Do crystals work?

(PART 7)

(FOREWORD: This is our continuation to our reply to Greta the Great’s query on crystals and other alternative healing methods today.)

Dear Greta, the Great,

Some people believe that there are forms of healing that brings us to a different dimension. We always say it but we barely realize its meaningthe phrase, “what our minds can conceive, we can achieve”. This is the power of the mind over body. Humans, I believe, especially those who are struggling with some chronic disease or even rare diseases are very open to experimenting with the unknown.

A Pew Research survey showed that a quarter of people from a test they were running said they believe in spiritual energy in physical things like crystals and trees. Another study of dietary supplement users found that 80% would still keep on taking their supplements of choice even if government studies said these supplements were ineffective. And in many situations, when people do not like the answer - or the odds - given to them by their physicians or health care provider, they are motivated to try unproven or untested therapies. Well, there’s really the power of media and advertisements because even if we tell our patients to stop taking these supplements that are said to boost one’s health but don’t really help them at all, the sales of those supplements are still up and kicking.

Then, there’s acupuncture. This had been with us for more than 5,000 years. It has helped a lot in easing long-term pains in the knees, lower back, neck and for headaches. But, exactly how it does, it wasn’t really clear. But, as acupuncture practitioner, there is clearing of the channels to make the blood flow much better to the target organs. And when the blood flow is good, there could be better supply of oxygen and nutrients which can really help in the process. But, of course, I wouldn’t discount the fact that believing in it is part of the healing.

I always emphasize though not to omit medicines. Western medicine and Eastern medicine or the alternative medicine should go hand in hand. When people with conditions and omit medical resources for the alternative ones, then, I can really smell the havoc on the way.

The truth is, there are really medical practitioners who are really against alternative medicine. But, for my opinion, what matters is how you feel, and if these things make you feel better, why deprive yourself of it. Go and enjoy it!

Good luck!

Dr. Fritz

(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o Sunstar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we can not answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)