YELLOW PROCEED WITH CAUTION

The following antidote isn’t proven, but holds some promise.

REIKI

Ranking high on the ‘woo-woo’ scale, reiki is an energy-healing practice. During a session, a certified practitioner channels energy into a client by using gentle touch, which is said to activate natural healing processes in the body. This flow of energy is believed to be calming. Devotees claim it makes pain simmer down, and even resolves insomnia and improves depression and anxiety. Reiki may at least be more effective than a placebo, a few studies suggest, but there aren’t any other indisputable gains to write home about – so don’t rely solely on reiki for medical issues. However, it may somehow still put you in a tranquil state without posing real risk, so most experts agree it’s fine to try (as long as you’re not forgoing other proven interventions you need). In other words, get your ‘woo’ on, carefully!