Code of Ethics (extracts)

The N.Z. Federation of Spiritual Healers (Inc)

(Kindly supplied by Dr Jim Woolnough)

1) The dignity of spiritual healing will best be upheld by making no promises of healing, in advance, to the patient; and by avoiding any act or speaking any words which can not be supported by what we know in spiritual or psychic science. Claims of a cure must never be made or promised.

2) Any diagnosis a healer may make must NOT be communicated to the patient. It is not for the healer to diagnose; troubled areas may be mentioned but DIAGNOSIS MUST BE LEFT TO MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.

4) Confidences between patient or between relatives of the patient and the healer, must remain strictly confidential. If serious illness is suspected, this should not be communicated to the patient, relatives or friends.

5) Patients should be encouraged to persevere with healing for best results; healing is seldom instantaneous but rather takes time and patience.

8) Healers should pay particular attention to personal hygiene.

11) Massage and manipulation are not part of spiritual healing and should not be given unless the healer is qualified to do so.

13) Animals: rendering first aid for the purpose of relieving pain in an animal is always permissible; likewise prayer and the laying-on of hands, but it is an offense for one not qualified as a veterinary surgeon to practice as such, both as to diagnosis or prescribing medicine.

The following instructions are also given: Do NOT practice dentistry, Do NOT treat venereal diseases, Do NOT sell herbal remedies, Do NOT publish any advertisement offering to treat specific diseases.

In the middle of the page setting out this advice and code of ethics was an advertisement for a natural hot pool. It included these words "Mrs B. knew no positive relief for psoriasis. Mr G.G. arthritic clinic failed. BOTH bathed to health in these waters". Elsewhere in that issue, there is an advertisement for "Herbal remedies by mail", for "Postal psychometry, send lock of hair, with s.a.e." and for "Holistic spiritual massage".

It is interesting to note that the Wanganui Spiritualist Centre is holding an Open Day with sessions on the following: Poetic Clairvoyance, Allergies, Clairvoyance, Natural Foods, Iridology, Homeopathic and Holistic Healing, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Maori Herbalism and Colour Therapy.