Theta Healing Awareness Week (Part 3)

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!

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TRACY HOLLOWAY

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

1. http://www.thetadnahealing.co.uk/thetahealing/who-we-are.php

"After her own life changing 3 days [into] her first Theta Basic training [course], Tracy was completely healed of the asthma she'd been suffering from since she was a child."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that Theta Healing can cure asthma, whether the claim is misleading, whether it is irresponsible, 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=MudRHZ0wZ3

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

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LYN RICHARDSON

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.theta-healing.org.uk/origin.html

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal a Naturopath, Massage Therapist, and Medical Intuitive discovered that the way she did Readings could also do an instant healing. At that time Vianna was ... just diagnosed with cancer that was quickly destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine failed and she was eventually told that she had lymphatic cancer with only a couple of months to live... Suddenly she discovered that using the same technique she used to do the readings could also heal the physical body. When she tried it on herself, her right leg that had shrunk by 3" regained it's [sic] former size and the pain disappeared. The healing was subsequently confirmed by medical doctors and to this day the leg continues to be perfectly healthy."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healing can cure cancer, heal the physical body, make legs grow by three inches and eliminate pain.

I'd also like to challenge whether the claim that Stibal's cure "was subsequently confirmed by medical doctors" can be substantiated, because I understand from researching previous complaints that there is considerable doubt about the veracity of this claim.

2. http://www.theta-healing.org.uk/origin.html

"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 into Theta waves. Over many years it was discovered that the technique utilized a Theta and Gamma wave to achieve instant healing..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing has been validated by science are misleading.

3. http://www.theta-healing.org.uk/abouttheta.html

"By going into a theta brainwave state, the practitioner is able to command and witness the healing taking place."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that Theta Healers can "command and witness the healing taking place" can be substantiated.

4. http://www.theta-healing.org.uk/abouttheta.html

"By learning to change your brain wave cycle into the theta state you can actually watch the Creator accomplish instantaneous physical and emotional healing. Until now, theta brain waves were believed to be accessible only in deep sleep or yogi-level meditation."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that Theta Healers can "watch the Creator accomplish instantaneous physical... healing" can be substantiated.

I'd also like to challenge whether, when it was "discovered", Theta Healing was the only method (besides deep sleep and meditation) to achieve "theta brain waves" since, off the top of my head, I can think of half a dozen alternative methods.

5. http://www.theta-healing.org.uk/basic.html

"As well as learning to identify your own beliefs you will practice pulling them for others in the class. This practice can quickly reveal systems of belief that may take traditional psychotherapy years to uncover and goes even further by showing the body how to replace limiting beliefs or feelings with positive ones. Issues of safety are emphasised, especially when making genetic changes in the body."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing is vastly superior to psychotherapy, and that Theta Healing can make "genetic changes to the body", can be substantiated.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=k2zFALBRmX
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=BlJbWN4REU
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=ThzgGmXqvW

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

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EDWARD STOPLER

"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.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal, a Naturopath and Intuitive discovered that she could do instant healings. This all came about when Vianna... was diagnosed with Cancer that was 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 intuitive readings could heal. Her leg was healed instantly."

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

2. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"Curious to understand why the technique was working so well, Vianna found the help of a Physicist and they used an Electrocephalogram (E.E.G) to discover that the simple technique tapped into Theta waves."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Theta healing works "so well" and that Theta Healing has been validated by science are misleading.

3. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"Vianna went on to treat many thousands of clients successfully..."

I challenge whether the claim that Stibal has treated "many thousands of clients successfully" can be substantiated.

4. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"Theta healing works by accessing the natural Theta Brain Waves that links us to the subconscious part of our minds... This gives us the ability to find the root causes of our issues or illnesses, as without finding these, our issues reappear again and again."

I challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing can "give us the ability to find the root causes of our...illnesses" and that without Theta Healing, "our issues reappear again and again" are misleading.

5. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"The reason Theta Healing is so effective is..."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing is "so effective" is misleading.

6. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"Theta healing is different because although issues are highlighted by the practitioner, the actual work in releasing the issues and creating change is done directly from the Creator of all that is and not through the Practitioner at all."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing is performed not by the practitioner, but by "the Creator of all" is misleading, because I worry that ordinary consumers might interpret it as a claim for efficacy.

7. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"THETA HEALING CAN HELP YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING AREAS OF YOUR LIFE... Health and Well Being: With Theta Healing you can scan the body and identify the location of a dis-ease. Then the root cause of the dis-ease is found through listening to the clients life and experiences."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healers "can scan the body and identify the location of a dis-ease" and find "the root cause of the dis-ease" can be substantiated.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=bg0qmPr64i
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=QQq83fF5Gp
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=EhI6Zeodby
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=dQFipXot4D

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

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ANNE-MARIE CARRATU

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing and its distant cousin, reiki, which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/theta_healing-242.htm

"On the physical side, using Theta Healing has prevented burns and sprained ankles from occurring, healed injured knees, improved hearing, facilitated people to walk again, and has been successfully used in working with degenerative and debilitating diseases such [as] Aids and Cancer."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healing has been "successfully used in working with degenerative and debilitating diseases such [as] Aids and Cancer".

I'd also like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healing can treat burns, sprained ankles and injured knees, and improve hearing and mobility.

2. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/theta_healing-242.htm

"Theta Healing can also cure physical ailments instantly..."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can "cure physical ailments instantly" can be substantiated.

3. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/theta_healing-242.htm

"Theta Healing was developed over a 10-year period by Vianna Stibal... During a session with a client, Vianna discovered that she could command and witness the instant healing of physical ailments. At the time, she had lymphatic cancer that was destroying her right femur. She had tried all the conventional methods and some alternative therapies as well. When she applied her new discovery to her cancer, her leg was healed instantly - it immediately returned to normal length, the swelling went down, and the cancer disappeared - instantaneously!"

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer "instantly" or "instantaneously" can be substantiated.

4. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/theta_healing-242.htm

"The Scientific Evidence - Curious to know why her technique was working, Vianna enlisted the help of a physicist... In addition, more and more books are now being published that confirm and validate that the Theta brainwave gives us access to both our subconscious mind AND allows us to tap into this level this higher level of consciousness."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing has been validated by science is misleading, because I understand there are no rigorous clinical trials available to support claims of efficacy.

5. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/Benefits_of_Reiki-246.htm

"Some Benefits of Reiki - Below is a list of some of the benefits of Reiki... Helps with depression... Strengthens and supports the immune system... Releases toxins... Helps to relieve pain... Relieves headaches including migraines... Relieves conditions such as arthritis and rheumatisim... Promotes healing for all acute illness or injury... Promotes healing for all chronic illness e.g. asthma/eczema... Helps with insomnia, thereby aiding better sleep... Reduces blood pressure... Reduces the need for alcohol and drugs... Helps with addictions... Raises the vibration within the body... Beneficial to all animals..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that reiki can treat clinical depression, migraines, arthritis, rheumatism, "all acute illness or injur[ies]", "all chronic illness", asthma, eczema, insomnia and addictions, and that reiki "reduces the need for alcohol and drugs", relieves pain, releases toxins, reduces blood pressure, improves the immune system and is "beneficial to all animals".

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=9a4Nx0lQNi
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=D5gUOWq7uV
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=jxU5QKBVJg

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

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VANYA SILVERTON

"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.thetalondon.com/about.html

"WHERE DOES THETA HEALING COME FROM? In 1995 Vianna Stibal a Naturopath, Massage Therapist, and Intuitive Reader discovered that the way she did Readings could help with instant healings. Vianna... 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 and her leg was instantaneously healed... Later it was discovered that the technique utilized a Theta and Gamma wave to achieve an instant healing..."

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

2. http://www.thetalondon.com/about.html

"WHAT CAN THETA HEALING DO?... perform body scans to see what is going on with your body and why ailments are manifesting... Other areas can include: Addictions - Allergies - Anger Management - Anxiety - Bereavement - Commitment Phobia - Confidence - Depression - Drug Abuse - Emotional Issues - Fears - Guilt - Health Issues - Jealousy - Loneliness - Motivation - Negative Emotions and Thoughts - Obsessions - Panic Attacks - Personal Development - Phobias - Rejection - Self-Confidence - Sexual Issues - Shame - Shyness - Stage Fright - Stress - Trauma - Unhappiness - Worry."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healers can "perform body scans to see what is going on with your body and why ailments are manifesting" and that Theta Healing can treat addictions, allergies, depression, drug abuse, health issues, panic attacks and "sexual issues".

3. http://www.thetalondon.com/howdoesitwork.html

"By lowering the brain's frequency to include a theta brain wave, it becomes possible to select information recorded in the DNA... ThetaHealing™ is a technique that helps us to consciously choose which DNA should be 'switched on' and which should be 'switch off'. This means that we can actively reprogramme cellular information to release outdated information and in its place install or activate better instructions... ThetaHealing™ is such an easy technique, that children as young as six are using it with results!"

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healers can "select information recorded in the DNA", "consciously choose which DNA should be switched on and which should be switched off", "actively reprogramme cellular information" and "activate better instructions".

I'd also like to challenge whether the claim that "children are young as six" are using Theta Healing "with results" is misleading.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=1iCI9ei8Jl
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=RhnrwqXMB7

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.

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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."

*Vianna Stibal and her cancer cures

Attention wannabe sceptical letter writers! Can you work out what's wrong with this advert from this month's "Kindred Spirit" magazine? (Click to enlarge)

UPDATE, 20th Oct: The ASA Council has adjudicated on the complaint and upheld it in full. Congratulations to everyone who joined in the fun!

UPDATE, 20th Oct: Responding to my complaint, the advertisers undertook to remove an illegal cancer cure claim from their website. Clearly, though, they weren't promising to remove any of the other illegal cancer cure claims from their website. Tut tut!


Don't know yet? Well, here's a tiny little clue.


Vianna Stibal is a repulsive little woman who's made a small fortune in the USA from claiming she can cure cancer.

Practicioners of her Theta Healing technique are normally reluctant to repeat the claim in the UK, but on this occasion, either Hay House Publishers or Stibal herself are guilty of an extremely serious offence under the Cancer Act 1939.

Perhaps Stibal's visit to London later this year will be extended indefinitely. At Her Majesty's Pleasure.

I've put in an ASA complaint (below), and another with Trading Standards, and I hope everyone reading this page immediately does the same. Right now.

(UPDATE, 21 Aug: A number of people have now complained to the ASA, and there is no need for anyone else to do so - it won't make any difference to the final result.

More complaints to Trading Standards are needed - the more they receive, the better the chance they'll take action. You don't have to be a UK citizen to submit a complaint.

You don't need to buy a copy of the magazine, but you do need to say where the advert appeared - "Kindred Spirit magazine - Summer 2010 Issue - page 2". Here's a better-quality scan of the advert, if you need it.

My complaint is rather long. Don't copy me. A few lines complaining that the advert promotes a cure for cancer, in breach of the Cancer Act 1939, is more than enough.)

"I write to complain about an advert appearing in "Kindred Spirit" magazine, Summer 2010 issue, p2.

The advert, for Hay House publishing/Vianna Stibal, promotes a Theta Healing workshop taking place in London, in October.

I suspect that the advert may be in breach of innumerable sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. Vianna Stibal - who is leading the workshop promoted in the advertisement - is an American author and healer who "created" the "Theta Healing" method.

2. Under Section 3.1 and 50.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate any of the following claims:

(i) Vianna Stibal - who is leading the workshop promoted in the advertisement - "healed herself of cancer using a technique [Theta Healing] she'd developed as an intuitive reader"

(ii) Vianna Stibal can teach other people how to cure cancer using this method

(iii) Theta Healing is "one of the most powerful healing...techniques in the world"

3. Under Section 2.1, I challenge whether the advert is "legal, decent, honest and truthful".

4. Under Section 2.2, I challenge whether the advert has been "prepared with a sense of responsibility to consumers and to society", and I challenge whether the advert exploits vulnerable consumers.

5. Under Section 4.1, I challenge whether the advertisers have complied with their "responsibility for ensuring that their marketing communications are legal".

6. Under Section 4.1, I challenge whether the advert incites those people attending the workshop to claim they can cure cancer.

7. Under Section 6.1, I challenge whether the advert "exploit the credulity, lack of knowledge or inexperience of consumers".

8. Under Section 7.1, I challenge whether the advert is misleading.

9. In relation to consumers with cancer who might attend the workshop and, because of the advert, believe they can stop their conventional medical treatment, under Section 10.1 I challenge whether the advert condones or encourages unsafe practices.

10. In relation to the claimed cure for cancer, under Section 50.3, I challenge whether the advert discourages essential treatment.

11. Under Section 50.27, I challenge whether the advert claims the Theta Healing therapy can cure illness.

12. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser."

Theta Miracles treat cancer, asthma, ME...

Here's another bullshit healing company, Theta Miracles.

The brains of the outfit appears to be Jill Miller (pictured below).

(Image credit)

Their flyer (available here and here) is carefully worded - instead of claiming to "cure" cancer or "treat" depression, Jill mischievously says:

"The popular areas that our clients want to work with are: Health issues - including cancer, high blood pressure, asthma, allergies, hormonal [sic], back pain, low energy levels, ME, depression, addictions, weight loss..."

The wording isn't going to stop me complaining about them - again, and again, and again, if necessary. ASA complaint follows.

"I write to complain about a flyer I picked up at the "Mind, Body & Spirit" festival, in London, in May this year.

The flyer, for www.thetamiracles.co.uk, promotes "Theta Healing".

I suspect that the flyer may be in breach of four sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code. I can provide the original flyer by post, if necessary.

1. "Theta Healing" is a proprietary form of hands-on healing developed in America by Vianna Stibal in the 1990s[1].

2. (i) I have been unable to find any clinical evidence for the efficacy of "Theta Healing" on the PubMed website or elsewhere.

(ii) Some evidence exists for the efficacy of hands-on healing therapies in general. For example, a 2003 Cochrane Review, "Therapeutic touch for healing acute wounds", stated:

"REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence that [Therapeutic Touch] promotes healing of acute wounds." [2]

3. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the advertiser holds documentary evidence to prove the following claims, and I challenge whether the claims are backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people:

(i) "You can create miracle healing in your life with the system of Theta Healing"
(ii) With Theta Healing, "miracle healing and changes can and do happen"
(iii) Theta Healing "can" help with "cancer, high blood pressure, asthma, allergies, hormonal back pain, low energy levels, ME, depression, addictions, weight loss"
(iv) Theta Healing "can" help with "bereavment...abuse, fears and phobias"
(v) Theta Healing "can" help with "Lack of money..."

4. (i) In the "Learning Theta Healing" section, the flyer claims that by taking the "Basic Course", people can "learn how to": "Co-create [with some kind of Deity] physical healings...", "Change genes and DNA", "Activate the Anti-aging gene" and "Activate all DNA strands".

(ii) Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the advertiser holds documentary evidence to prove that trained Theta Healers can perform any of these feats, and I challenge whether the claims are backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people.

(iii) Under Section 6.1, I challenge whether the flyer "exploit[s] the credulity, lack of knowledge or inexperience of consumers" by suggesting that trained Theta Healers can perform any of these feats.

(iv) Under Section 7.1, I challenge whether the flyer misleadingly implies that trained Theta Healers are capable of performing any of these feats.

5. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or the alternative medicine industry in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser.

Footnotes:
[1] http://www.thetahealing.com/about-thetahealing/thetahealing-origin.html
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14583953
"

*Liz Levelle - can't make up her mind

Liz Levelle has trained as a gardener, horticulturalist, organic farmer, naturopath, homeopath, EFT expert, Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique specialist, Jaffe Mellor therapist and Theta Healing Practicioner...

UPDATE, 3rd June: ASA report the advertiser has stated the advert will not be repeated.

(Image credit)

...I wonder how long it will be before she realises that quackery doesn't heal people?

Theta Healing is a new one on me. In the US, its proponents claim it has cured hundreds of cases of cancer. Luckily, most snake oil saleswomen in the UK have heard of the Cancer Act 1939.

Liz makes no specific claims about healing any named disease, either in the advert or on her website. Still, her advert troubles me, so I've complained to the ASA.

"I write to complain about an advert in “Kindred Spirit” magazine (March/April 2010, page 36), which promotes a "Theta Healing" service by Liz Levelle, a "Theta Practicioner & Naturopath".

I suspect that the advert is in breach of two sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code.

I have submitted a scan of the advert. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. The CAP Code, Section 3.1, states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."

2. The CAP Code, Section 50.1, states "Medical and scientific claims made about beauty and health-related products should be backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people..."

3. I challenge whether the advertiser holds documentary evidence to prove the claim that Theta Healing technique "achieves profound, instantaneous healing", and I challenge whether the claim is backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people.

4. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, with the magazine, or with the publishing and alternative medicine industries in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine.

5. I confirm that I am happy to be identified as the complainant."