Feng Shui and Alternative Therapies

In previous articles, it was determined Feng Shui is definitely a form of the occult. This determination has its basis on the fact at least four forms of divination are incorporated into Feng Shui practices and philosophies; astrology, geomancy, numerology, sortilege.

In these articles clearly it was shown that according to the Holy Scriptures, God has zero tolerance for any form of divination and the occult.

The practitioners of Feng Shui, seem to acquire their mastery of this philosophy with very little study. Once they hang their “shingle” out as being Feng Shui masters, it seems they are experts in a number of professions, without any indication of training or accreditation.

Further they shy-away from assuming responsibility for the advice they peddle. This advice incidentally comes to their clients at a very hefty fee.

In the last article on health and healing many healing practices was discussed, with only one conclusion, these are steeped in divination and superstition and offer very little medical benefit. None are based on sound scientific or medical knowledge which has been tested and proven hundreds of times.

This article continues on the subject of health. In it we will discuss the many mind-body-spirit healing modalities practiced by those claiming strong discipleship to Feng Shui.

Certainly there are many alternative medical practices, which have definite benefit for some conditions; such a chiropractic In these instances, such forms of alternative medicine are now classified as complementary therapies, because these complement conventional medical treatments, rather than taking from it, which is contrary to many forms of alternative medicine. Perhaps this advice provided by Doctors O’Mathuna and Larimore, in their book, Alternative Medicines: The Christian Handbook, should be the foundation used when considering any form of alternative medical treatment:

“Only remedies with demonstrated benefits (and devoid of any divination, necromancy, mediumship, spiritism, witchcraft or sorcery) should be used. The physical benefits of all remedies are best evaluated by scientific criteria.” (pg. 76)

And now, the A-B-C’s of Alternative Medicines

Acupressure

Over 2000 years ago, Chinese doctors stressed moderation in all things and taught the importance of being in harmony both with one’s body and nature. The emphasis was on wellness because they received payment only if their patients remained healthy.

Acupressure embraces the teachings of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was discussed in the previous article, “Health and Healing the Feng Shui Way”.

Acupressure practitioners work with “acu-points” on the body. They diagnose where and how the flows of chi has been blocked, then by applying pressure on the appropriate points remove the blockage and return the body to balance and restored good health.

The claims of acupressure make it a “cure” the world has long sought. Claims have been propagated that acupressure can treat and cure every kind of illness and disease.

“One Touch Healing” is a form of acupressure with claims to offer “joyous health and freedom from illness the rest of your life… Further, their promotional material claim not only will you be safely and permanently cured of the worse illnesses, it can work to revise the aging process.” pg 145 Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook.

What is wrong with these claims? They are misleading and deceptive. A number of years ago, I was doctoring with a chiropractor who claimed Christianity. She came into contact with the techniques of acupressure and had her assistants learn this procedure.

Despite repeated treatments with this therapy, I could see little benefit for the incredible pain I was experiencing to my back. Chiropractic treatments, were beneficial, ultra-sound was beneficial, but acupressure, zero to none.

Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches acupressure points differ from person to person. By Western scientific standards the validity of this concept is dubious. Studies have disclosed that acupressure has benefited some patients who had morning sickness, nausea, vomiting. To an even lesser degree acupressure has helped a few suffering from chronic headaches.

The cautions for using acupressure are:

• While most treatments are gentle, some types are applied with enough pressure to cause aches and pains that last hours after the treatment.
• Acupressure is based on Eastern Mythology; often practitioners expose their patients to these ideas with a desire to convert them to forms of Eastern Mythology, including Feng Shui.
• Some Feng Shui practitioners of acupressure call upon spiritual powers to aid in the diagnosing and treatment – exposing the patient to occult concepts and powers.
• The results in the majority of cases are modest at best.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, traditionally, has been used in combination with other therapies such as acupressure. Acupuncture basically consists of the insertion of fine needles into the skin to a degree they do not fall out. Generally this is not a deep insertion and the procedure produces very little pain if any.

Like acupressure, acupuncture is based on the belief of the body containing a life energy force known as chi. Blockage of the chi causes imbalances in the body which in turn causes illnesses and disease. Traditional Chinese acupuncture claims to be able to restore the natural flow of the chi.

How? According to ancient Chinese theory the chi that exists within the body is brought back into proper alignment by the insertion of hundreds of these little needles inserted at the meridian points of the body.

Western medical scientists rejecting the idea of chi have developed alternative theories on how acupuncture may work:

• The needles release the naturally occurring hormone endorphins which regulate a person’s pain perception.
• When pain in one part of the body occurs it can be reduced when another part of the body experiences pain or is irritated.
• The flat-out conclusion acupuncture creates little more than a placebo effect.

Yet acupuncture has been heralded as controlling asthma, reducing vomiting and nausea, causing weigh reduction, being effective in treating chronic sinus and allergy symptoms, and to help people walk away from addictive behaviors such as cigarette smoking.

However two studies prove only part of these claims are legitimate. The National Institute of Health in 1997 released a comprehensive review of research done on acupuncture. A similar study in 2000 by the British Medical Association came to the same conclusions.

• Acupuncture is effective in the reduction of nausea and vomiting when following chemotherapy or surgery.
• It was effective in reducing dental pain
• It is not effective in controlling asthma, or in weigh reduction
• It has never been effective in helping a person stop smoking
• It is not recommended as a regular treatment for lower back pain
• It has inconsistent results in healing recurrent headaches and migraines

And, there are some cautions which should be considered before undergoing an acupuncture treatment.

• It should never be used in the hopes of curing an illness
• It should not be used as a replacement for proven therapies
• Although not frequent, infections have occurred from unsterilized needles
• There have been a few cases of the needles puncturing a person’s lungs and causing death.
• Be aware those who mix Feng Shui philosophy with an acupuncture practice may try to convert you to their occult viewpoint.
• Feng Shui as well as those in other forms of Eastern mythology may call upon spiritual powers to assist in treatment – exposing you to occult influences.

(For a Christian this is a very serious consideration.)

Aroma Therapy

Aroma therapy is the use of fragrant oils to attempt to improve a person’s well being. Various plants contain compounds that are not water soluble. These can be extracted from the plant by pressing the plant or by using heat distillation of the oils. Often these oils are then combined with other fragrant oils like sunflower or almond. The mixture is then used as therapy by massage into the skin.

However massage is not the only method for aroma therapy; healing oils in the privacy of one’s home by filling a room with the fragrance is one alternative. Another is adding the fragrant oils to a bath.

What Harm?

On the surface aroma therapy seems quite harmless. Pleasant fragrances are often sought by all of us. Fragrance has tremendous power on our emotions, and some times create a negative effect as well as the positive. Stagnant water for example is totally disagreeable, as is exhaust fumes from automobiles. Yet, the smell of pumpkin pie, a rose, or clean clothes, for most of us are pleasant fragrances.

The problem with aroma therapy is that the practitioners, many also devotees of Feng Shui, exaggerate the benefits of aroma therapy as a form of alternative medicine.

Some examples of what aroma therapy has been claimed to heal:

• Serious illness. (This is a false claim)
• A preventive for all illness (There isn’t any proof aromas prevent illness!)  What are the cautions?
• Some people are allergic to certain plant oils which can produce skin irritations
• There are any number of fragrances which can produce hay-fever like allergies
• Because oils are highly concentrated never should these be ingested in any form (like teas, or “health drinks”).
• Because the skin is an organ, it can absorb agents applied to it. Some people have experienced troublesome side-effects.
• Oils from pennyroyal, parsley seed and juniper have the reputation of causing abortions in pregnant women.
• Children should never be massaged with any oil unless it is used in minute quantities and is well diluted.
• Tea tree oil is a popular oil used in aroma therapy. However it has the potential of irritating the skin. It should never be applied to irritated or broken skin and should never be used near the eyes. Persons with sensitive skin should avoid tea tree oil.
• Aroma therapy is scientifically unproven for specific healing uses
• Scientifically it is dubious as to the potential to cure or treat diseases
• It often becomes a source for quackery or fraud in the hands of some practitioners

Benefits

It has been proven that aroma therapy works well to promote relaxation. It tends to decrease stress and anxiety especially lavender and vanilla fragrances. Some have found lavender and vanilla fragrances to help cure insomnia.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Originating in India, ayurvedic medicine has a worldwide influence. The word “ayurvedic” means, “knowledge of life”.

Ayurvedic medicine is similar to Traditional Chinese Medicine as it believes in a life energy referred to a prana. The prana could be a twin to TCM’s chi. The best known proponent of ayurvedic medicine in the United States is Dr. Deepak Chopra, M.D. She has authored many books, been a practicing physician, and was a part of the Transcendental Meditation, (often referred to as TM) Organization for many years prior to 1993.

Treatments

Ayurdevic practitioners use a variety of treatments to cure any and every disease or illness. The most popular are:

• Transcendental meditation which include alter states of consciousness
• Herbal supplements called rasayanas
• Gemstones referred to as panchakarmas
• Religious ceremonies to petition the aid of Hindu deities. This is known as Yagyas
• Bloodletting with leeches, purging, laxatives, sinus cleansing and enemas to purify the body of negative energies called ama.

Mind, Body and Soul?

Ayurvedic practitioners take control of their patient’s life by advising and insisting on compliance regarding these areas:

• Diet
• Exercise
• Health practices
• Work (where, when and how much)
• Selection of spouse
• Sex life and intimacy
• Personal habits
• Religious beliefs

It seems to me to seek the ayurvedic approach to a health problem one must be willing to submit their mind, body, and soul to the practitioner.

Research and Study Findings

In regard to the various treatment methods used by the ayurvedic doctor, the systematic approach to research and study is to take each method separately.

Transcendental meditation is practiced by many as a stress reducer. However there is a serious risk to one’s mental, physical and spiritual health by engaging in transcendental meditation. It often brings those using it into contact with the demonic realm. It also opens the door to alter states of consciousness. Any knowledge obtained while in such a state could not be trusted or considered reliable. One needs only to open the prophetic books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel in the Bible to obtain scientific proof. These books repeatedly provide numerous accounts of the false prophets of Israel claims to information by visions, trances, dreams, and alter states of consciousness. Each time God showed this method of obtaining knowledge was false, deceptive and lacked true insight.

(Reference: Jeremiah 23:16-32 and Ezekiel 13:3-6)

Herbal supplements. It is a documented fact that a small portion of herbal supplements used as treatment by ayurvedic doctors for cures has been tested and give the appearance of having a modest degree of benefit. Yet there remain thousands of these preparations which have never been scientifically researched, tested or studied. And the use of them could be non-effective to a serious health risk.

The use of gemstones is pure superstition. The benefit is scientifically unproven and highly questionable.

The Hindu belief system is polytheistic being steeped in Eastern mythology and philosophy. Rituals to summons the gods of Hindu religion are about as effective as the prophets of Elijah’s time trying to summons the god, Baal to send down fire to consume their offering. (1 Kings 18:20-38)

Purification practices demand caution. This can not be stressed too strongly. Serous side-effects can and have resulted in some people. Using ayurvedic medical practices exclusively and not as a complementary form of treatment often leads the serious ill patient away from more conventional forms of treatment which have been scientifically and medically proven as being highly effective.

I can not think of any positive or logical reason why anyone holding allegiance to a monotheistic religion should pursue ayurvedic medicines. The very nature of using the Hindu religion with its vast number of gods tramples upon the mutual belief of Christian, Jew and Moslem, of there being only one God.

Color Therapy

Many Feng Shui practitioners also claim the title as color therapist. And many others endorse this form of alternative medicine.

At onset, it has been proven through scientific studies that color does have a psychological effect on a person. Often this is of a personal nature. In other words some one may find red exciting and motivating, and another may find it agitating. There is truth in the saying, “red is the color of love and war”; it can cause feelings of passion and it also can cause feelings of anger. Almost every color affects people in the same way – individually. Some think lavender is sweet and passionate. Others find it depressive. One thing lavender can not do, is make you more spiritual – a claim made by Feng Shui practitioners!

Feng Shui has an entire system of colors that are suppose to alleviate some health condition and aggravate others. This is largely superstition, again, with no proven scientific or medical basis. Alice Westgate has authored the book, “The Complete Color Directory”. I doubt much of what was suggested and propagated as being substantial information regarding healing.

But what about color therapy? Color therapy has no scientific evidence it can treat or cure illness. Yet, this idea is propagated repeatedly by those embracing Feng Shui.

According to doctors Donal O’Mathuna, Ph.D. and Walt Larimore, M.D. in the book they co-authored, “Alternative Medicines: The Christian Handbook” (pg. 239) they provide the following explanation of the benefits of color therapy.

“Color therapy is usually based on the principle of life energies (Charkras, prana, chi, or qi). Practitioners claim to be able to determine if certain colors are missing from a person’s charkra or chi. ….crystals are sometimes used to direct light to different colors and energies to the person. In addition, some practitioners claim to be able to “send” healing colors to the person just by visualizing them. There is no scientific evidence to support the use of light to treat or cure illnesses in this way. ….color therapy should not be used instead of conventional treatment especially for serious illnesses. Christians should be particularly aware of color therapy practitioners who base their ideas on Eastern philosophies and life energies.”

Magnetic Therapy

Magnetic therapy is simply the use of magnets to control pain or promote wellness and healing. These are popular claims often promoted by advocates of magnetic therapy, including many who embrace Feng Shui philosophy.

How Does Magnetic Therapy Work?

There seems to be no clear answer to why or how magnetic therapy works. However there have been a few reports (which have not been validated by the scientific or medical communities).

One of these is an unproven belief that magnets help to balance out the acid-alkaline imbalances in the body. During this process the speed of calcium ions is increased to promote healing; increases in the blood and oxygen circulation occurs; and toxins which cause the pain are carried away.

Another explanation is based on the observation made by Robert Holcomb, a neurologist at Vanderbilt University. He observed under the power of his electron microscope that magnets altered the orientation of chromosomes within the cells.

But, Does It Work?

There are many testimonials on the Internet as well as within various books written on magnetic therapy attesting to the “miraculous” healing powers of magnets.

However from as far back in history as the late 1700’s magnetic therapy was being tested and tried by the then conventional medical community.

There is the account of the prominent New England doctor, Elisha Parkins, who became a strong advocate of magnetic healing based on a treatment he discovered for patients with such conditions as rheumatism. He moved metallic rods over the area where a patient experienced pain. Doctor Parkins became convinced this was the cure for conditions such as rheumatism based solely on his patients attesting to the wonderful relief they experienced from their painful joints.

Unfortunately Doctor Parkins was unaware that the relief his patients experienced was due to what is called, “the placebo effect”. What is a placebo effect? When a person believes he/she feels better because of faith in the treatment, not because of anything the treatment itself does.

At the same time that Dr. Parkins was practicing, another physician, John Haygarth, demonstrated the reality of the placebo effect regarding the use of magnets as a treatment for rheumatism. Dr. Haygarth made copies of the rods used in this treatment out of wood, painting them to look like metal rods. He also had metal rods, like the ones used by Dr. Parkins.

He treated one set of patients using the metal rods, and another set of patients using the wooden rods painted to look like metal ones. The reaction by both sets of patients was the same. Both sets of patients claimed they felt better; they had convinced themselves that the rods Dr. Haygarth used were helping them. We all know wooden rods have no magnetic properties. The conclusion to this experiment was that neither the metallic rods nor the wooden rods were an effective treatment for rheumatism. But the mind can convince a person of most anything; this is why it is wise to guard our minds. (The Bible has many verses which warn us to be careful of those who would mislead us by false thoughts.)

Deception or Over-exaggeration?

The popular use of magnets and the methods promoted and used by many Feng Shui therapists often use promotional material for the use of these permanent magnets, promising results of “pulsating electromagnetic therapy”.

EKG’s, EEG’s and MRI’s are forms of pulsating electromagnetic field therapy and diagnostic technology. But a permanent magnet similar in form to the type used on refrigerator doors to hold notes and reminders can not induce electrical currents.

Problems with Magnetic Therapy

Besides over-exaggerating the properties of the magnets used in magnetic therapy, there are a number of claims frequently propagated:

• Relief of aches, pains, headaches, and arthritis
• Better over-all health
• Cure for cancer
• Relieve enlarged prostate
• Heal almost every illness known to mankind

Now, this is “where-the-rubber-meets-the-road”: The Consumer Justice Center (a nonprofit corporation) in August 2000 filed a lawsuit against one magnet manufacturer alleging its promotional material violates California’s State Consumer Protection law. The manufacturer claimed their magnetic shoes “generated a deep penetrating magnetic field which increased blood circulation, reduced leg and back fatigue, provided natural pain relief, and improved energy levels.” (Source: Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook” pg. 242) The manufacturer removed these claims from their website almost immediately.

This is just one example of the false, misleading and deceptive claims which too often accompanies promotional material to sell the public on the benefits of magnetic therapy. Sadly, the consumer is often scammed out of substantial sums of money for a cure that has yet to be proven effective.

Research, Studies, Tests – The Findings

Repeated studies have concluded that permanent magnets do not increase blood flow. A point presented by Doctors O’Mathuna and Larimore in their book “Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook”, discusses the use of MRI. MRI has magnetic fields two to four times greater than magnets used in magnetic pads or wraps. But there have been no changes in blood circulation reported. (Reference page 242). As wide spread as the use of MRI is today, if blood flow or circulation was affected this would have been clearly reported.

Magnetic necklaces do not relieve shoulder or neck pain; neither do magnetic insoles relieve leg, foot or back pains.

Consider this fact; Calculations have demonstrated that the strength of magnets used in permanent magnetic therapy is so minute there is no way it could affect the flow of ions in the blood.

Further some static magnetic therapy uses pads constructed of strips of magnets placed together, alternating the north and south poles (just like those refrigerator magnets we all have). We all know the limits of refrigerator magnets: They just don’t hold more than one or two thin pieces of paper! So how could the same type of magnets provide any healing when these are tucked within padding so thick a paper clip can’t even stick to it?

Logically there wouldn’t be enough magnetic field to enter the body to relieve pain or to even promote wellness.

A Final Thought

“…the placebo effect is very powerful with the type of conditions for which magnets are commonly recommended. Magnetic therapy has repeatedly come and gone in popularity over the last few centuries, suggesting that it becomes popular briefly because of the placebo effect, then looses support when people do not get better. …much of the popular use of magnets is allegedly based on scientific principles though not ones that hold up under close scrutiny.” (Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook. Pg. 243)

Magnetic therapy is a major modality used by proponents of life energy beliefs; this includes those embracing and/or practicing Feng Shui.

Meditation

If ever there was a concept with a diverse array of meanings it is meditation.

It can mean any of the following:

• To sit quietly while focusing on letting your body relax (this is a great stress reducer) as you inhale and exhale deeply.
• To tune everything out, while concentrating on something that is not the primary concern of the moment.
• Taking a long walk while thinking about possible solutions to a work-related concern or problem (creative problem solving is often done this way).
• To contact spiritual beings or demons
• To study and think deeply about a concept or principle, to focus on God the Creator.

This is spoken about and encouraged in numerous passages of the Bible.

What Type of Meditation is an Alternative Therapy?

Quite often the form of meditation recommended as an alternative therapy has its roots in Eastern religious beliefs including mysticism. Transcendental Meditation is by far the most prevalent and popular. A state of relaxation is the primary goal of meditation as an alternative form of healing.

How Does This Work?

Eastern and mystical meditation was not developed as an agent for healing by reduction of stress and anxiety. Rather, these are a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment. To achieve this spiritual enlightenment a person quiets or empties his/her mind in an attempt to become more aware of their inner self; this often results in a state of alter consciousness, bringing them into contact with what those who believe in this practice as the “Universal Oneness”.

In this state the individual often claims to receive information about their health problem(s) as well as the healing required. This form of alternative healing puts great emphasis on intuition gained during meditation rather than seeking and trusting the proven therapies of conventional medicine.

Documented Problems

Studies have proven TM (Transcendental Meditation) which was very popular during the 1960’s, did not and does not always result in the positive. For example, half of those active as TM trainers report episodes of:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Confusion
• Frustration
• Mental and physical tensions
• Inexplicable outbursts of anti-social behavior

Other studies reveal more serious problems:

• Psychiatric hospitalization for serious mental disorders
• Attempted suicide

Few realize:

• TM is not a simple exercise for stress reduction
• TM has considerable power to deeply impact a person psychologically and spiritually
• TM Problems Forewarned By Scripture
• Trusting our intuition leads to falsehoods and deceptions (Numbers 15:39, Deuteronomy 12:8, Judges 17:6)
• “Insight” received during transcendental meditation opens the door to divination, visions (both are states of altered consciousness). Unless insight clearly comes from God, it reveals the futility and deception of one’s own mind. (Jeremiah 14:14, 25:16-17, 25-32 and Ezekiel 13:1-3).

A Christian’s Meditation vs. Transcendental Meditation

The Bible admonishes us to meditate.

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous. (Joshua 1:8)

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2-3. Also see Psalm 19:14, 49:3, 104:34, and 119:97)

Christian meditation does not empty one’s mind to focus on one’s inner self. It is filling one’s mind with the truths contained in the Bible; focusing on the Creator, the God of all creation, not an attempt to attain “universal oneness”.

True insight, insight which can be trusted (because it has been proven as being true countless times) is based on the revealed Word of God.

Altered states of consciousness have been proven to bring people into a spiritualism making then extremely vulnerable to demonic or otherwise unwholesome influences.

If you are a Christian, remember what the Apostle Paul penned:

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Polarity and Reflexology Therapies

Polarity Therapy, is a modern concept which came into existence largely due to the studies and writings of Dr. Randolph Stone (a doctor of osteopathy and a chiropractor).

His studies included various Eastern and Western belief systems relative to healing. Among these was Ayurvedic. He latched onto the Traditional Chinese Medicine concept of a universal energy or Chi. He also became a practitioner of geomancy, embracing the concepts of earth sources controlling a person’s life (such as air, fire, water, earth, and ether). Ether according to the Webster Dictionary is, “an imaginary substance regarded by the ancients as filling all space beyond the moon and making up the stars and the planets.” (pg 480 Webster’s New World Dictionary).

The idea of polarity therapy lies heavy in ideas about life energy sources, rather than in proven facts of human anatomy and physiology. In other words, Dr. Stone believed that energy was polarized, containing a negative, neural and a positive pole. When there is a mental or physical trauma to the body, the energy flow is blocked. By using certain hands on techniques, mental techniques, diet and exercise, these blocks would open naturally.

One practitioner of Polarity Therapy, Dr. Jill N. Henry, EdD, PT, APP, made this statement about the conventional medical profession:

“Medicine today is still practiced, for the most part, under the beliefs of Isaac Newton and others, who believed that the body is made up of isolated parts, like a machine. These parts connect with each other physically and biochemical, but have no underlying essence. ….In current medical practice, the patient is a victim of some external, mechanical disease or trauma. There is little a patient can do for themselves and certainly no way for the mechanism of transformation to occur.” (Internet Article – Mountain View Center.com. Pg 1)

Dr. Henry continues to suggest that the body is not solid but a web of space and energy.

This thought leaves me wondering if she has not seen the body by X-ray, Echo-cardiogram, MRI’s, or even ultrasound technologies. And, as a student nurse, a number of years ago, nothing was more revealing of the body, than to watch a surgery being performed. It sure looked more like what was diagramed, drawn, illustrated in my anatomy book than a web of space and energy. This provokes a question, if her theory of the body being a web of space and energy is right, how is it conventional doctors continue to perform life-saving surgeries…as a result of their education steeped in the fact of the body being solid? How does one operate on space and energy?

Polarity Therapy is a combination of massage, therapeutic touch and reflexology. The touching and pressing is in a sequence of events which connect negative and positive currents in the body tissues to remove blocks and free the flow of energy.

What Are The Results of a Polarity Session?

• An overall sense of well-being, muscle relaxation.
• Cleansing of toxins and blocks from the body system (no scientific or medical proof)
• Coming first hand into the occult by the use of divination
• A hefty fee

Reflexology

The practice of reflexology today involves using pressure at the reflex points in the body to break up the granular accumulations and restore the balance flow of energy.

Practitioners of reflexology claim it aids every part of the body and relieves more than a hundred illnesses or ailments. Such as:

• Acne
• Asthma
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Cold
• Fatigue
• Impotence
• Infections
• Stress

Studies Conclude:

Reflexology can relieve stress. It does not and can not cure or relieve any of the others ailments it has made a claim to healing.

It is a belief of those practicing reflexology that if there is a sore spot at the base of the great toe, it means tightness and soreness in the neck. About thirty some years ago, following a serious auto accident, I was doctoring with a chiropractor. A lady doctor, testifying to Christianity, but utilizing forms of Eastern medicines. Reflexology was one of these. My neck was often sore and stiff, and it still is from time to time; but never have I experience a sore spot on my great toe! This has to be all superstition again!

A Yellow Light

Any treatment which involves “detoxification” can lead to flu-like symptoms; lightheadedness, sleep disturbances, and diarrhea. This appears to be the only serious side effect.

Because reflexology can relief stress, it can not be the only treatment a patient should seek for stress. Stress often leads to heart problems, cancer, and other disorders just as serious. Reflexology has no provision for diagnosing these kind of problem, nor can it treat these problems. It goes without saying, that failure to obtain treatment from a conventional doctor can prove fatal for a person with one of these conditions.

Reiki

What is Reiki? Reiki is a practice utilizing life energies. It uses the hands as a means for healing in much the same way as polarity therapy, acupressure or reflexology. It differs as the practitioner calls on spirits for healing.

Originating in Japan, Reiki literally means universal life or vital force. Once again proponents claim it can cure just about any condition of illness or disease. Some have even gone as far as stating Reiki can cure mental disorders, marital problems, cancer and drug addiction.

Studies Prove Little Benefits

There have been only a few controlled studies using Reiki. There have been no conclusive findings that Reiki is a cure for any ailment. Case studies which have been reported in a few medical journals provide a testimony where an individual claims to have been cured by Reiki.

The Yellow Light Just Changed to Red

Reiki should be nothing a Christian would even consider. It is very antithetical to Biblical Christianity. Communicating with spirits is a major part of the Reiki therapy session. As mentioned before the Bible clarifies this type of activity as divination, sorcery, mediumship and spiritism. And it clearly states God’s position for these kind of practice as zero tolerance.

According to Doctors O’Mathuna and Larimore, “Contacting spirit guides is dangerous spiritually, physically, and emotionally. …In their literature, Reiki practitioners claim to seek what is called the Kundalini experience, the pinnacle of psychic experiences, which can cause severe emotional and psychological disturbances.” (pg 268)

Yoga also seeks to attain the Kundalini experience. What is the Kundalini experience?

According to Hindu mythology, Kundalini is the serpent goddess who rests at the base of the spine. When aroused Kundalini travels up the person’s spine and activates the prana or chi, clearing the person’s chakras or energy transformers. Eventually, Kundalini will reach the head and opens practitioners to enlightenment from occult and spirit guides.

(Source: Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook. Pg. 286)

Conclusion

So many forms of alternative medicines incorporated into healing practices used by Feng Shui practitioners and their patients follow after the same philosophies that Feng Shui is founded on; the Occult.

Scientific and medical studies and observations have proven a large percentage of the claims made by these practitioners can not be substantiated.

For the unwary patient, they very often are enticed to trying one of these healing modalities. Often at a very hefty price. It is truly an area where the old consumer slogan, “buyer beware” fits like a custom glove.

On one Feng Shui practitioner’s web site this statement was made: “the only healer that can heal you, is you.” This seems to put a lot of responsibility onto the individual for healing, rather than acknowledging the fact the only Healer is God. We did not create ourselves. Again, we must turn to the Creator who can fix any problem His creation may experience, regardless of whether it is physical, mental, emotional or spiritual

For the Christian, there shouldn’t be any reason to seek any of these alternative forms of medicine. The Bible makes many references to healing.. No where is divination utilized. Jesus performed many miracles of healing. To make any person equal to him or to try to make his healing on the same level as what some Feng Shui therapies have suggested is totally unacceptable. Jesus healed because he is the Son of God, having the same powers as God the Father.

The Bible talks much about healing. Doctors are often used by God to heal. Luke, one of the disciples and the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts was a physician.

For anyone wondering what the Bible tells us about healing the following is a list of references may provide answers and enlightenment.

2 Chronicles 16:12

Psalm 103:3

Isaiah 35:5-6, 53:4

Jeremiah 8:22, 17:14, 46:11

Matthew 8:16-17, 9:1-7 & 18-25, 10:1, 15:31, 17:14-20

Mark 6:4-5

Luke 4:38-39, 6:19, 7:21-23

John 5:1-8, 11:4

Acts 3:11-16, 19:11-12

1 Corinthians 12:28-31

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

James 5:13-15

It is true, not always does one want to seek just the expertise of a convention doctor. Sometimes, complementary forms of medicine, used in combination with the standard conventional forms provide the best results. There are some complementary forms which do work well, and many physicians are willing to suggest these forms if asked. Whatever your decision for treatment, it is wise to know exactly what the therapy involves.