What about . . . Acupuncture?
History & Theory
Modern acupuncture can be directly traced to the Chinese Emperor, Huang-ti (2697-2596 B.C.) whose teachings were passed down through oral tradition until they were compiled into “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine” or simply, “Nei-ching”. The Nei-ching is the classic text of acupuncture theory and practice and is based on Eastern religious theories concerning the nature of the universe. It teaches that all nature and the universe (including man) is existing as vibrations of impersonal, polarized energy called Yin and Yang. The key to spiritual, mental, and physical well-being, according to this Taoist dualism, is to balance the positive and negative aspects of this energy. Chinese astrology is also involved in the theory. The belief is that every human organ correlates with a planet and a season of the year (The Holistic Health Handbook; Healing At Any Price?; Can You Trust Your Doctor?).
Chinese practitioners of acupuncture believe that an invisible energy flows along unseen paths called meridians. For health to be maintained, the ‘ch’i’ or “life force” must flow without hindrance in order for health to be attained and maintained. The job of the acupuncturist is to free the meridians through the light insertion of needles of pure copper, silver, or gold into the flesh at specific points (The Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine and Self-Help). This is tied closely to the Chinese doctrine of the five elements and the two cycles of destruction and generation. The belief is that the flow of energy within the body are an exact reflection of the cyclic energy in interaction between the five earthy elements of fire, water, metal, water, and wood (The Holistic Health Handbook).
Practice
The acupuncturist claims he can actually detect the movement of chi, a psychic, non-physical energy, flowing through invisible non-physical meridians. Acupuncture authority, Mary Austin, describes the procedure as follows:
When feeling pulses, the practitioner “listens” to them. He must be relaxed, calm, and
receptive. It is important to cultivate the ability to listen to the vital message which
will become clearly revealed to the calm and receptive mind. The mystical revealing
of the inmost secrets of cosmic energies—this is the essence of acupuncture diagnosis.
This type pulse diagnosis is also touted to be helpful for divination, dream interpretation, and determining the time of death!!
An acupuncturist may be no more than a psychic/spiritistic healer who uses psychic abilities to diagnose or treat his patients under the concept of a universal life energy. The practice is often combined with psychic diagnosis, astrologic medicine, kundalini
arousal (Yoga), applied kinesiology, shamanism, reflexology, channeling, or Spiritism (Can You Trust Your Doctor?).
A scientist would understand acupuncture to be nothing more than some kind of interference with the electrochemical system of our bodies. It is likely affecting the neurotransmitters of which dopamine is the most likely. It commonly has a placebo affect—and at best, a temporary relief from pain. But at what cost spiritually?!
Conclusion
What is often overlooked in our Western world is the role that Satan and his demons can play within the realm of medicine and diseases. Taoism and Christianity are totally incompatible with one another. According to Scripture, man is created in the image of God, not in the image of the universe. While Taoism speaks of impersonal yin and yang, Scripture identifies a world of good and evil spirits. Taoism claims that man can regain health and immortality through personal disciplines and the practice of magic, alchemy and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine). Scripture condemns interaction with the occult, requires our obedience to God’s natural and spiritual law and affirms what we all know to be true—that the human life span is limited on earth. From a Biblical perspective, the goal of life is an intimate relationship with a loving and just God and with one’s fellow man (Matt. 22:37-40), not harmony with the universe. Taoism proclaims itself as the way, yet Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).
Acupressure utilizes the same theories as acupuncture with the only difference being applied pressure to the meridians rather than the insertion of needles. Therefore, it is equally as dangerous (The Biblical Guide to Alternative Medicine).
“The prudent sees the evil and hides himself; but the naïve go on, and are punished for it (Prov. 22:3)”.
Compiled by Safe Harbor Ministries ([email protected]). Pass it on!
History & Theory
Modern acupuncture can be directly traced to the Chinese Emperor, Huang-ti (2697-2596 B.C.) whose teachings were passed down through oral tradition until they were compiled into “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine” or simply, “Nei-ching”. The Nei-ching is the classic text of acupuncture theory and practice and is based on Eastern religious theories concerning the nature of the universe. It teaches that all nature and the universe (including man) is existing as vibrations of impersonal, polarized energy called Yin and Yang. The key to spiritual, mental, and physical well-being, according to this Taoist dualism, is to balance the positive and negative aspects of this energy. Chinese astrology is also involved in the theory. The belief is that every human organ correlates with a planet and a season of the year (The Holistic Health Handbook; Healing At Any Price?; Can You Trust Your Doctor?).
Chinese practitioners of acupuncture believe that an invisible energy flows along unseen paths called meridians. For health to be maintained, the ‘ch’i’ or “life force” must flow without hindrance in order for health to be attained and maintained. The job of the acupuncturist is to free the meridians through the light insertion of needles of pure copper, silver, or gold into the flesh at specific points (The Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine and Self-Help). This is tied closely to the Chinese doctrine of the five elements and the two cycles of destruction and generation. The belief is that the flow of energy within the body are an exact reflection of the cyclic energy in interaction between the five earthy elements of fire, water, metal, water, and wood (The Holistic Health Handbook).
Practice
The acupuncturist claims he can actually detect the movement of chi, a psychic, non-physical energy, flowing through invisible non-physical meridians. Acupuncture authority, Mary Austin, describes the procedure as follows:
When feeling pulses, the practitioner “listens” to them. He must be relaxed, calm, and
receptive. It is important to cultivate the ability to listen to the vital message which
will become clearly revealed to the calm and receptive mind. The mystical revealing
of the inmost secrets of cosmic energies—this is the essence of acupuncture diagnosis.
This type pulse diagnosis is also touted to be helpful for divination, dream interpretation, and determining the time of death!!
An acupuncturist may be no more than a psychic/spiritistic healer who uses psychic abilities to diagnose or treat his patients under the concept of a universal life energy. The practice is often combined with psychic diagnosis, astrologic medicine, kundalini
arousal (Yoga), applied kinesiology, shamanism, reflexology, channeling, or Spiritism (Can You Trust Your Doctor?).
A scientist would understand acupuncture to be nothing more than some kind of interference with the electrochemical system of our bodies. It is likely affecting the neurotransmitters of which dopamine is the most likely. It commonly has a placebo affect—and at best, a temporary relief from pain. But at what cost spiritually?!
Conclusion
What is often overlooked in our Western world is the role that Satan and his demons can play within the realm of medicine and diseases. Taoism and Christianity are totally incompatible with one another. According to Scripture, man is created in the image of God, not in the image of the universe. While Taoism speaks of impersonal yin and yang, Scripture identifies a world of good and evil spirits. Taoism claims that man can regain health and immortality through personal disciplines and the practice of magic, alchemy and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine). Scripture condemns interaction with the occult, requires our obedience to God’s natural and spiritual law and affirms what we all know to be true—that the human life span is limited on earth. From a Biblical perspective, the goal of life is an intimate relationship with a loving and just God and with one’s fellow man (Matt. 22:37-40), not harmony with the universe. Taoism proclaims itself as the way, yet Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).
Acupressure utilizes the same theories as acupuncture with the only difference being applied pressure to the meridians rather than the insertion of needles. Therefore, it is equally as dangerous (The Biblical Guide to Alternative Medicine).
“The prudent sees the evil and hides himself; but the naïve go on, and are punished for it (Prov. 22:3)”.
Compiled by Safe Harbor Ministries ([email protected]). Pass it on!