Reflexology, acupuncture, acupressure?

[BillynJennifer]

What is the general concensus about reflexology, acupuncture, and acupressure? Are they devil's work, or are they a vehicle of God's healing?

 

[Father Rick]

You didn't put a category on there of "neither, just natural principles"...

The concept behind these is that the body had different channels of energy flowing through it that can get messed up.

In practicality, the different parts of the body can affect one another-- and things such as the nervous system, etc. can impact how other parts of the body feel/act.

 

[BillynJennifer]

Ooops, sorry Father Rick. This was the first poll I've posted--of course I would mess it up somewhere

The reason I ask is because I have been plagued by migraine headaches with complications (seizures) over the years and am now looking into this as an alternative to the many medications doctors prescribe for illnesses. I'm praying for God's leading on it, but I've found that the counsel of God, many times, will come through those of like mind and spirit.

BillynJennifer

 

[KleinerApfel]

The people who originally developed these therapies were followers of non-Christian religions such as hinduism, who ascribed the power to spiritual forces. Many modern practitioners still follow these spiritual paths, or else are either tolerant of them or ignorant of the connections.

The origins of these treatments did not give glory to the true God, they did not proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord. Where then would any power to affect the body of the patient come from?

If it was a wholly natural phenomenon we should expect to see physical evidence for the way it works, but there has been no biological, medical, anatomical or physiological reason identified as the source of power for these therapies.
That causes many Christians to suspect there may be other spirits at work.

I believe much of the perceived benefits of "hands-on" therapies are connected with the positive natural human response to caring touch from a trusted source.
A simple massage, back rub, or even a hug from a friend could well have similar benefits to some patients.

My advice is steer clear of it. Maybe too easy for me to say since I am not suffering as you are BJ, but you did ask.
I pray you find relief and healing for your pain and distress in whichever way God chooses to meet your need.

God bless, love Sue

 

[BillynJennifer]

Thank you, Sue. I've seen time when the migraines and such are much less than others, but at other times I may have an eppisode twice a week. I'm beginning to feel as though the medicines are doing no good--and God only knows the detriment they are doing as a side effect. I've tried to rebuke a migraine when I know it's coming, but it was always to no avail. Laying in a quiet dark room, having taking some sort of painkiller--it's so difficult to resist and claim that I am healed, so I've started looking at this as an alternative. I think, deep down in my spirit, I feel the same way you do. Jesus never massaged someones feet and hands to bring about their healing .

BillynJennifer

 

[riverpastor]

No, but the hem of His garment is still available.

BilJen - I have been plagued at one time with migraines.

One thing that you'll find is that many modern medications are indeed derived from the formulary (a synthetic version) of herbal extracts and the like.

Take, for instance, the widely used "-statin" drugs used to lower cholesterol. While these synthetic formulas (lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Leschol), cerivastatin (Baychol)) can have various side effects, the natural "statin" found in Garlic capsules or tablets is sufficient to lower cholesterol without any adverse side-effects.

I was told by a doctor friend of mine that I needed to lower my cholesterol after I sent the results to his office for a health occupation blood specimen analyzed at work.

He whipped out his prescription pad and said, "Want some Lipitor?"

No thanks, Doc. I think I'll try Garlic first.

After two months on the garlic (odorless and tasteless, of course), my cholesterol dropped below the forbidden "200" mark. Without any side effects.

If you check out alternative medicine, my only advice would be: do it by faith.

IOW, listen to Holy Spirit and wait for His approval if you find it to be too much of a "mystic" ideology.

If you do proceed: do it by faith. Pray and ask the Lord to use the alternative practice to ease the conditions. Ultimately, God will do the healing necessary.

Migraines can stem from subluxations of the cervical vertebrae. A good pain mgmt doctor can check you out for this with a simple exam.

 

[Christina M]

I LOVE massage and reflexology! I go to a Christian chiroprator's office and have it done there. It keeps me pain-free....it keeps me toxin-free....and it keeps my body in the best shape, as it was meant to be.


I used to believe it was all indulgent, but as I get older I see it as a practical way to take care of this earth suit God gave me.


My husband had some back problems. Combined with prayer, he had great success with acupuncture.


The key, as I see it, is to pray over yourself before you go, especially if you are not in a Christian environment.

 

[Christina M]

There is a medical doctor in our town who poo-poo'd anything that was holistic.


His wife went to a masseuse and had reflexology done. As the massage was underway, the masseuse said "I really believe you should go to a doctor and be checked for cancer." When the wife told her MD husband, he scoffawed. But she went to the doctor anyway.

She DID indeed have cancer. Luckily, she caught it soon enough, thanks to the reflexologist.

 

[BarbB]

What's screaming at me from these posts is familiar spirits. There is no way to "know" these things without a familiar spirit or the Holy Spirit.

I'm with Sue on this. Prayer and a doctor. In whatever order. Stay away from stuff that originated in the East with its myriad gods and is now well practiced in New Age circles.

 

[BillynJennifer]

Riverpastor, I have heard of an herb called butterburr that is supposed to help with migraines, but have up until now, not been able to find it. I used herbs once to help with a nasty bout of mono. I think I'm going to look more into the use of herbs, as I do feel that God gave us the herbs and the knowledge to use them--therefore they would be a vehicle of healing.

BillynJennifer

 

[Angel*Eyes]

We all need to remember that Satan counterfeits the things of God.


It is true that alot of New Age people use herbs and do alternative health practices, but that doesn't make it bad. God is the one who created these herbs... not man. Man merely discovers what God has already created.

 

[Angel*Eyes]

I definitely encourage you to pray before making a decision.

You wouldn't want to end up going to some new age doctor. I took a class in college where we did acupuncture and other stuff and my teacher was definitely new age. He would talk against christianity, spirit guides, new age stuff,etc. So, be careful about who you go to.

 

[riverpastor]

http://www.betterhealthinternational.com/butterbur.asp

http://betterhealthinternational.com/lib_ButterburEinstein.asp

The second link is a report of a study on Butter-burr, minus the demonic and new age labels.

 

[BillynJennifer]

Thank you riverpastor. That is exactly what I was looking for. I will be placing an order with them if my local health food store doesn't carry this.

Angel*Eyes, I understand what you are saying. Using the logic that says that since pagans use reflexology therefore making the practice pagan would be like saying since pagans drink Coke therfore Coke is pagan. I'm going to let God lead me in this, as I try this herb. I feel a good witness in my spirit about it.

BillynJennifer

 

[PeasnHominy]

Well, I'm no expert on this topic. But I definitely have a personal experience I would like to share with you.

I had horrible migraines for years. The only thing the MD's did for me was keep me loaded with plenty of shots.
I also had severe back pain. It's a long story so I won't go into it, but eventually I ended up literally unable to walk and in constant pain. I saw an MD who told me nothing could be done for me.

My mother, not willing to give up, found a Christian chiropractor. My mother carried me (literally, despite the fact that I was a full-gown adult!) to see him. He looked me over, and then told me that although he could not guarantee that I would be healed, he would not turn me away, and he would pray for me.

I saw him once a week for a while. After a while I could walk, then I could drive. Then one day I realized the migraine problem was no longer plagueing me either. One day I tried to (tearfully) thank him, to which he replied "I have never healed anyone. God is the healer. I am merely the servant. Do not thank me; give all of your thanks to God." I will never forget that!! *happy tears*

Once in a while, maybe a few times a month, the back pain would just all of a sudden hit me. It was awful and I couldn't walk again for about a day. I was at church one evening when the pain hit. I wanted my husband to quickly run me home so I could lay in bed and cry, as I am very shy about displaying in public when I'm in pain. He said he would if I went up for prayer first. To confess, I was not very happy with my husband but I knew it was pointless to argue with him, as it would delay my getting home. So I went up for prayer.

Another couple and my husband then began to pray for me. It dawned on me while I was standing there (beside myself in pain) that as long as I was standing there, I might as well ask God if He would heal me. Basically, I just confessed to Him in a very straight-forward and real way that, I know He has healed people, I know He still does heal people, and I know that He could heal me if He so chooses. The I asked Him to please, would He please, choose to heal me. Please heal me. I know You can if You want to. Would You heal me Lord?

And I KID YOU NOT , I felt like some muscles in my back were jerked (or pulled or something), and then the pain just slipped away! Right there! I cried right there I was so grateful, and I'm VERY shy about showing a lot of emotion in front of people. At first they thought I was crying because of being in pain and not being able to stand anymore. I softly told my husband, no, God has healed me. He said What? I then told them all, God has healed me!!!

I believe God blessed the work of his servant (the chiropractor), who let me know that He is the healer, and then to draw me even closer to Him, He finished off that healing when I went to Him directly about it.

It changed my life. Physically and spiritually.

Thank you for letting me share. I hope you find encouragement from my story. I will pray for you.

 

[merryheart]

Another often used herb for migraine is feverfew.

Are they classic migraine with aural effects (flashing lights, slurring, tunnel vision) Cluster migraines, or tension migraines with killer muscular knots at the base of the skull? What works for one might not for the other...

 

[riverpastor]

The migraines that I had were occipital. They would start at the base of the skull and work their way over my head and to the front. Literally, it blinded me during the headache.

Let me also share this testimony as God has given me the opportunity to do so.

The worst migraine of my life occurred after awaking on a Sunday morning. I thought to prepare myself for church, but the moment I stood up, the pain knocked me to the floor. I cried out in the most severe pain I had ever felt. My wife asked if I wanted to be taken to the hospital, and I refused.

As I lie there in bed, I had a vision.

In the vision, I was crawling on my hands and knees through a crowd. It reminded me of the woman with the issue of blood.

When I made it to an opening in the crowd, I looked up and saw Jesus. I reached out and grabbed his clothing, and when I did, all the pain was gone, instantly, completely.

When I came out of the vision, my hand was still in the air, out-stretched.

I brought my hand back to the front of my face and stared at it for several minutes. Beyond the pain and agony and what I was witnessing, I knew that I had reached out and touched Him. I didn't even realize at that moment that the pain was gone. I just laid there in wonder, staring at my hand. "I just touched Jesus. I just touched Him." I was just saying that over and over. I finally realized that the pain was gone.

Needless to say, I made it to church that morning. His Grace is truly sufficient for our needs...

 

[KleinerApfel]

I'd have no problem with using herbal remedies, since there is an identifiable chemical component causing the effect, and yes, many modern medicines are developed from the same plants.

One thing to make sure of is that you use a good reliable supplier, since individual herbs vary in strength and you need to be taking the correct dose of the active ingredient.

Many herbal medicines are sold alongside other less pure remedies which are not naturally and chemically active but have New Age type connections - homeopathic and Bach flower rememdies for instance, so do be aware of the difference.

Chiropractic seems to be a straightforward therapy based on manipulating the spine and other joints, having a direct and observable effect upon muscles, blood supply, nerves etc. I don't think there is any spiritual influence involved at all.

Praise to God for your healing RP! Thank you for sharing your testimony.

God bless, love Sue

 

[~RENEE~]

The people who originally developed these therapies were followers of non-Christian religions such as hinduism, who ascribed the power to spiritual forces. Many modern practitioners still follow these spiritual paths, or else are either tolerant of them or ignorant of the connections.

The origins of these treatments did not give glory to the true God, they did not proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord. Where then would any power to affect the body of the patient come from?

If it was a wholly natural phenomenon we should expect to see physical evidence for the way it works, but there has been no biological, medical, anatomical or physiological reason identified as the source of power for these therapies.
That causes many Christians to suspect there may be other spirits at work.

I believe much of the perceived benefits of "hands-on" therapies are connected with the positive natural human response to caring touch from a trusted source.
A simple massage, back rub, or even a hug from a friend could well have similar benefits to some patients.

My advice is steer clear of it. Maybe too easy for me to say since I am not suffering as you are BJ, but you did ask.
I pray you find relief and healing for your pain and distress in whichever way God chooses to meet your need.

God bless, love Sue

very good advice

 

[flaglady]

I'm very puzzled by the constant negativity to things like acupuncture/pressure and such. Yes, sure it originated from eastern mystics but then so did an awful lot of modern medicine. If you check the history books, most of the modern surgical, medical and pharmaceutical things we now take for granted originated in the East from people we would not consider Christian. They may even have been non-believers, even atheists. But they are responsible for for what we now call 'modern medicine'!

Personally I have no problems about using much of what is now commonly refered to as 'alternative' therapy. I see a chiropracter regularly who has cured my long standing back problem which enables me to worship God with my flags with great abandon! My friend is a sister in charge of a pain clinic at my hospital and she uses acupuncture/pressure with great effect on patients who have suffered intractable pain for years.

I'm afraid I can't accept that any of this is anti-Christ just because the practitioner isn't Christian or doesn't pray over it at the time. I've yet to see a (Christian) surgeon pray before removing an appendix but that doesn't make the operation any less acceptable.

I would be prepared to accept that maybe I've just got it wrong and don't know what I'm talking about (from a Spiritutal point of view) if someone can give a better arguement than I've heard yet.