Question:
Is one allowed to be treated by an acupuncturist who believes in energy zones or is this true Avoda Zoro?
Answer:
Thank you for your question.
You are bringing up quite a controversial topic. There is much debate about this, including books and seforim written on both sides of this controversy. On one hand there is a sefer in Hebrew called Sheilas Hamitutelet written by a person who was once a professional in this field and he left it because of the concerns you are bringing up, that energy healing is using energies that are based on avoda zara. Additionally, there is a book called “Rabbi Belsky on Alternative Medicine” who is against these things. Additionally, it is said from R’ Eliyashiv zt”l that anything that doesn’t have a clear explanation in teva, can be problematic. On the other hand there is a sefer called “Alternative Medicine in Halacha” who says that it is permitted. Additionally, there are many Rabbonim against it and those who defend it. Personally, it is hard for me to be the machria on this, therefore I am very skeptical and wary of using it.
Best wishes
