Author: Russ Wise From http://www.christianinformation.org/article.asp?artID=65

Medicine with a Soul


The way we “do” medicine is changing. Holistic or alternative health practices have given rise to a growing number of questions in the medical community.


Holism as a competing world-view causes new concerns for the Christian. It opens the window of change – from a medical perspective grounded in science and diagnosis to one that may utilize occult philosophy as a diagnostic tool.


Marilyn Ferguson, a new age sociologist, claims that “the impending transformation of medicine is a window to the transformation of all our institutions.”This new paradigm is not only a shift in how we do medicine but a shift in consciousness on the spiritual level.


Holistic health encompasses a very broad spectrum of therapies that are used in the healing arts. Treatment is based on the recognition that each of us is a whole person made up of the interacting elements of body, mind, and spirit.


A Time magazine article reports that 62% of individuals who had not been helped by conventional medicine would consider alternative medicine for help. Eighty-four percent said that they would go back to an alternative doctor.The momentum is clearly in the holistic therapist’s favor. A growing number of people are disturbed by the inability of conventional practices to bring relief to their suffering. As a result, we find ourselves being exposed to religious ideas that are contrary to the Judeo-Christian worldview.


According to Harvard scholar Diana Eck, this spiritual makeup is largely due to the fact that America is no longer Protestant, Jewish, and Catholic. America is increasingly influenced by Eastern cultures ¾ namely, Moslem, Buddhist, Hindu, and other faiths that embrace alternative methodologies.


Holistic medicine is founded in ancient medical practices with its roots deep in religious ideas. Whereas holistic therapies are grounded in religious practices, traditionally western medicine is not.


There are several categories of holistic medical therapies that we need to understand.

Natural therapies are those which are not man-made or technological in nature.


       ¾ Ayurveda - an ancient healing methodology from India that blends herbal treatments with Hindu religious teachings. An Ayurvedic Proverb states, “without proper diet, medicines are of no use, with proper diet, medicines are of no need.”Ayurveda prescribes vegetarianism exclusively.


       ¾ Chiropractic - the use of the inherent healing properties within the body by the manipulation of the spine and muscles to treat disease. Chiropractic work is an open door for many into a new age world-view. It is important to note, however, that this treatment is legitimately practiced by Christians.


       ¾ Homeopathy - a system of diagnosis and treatment founded on the belief that “like cures like” in minimum dosage. This practice implies that universal energy is the foundation of health.


       ¾ Macrobiotics - a rigid diet and lifestyle. The diet consists primarily of whole grains and vegetables. Macrobiotics becomes an all-consuming life-style that pulls the individual into Oriental philosophy where meditative altered states of consciousness are encouraged.

Mind therapies are those practices that put the power of the mind over illness. The real work is done in the mind. The inner self brings about whatever results the conscious mind desires. As a result man creates his experience (healing or health) through his beliefs about himself and the nature of reality. In other words, one creates his own reality or health.


       ¾ Biofeedback - a technique to gain control over bodily functions by the use of visual or auditory practices. This practice can open one up to other methodologies that use the mind as a tool in the healing process which, in reality, use occultic mind over matter therapies.


       ¾ Yoga - a meditative technique to establish a union between the practitioner and the Hindu god, Brahma. Yoga is an entryway into the occult world.

Energy therapies are those practices that use universal or life energy (chi or prana) to strengthen the weakened body. These therapies encourage a belief in the oneness of all life, including plant, animal, and human.


       ¾ Acupuncture - a Chinese system of treatment where needles are inserted into specific points of one’s body to manipulate energy (chi or prana) and restore proper flow of chi to maximize one’s health.


       ¾ Applied Kinesiology - a form of chiropractic treatment that tests muscle strength or weakness to diagnose illness. The manipulation of chi is primary for wellness.


       ¾ Iridology - a system of diagnosis where the iris of the eye is read to identify disease and establish treatment.


       ¾ Crystal Work - a shamanistic technique to manipulate chi. Crystals are used to diagnose and treat illness. Crystals are traditionally used in muscle testing, dream work, visualization, divination, and spirit channeling.


       ¾ Reiki - the manipulation of the life force, chi, to bring healing and well- being to the individual. It is a precise way of using ‘light energy’ to restore and balance your own vital energy - physically, emotionally, and mentally - and to connect with your inner self - your spirit.


       ¾ Therapeutic Touch - the channeling of psychic energy from the practitioner to patient to bring about healing.

Supernatural therapies are those therapies that employ psychic practices and spiritism to treat the patient.


       ¾ Channeling - the employment of spirit guides to diagnose and treat disease using a psychic source.


       ¾ Psychic Surgery - often practiced by a novice who works under the influence of a spirit guide. The surgery is most often done without the use of a sterile medical environment or anesthesia.


       ¾ Spirit Guides - an entity that guides the practitioner during diagnosis and treatment. The guide is summoned while the individual is in an altered state of consciousness.