Theta Healing Awareness Week (part 4)

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Accomplished crook Vianna Stibal, her belligerent husband Cody and our very own Jenny Johnstone - recently mentioned in this blog - made their debut on the BBC´s Newsnight programme this week.

For anyone who missed it, here's the video.

Theta Healing Awareness Week (Part 2)

On the subject of Theta Healing, a recent visitor to the blog has written to say

"Thank you very much for the additional exposure! The more people hear about Theta Healing, the more that are likely to benefit from it. There is, as you know, no such thing as bad publicity..."

Well, I'm a big fan of Vianna Stibal's magical finger therapy, so I'm happy to help.

I've decided that this week is going to be the First Annual "Theta Healing Awareness Week".

To help publicise the event, here is some extra "additional exposure" in the shape of dozens of new ASA/Trading Standards complaints. Feel free to join in the fun!

(Image credit)

DAVID LOWE / WENDY LOWE

"The website makes a number of testimonial claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

I'd like to challenge whether the testimonial claims (that Theta Healing can cure diabetes and clinical depression, treat high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure and panic attacks, and cause weight loss of 4lbs a week) are misleading.

I'd also like to challenge whether the advertisers' "intuitive body scans", apparently conducted over the phone, can reveal "physical problems".

1. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"In the last 3 weeks my whole life has turned around. Since you gave me those body scans I have realised what I have been doing to myself, my body... Blood tests show that my sugar levels have returned to normal so no more diabetes, Thank you. Nicola"

2. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"Thank you, Wendy and David. I've just got back from seeing the nurse for blood results. After years struggling with blood sugar levels, they are now back to normal. Loving myself as you taught me has got rid of the diabetes."

3. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"What did you do to me last week? Theta Healing? I feel great. No more grumpy moods and I've lost 4lbs! Mary W"

4. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"Wow, what did you do to me last week? I telephoned my psychiatrist and came off my antidepressants. I feel so good. Sue O."

5. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"No more panic attacks. I even went Christmas shopping in London. I feel great thanks to Theta Healing. Judith S"

6. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"... Oh been to the docs too, my blood pressure has gone from 145/98 to 113/79 - I thank you for the healing you gave me xx The doc is very pleased but a little confused at how come so quicky."

7. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/bodyscans.htm

"intuitive body scans... An intuitive body scan reveals how your mind is affecting your body. Although physical problems may be revealed, the scan mainly picks up on mental and emotional issues, for example, fears, feelings of being stuck or trapped, feelings of being burdened or being under attack."

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=I4Dbh70QVD
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=IK8vwBezVS
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=4Bjv0TDvwg

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

DAWN PAUL

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.liberate-online.co.uk/Theta-Healing.aspx

"Theta Healing was developed by a lady called Vianna Stibal in 1995... She had been diagnosed with cancer of her right leg and all conventional and alternative therapies had failed to bring about healing. Fortunately, she discovered that the “connection” technique she used for her readings altered her brain wave frequencies sufficiently for her to allow the Creator to work through her and heal her leg. She was cured instantly and went on to develop her techniques and teach them to others."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that Theta Healing can "cure" cancer "instantly".

2. http://www.liberate-online.co.uk/Theta-Healing.aspx

"Theta Healing is simple and gentle and as with all of her work, theta healing can be done with Dawn Paul remotely over the telephone for those not based in the UK."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can be delievered "remotely over the phone" is misleading.

3. http://www.liberate-online.co.uk/Benefits.aspx

"Benefits of Shamanic Healing Techniques, Soul Retrieval and Theta Healing... Understand the root cause behind physical illness and heal it... Heal yourself, your ancestors and future generations... Enable the body to heal from physical injury or ailment... Remove and heal the need for dependencies... Prevent future illness/disease..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healing can help you "Understand the root cause behind physical illness and heal it", "heal yourself, your ancestors and future generations", "enable the body to heal from physical injury or ailment", "remove and heal the need for dependencies" and "prevent future illness/disease".

4. http://www.liberate-online.co.uk/Articles/Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome.aspx

"“I have suffered from severe IBS, social phobia, anxiety, panic attacks and fatigue to name but a few of my complaints. I had become housebound and had not lived my life for many years. Over the years I have tried various therapies, but none of them really helped or some of them only making me feel a little better temporarily (some even made me feel worse!). Feeling desperate I turned to Dawn for help. I found the Shamanic Healing and Soul Retrieval to be positive and fun. Healing work with Dawn was very encouraging and deeply effective. I always felt guided in the right healing path. Soon I started to feel something shifting within me. Healing was very gentle but definite and deep and on-going. Now I feel so much calmer, grounded and at peace. I have also had sleeping problems all my life but I sleep much better and deeper now. I feel positive, more relaxed and have more energy. My everyday IBS is gone (only minor hiccups occasionally, when work gets extremely stressful), and I am no longer scared of people. I can at last start to enjoy life again. Thank you so much for your help, Dawn!”"

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser's claim of a cure for IBS with her "Shamanic Healing and Soul Retrieval" therapy, which the customer describes as "deeply effective", is misleading.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=6RCGyoebPA
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=NnkI5xnciq
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=axkF8UBjep

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

FIONA JANE

"The website makes a number of testimonial claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser's claims of a cure for astigmatism and chronic headaches (over 31 years) are misleading, because I understand that there's no clinical evidence available to support any of the claims made by proponents of Theta Healing.

1. http://www.scotlandthetahealing.co.uk/Testimonials.html

"before doing these courses I wore glasses every day for the last four years in order to see and correct an astigmatism. I now do not wear glasses at all."

2. http://www.scotlandthetahealing.co.uk/Testimonials.html

"Thankyou for your excellent support, i cannot believe how easy it has been to be pain free after 31 years of "daily headaches... many thanks Morag.xx"

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=z4TkjTuCQC
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=B9P6tZd1W8

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

ALEXANDRA BROWN / THETA HEALING ACADEMY

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetahealingacademy.com/origins-of-theta-healing.html

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal a Naturopath, Massage Therapist, and Intuitive Reader discovered that the way she did Readings could do an instant healing. Vianna, a mother of three young children was diagnosed with cancer that was quickly destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed. Then she discovered that the simple technique she used in Readings could heal. Her leg was instantaneously healed. She added this knowledge to her sessions with clients and in the classes she was teaching. Curious to understand why the technique was working, Vianna solicited the help of a physicist and with an electrocephalograph discovered that the simple technique tapped Theta waves."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer.

2. http://www.thetahealingacademy.com/origins-of-theta-healing.html

"Over many years of practicing the technique, Vianna believes the technique utilizes a Theta wave to achieve an instant healing. Through thousands of clients she discovered not only an amazing way to connect with the creative energy that moves in all things, but that this energy could change instantly Beliefs and Feelings that are linked to sickness."

I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Theta Healing can achieve an "instant healing" of "sickness".

3. http://www.thetahealingacademy.com/index.html

"Discover one of the most powerful energy healing techniques in the world! Theta healing® has been called an ‘attainable miracle for your life’..."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing is "one of the most powerful energy healing techniques in the world" is misleading, because I understand there's no clinical evidence supporting any of the claims proponents of Theta Healing tend to make.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=R285MQkeYa
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=WQPX7r29nz

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

ANNA KITNEY / BOURGEON

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) and for a detox product which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/vianna-stibal.html

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal founded Theta Healing® when she received an instant healing from cancer through the 'Creator of All That Is'...
Vianna... was diagnosed with cancer that was destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed. Vianna... learnt that she could also witness physical healings... This technique utilises a Theta and Gamma wave achieving an instant healing. Through thousands of clients she discovered not only an amazing way to connect with the creative energy that moves in all things, but that this energy could instantly change beliefs and feelings that are linked to sickness... After she was healed from cancer..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claims that Theta Healing can cure cancer and achieve "an instant healing".

2. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/disease--disorder-.html

"Theta Healing® Disease & Disorder Training Course - The Disease & Disorders course was created as a result of Vianna's healing sessions over the years. Having worked with thousands of clients with various diseases and illnesses, she learned that diseases have their own personalities and related belief systems, and that people with similar belief systems sometimes attract these diseases. She also learned that her dislikes or fears of a disease often prevented her from being able to heal the disease in others."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that "diseases have their own personalities and related belief systems, and that people similar belief systems sometimes attract these diseases" and that "dislikes or fears of a disease often prevented [Stibal] from being able to heal the disease in others" are misleading.

3. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/vianna-stibal.html

"Theta Healing may help you with... Depression... Fertility... Health Issures... Insomnia... Weight Loss..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing "may help you with" depression, fertility, health issues, insomnia and weight loss can be substantiated.

4. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/segiun-detox-patches.html

"Benefits of the Segiun Detox Patches... The original, authentic and most safest detox patch in aiding removal of metalic toxins... Eliminates toxins..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Segiun Detox Patches are the "most safest [sic] detox patch in aiding removal of metalic [sic] toxins" can be substantiated.

5. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/testimonials.html

"Even friends and family have noticed the difference! I am a much calmer person now, have addressed issues and beliefs that have I have held for a long time ie weight - have lost almost 2 stone since the course in March and am still work in progress! My back problems are also improving thanks to Theta [Healing] - I am virtually off pain killers now, there have been other improvements as well and I continually work on myself."

I'd like to challenge whether the testimonial claim that Theta Healing can cause considerable weight loss ("almost 2 stone since the course in March") and that Theta Healing can "virtually" eliminate chronic pain are misleading.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=xWYzlhmj3k
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=hgR4f1867u
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=Xo0kxkvtsI
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=C53Esn37Ut
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=YyAfnCf458

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

Theta Healing Awareness Week (Part 1)

On the subject of Theta Healing, a recent visitor to the blog has written to say

"Thank you very much for the additional exposure! The more people hear about Theta Healing, the more that are likely to benefit from it. There is, as you know, no such thing as bad publicity..."

Well, I'm a big fan of Vianna Stibal's magical finger therapy, so I'm happy to help.

I've decided that this week is going to be the First Annual "Theta Healing Awareness Week".

To help publicise the event, here is some extra "additional exposure" in the shape of dozens of new ASA/Trading Standards complaints. Feel free to join in the fun!

(Image credit)

THETA HEALING UK / KRISTEN SCHMID

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetahealinguk.co.uk/about-us/our-team

"Kristen witnessed incredible instant healings [sic] with the women in Africa that ranged from a crippled woman being able to walk without a walking stick after the healing, to a woman who was able to sleep on her side for the first time in four years after the pain of her ulcers was cleared from the healing."

I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claims that Theta Healing can cure a "crippled woman" and "clear" the "pain of ulcers".

2. http://www.thetahealinguk.co.uk/theta-healing/how-can-i-benefit-from-theta-healing

"Other areas Theta Healing can help... Addictions... Allergies... Depression... Drug Abuse..."

I challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing "can help" with addictions, allergies, depression and drug abuse can be substantiated.

3. http://www.thetahealinguk.co.uk/theta-healing/vianna-stibal

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal, a Naturopath, Massage Therapist, and Intuitive Reader, discovered that the way she did Readings could do an instant healing. Vianna, a mother of three young children, was diagnosed with cancer that was quickly destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed. Then she discovered that the simple technique she used in Readings could heal. Her leg was instantaneously healed. She added this healing knowledge to her sessions with clients and in the classes she was teaching."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer can be substantiated, whether it is misleading, whether it is irresponsible, and whether it might discourage essential treatment.

4. http://www.thetahealinguk.co.uk/theta-healing/vianna-stibal

"Curious to understand why the technique was working, Vianna solicited the help of a physicist and with an electroencephalograph discovered that the simple technique tapped Theta waves. Over many years, it was discovered that the technique utilised a Theta and Gamma wave achieving an instant healing."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing has been validated by science is misleading, and whether it can be substantiated.

5. http://www.thetahealinguk.co.uk/courses/disease-disorder

"This course teaches the healer how to recognize [sic] all energies as being equal and how to heal without believing that “a headache is easier to heal than cancer” (for example)."

I challenge whether the implied claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer as easily as it can cure a headache is misleading.

6. http://www.thetahealinguk.co.uk/courses/dna-3

"The Course curriculum... Changing the Molecular Structure of Water... Telekinesis - Moving [an] Object...Healing any Illness"

I challenge whether the claims that this course can teach how to change "the Molecular Structure of Water", how to move objects through telekinesis [through the power of the mind alone] and how to heal any illness is misleading.

7. http://www.thetahealinguk.co.uk/testimonials?phpMyAdmin=2b4c49778607t2bdac405

"In January 2010, a medical scan revealed a large fibroid in my womb. I was scheduled for surgery in March to remove it, and being a Theta Healing practitioner, I was determined to heal the fibroid rather than go through a major surgery. I was scheduled in for a follow-up scan in February to check the growth of the fibroid. Leading up to the scan I did extensive self-healing and also had a one-to-one session with Kris the week before my scan. I'm delighted to report that my scan was last week and it's all clear!! My doctor's words were "the fibroid is so small it's not showing up on the scan". My surgery has been canceled, everyone I know has been trying to wrap their heads around it, I am speechless!"

I challenge whether this testimonial claim of a cure for a condition requiring surgery is misleading and whether it might discourage essential treatment.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=5UctQbzfJk
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=Tq2Dzak6Zj
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=aKuHybD9IB
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=docmauBKLP
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=9WeFhnKchv
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=8mvyxr9YBG

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

JENNY JOHNSTONE

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetahealinguk.com/can_it_help_you.htm

"What problems can Theta Healing help with?

Theta healing can help with any type of problem."

2. http://www.thetahealinguk.com/can_it_help_you.htm

"Examples of problems that Theta Healing can help with are: Shyness, lack of confidence... Stress, anxiety, panic attacks... Self-esteem issues... Depression... Relationship problems... Physical problems... Eating disorders and body-image problems... Weight control... Sexual problems... Money problems... Fear of public speaking... Compulsive behaviours... Phobias... Allergies..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healing can "help with" depression, eating disorders, weight control, allergies or "any type of problem".

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=RARHunT9Jm

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

ROSEMARY REBO

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.dnathetahealing.co.uk/site/pages/about-rosemary.php

"In 1996 in Idaho, USA I was privileged to meet an amazing lady who has since become a dear friend. Her name is Vianna Stibal... Vianna had been diagnosed with a malignant tumor in her right leg. The biopsy took it's [sic] toll and weeks of extreme discomfort followed... The doctors claimed that the best option to save her life was to amputate her leg. However, Vianna realised that as she could heal others, so she should heal herself... she commanded a healing on herself... As time passed her leg returned to normal and there was no sign of cancer."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=HAcUOGcML1

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

ROSEMARY REBO / ONHARLEYSTREET.CO.UK

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.onharleystreet.co.uk/theta-healing/

"Theta Healing is an amazing modality which is sweeping the Nation and the World. This is the most effective healing I have found."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser's suggestion that Theta Healing is "the most effective [form of] healing" is misleading.

2. http://www.onharleystreet.co.uk/theta-healing/

"Sometimes, Doctors and other health care professionals work with Client’s [sic] for a long time until they run out of ideas and resources to no avail. It has been discovered that the problem often lies within a belief that is stored within the sub-conscious mind that is preventing healing from taking place. This is where Theta Healing is useful and effective because, through this method, the belief can be discovered and changed."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing is "useful and effective" for conditions usually treated by "Doctors...for a long time" can be substantiated.

I'd also like to challenge whether the claim that "Doctors...run out of ideas and resources" when treating serious illnesses, because these illnesses are caused by "a belief that is stored within the sub-conscious mind that is preventing healing from taking place", and that this fact has been "discovered", might discourage essential treatment; since it seems to be implying that Theta Healing is more effective than orthodox medicine.

3. http://www.onharleystreet.co.uk/theta-healing/

"Scientific studies have been found to suggest that the Mind, Body and Spirit are all interconnected. Theta Healing works by changing the cellular structure of the body to hold new thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Each time a negative feeling or emotion is released, it is replaced with a positive belief or emotion in order to balance the body to achieve an optimum result."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that "Theta Healing works by changing the cellular structure of the body" is misleading.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=nVcCUq1Q31

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

THETA MIRACLES / JILL MILLER

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetamiracles.co.uk/thetahealing.php

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal... discovered that the way she did Readings was achieving instant healings [sic]. Vianna... was diagnosed with cancer... Everything she tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed. Then she tried a simple technique she used in Readings and her leg was instantaneously healed..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claims that Theta Healing can cure cancer "instantaneously". I'd like to challenge whether this claim is misleading, irresponsible, and could discourage essential treatment.

2. http://www.thetamiracles.co.uk/thetahealing.php

"COMMANDING A HEALING Theta Healers do not do a ‘healing’ themselves... This can be healing a physical condition... the healer ‘commands’ the healing to take place. The healer then becomes the ‘observer’ to the healing happening. WITNESSING THE HEALING By observing the ‘healing’ taking place brings the ‘healing’ into reality..."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can "[heal] a physical condition", the claim that practitioners "command... the healing to take place", the claim that the practitioner "becomes the observer to the healing happening" and the claim that the practitioner "by observing the healing taking place brings the healing into reality" are misleading.

3. http://www.thetamiracles.co.uk/thetahealing.php

"Since Theta Healing was first discovered thousands of people have benefited from this healing system..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim is misleading, and whether it can be substantiated.

4. http://www.thetamiracles.co.uk/thetahealing.php

"Theta Healing is the healing system of the 21st century. It takes healing to a new level... inherited conditions... can be healed..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims "Theta Healing is the healing system of the 21st century" and "It takes healing to a new level" are misleading, because I understand there's no clinical evidence available for Theta Healing.

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can heal "inherited conditions" can be substantiated.

5. http://www.thetamiracles.co.uk/thetahealing.php

"It is now generally accepted that most physical health problems are related to a belief system that the mind holds... By identifying and changing these beliefs and feelings with Theta Healing the underlying cause of an illness/disease can be removed... Once these beliefs and emotions have been corrected with Theta Healing it is possible for the illnesses and diseases to heal, in some cases instantly."

I'd like to challenge whether "It is now generally accepted that most physical health problems are related to a belief system that the mind holds" is misleading, since I understand that most health problems are not caused by negative thoughts.

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing can "remove" the "underlying cause of an illness/disease" and that it is "possible for the illnesses and diseases to heal, in some cases instantly" can be substantiated, and whether they are misleading.

6. http://www.thetamiracles.co.uk/testimonials.php

"...I am amazed to say that my Osteoarthritis has lessened to such a degree that I have managed to cut back on my pain medication by between 50 to 60%..."

I'd like to challenge whether the testimonial claim of an effective treatment for Osteoarthritis is misleading.

7. http://www.thetamiracles.co.uk/shop.php

"In 1995, Vianna Stibal... was diagnosed with a serious health condition. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed, until she employed a simple technique... Amazed that she had cured herself instantaneously..."

I'd like to challenge whether this claim exaggerates the accuracy and scientific validity of the book.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=u4YpOY01fE
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=RVe7M4aO8h
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=uZc1NZeoej
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=kzkRkY7qyN
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=I7x7yVzX0g

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

National Theta Healing's cancer cure

Theta Healing is a magical finger therapy invented by Vianna Stibal, who idly boasts that it cured her of cancer. I've complained about the practice several times before.

(Image credit)

The latest scam comes from Catherine Shaw and Kiwiroa Marshall, the unwholesome duo pictured above. Their new website claims to be

"The official website for all certified practitioners and courses within the UK"

Here in the UK, Theta Healing practitioners often forget that it's illegal to advertise a cure for cancer. Take this handout (available here, here and here), for example:

"Theta Healing was founded by Vianna Stibal in 1995. A naturopath and intuitive reader, Vianna discovered that the simple technique she used in her readings could heal physical diseases instantly. She healed herself of cancer instantly and went on to heal thousands of other people's illnesses."

A similar claim appears a second time on another page:

"In 2007, Elaine [Cole] suffered a serious road accident which revealed Lymphoma (a cancer). Chemotherapy failed and in May 2008, Elaine was given "weeks maybe months" to live... A healing with Vianna Stibal in 2009 saw the cancer retreating..."

These dangerous delusions soar to new heights on the couple's website.

"Vianna has successfully worked with such medical challenges as genetic defects, Hepatitis C, Epstein bar, AIDS, Herpes, tumours, a variety of cancers and many other numerous conditions."

No doubt Catherine and Kiwiroa will have plenty of time to perfect their Theta Healing skills while they're completing their prison sentences. Two ASA complaints follow.

HANDOUT COMPLAINT

"I'm writing to complain about a handout for National Theta Healing, which I picked up from their own stall at the 'Mind Body Spirit' exhibition in London on 26th May.

The handout promotes Theta Healing, which the advertisers claim can cure cancer.

1. "Theta Healing was founded by Vianna Stibal in 1995. A naturopath and intuitive reader, Vianna discovered that the simple technique she used in her readings could heal physical diseases instantly. She healed herself of cancer instantly and went on to heal thousands of other people's illnesses."

I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claims that Theta Healing can be used to cure cancer "instantly", that Theta Healing can be used to "heal physical diseases instantly", and that Stibal has healed "thousands of other people's illnesses" using Theta Healing.

2. An insert in the handout contains the following text.

"In 2007, Elaine [Cole] suffered a serious road accident which revealed Lymphoma (a cancer). Chemotherapy failed and in May 2008, Elaine was given "weeks maybe months" to live... A healing with Vianna Stibal in 2009 saw the cancer retreating..."

I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Vianna Stibal cured Elaine Cole's cancer.

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative medicine industry in general."

WEBSITE COMPLAINT

"The website makes a number of health claims which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.nationalthetahealing.co.uk/about-thetahealing.html

"Use of the Theta Healing® technique has healed, changed and transformed the lives of many thousands of people around the world."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing has "healed...many thousands of people" can be substantiated.

2. http://www.nationalthetahealing.co.uk/about-thetahealing.html

"The Theta Healing® technique (formerly called The Orian or Orion Technique) is not specific to any age, sex, race, colour, creed or religion. Anyone with a belief in the Creative Force can access and use the various parts of the Theta Healing® methodology. It enables the body to conquer physical illness and remove emotional blockages."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing "enables the body to conquer physical illness" can be substantiated.

3. http://www.nationalthetahealing.co.uk/about-thetahealing.html

"Professionally, Theta Healing® is being used by a wide range of Professionals as a powerful supplement to their existing practice. Many have now incorporated Theta Healing® into their existing toolkit and are achieving amazing results."

I challenge whether the phrase "amazing results" is misleading.

4. http://www.nationalthetahealing.co.uk/about-vianna-stibal.html

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal - a Naturopath at the time, Massage Therapist, Intuitive Reader and mother of three young children, was diagnosed with cancer that began quickly destroying her right femur (thigh bone). Everything she tried using conventional and alternative medicine failed. Then she discovered that the simple technique she had been using in her Intuitive Readings could heal physical ailments instantly. She tried her new discovery on herself and her cancer was cured instantly. Her right leg, which had shrunk several inches, returned to normal length and size. She was instantaneously healed."

I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claims that Theta Healing can cure cancer "instantly" and cause bones to change size.

5. http://www.nationalthetahealing.co.uk/about-vianna-stibal.html

"Through thousands of clients she has discovered an amazing way to connect with the creative energy that moves in all things, and that this energy can be changed instantly. She also discovered that our beliefs and feelings can often be linked to illness. Vianna has successfully worked with such medical challenges as genetic defects, Hepatitis C, Epstein bar, AIDS, Herpes, tumours, a variety of cancers and many other numerous conditions."

I challenge whether any of these claims can be substantiated, whether they are misleading, whether they are irresponsible, and whether they may discourage essential treatment.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following urls:

http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=6FHk6jrhUt

http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=2T527tPRUH

I confirm that I have no commercial interest in the outcome of this complaint."