What is splankna therapy and is it biblical?

Answer  
  

Splankna is Christian [energy healing](energy-healing-medicine.html). Proponents of splankna therapy call it “the first Christian protocol for energy psychology.” Splankna attempts to approach the energy psychology healing modalities from a Christian angle, focusing on thought field therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and neuro\-emotional technique. A healing modality is defined as any therapeutic method or agent: surgery, chemotherapy, chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, etc. Some modalities focus on the physical body alone (surgical and chiropractic methods), others exclusively on the mind (Freudian psychoanalysis), and still others on a combination of body and mind (acupuncture, Rolfing, and [EMDR](EMDR-therapy.html)).  
  

The word *splankna* has Greek roots. It means literally “bowels” or “intestines.” Scripture uses the word to refer to the seat of one’s emotions, and the NIV translates it as “tenderness” in Philippians 2:1 and “compassion” in Colossians 3:12\. The modern concept of splankna therapy is based on a mind\-body connection and supposed “energy fields” within the body. Splankna is akin to Reiki, but with a Christian twist in that splankna identifies the “life force” within us as the Holy Spirit and it incorporates prayer into the treatment.  
  

The basic problem with splankna is that it takes the methods and doctrines of Eastern mysticism and tries to “Christianize” them. Splankna is wholly based on [New Age spirituality](new-age-movement.html). Discerning Christians know that it’s impossible to put a Christian face on paganism. Philosophies based in New Age teaching have no place in the thinking of believers. The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force that travels in theoretical physic pathways in the body. Eastern pantheism does not become biblical simply because a “Christian” label is applied. Splankna is a pseudo\-science that is part religion, part philosophy, and wholly to be avoided. “What fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14\).  
  

