It now recognizes acupuncture as a legitimate means of healing. Acupuncture is based on the concept of nadas or points of stimulation on the surface of the body that influence the whole body when pinned.

I'm not totally familiar with that kind of thing, but I've heard it supposedly works. What I wonder is, is does acupuncture actually heal people or is it in our heads? (a placebo effect.) Are there any scientifically proven aspects of acupuncture (positive and negative biological energies, auras, that sort of thing?)

I know someone (a veterinarian) who wears magnetic necklaces, magnetic shoe insoles, that kind of thing, and tries to find out what's wrong with his horses by touching them and allowing the negative energy to flow through him, or something. He touches the animal, holds his arms straight out, and if his arm dips down as a result of the negative energy, something is wrong with the animal.

Now, as I said, I'm unfamiliar with the scientific validity behind this, but it smacks strongly of showmanship and deception. Oh, I'm sure there is some positive effect to New Age healing, but has it been actually proven not to be a placebo? Do these positive and negative energies actually exist or are they just symbolic?

• I hope they do - yanniru - July 16, 2001 - 22:02 UTC
  • So do I - stormcrow - July 17, 2001 - 00:02 UTC