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Case Reports is a regularly featured column meant to highlight the clinical applications of alternative or integrative therapies as they are implemented in patient care. Preference will he given to cases in which diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes are clearly defined.
Many people see acupuncture as a physical modality limited to treating physical entities such as pain, syndromes. Although this is true, it is a restricted view. Others understand that in addition to treating physical problems, acupuncture is helpful for treating mental problems (eg, insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks). Still others are aware that acupuncture has a profound effect on the spirit. In fact, most difficulties we face in the modern era-depression, lack of will to live, lack of joy-have their origin on the spiritual level. Such spiritual maladies can be-and, in fact, must be-addressed with acupuncture for real healing to occur (oral cornmunication, J. R. Worsley, April 1979).
An overwhelming number of our problems today stem from a weak, deficient, and uncared-for spirit. Although our culture provides well for physical and mental needs, too often the spirit goes hungry. According to classical Five Element acupuncture as taught by J. R. Worsley, most imbalances arise out of this deficiency. If left untreated, they can give way to more recognizable disease processes. For true and lasting healing to occur, a practitioner must set free and nourish the patient's spirit, thereby allowing it to guide the person back to balance and health.'
THE CONCEPT OF POSSESSION
A weakened and ineffectual spirit that is not able to guide and give direction to a patient, coupled with powerful external or internal forces, can cause loss of control over the body, mind, and spirit. This loss of control, this transfer of power from the person to this other entity-this taking over-is what Five Element acupuncture calls "possession." Other healing traditions acknowledge this idea of the patient being taken over by another force while in a weakened state and have different treatments to restore proper order.
The ideas of demons, possession, and toss of free will are an intricate part of many religions throughout the world." The Catholic church has been quietly encouraging bishops to appoint more exorcists as the millennium approaches. This increased need for exorcism is a consequence of social...