Strange Therapies: Proceed with Caution

Amidst today’s modern medical treatments and physical and mental therapies, there are some ancient ones such as acupuncture, ear candling, touch and sound therapies that have some scientific evidence of their effectiveness. Yet, while some may consider those unusual, there truly are some weird therapies that exist worldwide – with claims that they actually work. Here are a few that I felt were the strangest.

Snake Massage Therapy. Yes, just as the word implies, this involves piling a heap of non-venomous snakes onto the bare body. Apparently, the slithering action against the body’s bare skin provides relief to your aching muscles. While no formal research exists on its effectiveness, one spa in the Middle East has become popular because of its use of snakes. The Israeli spa, owned by Ara Barak, actually uses California and Florida king snakes, corn snakes, and milk snakes for treatment. Barak said she discovered the act of just holding her pet snakes relaxed her and her friends. That discovered prompted a new idea for Barak’s spa. However, for those who can’t handle snakes, she offers a rodent massage where mice and rats are placed on the bottom of people’s feet for relaxation. (Ah, yeah, right)

Virtual Dolphin Therapy. You don’t need a beach for this one! Your imaginary dolphin can simply relax and rejuvenate you! Apparently, the act of watching dolphins swimming and frolicking in the water offers a state of relaxation. There is no scientific evidence that this actually works. But wait…it can also include the sounds. Now, that brings in the element of music/sound therapy, for which there are numerous scientific studies that prove its effectiveness. I suspect it’s the sound therapy that has more of an impact than the virtual dolphin watching itself. (The jury is still out on that one)

Psychic Surgery. For those who believe in this type of phenomenon, this therapy might just be for you. But you can’t get it here. Medical ethics and other legal considerations prohibit such practices in the United States.  It involves a psychic surgeon simply pressing on and touching the diseased area of the body in order to heal it. The technique is common in Brazil and the Philippines, but has its roots in ancient Philippine history. Academic research has confirmed that this technique does have some value, but cannot scientifically explain it. One skeptic researcher, Harvey Martin, who spent some time investigating this phenomenon in the 1990s, noted, “I saw overwhelming evidence that psychic surgery was a very effective method of healing.” This “evidence” was only his witnessing people being cured of their alleged diseases.  A 1990 study published in Medical Anthropology Quarterly found that the psychic surgeon is more like a magician, using sleight of hand and trickery. The alleged “sick” were apparently never sick to begin with, yet claimed remarkable healing following their “surgeries.” However, anthropologists believe that psychic surgery is largely intertwined within the Philippine culture. As many studies have shown, a strong will and mind can be a powerful healer. (You can make the call on this technique)

Urine Therapy. While some pathogens exist in human urine, it has been proven through scientific research to have medicinal purposes. But, its uses extend far beyond topical. Many of us already know that it can assist in healing wounds as well as easing the sting from painful skin burns, cuts, etc. But, it has been reported that when ingested, urine can help treat diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and possibly cancer. In China, urine is used as a baby face wash in an effort to protect the skin. In India, the country’s Prime Minister attributes his good health to drinking a pint of the substance every day. However, there are significant dangers to urine therapy. Researchers have confirmed that ingesting urine can actually increase the production of multiple antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens in the body, making it even more difficult to fight off disease. (I have no plans to start a urine regimen anytime soon)

Ho’oponopono. It’s a long word but its meaning is short. Basically, healing begins after saying “I’m sorry.” Ho’oponopono is an ancient practice of forgiveness. Of all of the alternative therapies out there, this one might actually have some validity without scientific research. It is a Hawaiian method of problem solving created by Mornah Nalamaku Simeona, a Hawaiian Kahuna Lapa’au. Of interest, scientific studies have shown that Ho’oponopono carries strong implications of reducing negativity within groups as well as promoting healing, mental, spiritual, and physical. It very well may be the best alternative therapy that everyone should try – at least once!

References

Benor, D. (2008). The Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponopono: healing the collective consciousness and the planet. Positive Health, 152, 1.

Boyd-Brewer, C. and McCaffrey, R. (2004). Vibroacoustic sound therapy improves pain management and more. Holistic Nursing Practice, 18(3), 111-119.

The Foundation of I, Inc. Freedom of the Cosmos. (2013). Website. Retrieved from http://www.hooponopono.org/.

Killalea, D. (2008). Welcome to reptile therapy – the slithery snake massage designed to help you relax. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1079623/Welcome-reptile-therapy--slithery-snake-massage-designed-help-relax.html.

Lee, E.-J., Bhattacharya, J., Christof, S., and Verres, R. (2012). Monochord sounds and progressive muscle relaxation reduce anxiety and improve relaxation during chemotherapy: A pilot EEG study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 20(6), 409-416.

Martin III, H. J. (1999). Unraveling the enigma of psychic surgery. Journal of Religion & Psychical Research, 22(3), 168-174.

Ogunshe, A. A. O. Fawole, A. O., and Ajayi, V. A. (2010). Microbial evaluation and public health implications of urine as alternative therapy in clinical pediatric cases: health implications of urine therapy. Pan African Medical Journal, 5(12), Published online.

Singer, P. (1990). “Psychic Surgery”: Close observation of a popular healing practice. Medical Anthropology Quarterly, 4(4), 443-451.

TopTenz.net. (2013). Top 10 weird health therapies. Retrieved from http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-weird-health-therapies.php.

Tracey, B. (2008). Spa unleashes snakes for your pains. Retrieved from http://www.nbcnews.com/id/16812096/ns/business-small_business/t/spa-unleashes-snakes-your-pains/.