Asians in Britain Turn to Exorcism

Writer Larisa Brown reports in the November 20 edition of MailOnline in the UK that Asians are turning to exorcism rather than medical help or counseling for problems as varied as schizophrenia, bi-polar disease or epilepsy. From reading the article it seems Larisa is referring to people from the Middle East, not Asians, but perhaps Asians also are seeking out practitioners who can rid them of "Jins".

Hundreds of British Asians are operating as healers, blaming the supernatural for mental health problems and charging sometimes thousands of pounds a session to remove evil spirits from bodies believed to be possessed.
An exorcist operating in east London has said the demons can ‘deceive doctors’ and research by BBC’s Newsnight has found that some communities are finding it more acceptable to be possessed than mentally ill.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2235669/Hundreds-exorcisms-performed-UK-Asian-communities-treat-people-mental-illnesses.html#ixzz2DAEB6O6j

The Christian form of exorcism is often performed by a Catholic Priest or member of the church who is skilled in the use of prayers, amulets and rituals said to ban the harmful spirits. It is interesting, however that according to the Wikipedia coverage, "The Catholic rite for a formal exorcism, called a "Major Exorcism", is given in Section 13 of the Rituale Romanum. The Ritual lists guidelines for conducting an exorcism, and for determining when a formal exorcism is required. Priests are instructed to carefully determine that the nature of the affliction is not actually a psychological or physical illness before proceeding."
It's interesting to speculate why an alternative treatment is sought by the Middle Easterners. The author suggests that there is less stigma and blame attached to being possessed. Perhaps these recent immigrants feel less confident seeking the help of a traditional medical doctor. Or perhaps it is just lack of money. Are the treatments successful? What do you think? Leave a comment below, OK?