We’ve been receiving a lot of questions lately about programs that claim to help people regain their lost self-esteem or overcome anxiety by “rewiring” the brain based on principles of neuroplasticity. The problem is that most of the programs that tout this ability of the brain are being promoted by untrained people who are misapplying the brain’s ability to rewire itself in ways that are not substantiated by science.
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Although detoxing and cleansing myths have been debunked for at least a decade, no sooner has one fairytale been buried than another one rises out of its dust. This year it’s foot detoxes.
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MA writes: “I have been hearing the phrase ‘shadow work’ a lot lately. What is it and is it something Catholics should avoid?”
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BB writes:
"A parishioner at my church is offering NLP at her health food store. It sounds kind of New Agey to me. Can you tell me more?
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Anonymous writes:
“Some of my friends, who claim to be devout Catholics, are really getting into the book The Secret and are adopting its teachings as a way of life. They don’t think there is anything in this book that violates Catholic teaching. Is this true?”
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AR writes:
“ . . . (M)y mother is very much into alternative medicine and healthy eating, etc, and I grew up going to an iridologist and have been amazed at some of the things she picked up on in my body. For instance, she noticed "irritation" in my lower back, and a few years later, due to strenuous activity, I thought I had developed a seriously problematic spinal condition, but doctors said I was either born with or it happened when I was a baby and was just aggravated by the activity. Anyway, even if you think iridology is bologna, it doesn't seem to be problematic with our faith, as it’s not like its reading palms or anything whacky like that...it is looking at the iris and seeing if something is not quite right. BUT, I still wanted to check with you all.”
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CF writes: "
We were taught the Lamaze technique in the 70's for natural childbirth. Is it New Age? It has breathing exercises and effleurage massage."
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Stephen Covey
MG writes: “I am looking for information on The Seven Habits program. My children go to a Catholic school that has incorporated the program into the counseling program. I have been trying to find out more about The Seven Habits program because of what I will call a “gut” feeling. I do not what to go to the school before I have more information to back up my uneasy feelings. Is the program ok and if not where can I look to get more information?”
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MD asks:
“Is it true that 'binaural beats' can relax your brain?”
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Bufo alvarius toad
A new craze is taking hold among those who are looking for healing from anxiety and depression - smoking toad venom. Would you do it?
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