New age danger: Spiritual abuse threatens public health

From screaming, crying, and trembling to opening portals and energy sessions, New Age spiritual practices—ranging from biochemical healing and quantum thinking to subconscious cleansing and opening the third eye—have become a booming industry, particularly among secular groups.

According to Turkish media, these trends are rapidly spreading, but the tragic death of landscape architect Ece Gurel, who died in the hospital after being lost in the forest for four days, has brought the dangers of spiritual abuse back into the spotlight.

A growing sector under scrutiny

New Age spiritual movements, often masking pseudoscience under terms like ‘quantum’ and ‘energy,’ are raising red flags among scientists. Psychiatrist Professor Arif Verimli does not mince words: “All of these are pseudoscientific nonsense. As a scientist, I am against all of these New Age absurdities.”

He added: “In Ece Gurel’s death, such anti-scientific spiritual beliefs and rituals played a significant role. These groups, spreading rapidly through social media, need immediate oversight. We must protect society from these new-generation cults.”

A fine line between wellness and delusion

While some may see these practices as harmless, experts warn of their psychiatric implications. “These tendencies exist in psychology, but as illnesses. Many patients with delusional or paranoid disorders share stories of mystical experiences, whether it’s contact with aliens, seeing lights, hearing voices, or claiming djinn possession,” said Professor Verimli.

“The spectrum is broad—from mild cases to severe ones requiring hospitalization. Those on the milder end, often charismatic and articulate, can be particularly dangerous as they influence others, sometimes for financial gain.”

A perfect storm: Anxiety and uncertainty fuel spiritual trends

The rise of these movements is often linked to societal anxiety and uncertainty, particularly among young people. “When faced with an uncertain future, people gravitate towards spiritual practices as an escape,” Verimli explains.

These groups often appeal by avoiding traditional religious concepts like heaven and the afterlife, instead focusing on earthly problems using scientific-sounding terminology like ‘quantum’ and promoting love and tolerance.

Tragic case highlights dangers

Ece Gurel’s death underscored the potential dangers of these practices. Forensic Medicine Specialist Professor Dr. Halis Dokgoz also shared insights with Hurriyet’s Fulya Soybasi. Professor Dokgoz explains the findings of her initial autopsy: “Gurel likely died from hypothermia and related complications. Her body temperature was reportedly around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). The phenomenon known as ‘paradoxical undressing,’ where a person feels extreme heat and begins to remove their clothing, may explain why her coat was found 2 (1.24-miles) away.”

To determine whether Gurel participated in a ritual or ingested toxic substances, toxicological, histopathological, and biological samples were taken during her autopsy. “The analysis will reveal if she ingested hallucinogenic substances like Ayahuasca tea or if she was poisoned by plants, mushrooms, or water in the forest,” Professor Dokgoz added.

A dangerous escape from reality

Modern life’s challenges often drive people toward New Age practices, seeking control over their lives. However, when these methods fail, many are left facing harsh realities. “When confronted with real-world problems that these methods cannot solve, some wake up to reality, but unfortunately, it might be too late. At that point, they often become subjects of psychiatry or forensic medicine,” warned Professor Dokgoz.

Experts urge stricter oversight to prevent further tragedies and to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not exploited by pseudoscientific movements.