Prince Harry’s recent confession about the use of EMDR therapy has spawned a rush of interest in this therapy as well as many questions about its roots and whether or not it’s suitable for Christians.
Category Archives: Self Help
Nine Ways to Spot Non-Christian Healing Techniques
LV writes: “I’m so tired of trying to figure out if an alternative is related to the New Age or not. Are there any guidelines Christians can use to help them discern what’s okay and what isn’t from a spiritual perspective?”
Are Somatic Exercises Okay?
TV asks: “Just need a quick yes or no. Have been following your new age practices series. Was doing “Catholic” yoga. . . stopped that, got cleansed, but how about Somatic Exercises? They do have a “cat stretch” routine that doesn’t resemble yoga at all that I can see. But want to know before I start. I need something slow and gentle for health reasons.”
Ayurvedic Medicine: Risks Outweigh the Benefits
Anonymous: “My brother-in-law has offered to pay all expenses for me to see an Ayurvedic Practitioner that he sees for treatment in New Jersey. I have seen one before here in my state. My viewpoint is that despite how ill I am, it would be putting my faith into Eastern Medicine, instead of in Jesus Christ, for my healing. Am I correct in my view? Would you explain further, and why it would be unwise to seek healing from this type of Practitioner?”
Ear Candling Doesn’t Work, is Dangerous, and the FDA is Cracking Down on it!
(Photo courtesy of Wikicommons images – Travis Isaacs CC BY 2.0 DEED)
AE writes: “Here is one subject that I hope you will write an article about: ear candling. Not only should people be aware that ear candling is a nightmare for audiologists and ENTs because of so many people who end up burning themselves, but it’s pretty much quackery that’s been promoted by “holistic healing” gurus. Even though the FDA has banned ear candles, I still see them being sold at even pharmacy chains.”
Catholics Be Wary of New Age Thought Control Techniques Disguised as Neuroscience
New Age thought control techniques continue to evolve, and the latest version attempts to marry the Law of Attraction with neuroscience and the Reticular Activating System of the brain. It’s catching on, even in some Catholics circles where it’s being used in spiritual formation. What’s it all about and can Catholics use it in their quest for sanctity?
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Placebo
We’ve all heard the adage, “It’s all in your mind,” but what exactly does that mean? Can the mind really trick us into thinking we’re sick, or that we’ve been healed?
Herbal Magic Weight Loss program is not New Age, but does it work?
GH asks: “I have a question about “Herbal Magic” weight loss program. Is this a safe weight loss program or are these people using new age or occult methods to help people lose weight.”
Why People Believe Alternatives Work…Even When They Don’t
Have you ever wondered why people are so convinced that therapies work, even when there is no science to prove it? Almost every New Age alternative has a website full of testimonials from people who really believe the technique worked. Are these people lying or just deluded?
Can the Human Mind Create Life?
CA writes: “My sisters combine the ‘theology,’–and I use that term loosely–of the book, The Secret, with solid Catholic teaching. They both have devotions to the saints, the rosary, go to Sunday Mass, etc. That’s why I find it so troubling. Something in my gut tells me this book’s advice cannot be fully reconciled with the Truth found in our Church. . . . (D)o you have any information that specifically addresses the issues of using the mind to “create a life,” and how does one factor in God’s will into that?”
