STEPHEN FRY

Thanks for the tip, Jodyne. Have tried this before (along with a whole bunch of other alternative stuff - hypotherepy, reiki, reflexology, sprititual healing, aromatherapy), but I'm afraid it did absolutely nothing for me. I know that Paul McKenna has used this technique when trying to help people to stop smoking/eating etc. I believe that such techniques can be useful as a placebo - but I think you'd need to be suseptible to such things.

I actually know a little about this as, during one of my manic episodes, I truelly believed that I could heal people. I spent around £1,000 learning to become a Reiki Master :-// and I thought I was special - chosen, if you will. I haughtily looked down upon people who didn't understand or agree with me. In my opinion they were narrow minded and ignorant.

Like most ideas and projects that I have enthused about during high episodes, it eventually fell by the wayside. I have since read enough literature to convince me that the great majority of alternative medicines are ineffective. Derren Brown makes some excellent points in his book 'Tricks of the Mind' where he addresses this subject. As I mentioned earlier, they can be very effective when people believe that they are working. The mind can be a very powerful thing. As for energy systems, shakras and the like - I am inclined to consider them to be codswallop.

Of course, this is just my most humble opinion which is not meant to offend. I just urge you to consider the other side of the coin. Reading your post reminds me so much of how I felt and must have sounded 3 years ago. I know that your intentions are good

I wish you well,

Tracy x

Oh dear! I should never have gotten into this one!

There is so much I could say on this subject but I feel I would be wasting my time and energy and I suspect it would be falling upon deaf ears anyway.

I avoid confrontations at all costs. However, I find your last reply deeply offensive.

Do you mind if I ask whether you saw an EFT practitioner, or did you simply apply the technique to yourself with no supervision?

I used a 'qualified' EFT practitioner - several times. Paid good money for it (and clearly wasted it) with EVERY intention of treating my condition.

Listening to you (or reading your words!) I would suggest that you are completely reversed to treating your condition

How dare you! You haven't got the first clue about my 'condition'. I can see where you are coming from though. Obviously, because EFT and all of the other things I tried didn't work, it was my fault for not wanting to get better - not because they don't work.

Yes, energy is scientifically explained. I wont pretent to be a physics expert - but 'chi' is not scientifically recognised as far as I know. Ancient Chinese medicine may be quoted in such therapies, but in developed China only 18 per cent of people use such traditional medicines despite the fact that they are widely available. Just because a medicine or technique was around hundreds of years ago it does not prove its efficacy. If you doubt this, why don't you try leeches next time you feel unwell!

If you really want to research opposing arguments, I suggest you try Derren Brown's 'Tricks of the Mind'. I mentioned this book earlier and it makes some very valid, well researched and thought provoking points. Also a book by John Diamond called 'Snake Oil'. This book was written by a man who was dying of cancer and his undignified experiences of alternative medicine. Also, I strongly recommend Richard Dawkins 'The God Delusion' - go on - I dare you!

Finally, I would ask you to approach this forum with a little more sensitivity, please. just from reading lots of the posts on here - I can get a feeling of where you're at with your respective 'disorders'. What is that supposed to mean, exactly??? I am sure that you are very well meaning in your intent. However, when I look back at my own experience as a 'healer', I feel embarressed of the self-indulgent and ego-driven drivel that spouted from me. I also meant well, but I feel ashamed that I may have exploited desperate people. (I would like to point out, though, that I never took payment from anyone, which at least is something).

Again, I normally detest conflict. I do not intent to offend. But I do feel extremely offended.

X-D X-D X-D X-D X-D X-D X-D

Welcome Kirsty.

Maniac and Tracy - I sincerely apologise for any offense caused My comments were not intended to offend at all and the reversal I spoke of is at a subconscious level, so I wasn't suggesting you're all using your diagnosis as an attention-seeking aid.

It's difficult to infer tone from the written word, so I hope the insults and reprimands I sense from your messages, were not intended For someone who hates confrontation, you're very good at it! The energy was certainly felt, Maniac!

I was well intentioned writing my initial post (please all read that again ) - I really only wanted to offer another avenue for you all - I tried to choose my words carefully - 'should you so wish' etc and a 'thanks but no thanks' would have sufficed, or, nothing at all! But you chose to reply and by saying things like 'haughtily look down on people' and then make your direct comparisons to me, I don't feel I made the first pre-judgements......... I replied in haste to your post Tracy as I felt attacked, and it's resulted in this, for which I'm sorry.

Welcome Kirsty - you're right in what you say. It's Stephen's forum after all!

Yeah, I get what you're saying about seeming contrived, Maniac

Which zoo? I've only ever been to Twycross - chimps were my favourite!

Dudley Zoo
They have a new primate bit where they are sort of freer than they would be if they were not free.
Like, not free to be given away, but free to roam.
I have a new camera which I will be taking with me.
I likes photos.
Tracy would come with me but they might not let her out again.