Healing or Cult? Malindi's Touch-Based Therapy Raises Concerns

An Italian woman in Malindi is attracting both followers and sceptics with her non-medical treatment, "The Beginning of Yourself". 

The practice, rooted in Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine (TCAM), involves participants lying in a circle while the practitioner places her hands on their bodies, aiming to release emotional and physical tension. Testimonials describe experiences of renewed vitality, with one participant noting a feeling of lightness after a session, contrasting with a previous feeling of being weighed down. 

The healer conceptualises the human experience as a container gradually filling with negativity, ultimately leading to illness – a metaphor that resonates with individuals seeking alternatives to conventional hospital care. However, the practice exists within a legal grey area. It remains unclear whether clients are charged for these sessions and whether the practitioner adheres to Kenyan regulatory standards. 

Medical experts caution against relying solely on this treatment, urging individuals experiencing illness or distress to seek qualified medical attention. Critics question the practice's scientific basis and advocate for stringent oversight. Kenya's approach to alternative medicine is evolving. Historically stigmatised under colonial rule, traditional healing is now addressed through the Health Act No. 21 of 2017. 

This legislation mandates the creation of a national body to regulate and standardise TCAM practices, covering practitioner registration, service charges, and documentation. Past incidents linking alternative healing circles to cultic activities highlight potential risks of spiritual manipulation.