E-Newsletter:
Three Questions to Distinguish Real Remedies from Patent Medicine (03/09)
We are so excited about this weekend's Body Mind Spirit Expo in Northlake! Seminars, healers, readers, product vendors and undoubtedly free samples - there's something for everyone.
With so many people hawking their products and services, though, how can you distinguish the good stuff from the snake oil? These three questions can help you evaluate any complementary medicine product or service.
What does the science say?
Scientific knowledge can support the theory, the results or the safety of a product or service. For instance, magnetic fields are well-understood, but magnetic products don’t provide significant results. The opposite is true with Reiki. Scientific attempts to measure Reiki energy come up empty-handed, but Reiki produces consistent results for clients. Both magnets and Reiki have been proven safe.
Look for independent studies performed by university and hospital researchers and published in reputable, peer-reviewed medical journals. Check whether each study's results are statistically significant, and see if multiple studies reached a consistent conclusion.
If you're told that the research on a "miracle cure" has been suppressed by the medical community, it's probably snake oil. The NIH's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine funds CAM research from energy healing to herbal supplements, and all the results are published at PubMed. Visit http://nccam.nih.gov and http://www.pubmed.gov for more information.
Is the explanation logical?
Reiki Master/Teacher Erik LaBelle asks, "Does it make sense?" Is there internal consistency? Reiki Master Maggie Drawert looks for simplicity. "If it's too complicated, then they might be trying to make it more than it is." Some explanations might clash with your understanding of the world, but you can still evaluate them. When we watch an imaginative movie, we suspend our disbelief, but even imaginary situations have rules, systems and boundaries.
Look for reasonable results. Reiki Master/Teacher Jacques Marcotte advises, "If it advertises miracles, guarantees major results, or sounds too good to be true, it's probably over-hyped. Go with someone that will tell you what it can do, or what you can expect from it."
Reiki Master/Teachers Erik, Jacques and Brian Drawert all point to "intuition," "gut instinct" or "gut reaction" to distinguish legitimate claims. Call it reading body language or psychic talent, but it seems to work. Jacques says, "Sometimes the best way to find out is to meet the practitioner first. That can drastically increase the accuracy of your instincts about the matter."
Does it work for you?
As complementary medicine is proven effective, it moves into the mainstream. The therapies and products that are left behind often work for some people but not for others. Jacques recommends, "That doesn't mean you should avoid these places, and if you decide to go anywhere, you should always approach it with an open mind and willingness to let things work, but at the same time, don't be disappointed if something doesn't."
Do make sure that the product or service is safe. Ask the seller or practitioner if it's contraindicated for any conditions, check with your medical doctors and look on http://nccam.nih.gov for safety and recall information.
If it's safe, within your budget and works for you, go ahead. Do what feels good. After all, isn't that the whole point?
Anna Schibrowsky
Chicago Healing Studio
