

Isn't it interesting how the Universe brings lessons to our attention repeatedly, until we listen?

The other day I observed my friend Michael having a telephone conversation with a business

associate. I was amazed at how often Michael was interrupted by the person he was talking to.

Every time Michael would attempt to answer a question, the other person talked over him, and he

never had a chance to fully answer. Shortly after this, I observed a couple in a restaurant, and

they too were talking over each other, and neither was hearing what the other was saying. They

weren’t arguing, simply trying to have a conversation. Then in the grocery store, a little boy was

trying to tell his father something, and it was as if the boy were invisible, he was never even

40



acknowledged. Suddenly I felt a little twinge in my heart, that I hadn't noticed for a long time. I

knew that twinge was a signal from my higher self and my spirit guides. I have felt this in the

past just before I received a message, or inspiration about something in my life.

I began to reflect on the art of listening and recent events in my life. As I did this I had one of

those Aha! moments. There has been an unusual amount of confusion in my life lately, at times Ifelt overwhelmed by all the sudden changes, and just couldn’t seem to get clarity on some issues.

I had become a little disappointed with this unusual lack of connection with my spiritual

guidance. As I was pondering on this lesson in listening, I realised that I had allowed all the

upheaval in my life to prevent me from tuning into my heart. I was trying to sort things out

mentally, and I was not hearing my heart's message. Then I thought of all the times students

have asked me, ‘How can I talk to my guides, how do I know they are there?’ My answer to this

question has always been, ‘Listen with your heart.’

If I need guidance I find it works best for me to stop whatever I am doing, take a deep breath, say

a prayer, invoke the distant healing symbol, and ask that the Reiki energy help connect me withmy guides. When I feel the energy flowing, I will ask a specific question, stay very quiet and pay

attention to what I hear. Now I don't usually audibly hear voices, but I FEEL them. For

example, I knew I was to move to a new home in Colorado, however, I wasn't sure where. To

discern this, I asked my guides to tell me where my next home was to be. Then I just felt a warm

glowing sensation in my heart, and had an idea of a place that I had never been, but was feeling

very curious about. I immediately went to this area, and within two hours had found my new

home.

This same technique applies for me when I am doing Reiki treatments on others. When I find an

area of the person's body that has a blockage, and I feel that we need additional information aboutthis, I use the same process of connecting with my guides to receive a specific answer. Two

things that I have learned about communicating with guides is that they take many forms, and if

they are acknowledged and thanked, they appreciate it and then teach me more.

When we are frustrated because we don't feel our guide’s presence, it is simply because we have

placed a veil between ourselves and our guidance. We do this in many ways but the most

common ways are by holding an expectation of the form the guide should take, trying too hard,

staying so busy that we don't allow ourselves the opportunity to listen, or by focusing our

attention on what others are doing rather than on our own thoughts, feelings, actions and

behaviour.....

(Laurelle Gaia is Director of Teacher Licensing for the International Center for Reiki Training,

an international teacher and speaker, and serves as editor of "Reiki News".)

We therefore comment and conclude that all forms of Reiki are off bounds for a Christian

because of the abhorrence of such ‘spiritual guidance’ in the sight of God.

SHIATSU

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Japanese in origin and based on the use of finger massage of hundreds of surface points (tsubo)

along the body’s meridians (energy paths) to stimulate the flow of life force (qi) in order to

promote health and healing for a wide variety of ailments. Manipulation techniques and massage

also used. Similar theory and practice to acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology and similar

roots in eastern religion.

T’AI CHI

A Chinese mystical mind-control technique including slow physical movement and rhythmical

breathing. It is rooted in the ancient Chinese religion of Taoism which adheres to the philosophy

of Yin and Yang and channelling of ‘energies’ through chakras (psychic centres). It is an

intrinsically occult practice and the person doing it may well come into bondage to the

spirituality of Taoism.

THERAPEUTIC TOUCHIt may be said that many therapies, both orthodox and alternative, involve the use of ‘hands-on’

procedures. These include the simple reassuring touch of a children’s nurse, the manipulation of

osteopaths and chiropractors and the intuitive holistic healing of spiritualists or practitioners of

reflexology, acupressure etc.

A specific therapy called the Kreiger/Kunz method of ‘therapeutic touch’ was developed by Dr

Delores Kreiger, a professor of Nursing in USA, in the mid 1970s. Based on a mixture of

religion, tradition, superstition and parapsychology, it involves the concept of prana (life force or

universal energy) derived from eastern religion. This is ‘channelled’ by touch to balance the

energy fields of a sick person and may also involve spiritual meditation. This can bedifferentiated from valid, Bible-based, Christian ministry of healing by the laying on of hands in,

for example, in Mark 16:18, James 5:14. etc.

TISSUE SALTS (BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEM)

Founded by Dr W.H. Schussler (19th century) who was influenced by an idea that human ashes

contained 12 ‘basic salts’ (now known to be incorrect). Schussler speculated that disease was

initiated by depletion of imbalance of these 12 substances. These were prepared in similar

dilutions to those

used in homeopathy. Scientifically ‘tissue salts’ is unsound and unproven.

VISUALISATION

This is a mind/body self-healing therapy claimed to be particularly valuable in the treatment of

cancer. The patient is encouraged to visualise the cancer cells under attack until they disappear.

Visualisation used by Jungian psychologists is a powerful tool for achieving direct contact with

the unconscious and attaining greater inner knowledge. The danger of Visualisation being used

as an introduction to occult influences must be recognised.

YOGA AND TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION

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These both have their origin in Hinduism. Yoga is an ancient practice combining meditation and

training the body. It originated in India at least 5,000 years ago. The main paths of yoga, its

philosophy and its application to everyday life, are described in the Bhagavad-Gita, the Hindu

scriptures, written in the sixth century B.C. The word itself comes from a Sanskrit word meaning

yoke or union. It is about harnessing a person to a discipline, and at the same time unifying the

parts of the self; body, mind, spirit, and also unifying the individual self with something greaterand transcendent, the ‘universal spirit’, through posture, breathing and meditation.

Hindus would certainly maintain that these physical exercises cannot be separated from the

mental and spiritual ones. They may involve mental passivity, out of the body experiences and

spiritual allegiance to Hinduism. In Kundalini yoga, for example, the object is to align the seven

body chakras (energy centres) in order to allow the goddess Kundalini to rise up from the pelvis

to meet the god Brahmin in the head. Meditation has always been an integral part of Hinduism

and usually includes the chanting of a mantra.

The term yoga is therefore a broad definition, being a way of living and a way of understandinglife. To ‘do’ yoga in this broad sense is to practise the Hindu religion. Teachers of yoga claim

that followers of any religion or belief can practice yoga. This is not surprising as Hinduism will

accept a very wide range of beliefs and practices, including those from other religions. But most

yoga teachers will be interested not only in the exercises themselves, but the whole Hindu

philosophy of life which lies behind yoga, and will introduce this through their class or books. If

your teacher is introducing meditation or any of the philosophies of yoga as well as the exercises,

then you are being introduced to the Hindu religion.

Hathe Yoga: training the body by means of exercise in posture.

Raja Yoga: meditation, observing and stilling the mind.

Karma Yoga: the application of yoga to the way we perform everything in our daily life.

Transcendental Meditation was expounded by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to whom the

Beatles went in the 1960s in search of spiritual enlightenment. It is sometimes maintained that

there is a westernised or Christian form of yoga but this must be seen as a contradiction in terms.

Both yoga and TM are inextricably linked with their Hindu origins.

Christian evaluation

The Bible clearly teaches that all ways do not lead to God. There are only two roads - the way of

Christ to God and other ways which do not lead to God. This is radically different to the

teachings of the Eastern religions from which yoga has come.

ZONE THERAPY

This is similar to, and may have preceded, reflexology, having been practised in China 5000

years ago. It was introduced to the West by Dr William Fitzgerald in 1913. He believed that

there were 10 zones of energy flowing up and down 10 segments of the body in line with our

fingers and toes. Pressure on external areas of these zones was said to promote healing in organs

contained in the same zone or segment. It was later modified by Mrs Eunice Ingham, who

concentrated on the foot, introducing the recent system of reflexology.

THE BEST ALTERNATIVE HEALING43



The Old Testament reveals God as our Healer (from sin and sickness)

Exodus 15:26 ... I am the Lord who heals you.

Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows: yet we considered him

stricken by God and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our

iniquities: the punishment that brought us peace was upon him; and by his wounds we arehealed.

The New Testament reveals Jesus as our Healer

Matthew 11:4-5 Jesus replied, ‘Go back and report to John what you hear and see: the blind

receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised

and the good news is preached to the poor’.

Luke 4:40 When the sun was setting the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of

sickness, and laying his hands on each one he healed them.

The New Testament reveals the followers of Jesus as healers through the power of the Holy

Spirit

Luke 9:1-2 When Jesus had called the twelve together, he gave them power and authority to

drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God

and to heal the sick.

Acts 5:12a,16 The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people.

... Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those

tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.

James 5:14-15 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him

and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the

sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

Mark 16:15-18 Jesus said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all

creation. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be

condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out

demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they

drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, andthey will get well.’

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BIBLIOGRAPHYAnkerberg/Weldon ‘The Facts on Holistic Health 1992 (Harvest House Pub. USA)Tony Bambridge ‘Homeopathy Investigated’ 1988Tony Bambridge ‘Acupuncture Investigated’ 1989A.D. Bambridge ‘Hypnotism Investigated’ 1993 (New Wine Press)Martin & Deirdre Bobgan ‘Hypnosis and the Christian’ 1984 (Bethany House USA)H.J.Bopp ‘Homeopathy’ 1985 (Great Joy)

CICP Paper 1997 on Alternative TherapiesCICP ‘Christians in Caring Professions’R. Cokes ‘Alternative Medicine - Helpful or Harmful?’ 1995 (Monarch Publishing)Jane Gumprecht ‘Holistic Health’ 1986 (Ransom Press USA)Domro Medical Digest - Chiropractic 1984Stephen Faulder ‘The Handbook of Complementary Medicine’John Houghton ‘The Healthy Alternative’ 1985 (Kingsway)Caryl Matrisciana ‘Gods of the New Age’ 1985 (Marshall Pickering)Maranatha Community various papers excerpts produced with permissionSamuel Pfeiffer ‘Healing at Any Price’ 1988 (Word Books)Reisser, Reisser, Welden ‘New Age Medicine’ 1987 (IVP USA)Stephen Sandler, New Ways to HealthDr Andrew Stanway, ed. ‘Alternative Medicine - the Guide to Natural Therapies’Dr Andrew Stanway, Alternative Medicine -Chiropractic

Robert Tisserand “The Art of Aromatherapy’ 1992‘Family Guide to Alternative Medicine’ by numerous contributors

Various contemporary articles in medical journals, newspapers and magazine

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Addendum 2: A Biblical view of healing and wholeness

Because there is no Hebrew word for body in the Old Testament, health in the Old Testament is

not thought of primarily in physical terms. The Old Testament understanding of the person is

that the person is a whole, with no divisions or parts, though two main aspects of the whole are

recognised: flesh (basar) and soul (nephesh) (Psalm 63:1). Health in the Old Testament meanswell-being, righteousness, obedience, strength, fertility, longevity.

Shalom is the Hebrew word which comes nearest to expressing overall well-being. It occurs

about 250 times in the Old Testament, most frequently in Jeremiah (31), Isaiah (27) and Psalms

(27). Shalom applies to all spheres of life, for the individual (1 Samuel 1:17), for social

relationships (Genesis 26:31), for the nation (Isaiah 9:7). True shalom comes only from God

(Judges 6:24).

Sedeq is the Hebrew word meaning “righteousness”, implying straightness or conformity to a

standard (Deuteronomy 25:15). In God, the standard itself is righteous and the effect of Hisrighteousness is to produce righteousness in His people (Psalm 23:3; Jeremiah 31:31-33; Psalm

37:5-6). In the covenant relationship, the norm is God’s holiness and the standard is His will

(Isaiah 42:5-9). Shalom and sedeq flourish together (Psalm 35:27-28). Sedeq is illustrated in the

life of Enoch (Genesis 5:22), and supremely in the life of Abraham.

God’s people are obedient when they hear His voice and do His will. Obedience to God’s law

means freedom from disease (Exodus 15:26), while disobedience means the opposite (Leviticus

26:14-16). Obedience to God’s law is the best form of preventative medicine. Obedience

produces well-being, blessing and the consciousness of belonging to God (Deuteronomy 11:27).

Obedience produces shalom.

There are at least 30 Old Testament words for strength which, taken together, imply the strength

of a person through their whole being. Such strength is a gift of God. We are to wait upon the

Lord to renew our strength (Isaiah 40:31). Choli is the opposite of strength, being the word for

weakness. It is used to describe sickness and disease when weakness is the main presenting

symptom (Genesis 48:1; 1 Kings 14:1). Strength is the expression of health. We are strong

because we are healthy, not healthy because we are strong.

Continued and even exceptional fertility was promised to those of the people of Israel who

obeyed the law of God (Exodus 13:26; Deuteronomy 7:12-14). Isaiah was to lament in this

regard for Israel (Isaiah 48:19).

Longevity is God’s promise to Abraham as part of shalom (Genesis 15:15). Long life is

promised to those who obey God’s law (Exodus 20:12).

If shalom is the key word encompassing health and wholeness, the key Old Testament word

relating to healing is rapha, whose derivatives occur 86 times.

Exodus 15:26 is the foundational statement on healing: ... for I am the Lord who heals (rapha)

you. This verse, and the surrounding text, Exodus 15:22-27, set the healing work of God in the

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context of His covenant relationship with His people.

God is sovereign in healing (Deuteronomy 32:39).

He will respond to a repentant people (2 Chronicles 7:14), and He will cleanse them (2

Chronicles 30:19-20).

He listens to the prayers of His servants (Psalm 30:2).

His healing stirs the praises of His people (Psalm 103:1-3).The Lord is tender towards the broken-hearted (Psalm 147:3).

He grieves when His healing is not recognised (Hosea 11:3).

The book of Isaiah is the book of holiness in which the healing work of God is writ large (e.g.

2:1-5; 6:6-8; 9:6-7; 11:1-9; 35:1-10; 38:1-6; 43:1-3; 53:4-5; 58:6-9a), and Isaiah 61:1-3

foreshadows the ministry of Jesus (Luke 4:16-21).

God also calls His people to have joy and trust in Him in all circumstances! (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Trust was particularly hard in the case of God’s servant Job. An overview shows that events are

happening in two places: in heaven (Job 1:1 to 2:6) and on earth (2:7 to 37:24). Job is not aware

of what is happening in heaven. As a result his suffering becomes unbearable because Job feelstotally cut off from God. But the Lord answers Job out of the storm (38:1). He takes Job on a

journey through the wonders of the created world (38:4-41:34), continually asking Job if he

understand His work in creation. Job does not (42:2).

God gives Job no explanation of his suffering. The drama in heaven remains a mystery hidden

from Job. But the Lord restores him and blesses him in greater measure than ever before (42:12).

It is enough for Job to know God again and to be known by Him.

Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar are Job’s three “friends”. At the very beginning of Job’s loneliness

and suffering they support him perfectly (2:11-13). But as Job expresses his pain, the friends become less and less able to understand. There are three cycles of speeches, each involving each

friend, with Job replying each time. The friends all argue that God is almighty, that He is

perfectly just, and that no man is wholly innocent in God’s sight. Therefore, Job must somehow

deserve his suffering because he is guilty before God. But the drama in heaven between God and

Satan, the accuser of men, makes it clear that the righteous Job is suffering innocently.

Eliphaz is very logical. He rightly argues that we reap what we sow (4:8-93), but he does not

recognise that not everything that happens to Job comes from Job’s own sowing. He rebukes Job

for his anger towards God (15:2-6). He finally appeals to Job to come back to God (22:21-30).

Bildad emphasises the power and justice of God (Chapter 8). He appeals to Job to cast himself

upon God’s justice, “Even now He will restore you”, but he does not relate to Job’s suffering.

God is absolute, strong and sovereign, but Bildad does not hear Job crying out, “Why has this

happened to me?”, “Where is God?”

Zophar is hostile to Job! (Chapter 11) He rightly proclaims God’s wisdom. He describes the

way of repentance but is unsympathetic towards Job and impatient.

Job himself experiences anger, despair, terror and the beginning of hope, some growth in hope, a

moment of great insight: “I know that my Redeemer lives”, and a longing for God.

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God restores Job by communicating with him and 40:15 is a key verse! “ Look at the behemoth (

hippopotamus), which I made along with you.” Job is not humiliated, rather he is humble before

God. In his restoration, he is asked to pray for his three friends. We, the readers, know about the

heavenly drama and are therefore prepared for Job’s restoration. But Job receives his blessing as

well as his suffering out of the mystery of the heart of God. So must we.

Romans 8:17

Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we

share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

There are many healing stories and encounters in the Old Testament. There are four cases of

infertility in Genesis: Sarah; the household of Abimelech; Rebekah; and Rachel. There is healing

by the Prophets: Naaman the Syrian (Elisha); and the sin of Gehazi which caused him to be

punished with Naaman’s leprosy; King Hezekiah (Isaiah); the Son of the Widow of Zarephath

(Elijah); and the Shunammite’s son restored to life (Elisha).

Sickness is sometimes seen as the judgement of God: King Uzziah; Gehazi; King Jeroboam and

his son Abijah; the plague following David’s census of fighting men; the venomous snakes in the

Wilderness.

God’s heart is for the healing of His people, and Isaiah writes in chapter 25:6-9:

Here on Mount Zion the Lord Almighty will prepare a banquet for all the nations of the world - a

banquet of the richest food and the finest wine. Here He will suddenly remove the cloud of

sorrow that has been hanging over all the nations. The Sovereign Lord will destroy death for

ever! He will wipe away the tears from everyone’s eyes and take away the disgrace His people

have suffered throughout the world. The Lord Himself has spoken! When it happens, everyonewill say, “He is our God! We have put our trust in Him, and He has rescued us. He is the Lord!

We have put our trust in Him, and now we are happy and joyful because He has saved us.”

In the New Testament the concept of ‘health’ is similar to that of the Old Testament. Health is

thought of in terms of wholeness and soundness, well-being and life, strength and salvation.

Some key words:

hugies is having the quality of soundness derived from a proper balance of the whole. It is used

by Jesus in Luke 5:31; 7:10; 15:27 and six times in John 6. In the Gospels hugies means the

state of good health which results from the healing of the sick person by Jesus. It often

emphasises physical health. Like shalom, hugies expresses the idea of the soundness orwholeness of the full person.

eirene is the New Testament word most often similar to shalom. It is usually translated ‘peace’.

Eirene is about the peace of good relationships: with God (Romans 5:1), with others (Mark

9:50), with the person’s own relationship within themselves (John 14:27).

zoe means “life”, not in the limited sense of human life between birth and death, but the Life that

Jesus has in Himself and which He gives (John 10:10). It can be argued that one of the

principal themes of the whole of the New Testament is the meaning and content of zoe in

Jesus! (John 20:31) John’s Gospel uses zoe 36 times, with chapter 17:3 being a key verse, and

with ‘eternal life’ being the common phrase. In Paul’s writing zoe occurs 37 times, with

Romans 6:23 a key example. It is the gift of zoe that we have a right relationship with God

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(Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11), and can live in peace with God (Romans 5:11). Our new life

in Christ is lived through the gift of zoe that Jesus gives us (2 Corinthians 5:14-21).

teleios is usually translated “perfect” in English. It describes that which is perfect, mature,

complete, having obtained the end or goal (telos) for which it was created (Ephesians 4:13

‘mature’). We are telier when we fulfil the purpose for which we were created, namely, to be

like God in whose image we are created. This is something for the present (Matthew 5:48) aswell as for the future (1 Corinthians 13:10).

soteria We possess soteria when we are delivered into a safe and sound condition so that we are

‘saved’. This salvation is the supreme gift of God in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12;

Romans 10:10). The Gospel is God’s saving instrument for our soteria (Romans 1:16). We

have a responsibility under God to co-operate with the whole process of our salvation

(Philippians 2:12).

Well-being in the New Testament is the zoe of God within us, making us whole, sound and

righteous. It is the state of blessedness implied in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus sets out

eight different elements, some, or even all, of which may be present in the life of the individualChristian. It is holiness (hagiasmos), the state of being chosen by God (2 Thessalonians 2:1),

and also living as befitting God’s elect (1 Thessalonians 4:3,4,7). Well-being is also considered

to be maturity (teleiosis), measured against the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13), which Paul

says he is aiming at (Philippians 3:12), and to be fully attained only after the resurrection of the

dead (Philippians 3:11). Yet a measure of teleiosis is to be attained in this life (Philippians 3:15;

Romans 12:1-2).

Healing is one of the great gifts of the Holy Spirit to the Body of Christ for the common good (1

Corinthians 12:13), to increase the health and wholeness of His people for God’s purposes.

The Gospels are more concerned with describing the healing process than in defining health.

therapeuo is used to describe three kinds of healing: physical disease by physicians (Luke 4:23);

Jesus’ healing of physical disease or of demon possession; and healing by the disciples of

physical disease (e.g. Matthew 10:8). The root meaning of therapeuo is the giving of a

personal service to another for their good. When we exclude all parallel usages, therapeuo

occurs 26 times in the gospels and is commonest in Matthew and Luke.

iaomai is used almost exclusively of physical healing. It is related to the Greek name for a

physician (iatros). It is used less frequently than therapeuo, occurring 19 times and most

often in Luke.

sozo is a very significant word even though it occurs only 11 times, and most frequently in Mark.(Its close relation diasozo is much commoner.) In the healing stories it carries the sense of

being saved from disease, demons or death. The word always applies to the whole person.

Most important, it also means being saved for salvation in the widest sense, thereby linking

up healing and coming into a saving relationship with God through the forgiveness of sins.

apokakistemi means ‘to restore to a former condition of health and soundness’ (e.g. Matthew

12:13). It occurs just four times in the New Testament.

katharizo is used to describe the healing of leprosy (Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45 and Luke

5:12-15). It implies two changes of state in the sufferer: removal of the disease and removal

of levitical uncleanness under the Law.

dunamis, meaning power, is the commonest term to describe an incident of healing. It is often

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translated as ‘a mighty work’.

semeion is used more than dunamis in John’s Gospel, where healing events are described as

‘signs’.

daimonizomai, with the few remaining words below, is part of the vocabulary of demon

possession. Daimonizomai means demon-possessed or demonised. Ekballo is the word

describing the casting out of demons, literally ‘to drive out’.

The following observations and questions make up a ‘tool bag’ which we can use to help us think

and pray through each healing story in the gospels. The ‘tools’ are not listed in any special order.

Not every ‘tool’ is relevant to every healing story.

As you look at this list, keep several healing stories in mind and see how it works:

• Jesus always makes a difference! How is the situation of the people and the place changed by

Jesus?

• Jesus ministers to the whole person. What does ministry to the whole person mean in the story

and its context?• To what kind of healing does the Bible text give primary witness? (physical? social?

emotional?...)

• Jesus’ ministry is about truth, power and love. Where do we see His truth, sense His power,

feel His love in the healing event?

• Jesus does only what he sees the Father doing. Does the healing story illustrate this truth?

• What does the story show us about the nature of the Kingdom of God?

• Some healing events happen on the Sabbath. Why did Jesus deliberately choose to heal on the

Sabbath?

• What Old Testament prophecies are being fulfilled in the healing event? (e.g. Exodus 15:26;

Isaiah 53; Isaiah 61:1-3; Isaiah 25:7-8)• Does the story record how onlookers reacted to Jesus? Is their reaction favourable or

unfavourable? What is this saying about the onlookers themselves? (Consider in the light of

John 5:23; 10:26; 10:37-38)

• Jesus always has faith and trust in the Father for healing. Is there evidence of faith in the

people who witness the healing or who themselves are receiving healing?

• Is the particular story an encounter with the demonic realm? If so, does the demonic in the

sufferer speak out? What does it say? Why is it that the demonic recognises who Jesus is more

readily than the bystander, or even the disciples themselves?

• On most occasions when Jesus healed sick people, it is people other than Jesus himself who

take the first step (e.g. by bringing themselves or others to be healed). Who took the initiativein the particular story? Why? How does Jesus build upon that initiative?

• How is Jesus actually ministering the healing in the story? By touch? By the spoken word?

By touch and word? Is any other action of Jesus important? (e.g. the use of saliva) What is

Jesus communicating through the total action of ministering the healing?

• James 5:14-15 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over

him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord And the prayer offered in faith will make

workshop fcth med and alt

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