or stress related. For example stress, over-work and unexpressed anger are recognised as contributory factors in the emergence of many medical conditions. This kind of direct cause and effect approach can be harmful as it will suggest to the patient that he or she is responsible for the illness. This in turn could induce feelings of guilt and shame which could become another obstacle to well-being.
It should be mentioned that faith healing is a complementary therapy which is intended to be used in conjunction with orthodox medicine, not to replace it. The proof of its effectiveness is largely anecdotal rather than scientific and this invites a sceptical attitude. However in any analysis of faith healing it would be wise to to accept that there are things in life that defy scientific explanation.