Deetee
Illuminator
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2003
- Messages
- 3,789
As a scientist, I used to think crystal energy therapy was hokum. Not any more!
As a scientist, I was always sceptical of alternative therapies. You see, I am used to thinking in terms of trials and all manner of sciency things, which are not commonly found in the alternative medical sphere.
But having spent the last 2 months investigating (in a purely scientific way of course) the realms of energy therapy, I am prepared to admit that perhaps I should not be quite so sceptical after all.
In search of the truth and the science, I first travelled to the foot of the Himalayas, to find a wise Buddist monk to talk to about crystal energy fields. Fortunately this was before China decided to up the ante in Tibet, so I was able to enjoy a wonderful and relaxing holiday, while, as a scientist, I could critically and insightfully analyse all the evidence for myself. The most revealing moment was when my friend the monk was able to divine that I was a scientist, just by suspending a citrine gemstone over my science notebook. Astounding!
The next step on my journey of self exploration and fulfillment took me to the doorstep of a shaman in the Yukon. Did I mention that I was a scientist? .....I forget. Anyway, as a scientist, I was amazed when the shaman explained how his sonic chanting was able to set up a bioresonating frequency in sympathy with the quarzite crystal that I hang round my neck for luck. I mean, this just sounds so logical and feasibly scientific that it has to be true.
As a scientist, I am always open to the suggestion of new ideas, and the concept that single anecdotes can provide conclusive evidence came as a complete revelation to me. For some things, it's clear you just don't need careful observation and controlled trials. This became quite apparent when I met Professor Lottie Tosh at the department of Neuroscience in Hawaii. Yes, I know there is a neuro department in Bristol, but this is science we are talking about here, and no expense or effort is too great to sacrifice upon its altar. Using a special energy-enhancing functional MRI scanner, Dr Tosh was able to demonstrate that my brain showed clear signs of energetic manipulative neuroplasticity. She explained how my personal experiences can lead to the creation of new neuronal connections in the areas of the prefrontal gullibilty cortex. So I guess that I am one scientist who actually became the subject of my own study! Now if that doesn't help make me famous I don't know what will. Absolutely wonderful!
The implications of all the ground-breaking research could be enormous. Think of all the diseases we could cure, and all the people we could help feel better and more relaxed. I mean, what if these therapies were available on the NHS? The possibilities are endless.
In the past, in my role as a scientist who is meant to think deeply about things, I used to ponder the possible implications of the placebo effect, but now I realise there is no such thing, as I have come to appreciate that energy medicine can explain just about any epiphenomenon.
As a scientist, I spend a lot of my time thinking about what I should do at the University of Bristol to encourage the public to engage with science. That might help explain why, as a scientist, I have not published any original research. But all my globe trotting in the interests of science has at least shown me one thing - the human brain is capable of absolutely anything.
With apologies to Dr Sykes.
As a scientist, I was always sceptical of alternative therapies. You see, I am used to thinking in terms of trials and all manner of sciency things, which are not commonly found in the alternative medical sphere.
But having spent the last 2 months investigating (in a purely scientific way of course) the realms of energy therapy, I am prepared to admit that perhaps I should not be quite so sceptical after all.
In search of the truth and the science, I first travelled to the foot of the Himalayas, to find a wise Buddist monk to talk to about crystal energy fields. Fortunately this was before China decided to up the ante in Tibet, so I was able to enjoy a wonderful and relaxing holiday, while, as a scientist, I could critically and insightfully analyse all the evidence for myself. The most revealing moment was when my friend the monk was able to divine that I was a scientist, just by suspending a citrine gemstone over my science notebook. Astounding!
The next step on my journey of self exploration and fulfillment took me to the doorstep of a shaman in the Yukon. Did I mention that I was a scientist? .....I forget. Anyway, as a scientist, I was amazed when the shaman explained how his sonic chanting was able to set up a bioresonating frequency in sympathy with the quarzite crystal that I hang round my neck for luck. I mean, this just sounds so logical and feasibly scientific that it has to be true.
As a scientist, I am always open to the suggestion of new ideas, and the concept that single anecdotes can provide conclusive evidence came as a complete revelation to me. For some things, it's clear you just don't need careful observation and controlled trials. This became quite apparent when I met Professor Lottie Tosh at the department of Neuroscience in Hawaii. Yes, I know there is a neuro department in Bristol, but this is science we are talking about here, and no expense or effort is too great to sacrifice upon its altar. Using a special energy-enhancing functional MRI scanner, Dr Tosh was able to demonstrate that my brain showed clear signs of energetic manipulative neuroplasticity. She explained how my personal experiences can lead to the creation of new neuronal connections in the areas of the prefrontal gullibilty cortex. So I guess that I am one scientist who actually became the subject of my own study! Now if that doesn't help make me famous I don't know what will. Absolutely wonderful!
The implications of all the ground-breaking research could be enormous. Think of all the diseases we could cure, and all the people we could help feel better and more relaxed. I mean, what if these therapies were available on the NHS? The possibilities are endless.
In the past, in my role as a scientist who is meant to think deeply about things, I used to ponder the possible implications of the placebo effect, but now I realise there is no such thing, as I have come to appreciate that energy medicine can explain just about any epiphenomenon.
As a scientist, I spend a lot of my time thinking about what I should do at the University of Bristol to encourage the public to engage with science. That might help explain why, as a scientist, I have not published any original research. But all my globe trotting in the interests of science has at least shown me one thing - the human brain is capable of absolutely anything.
With apologies to Dr Sykes.
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