[Mumto1bub]

There is a lot going on right now in my life. I was thinking of trying kinesiology, reiki, chakra balancing etc, for something different to see if it helps me. I was raised a catholic, (not necessarily a good practicing one as i don't go to church that often, but do hope to change that). I believe in God and Jesus. But i was wondering if one is "allowed" to use these alternative healing therapies if you are religious? Is it a sin? Just curious, as when i was growing up, my grandmother used to say how bad it was to read astrology. So i was wondering if these other therapies are "bad" too? I use the word "bad" because i can't think of a better word, and i don't necessarily know why astrology is bad, if it even is or whether these other therapies would be "bad" too? Thoughts anyone?

[ubermum]

I don't see why not. So long as you are not worshipping some other god, I can't see why it would be sinful.

[PrincessPeach]

My MIL is deeply religious (Anglican), however she also is very into astrology, tea leaf reading & the tarot cards.

Surprised me actually as i never thought of her being enlightened in that way.

However it makes sense, those therapies are about realigning the body, mind & spirit as a whole & for you to ensure you keep what is important to you.

[Saecularis Angel...]

Disclaimer: opinions on this vary. This is my take on it and many others would disagree with me.

I'd say it depends on what therapy you're talking about. I'm really not expert in this alternative medicine, but I understand that at least some of these (chakra balancing and reiki, for example) come out of other religions and may be incompatible with the exclusive worship of the Christian God, or a Christian world view. (Astrology is generally regarded as bad because it's seen as a form of divination; a turning away from God to inappropriate sources for knowledge and power. Any therapy which does likewise would also be suspect).

Something like kinesiology, on the other hand, has no religious base as far as I'm aware, and so I don't see how using it could be sinful. Whether or not it's right for you is up to you to judge based on how valid you think its approach is.

It occurs to me that there may well be resources for you to draw on within the Christian tradition, but it's hard to know what to suggest given that you haven't given us much detail. Perhaps, while you're exploring, you might like to look into Christian approaches as well?

[Mumto1bub]

However it makes sense, those therapies are about realigning the body, mind & spirit as a whole & for you to ensure you keep what is important to you.

This is what i am hoping to achieve so that i am better equipeed to face some of life's challenges. Reiki appeals as is it supposed to a natural form of healing therapy which aims to increase energy levels and promote relaxation and wellbeing.

The underlying philosophy of reiki is that if a person’s ‘life force energy’ is
low, they are more likely to be unwell or stressed. If it is high, however, they
are more capable of being happy and feeling well. Reiki will not cure illnesses
or disease but it may help your body to heal itself. Reiki can do no harm.

So i am wondering to some degree if my "life force energy" is down.

I also got sucked into one of those online chakra tests and it said my chakra's are not balanced!

The kinesiology approach examines unresolved stress reactions in a person and provides techniques to assist the body’s natural healing process

Again, kinesiology appeals for the above reason.

It occurs to me that there may well be resources for you to draw on within the Christian tradition, but it's hard to know what to suggest given that you haven't given us much detail. Perhaps, while you're exploring, you might like to look into Christian approaches as well?

What Christian approaches are there?

[Saecularis Angel...]

Just based on what you've said, I think that a number of the forms of Christian meditation might be of use to you. I'm particularly a fan of Ignatian meditation, but the style used by the Carmelites is closer to Buddhist practice and might appeal if you're considering Reiki.

I also wonder whether you might benefit from seeing a spiritual director; I don't know where you are, but you might be able to find someone near you through this link. http://spiritualdirection.org.au/about-us

There are other ministries more directly concerned with healing; some are really good and some are - to put it politely - rather dodgy, so choose with care. Your parish priest might be able to refer you to someone reputable.

I don't know if any of that sounds potentially useful to you?

[Mumto1bub]

Thank you Ange Verte. I will check out some of the options you have suggested.

I also just found this website which suggests that reiki is ok.

http://www.christianreiki.org/info/FAQ.htm

Perhaps if i pray to God for guidance and healing before a session it will be OK.

[kpingitquiet]

I recently ran across some DVDs for Christian-centered yoga. So, they're out there. And, of course, there are many non-religious meditations and therapies out there.

[Guest_Buy Me A Pony !_*]

I regard some alternative healing therapies to be quite ok within the context of faith. I don't think that Reiki is all that great. In fact I believe it to be quite unethical as practiced by the vast majority.

I'd definitely approach Reiki more critically if I were you, but look at spiritual healing as an overall concept and you might find something that fits more closely with your faith.

[follies]

Faith is personal, do what you are personally comfortable with.