Focus on Alternative Medicines&Therapy

This question was brought by EF and while sorting the boards s did not bring her pointers but I believe was brought in the opening post.
Elaine.
Question for FOCUS on:

It is about the inter-relation between Spiritual and Physical health. I am sure it would be possible to add Mental wellbeing into the mix also. Often when one aspect of our lives suffers terribly the other aspects are also affected to varying degrees.

Just wondering what the thoughts of people here are

From: Missy Sent: 22/09/2008 11:20
Just a little info I looked up, some of you may find useful/interesting.



Hypnosis

Andrew Fergusson

Hypnos was the Greek god of sleep and his name gives us the words 'hypnosis' (a particular mental state) 'hypnotism' and 'hypnotherapy' (related processes). It also gives us the familiar pharmacological term 'hypnotic' for a drug used to induce sleep.

We understand surprisingly little medically about hypnosis, and it has always been somewhat controversial - the British Medical Association first expressed concern at a special meeting in 1890. In addition, most Christians recognise there may be specifically spiritual issues involved. This article attempts a Christian assessment of hypnosis in the medical context and deals briefly with the use of hypnosis for entertainment.

History

Activities we would probably call hypnotism have been described for at least 3,000 years. The Ebers Papyrus describes Egyptian soothsayers using hypnosis, and 'the Hindu fakirs, the Persian magi, the Indian yogi and the Greek oracles also used similar methods under different names'.[1]

However, it was the Viennese physician Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815) who drew most attention to the phenomenon, and this led to another name for hypnotism - 'mesmerism'. As psychology was studied more at the turn of this century, interest increased, and some psychological casualties from the First World War were treated with hypnosis.

From the early 1980s onwards there has been more interest still, associated with the rise of alternative medicine.



Below is something I found very interesting, especially in RED.



Repressions and regressions

Twentieth century psychology has learnt more and more about the subconscious or unconscious mind (and hypnosis appears to have played a significant part in that understanding). Much psychopathology has been put down to repressions - the 'burying' of memories too painful to contemplate consciously. Hypnosis has been used to uncover such repressions so that the information can be used therapeutically.

Sometimes, and more controversially, patients have been 'regressed' to earlier points in their histories - including to birth and before. By the time this process becomes 'past life therapy' (regressing patients back to the personalities they were in previous reincarnations) Christians will have detected the lie. The Bible rules out reincarnation when we are told 'man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment'.[2]

This illustration makes it clear that while hypnosis may be a useful 'investigative' tool, some practitioners are clearly being dangerous liars and must be avoided.



How have Christians viewed hypnosis?

Having attempted briefly to get a balanced overview of the physical, psychological and social aspects of hypnosis, what (if any) are the spiritual aspects? How have Christians reacted?

We know surprisingly little for certain about hypnosis, and should in all humility recognise this ignorance. Christians tend to react to uncertainties in one of two equal and opposite ways - to credit God with all the gaps in our knowledge or to blame the Devil for the very same gaps!

Thus, in 1987, Nucleus carried two sharply contrasting articles from Christians about hypnosis. Norman Vaughton, who at the time lectured and practised privately in hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, wrote[6]:

'As a Christian... I use my mind with all its strange and wonderful potential, in all its different states of consciousness, and with all its different functions, hopefully for good - and that includes the whole fascinating, mysterious and wonderful area of hypnotic effects. They are as much God created and open to use and abuse as any other function of creation. I also know that frequently during hypnotic sessions I will suddenly be filled with an awareness that what I am doing is something of therapy, something of hypnosis, and something of prayer, and they are all so much entwined and the same that I do not really believe any separation would be possible; and of the presence of God I am utterly certain.'

By contrast, A. D. Bambridge, a qualified male nurse with a BSc, was concerned that when psychological defences were lowered during hypnosis, there was a considerable risk of demons entering the psyche. He believed the roots of hypnosis were occult and ruled it out absolutely for Christians, concluding[7]:

'Whilst hypnosis and its use in hypnotherapy seem merely to be the input by the hypnotist of ideas into the subconscious of a subject in a heightened state of suggestibility, I would contend that this art of psychic manipulation is in fact of demonic origin. Though these roots of hypnosis are now obscured by an undergrowth of scientific jargon, it remains a dangerous activity to anyone involved.
I find this quite interesting.
MISSY.

From: Missy Sent: 22/09/2008 10:58
Well I wouldnt use it. When we get ourselves into that state of mind, satan will surely send summit ugly in, afterall we've just given him total control by going under a spell. Will look up some scripture Lane. (or try)
These thigs in my opinion are satanic, we need to be wise.

MISSY.

Hypnotherapy Does this have a help place as a Christian?

In another Christian group I belong to someone joined as Rev............
and it was made known into Hypnotherapy God uses physicians and surgeons but to my mind hynotherapy as a healing well! hm
surely we are opening our minds to all sorts using this kind of help.

Your view please and if possible scripture backup.
Elaine.

From: trevor_of_bude Sent: 03/12/2007 23:24
In respect of the question about the holistic view of man perhaps it could be asked in this way.

How does our physical wellbeing affect the soul?

From: Dunggate Sent: 18/07/2006 15:34
In view of the hot weather we are having and the bites and stings I thought a good idea to post this also as we are on the subject of alternative medicines etc.
Good Morning Folks,

I hope the past week was good for everybody. It was recently brought
to my attention that what may seem to be common knowledge to most of
us, may not be for all of us. In choosing a topic I have to be
careful to include topics of interest to everybody. Hence this post on
controlling pest by natural means.

Why would you want to go through the trouble when the supermarket has
such a wonderful array of pesticides? My guess is for pretty much the
same reason that you might want to try alternatives to the fantasic
array of over-the-counter remedies and drugs. Many "may" be toxic.
(We don't want to make the mistake of excluding the word "may" - The
FDA can carry guns and seize property you know)

Pesticides kill everything, killing both the pests along with their
natural predators. So once the insect predators are eliminated, pest
populations grow unchecked and you need even more pesticides, a
never-ending circle. While many of us are concerned about the use of
pesticides on our food, according to the SPCP, "suburban lawns and
gardens receive far heavier pesticide applications per acre than most
agricultural areas". Did I hear you say WOW? Most consumers don't
realize how potentially harmful they can be. (We don't want to make
the mistake of excluding the word "potentially")

Kids play outside considerably more than most adults and are at a
greater risk of serious health issues like asthma, childhood leukemia,
lymphoma etc. Lawn chemicals can harm pets too. And we are not even
talking about the use of INDOOR pesticides yet. Besides, pesticides
are very easily tracked indoors. A recent EPA study found 23
pesticides in dust and air inside homes.

But enough of that pre-info. What can we do about it? Beautiful
lawns, gardens and parks can be maintained without using pesticides.

Safer Pest Control Project (SPCP) offers alternatives to pesticides
and maintains lists of lawn care professionals who can provide
non-toxic lawn care. Look them up on the net. I think it is
www.spcp.org or .com.

LEARN ABOUT ESSNTIAL OILS:
There are many, many plant oils that bugs just cannot stand. They are
in the plant to protect it from bugs!! They can be purchased at almost
any health food store.

Dilute 1 ounce of ESSENTIAL OIL OF PENNYROYAL in 16 ounces vegetable
oil to effectively repel mosquitoes. Keep a vial of this dilution with
you when headed for a picnic, swing in the hammock or anywhere
mosquitoes hang out. Oil of pennyroyal has protected campers in the
swampiest of areas; directly apply the dilution to exposed areas of
skin. (You may have difficulty locating oil of pennyroyal.

CAUTION: Pennyroyal shouldn't be used around pets, especially pregnant
pets.

Black flies ruining a relaxing day in the park? Check out the
surrounding area for aromatic evergreen trees, break off a branch,
mash it with a rock and apply to arms and legs. The released essential
oils will repel those bothersome bugs. The ESSENTIAL OIL OF LAVENDER,
which can be applied directly on the skin, can also repel black flies.

Donâ€t be the local attraction for stinging insects. Bees, wasps, and
yellow jackets are attracted by sweet smells and bright colors. If you
donâ€t want them to think you are a delectable flower to explore, avoid
wearing perfumes and scented hair and body care products, as well as
brightly colored clothing. Neutral colors such as tan and white are
least likely to attract unwelcome visitors. Cover sugary food and
drinks at picnic sites.

It's a Jungle Out There
That takes care of the indoors, but what about the great outdoors?
There, gardens and humans alike are fair game, and our pest problems
are often worse. When bugs start biting, try these strategies to save
both crops and skin:

ESSENTIAL OIL FLEA COLLAR:
While chemical flea collars seem tempting to use, read the ingredients
carefully and check the chemicals for safety at Scorecard, the
Environmental Defense Fundâ€s database of chemicals. According to the
Cancer Prevention Coalition (CPC), ingredients on some flea collars
are carcinogens, neurotoxins, or both.

An effective and natural collar can be made using repellent essential
oils. According to many testimonials, these collars really do work.

Choose an absorbent collar for your pet, such as the widely available
heavy-duty woven nylon collars. The collar will absorb essential oils,
an no additional collar is needed. Essential oils that repel fleas and
ticks include citronella, rosemary, and rose geranium. Buy only 100
percent pure essential oils, and using an eyedropper, put just one or
two drops on the collar. Repeat each week. Some animals are very
sensitive to the strong smell of essential oils, so start with just
one drop and increase to two if they seem to tolerate the smell. If
ticks are the biggest problem, use rose geranium; for fleas choose
citronella if for a dog, but not for cats.

CAUTION: Cats are sensitive to citrus, so avoid citronella. Make sure
not to get the essential oil in the petâ€s eyes or directly on their skin.

TIP:
Give dogs up to 2 cloves of garlic a day. Disguise the cloves in food
they canâ€t refuse. The odor the pet emits after eating garlic repels
fleas and ticks. (Garlic is not safe for cats.)

MORE:

Strange but true - ants will not cross a chalk line. Actually, they
will not walk in any kind of powder because it gets stuck to their
feet. This is true of most crawling insects. Baby powder is a great
solution! Placing bay leaves and/or cucumber peelings in the bottom of
your drawers and cabinets all help repel ants and roaches.

Ants can also be defeated with borax powder, or ground cloves.

Borax Acid is a powder that dries bugs out. (including roaches)

Moths can be discouraged with cedar wood blocks are chips. Better
yet, cedar wood furniture.

All types of flying insects are repelled by the smell of basil. If you
keep a few healthy, well-watered basil plant in your house your
problem maybe solved. If not a plant, how about a cheesecloth bag with
fresh-dried basil?

A garbage can can produce a thousand flies a week if it is not sealed
properly. Flies detest oil of lavender. If you soak a cotton ball in
the oil and put it in the garbage can at the beginning of your week,
the flies should stay away. Oil of clove and mint sprigs are also good
fly repellents.

Mice, Squirrels and Gophers just hate the scent of peppermint. Place
some oil of peppermint on a cotton ball and place it where the animals
seem to go (or right into a gopher hole!) and they won't be around
long. Squirrels--chipmunks, marmots, prairie dogs, and woodchucks are
all in the squirrel family.

Castor Oil
Repel squirrels by mixing 1/2 cup castor oil and two gallons water and
using the solution to water your vegetable garden. The castor oil
enriches the soil while simultaneously repulsing rodents.

Vegetable Shortening or Vaseline
Keep squirrels away from a bird feeder by greasing the pole to the
birdhouse with Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening. The squirrels will try
to climb up the pole but will slide right back down, providing you
with hours of free entertainment.

Epsom Salt
To repel raccoons, sprinkle a few tablespoons of Epsom Salt around
your garden and garbage cans. Raccoons dislike the taste of salt.
Repeat after rain. Epsom Salt is good for your plants and will not
harm rodents.

Black Pepper and Red pepper
To keep squirrels and raccoons away from flowerbeds and vegetable
gardens, sprinkle Black Pepper in your garden. These animals have a
keen sense of smell and are repelled by the scent of pepper. After it
rains, be sure to re-pepper the garden. Keep squirrels out of your
bird feeder by sprinkling the birdseed with Ground Red Pepper. The
birds cannot taste the pepper, but squirrels can--and want nothing to
do with it.

Peppermint Oil, Cotton Balls, and Panty Hose
Saturate a few cotton balls with peppermint oil, place inside the foot
of a pair of clean, used panty hose, and hang from a fence post, tree
branch, or bush. The smell of mint repels squirrels and raccoons.

Slinky
To prevent squirrels from climbing up the pole to a bird feeder,
secure a Slinky to the bottom of the feeder and let it hang down the
pole. The bouncing springs will frighten away animal intruders.

==============================

LEGAL NOTE: You can't legally catch mice in Cleveland, OH without a
hunting license. I wouldn't advocate breaking the law, so take your
own chances. :-)

As you can probably tell, the list for natural alternatives to
pesticides go on and on and on.
Look some up for yourself. In other words....

Why take my word for it? Use a good search engine like www.google.com
or mamma.com or dogpile.com and do your own research.

Until next time remember, most illness (upwards of 80% according to
experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that canweaken
your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:

1. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt and other STRESS factors.
LEARN TO FORGIVE AND LET GO.

2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits.LEARN TO AVOID
PROCESSED AND/OR REFINED FOODS.

3. A sedentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE.
FIND SOME KIND OF PHYSICALLY ENGAGING ACTIVITY. MORNING OR EVENING
WALKS WORK WONDERS!

4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time.GO TO BED. "EARLY TO BED AND
EARLY TO RISE; MAKES A MAN HEALTHY, WEALTHY AND WISE".

LEGAL DISCLAIMER - Required by the FDA.

The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration and
these statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent
any disease.

From: Missy Sent: 11/07/2006 16:10
Interesting, thanks for that Laney.
From: Gilly Sent: 13/07/2006 17:12
Yes Elaine, a very good post.
Sensible living and nutrition are the key to as healthy a life as possible.....and finding a doctor you have faith in who has time to listen and advise.

And in answer to your post #10 missy.....no I don't.
Most of my clients are not Christians. Not that Christians don't need a listening ear because as we all know, we do!!!
It's just more important that if someone feels that a counsellor will help their situation that they find a Christian counsellor.
A Christian counsellor accepts the Bible as the final authority to all situations in our lives. God created us and he has provided for all our life situations in His Word. And unlike our secular counterparts we are able to have Holy Spirit led sessions. The Holy Spirit knows where, when and how deep to probe amongst damaged emotions.
The privilege of counselling another Christian however means we are able to pray together over their situation.

Gilly

From: Dunggate Sent: 10/07/2006 09:10
Herb-Of-The Week / Using Caution With Herbs

While lots of people are beginning to experiment with alternative
remedies such as herbology, nutrition therapy, oxygen therapy,
accupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy and such things, many people
underestimate the power of alternative medicine.... herbs in
particular.

This can be prove to be VERY (gravely) dangerous.

Every good outdoorsman or Boy Scout knows that you just don't go
skipping through the forest eating any kind of plant. Some are
extremely fatal. Conversely, herbs are as serious as any other type
of drug. The simple fact is HERBS *ARE* drugs. Many prescription
medications are made from herbs - after they have been "processed"
and patented. As Mark Twain once said, "Be careful about reading
health books. You may die of a misprint."

Some things to be aware of:

HERBS MAY CLASH W/PREscriptION DRUGS:

EVERYTHING you ingest is either a medicine, a toxin or both. Plain
old everyday food may react in unknown ways to drugs such as
antibiotics (don't drink milk with tetracycline), blood-thinners and
drugs for treating hypertension or depression. In that same light,
many herbs don't mix very well with prescription drugs and the mix
can cause serious complications. While herbs generally mix very well
with other herbs... mixing herbs with prescription drugs is
different story. Because of this TELL YOUR DOCTOR.

Tell your doctor about the herbs and supplements you might be taking.
Sometimes we don't want to be viewed with scepticism from the doctor
or looked upon as crazy. But if you need emergency treatment, your
doctor needs to know what you're taking. Otherwise, you CAN have some
dangerous complications between your alternative medicines and any
regular/conventional care.

Heart surgery is especially problematic for herbal medicine users.
Garlic, fish oils, St. John's Wort, gingko and ginseng are some of
the herbal supplements that interfere with conventional heart
therapies. Simple vitamin C supplements may interfere with the work
of anticoagulants such as Coumadin (warfarin) or heparin.

Taking St. John's Wort seems to be the reason why the bodies of some
kidney transplant recipients rejected the new organs. St. John's wort
interferes with antirejection drugs. St John's Wort also interferes
with some drugs used to treat AIDS. Exposure to bright lights and
taking St. John's Wort has been connected with eye damage. So don't
be staring at the sun or staring inside the office copy machine while
taking St. John's Wort.

It is also good to tell your doctor is when the herbs are working!
When your alternative medicine is actually working better for you
than the traditional treatment, this may allow the doctor to reduce
or eliminate your dosage of prescription drugs. I have seen this
happen on numerous occassions. Particularly w/ diabetes and
hypertension. Telling your doctor *might* cause more research and
study to be done on the alternative treatments. Of course there is a
conflict of interest as the pharmaceutical industry does not profit
from any of this. But it seems that public interest has caused the
drug companies to start selling herbs - even though they "may be
harmful" . They really care about us don't they? In many cases,
doctors that care about your health will tell you to "keep doing
whatever you're doing". That's the most they can legally say.

THE THING IS TO FIND A DOCTOR THAT IS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT BOTH
CONVENTIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE. (KNOWN AS A C.A.M. DOCTOR)
KEEP IN MIND THAT TO BE A DOCTOR ONLY REQUIRES ONE OR TWO NUTRITION
CLASSES SO IF HE DID LEARN NUTRITION IN ADDITION TO HIS MEDICAL
DEGREE, THEN HIS KNOWLEDGE IS EXTREMELY LIMITED.

EVERYBODY'S DIFFERENT:
Everybody will not react the same way to the same herb. Thankfully
there's more than one herb for the same condition. For instance for
enlargement of the prostate one might use Saw Palmetto, Pygeum Bark,
or Pumpkin Seed Oil. Not only that, but one herb can be used for
different conditions. For instance St. John's Wort is commonly used
for depression. But it also a very powerful antioxidant that reduces
free radical damage, thus helping to prevent cancer. Bright Eye is
used to keep the eyes bright and clear. But it also used to treat
coughs and colds. Flaxseed oil is used to treat depression AND
Attention Deficit Disorder. But it also a source of omega-3 fatty
acids which have been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol
AND help with menopausal problems.

Eventually you'll run across an herb that doesn't seem to help or one
that you may be allergic to. Or one that you just don't like. First,
begin by taking a little bit first to see if you're allergic. And
remember that herbs don't work as fast as prescription drugs. Herbs
are *systemic*. They are used to fix the root cause (pun intended)
over a period of time. In many cases prescription drugs are used to
treat the SYMPTOMS and not the problem. The second thing to be aware
of is that there is what's called a "healing crisis". In other words,
as a wound heals, the itching can become unbearable. This happens
with herbs. Sometimes when they first begin to work, one will
actually feel worse.

HERBS AND PREGNANCY:
Many herbs should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women. On a
related note, a study at Loma Linda University suggests that some
herbs may actually make getting pregnant very difficult. These
include St. John's wort, echinacea, and ginkgo biloba.

THINK:
You are ultimately responsible for your own well-being. It is
important to stress that I am personally not against or opposed to
traditional / conventional medicine. Go with whatever works! If you
get your ear shot off; Go see a doctor!! But after the initial
treatment, there might be some herbs that speed up the healing
process. Always consult with your doctor. Always get a second
opinion. Always get the opinion of a professional alternative
medicine practioner or a naturopathologist (a degreed professional
that is sometimes a physician as well). Sometimes a dietary change
can improve conditions. Alternative medicine and conventional
medicine both have their advantages.

OVER THE COUNTER AND PREscriptION DRUGS:
Far more people die from prescription drugs than herbs. To be fair,
more people use "approved" drugs. LOTS of people have died from
aspirin!! NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are
over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin.
It's estimated that 16,500 people die from use of NSAIDS each year.
By contrast 16,685 people die from AIDS each year. Almost the same
amount. One thousand people die each year from salmonella poisoning
as a result of the nasty conditions of food-processing plants. Not to
mention e. coli and listeria. Look past the hype. When you hear
skewed reports of people experiencing bad side-effects from an herb
one should maybe compare the side-effects with something else - like
aspirin, msg or apartame. Pray for guidance.

From: Missy Sent: 07/07/2006 14:07
So Gilly,

Do you recommend christians only recieve christian counselling?
MISSY.

From: Dunggate Sent: 08/07/2006 16:25
An interesting subject.... thanks Kem for chosing this. Actually when pc is behaving I post herb of the week on another Group I manage.
I think of the scripture where it says when one devil is driven out several comes in if the Lord is not filling our mind, with regard to hypnosis. A definate no no for me.
Sorry for brief but pc connection dont stay on long enough for me to write more in reply.
Elaine.

From: Gilly Sent: 06/07/2006 23:51
Amen, andi pandi.

Yes God created us and He also provided for all the food and healing we need and the physicians and healers to fix us up.
Basically He has provided for all our physical, spiritual and emotional ailments.
I always recommend natural herbs especially St. John's Wort for mild depression. It has proven as effective as prescription anti depressants in many cases, but many times just counselling....as long as it is Christian....suffices.
Many of our natural remedies do contain very toxic and powerful chemicals that can prove fatal in certain doses, and ironically most of our prescription drugs used these active ingredients to create some of our most effective prescribed drugs.....digitalis, aspirin insulin and penicillin to name but a few.
When my clients come to see me and are on medication from their GP I always recommend that they continue to take their medication, but in so many cases GP's are excellent in referring those with mild depression to us instead of prescribing, as this is the most beneficial way to deal with the root causes of depression. However, people who are Bi Polar do need to be under the care of their doctor, as do those with a chemical imbalance causing their depression.

My advise, and I do know what I'm talking about here, is stay away from hypnosis, and lay practitioners in particular. It is a very dangerous road to go down. That has to be left to the most skilled in psychiatry and the Mental Health team, who are also reluctant to use it.
The mind is more powerful than most of realise. It is in the mind that Satan can attack the most.
The 'renewing of our mind' as we become Born Again, is a process that takes time.
Sometimes it takes a long while to battle through this process as their minds have been preconditioned from childhood. When I work with my Christian or unbelieving clients, I tell them it is rather like 'changing the tapes' on an old recorded programme, and we need to re programme their thought processes from scratch.
We do this by replacing all the old negative and 'wrong' beliefs thoughts' with positive attributes. There's an array of fabulous Scripture in the Bible to do this with ........eg I know God loves me, I know God wants the very best for me. etc.
A big No No to hypnosis, even yoga.... as it is centred around energy forces and channeling. Witchcraft....well hopefully none of us would touch with a barge pole, and the same with the Eastern traditional herbal remedies and accupuncture.
I think aroma therapy is an excellent treatment as it has a twofold effect, it lifts, relaxes or energises the mood and most precious oils have excellent healing and soothing properties for the skin. Caution though, as certain smells can have a profound effect on the memory, as most of our early childhood experiences are remembered with certain smells, and buttons of earlier events in our lives can be triggered.
Some pleasant, like the smell of roses on Aunt Josephine who you loved visiting as a child cos she always brought sweeties or played with you, but there is a risk that some unpleasant memories or feelings may resurface too.
As mentioned earlier, sensible eating from the food God has provided for all will avoid many illnesses and keep us in optimum health.
And one point andi pandi makes I will re-enforce....
We are in a spiritual battle and we DO need to keep constantly alert, and our hearts and minds need to be focussed on and fed with God's Word.
Our sleeping hours should always begin with prayer, that the Lord protect us and our loved ones as we sleep. Our minds are to be in His safe keeping for sleep as well as our bodies and homes.
Gilly

From: andi_pandi20 Sent: 06/07/2006 22:24
anything natural like st johns wart is fine coz i believe God made alot of plants for a reason and no i wouldnt take off a witch. hypnosis for me is a no-no as i wouldnt like any1 playing with my mind. i dont care what any1 says we are in a spiritual battle and we need to be constantly alert (isnt there something in scripture about that?)

From: Missy Sent: 05/07/2006 17:48
I don't think theres anything wrong with natural mixtures, but I certainly would not except them from someone who claimed to be a witch. As for hypnosis I don't know if its right or wrong to do as a christian, eitherway I wouldnt do it.

MISSY.

From: Gavin Sent: 05/07/2006 16:11
Could it not be argued that some of the inscenes that is burnt in some of our more "traditional" denominations are not also aromatherepy.

There is nothing at all wrong with some of the natural remedies that are out there. If we trust that God created the world then he created everything with a purpose then we should trust that some of his creation is created for our benifit. Why does healing always have to supernatural to be from God. He also created the natural and provides answers to our illnesses within his creation. Did not Jesus use a mixture of both mud and spit to heal a man of blindness?

I mean how far do we take this, do we not all know that if we sting ourselves on a stinging nettle do we not look for a dock leaf as we know that this will sooth, or is that witch craft as well?

Why is it that witches and other pagan religions have adopted creation and natural remidies, because they work, what is wrong with their methodology is that instead of thanking the one true God for is provision and giving glory to him, they worship the created and or worse.

I would even argue that there is nothing wrong with hypnosis after being challenged to look into it and to look into the process. There are things that as Christians we are scared in to believing. We are told that while in a "trance" (which is actually only like being in a very deep sleep and if timed right the the same things can happen when people are asleep) we are at risk of being taken over by evil Spirits? Do we really think that the Holy Spirit is that weak? Do we think that "evil Spirits" are able to evict Gods Holy Spirit?

For starters under hypnosis it is a known fact that you can not do something that you would not already do... so if someone under hypnosis takes off all their clothes, it is a fact that under the right circumstances they would do that anyway. Hypnosis can not overrule someones core values and infact if a hypnotist tries to get someone to do something that is outside of their core beliefs then they will not do it and will actually come out of "trance" (for instance taking off their clothes)

From: _ailikeformulaone_ Sent: 05/07/2006 15:55
my doctor is against christianity and when ever i see him talks about buddism and how buddah will cure me!
and does aromatherapy not border on witch craft, my friend is a white witch and most of her "spells" are aromatherapy oils or natural products mixed together, i sometimes wonder if her "spells work better than any pills that a doctor give out

From: 0nesimus Sent: 03/07/2006 18:51
I agree, Steve. I know it would be possible to get into discussions about food and what is good or bad, but keeping it simple is the best advice I've known.

We need to beware of some of the current popular ideas about health. It wasn't too long ago that we were being told that 40 Woodbines a day would keep away all ils.

From: openairpreacherman Sent: 03/07/2006 13:02
All medicine stated with the use of herbal remedies. Modern medicine has researched these remedies and those that are proven to be a help are used and should to be used in medical practice. However sometimes our favourite remedies have been found to be useless or actually harmful. Medical advances are pushing on and finding that the recommendation of treatment of yesterday is old fashioned today. Modern medicine uses the production of complex drugs to treat hundreds of conditions.

The medical industry has gone a long way and some of its simple practical roots are long forgotten. Yet the basics of good health are not forgotten by most people.

Often people turn to simple pills to cure ills that are due to bad living. Taking a headache tablet for a hangover is a poor substitute for restraint in drinking.

The other thing to consider is that some of the traditional medicines are based on non-western cultures. One of the questions we might ask is, should a christian practice non-western medicine?

Some of the non-western medicines are based on superstition and even heathen religions. This does not mean that the medicine itself is heathen but some care l think needs to be taken to ensure that the christian does not pay lip service to heathen gods.

On a personal note...

The science of Natropathy has always fascinated me and l would recommend it to anyone. It is a non-drug, non-intervention therapy based on good sleep, fasting, plain foods, and plain water, I highly recommend it.

Steve

From: Missy Sent: 03/07/2006 09:56
I have used St.Johns wort for depression once as I didnt want to take anti-depressants. I think massage is great when you can get a good one. Personally if I could use natural medicine instead of others I would.I would never use hypnosis though.

MISSY.

Kems asked Christian medicines
As Christians should we seek alternative therapy for health problems, like massage aromatherapy, hypnosis, natural remedy pills etc, or should we steer well away from it?