A very disturbing story!

[Stranger]

Thanks Sririam.  I certainly won't self medicate (been there and done that), I'll consider consulting a qualified homeopath.

Self medication is definitely not recommended, but homoeopathic "remedies" don't actually contain any medicine, so you could self-"medicate" all you want. Indeed, people have taken mass "overdoses" in protest at pharmacies selling these sugar pills as if they worked (any better than a placebo).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8489019.stm

Don't waste your money.

[Shaker]

Self medication is definitely not recommended, but homoeopathic "remedies" don't actually contain any medicine, so you could self-"medicate" all you want.

Not necessarily ... https://goo.gl/Ht6KsY

 

[Rhiannon]

If anyone wants a decent complementary therapy for depression or feeling out of sorts go for a massage. Not everyone likes touch but there's a good one with hot stones that's great for releasing tension.

[Stranger]

Not necessarily ... https://goo.gl/Ht6KsY

 

 

[Shaker]

If anyone wants a decent complementary therapy for depression or feeling out of sorts go for a massage. Not everyone likes touch but there's a good one with hot stones that's great for releasing tension.

A long time ago now but I had a shiatsu session once that left me glowing like the Ready Brek kid. (Showing my age there ).

Such research as there has been implies that it's ineffective with regard to things like cancer symptoms, but I didn't have cancer and so wasn't looking for any kind of 'cure' for anything - it was simply an exceptionally pleasant bit of massage and joint manipulation that left me feeling incredibly deeply relaxed. (I'm told that you're advised not to drive or do anything strenuous or indeed anything much immediately after a shiatsu session). Like 10mg of diazepam on an empty stomach or a joint of really good weed or a few glasses of an especially fine single malt, anything that makes you feel that good 'works' as far as I'm concerned insofar as 'working' refers to making you feel all-over good in a superb way. I don't claim that my single and entirely anecdotal case points to anything above, beyond or outside of itself so I'm not making claims for shiatsu in terms of the relief of symptoms of serious illness - it feels amazing, and if that's not an expression of health and well-being, what the hell else is. In such cases it's a supportive treatment, I'd have thought.

[Brownie]

Sounds lovely, I thought shiatsu was a canine breed, d'oh.
Anything that makes you feel better and does no harm, is excellent.

[ippy]

What, like, ''Chisle my Nizzle'', ippy? (Urban)

No, more Chislee Weasel.

ippy

[Brownie]

Pretty little mammals found in woodland areas with hedgehogs, hares, foxes and unusual bird colonies.

[ippy]

Pretty little mammals found in woodland areas with hedgehogs, hares, foxes and unusual bird colonies.

Weasels pretty little predators that are well known for wriggling their way out of things and places.

Chisel as in chiselling,(slang), confidence trickster.

I'm sure you already knew that these were the type of people I was referring to.

The placebo effect does work to an extent, but isn't a sufficient excuse for trying these religious ideas, that wouldn't amount to much more for these seriously ill people than a placebo.

Where do these peoples brains go when they start going on about demons and devils, maybe I'm mistaken, but I did think I'm living in the 21st century, mind, this was in America where they do seem to have a lot more than their fair share of way out religious nutters.

I think it's going to be a lot longer before there is any kind of general and realistic understanding of mental incapacity, it's difficult enough understanding a lot of it even when you have sympathetic thoughts towards those afflicted.

ippy       

[Brownie]

Yes I did know ipster.  I've met a few but can't think of anyone in my acquaintance who fits the bill now.

I can honestly say I've never known anyone who goes on about devils/demons and the like, when I was younger I was easily spooked and if I had encountered such a person I'd have run a mile.  It's not likely to happen now.  I used to read about that stuff though and scared myself silly, not surprising because I was actually frightened by Christopher Lee as Dracula when I watched old Hammer films on the telly!  Low tolerance level.

Without wishing to generalise, charismatic/pentecostalists go in for praying in the spirit, healing and casting out of evil spirits.  We have fringe churches in this country who do that, you mentioned the USA where it is more widespread but it's bound to be as it's a bigger country.  I've not witnessed it personally but read about it and there has been the occasional news item or documentary.

I do believe we can be oppressed, whether it be by negative thoughts, guilt, past bad experiences, fears or even other people we know, and to lift that is very releasing.  Secular counselling and psychotherapy can be helpful.  The CofE and the Catholic Church both do a quiet form of praying with those oppressed who are also believers, but don't make a big thing out of it. 

The Prince of Peace Community is something that charismatic Catholics interested in renewal may be involved in, they have healing services and run seminars but you wouldn't be interested.  I believe Alan B has done a course with them, 'Life in the Spirit'.  I also did that course in the early 1990s.