Press review, New Zealand

"New Zealand Doctor, 22.9.2010" 

Not your usual health pathway

Doctors can't earn CME credits - at upcoming talks on spiritual healing, but they may get education that enhances their practice.

Lectures aimed at doctors have been organised by the Medical Scientific Group of the Bruno Groening Circle of Friends for Auckland and Wellington next month. Those attending may even experience the "healing stream".

Learning about spiritual healing can help doctors in their practice and in their lives, says Matthias Knoeringer, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation who is a member of the group.

The method of healing is based on the teachings of Bruno Groening (1906-1959), who gained a large following in Germany in the 1950s, with many people reporting spontaneous healing during his talks.

Dr Knoeringer says the teachings concern the simple spiritual laws that form the basis for good health.

The ideas are now being supported by neurological research which is uncovering links between thoughts and physical afflictions.

While he doesn't speak directly with his own patients about spiritual healing, Dr Knoeringer says association with the circle has made his relationships with patients more heartfelt. He now talks with patients about the connection between their thoughts and their health, and the importance of being positive.

People aren't referred by doctors for this form of healing, but instead learn about it through lectures or contact with groups that meet regularly around the world.

The medical scientific group is documenting case studies of people who have experienced healing through group meetings. Follow-up consultations and examinations are carried out by independent specialists.

While many thousands of reports have been created, it isn't easy to produce a traditional study, Dr Knoeringer explains, because you can't put 10 people in a room and tell them to experience the healing stream. It is on a level that can't be seen. He says there is growing interest in spiritual healing in the medical and scientific communities worldwide.

Christian Jacob, a specialist in general medicine, will present the lectures. Dates are: Auckland, Parnell Community Centre, 11 October, 7-9pm, and Wellington, St John's Centre, 12 October, 7-9pm.

jyeats@nzdoctor.co.nz