While I'm certain this thread is going to see a bit of heated debate I will second the issue of positive effects via this and Acupuncture as well. What disappoints me is the fact that western medicine and the "scientific" element seems to go out of their way to dispel the positive RESULTS such work has rendered for centuries vs. what the western sciences have given us for less than 300 years now (a great deal of which was known by our primitive ancestors but lost as the result of religious taboos and the idea that Science was the devil's playground.)
One Argument that must be weighed however, is the simple power of human touch. Our westernized world seems to look down on the idea of intimate (non-sexual) acts of appreciation such as we find common in the far and middle east. We have far less nurturing contact with one another and worse of all, we stigmatize those that may show physical affection, especially in public. The result seems to be a significant build-up of stress and stress related health conditions that could be avoided entirely by way of steady human contact that is socially "normal". . . such as how the holding of hands is so common in the east, as a sign of mutual respect and honor, especially between those that were one time foes (such as we find in Vietnam).
I've addressed this point with those that practice Rieki, Hands of Light, Healing Touch and other such similar treatment methods {
NOTE: I am certified in Rieki by the way}. I'm a firm believer that 75% of what makes these technique effective is the need we have for direct loving contact with another human being. Then again, I believe that there is a major placebo factor as well; the psychological "need" by the client to have something work. But there's a monkey wrench in that particular area; many people (especially in the U.S.) are dependent on their illness and unwilling to let go of the issues that have created the discomfort (a.k.a. learn the karmic lessons said ills bring with them). I believe this is why so many people have relapses of major conditions such as cancer; they miss the attention in that it gives them a unique form of validation. . . a means by which to suck energy from others (quite literally a
Psychic Vampire).
The Healing Arts entail a bit of everything in order to be "complete". Western Medicine has unfortunately elected to throw away the human touch in exchange for corporate cash but this too shall pass. . . it's already seeing a major migration as more and more doctors seek to actually practice medicine vs. assembly line work. The AMA, being the political embodiment it is, has sided with the Corporate Treatment concept because it makes medical investors wealthier, doctors a bit more a "thing" than a human being (an instrument that serves as the vehicle for cash flow) and of course, the patient (US) nothing other than the second face to that same coin -- a means to an end. In other words, these rogue practitioners are seriously frowned upon and even warned against when it comes to the economically motivated political seat of Western Medicine. Something that's not quite as common place in the greater aspect of the global environment where, culturally/traditionally and even religiously there is an obligation to treat each person with dignity and as a human being vs. a number on an insurance card.