Alternative medicine official Chabad stuff?

A Chabad pamphlet, Lchaim, published this in 1992, Parshas Trumah:

"Traditional" modern medicine has ingrained within most of the medical profession and many of us lay-people a skepticism toward alternative medicine. Acupuncture, chiropractics, holistic and herbal medicine, etc., predate vaccinations, antibiotics and surgery-as-the-only-option; yet many of us balk when the suggestion is made to consult an alternative health professional. And woe to the MD who uses or encourages alternative methods; he may well be ostracized by his peers in the medical community. All this despite the fact that recent findings--by modern medical doctors no less--have shown that some of these alternatives really do help!

In the area of medicine, modern has become traditional and we have become so intransigent as to not even consider alternatives. After all, human nature makes us feel comfortable with what we know, and nine times out of ten the amoxicillin will cure the ear infection. And if that doesn't help there's always another, newer antibiotic to try.

For many Jews, the modern definition of Judaism--like medicine--has become the norm, the family "tradition." We're comfortable with mixed seating in the synagogue, kosher in the house and non-kosher out, and the 11 o'clock news after a sumptuous Shabbat dinner. On Chanuka we light the menora but are not necessarily even aware that Jewish law dictates the shape of the menora and the length of time the candles must burn. Purim means dressing up and eating delicious hamentashen, but when it comes to listening to the Megila--the Scroll of Esther--one of the actual mitzvot of Purim, there's minimal interest. The list goes on, and we can all add our own family "traditions" to the repertoire. All of these customs despite the fact that Jewish observance, as set forth in the Torah, predates modern Jewish traditions.

Being reluctant to try alternative medicine limits one's options and closes off an entire world to a person. The same can be said when we're hesitant about delving into and even practicing the Torah's laws and customs.

But, when you show a willingness to learn Torah even though it's not necessarily accepted among your peers, to observe Jewish holidays according to ancient Jewish traditions though they might not be a part of your family's traditions, to respect Jewish beliefs stemming from a traditional Jewish perspective, you are actually expanding your own horizons.

Modern medicine is slowly beginning to recognize the possible value of alternative medicine. The same can be said of modern Judaism. We all know about the recent studies within the Jewish community. They have found that only through such traditional Jewish values as a strong Jewish education, "hands-on" holiday observance, Jewish marriages, etc., does the younger generation have a chance at becoming or remaining committed Jews.

Imagine how much we can expand our horizons, how enriched our lives can be, if we are willing to open up to the ancient traditions of Judaism."

Ad kan lshono.

While this pamphlet was obviously written by a magic medicine advocate and overstates the value of this pursuit and its acceptability in the medical community, it is scary that this was published in a semi official Chabad publication.

Did the Chabad Rebbe advocate that people pursue placebo cures for real diseases? In 1992, when this was published, the Rebbe had withdrawn from the public scene and, presumably, regular editting duties largely due to his failing health. (No offense to those who are known to be offended by this statement.) The evidence would suggest that he did not.

Advocates point out that he permitted people to pursue the profession and gave blessings to heal.

I would point out, though, that the proof of pudding is in the eating. The CR was ill numerous times, heart problems, foot problems, etc. over the years. No one, NO ONE has ever shown me that he pursued "alternative" medicine, oriental traditional medicine or any other type of magic cure, including those mentioned in the Talmud or in "secret kabalistic" writings. As I understand, he went to REGULAR MEDICAL DOCTORS, and he underwent REGULAR MEDICAL TREATMENT.

I would also point out that, when thousands asked his medical advice, he told them to follow the advice of the doctor or to pursue a different avenue of REGULAR MEDICAL TREATMENT. I have not found anyone who has told me that the CR told them to abandon the care of doctor and seek out an accupunturist, an alternative medicine advocate, a naturopathist, or any other "professional" in magic medicine. The closest I could find were people who claim that the CR allowed them to continue complementary methods that they were already involved in. This would fit with Rambam, who says that even though certain practices are opposed to Torah practice, he would them in cases where they would act as a placebo. (e.g. Hilchos Avodah Zara 11:12).

This only shows that modern magic has taken on a life of its own.