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Conspirituality
197: Psychic Surgery (feat Brad Abrahams)
Mar 14, 2024
Explore the bizarre world of psychic surgery in the 1970s with Brad Abrahams, uncovering the cultural influences, colonization impacts, and the rise of fraudulent healers. Dive deep into the psychology of extreme beliefs, spiritual tourism in the Philippines, and the deceptive practices of psychic surgeons. Discover the complexities of placebo effects, ethical dilemmas, and the intersection of creativity with spirituality.
01:07:01
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Quick takeaways
- Psychic surgery emerged as a blend of Catholicism and shamanism in the Philippines and Brazil due to limited access to conventional medical care.
- Controversy and fraud allegations led to the discrediting of psychic surgery as a hoax, causing a decline in its popularity.
Deep dives
Origins and Spread of Psychic Surgery
Psychic surgery emerged in the Philippines and Brazil in the 1940s and 50s, blending Catholicism with shamanism. Practitioners claim to heal ailments from back pain to tumors without tools or anesthesia. The phenomenon grew through spiritual tourism and international travel, with healers like Alex Orbato gaining fame and performing surgeries on numerous patients. The practice's origins link to colonization and limited access to conventional medical care.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode