Weeding out the quacks
Published 09 July, 2008, 06:03
Healers of all types – from herbalists to spiritual therapists – could be banned from working in Russia if they don’t qualify for a state certificate. Currently, healers can undergo the tests needed for the certificate on a voluntary basis, but by this autumn it could become compulsory.
An estimated 800,000 healers work throughout Russia using methods ranging from faith healing to ancient herbal remedies.
“This market isn’t regulated at all. It's chaotic, full of swindlers and entirely uncontrollable people. We have to bring it into line, whether we like it or not, as this concerns peoples health,” says Lyudmila Stebenkova, Moscow City Duma Deputy.
At a Moscow rehabilitation centre attached to an Orthodox church, people are healed from the effects of so-called healers.
Staff say they see up to 30 people a day, most of whom have suffered delayed side-effects.
“Ninety-nine per cent of the people who come to us went to a healer, and were helped initially, but now fall into the category of the seriously mentally ill,” says Izyaslav Adlivankin, a psychiatrist.
At the Moscow Centre for traditional methods of diagnosis attempts are being made to bring the healers into line. Applicants must pass an exam and provide testimonies from ten patients, including proof they were healed.
For those who claim they have some inner healing powers there's an encephalogram – a test stating a person’s ability to control the electrical activity of his brain, which scientists say is proof of the potential to heal.
However, certification is not only about protecting the patient.
“Certification is necessary for genuine healers who really can heal people. They should be protected by the Ministry of Health,” says Svetlana Shchigoleva, a licensed healer.
discuss it
