by Suzanne Anderssen, Brisbane Australia
Your article titled New age ‘medicine’ of Serge Benhayon leaves trail of broken families is full of holes and innuendos. People choosing to live a life in harmony with themselves, their partners, families, friends, colleagues and environment should be regarded as something wonderful, celebrated as a way of life.
In one article, we are told by the medical fraternity that caffeine is not good for us. In another we are told alcohol is bad for us. In another, we are told to get more sleep, go to bed at a regular time. Many, many, many people and doctors know gluten is harmful in the body. And many, many others know dairy causes them gastric or allergic issues. So when someone (be they male or female) decides to listen to themselves and to the many medical articles that have been written separately, and decides to follow all of that advice at the same time, then it is considered weird, cult-like behaviour. How weird is that?
The treatments Universal Medicine practitioners offer are nothing short of beautiful, caring procedures. There is no impropriety involved in an esoteric breast massage whatsoever. The creams used have been created by people who treat themselves to an amazing amount of self-love, and thus the end product created is one of integrity and care for its users. Don’t buy it if you don’t agree.
We should be ashamed for insinuating that it is normal for men to touch their partners without their permission. This is not normal behaviour. If I ever lived in a relationship where it was okay to be touched by anyone without giving my permission, I would leave in a second. Being touched without permission is nothing short of assault.
The Truth about Universal Medicine 
“Being touched without permission is nothing short of assault.”
Hear hear Suzanne and anyone that would suggest, imply or out rightly state otherwise is perhaps revealing their own misogynistic attitudes toward women.
Some medical doctors – in the UK, USA and Australia – are even catching on and advocating more healthy lifestyles, suggesting we cut down on coffee, alcohol, carbohydrates etc. will they too be labelled as cultists?
Great title Suzanne. No one attending Universal Medicine presentations is forced to be there. We all attend of our own free will, and then make our choices as to how to live. No coercion, no follow up if we opt out. So where does the word cult come from? From an as yet hidden self fury- jealousy – that their own health isn’t as amazing as that of many esoteric students, because they prefer comfort to truth?
Ironically it seems if you break away from societies’ norms and unquestioned rules and start making your own decisions about how you want to live your life, you are branded with a label of being in a cult and criticised for this decision. This for me exposes just how much pressure there is to conform in the world.
“So when someone (be they male or female) decides to listen to themselves and to the many medical articles that have been written separately, and decides to follow all of that advice at the same time, then it is considered weird, cult-like behaviour.” – Is it not interesting that when a gigantic group of 60,000+ people gather together in a stadium, chant obnoxious, crude, and lewd songs while painting there half-naked bodies in the colours of their favourite football team, and cheers on a group of men who are trying to crush an opponent in a mini-war nobody considers THAT to be a cult, but they do when a group of people are committed to living the love that they know they are made of inside and then expressing that with others fully?
It just shows how far we’ve come when we have to say this ‘Being touched without permission is nothing short of assault.’ and that our media would perpetrate anything else is crazy and yet it’s happening … where are we at with respect and decency, a wake up call for all of us to consider how we treat each other.
Just so simple – how can a series of decisions that mean you honour your body, are less likely to become a burden on the NHS, and more likely to live a consistent, connected life where the focus is on love and sharing that be a bad thing.
It’s one thing to not buy a product you do not like, it’s a completely different thing to publish lies and vilification about it.
You can twist anything to look bad if you want to, it makes no sense when all our healthcare systems are bowing under the pressure of just how unwell we are as a society to criticise and ridicule people who simply choose to look after their own health and well-being.
Sadly, we have allowed a culture to generate massive mistrust of anything that offers a point of difference outside the deemed normalcy of comfort and security that we have settled for, due to our lack of awareness and being able to discern what is true and what is not, as a result of overriding our bodies and sense of truth. The fact that we have allowed abuse to be an accepted part of life is not right and obscene, and admitting that the way we live has had a hand in this culture developing is not always accepted easily, and often we think it is easier to blame another or another group. Choosing to live with love in our lives may not, at this point seem normal, but this only highlights just how far away we are living from a truly honouring, respectful and harmonious way.
Suzanne you bring up a great point about inappropriate behaviour, being touched without permission is abuse, and now many well known actors, and prominent people are being brought to account for inappropriate behaviour, I recently heard one say ‘it may have been acceptable a decade ago, but it is not acceptable now’, when in truth it is never acceptable.
Perhaps the reason others react so strongly to those who make loving changes in their lives like no longer drinking alcohol, feeding their bodies nourishing food, going to bed early etc, is because they can see that these would be loving choices to make for themselves, but it all seems too hard. When we are entrenched in a comfortable way of living it does seem rather scary to even begin to think about making changes, let alone start to make them.
Yes clearly stating – it became obvious to me that the level of integrity in the journalists, listed above, would have to be very low that they have come to attack a company that works from absolute integrity and love, and try to make it look bad, whilst actually it brings the absolute truth to mankind. Now that to me this is a dangerous form of journalism – which is not at all what journalism is about – and the fact that this is possible is very alarming and should not be accepted by us at all.
I agree Suzanne, soon as anyone does anything to support themselves whether it be dietary changes or live differently, you are labeled.
I have been called ‘weird’ by staff members because I do not eat diary, gluten or salt but the end of it all is that I have simply made choices to support me and my body and they have made their own choices.
As for most journalists their profession is based on shocking people by either dooming or dramatical news – it’s the way of the profession but there is often another side to the story that is often unexplored.
This article and the story is it writing to, was some time ago now but many of the comments still linger. It’s not up to me to convince or prove things one way or another as most wouldn’t listen anyway. What I do continue to do is live what I talk and everyday it changes and moves. Each day my eyes open to something that I may not have understood or seen in that way before, there is a freshness to life. People can believe whatever they need things to be but that won’t hold me back from enjoying the difference in what I see and what I feel. My life has changed significantly for the better from my association with Universal Medicine and so with respect call me what you like, the people that know me know who I am.
“And to the journalists Josh Robertson and Liam Walsh, you should be ashamed of yourselves for insinuating that it is normal for men to touch their partners without their permission.” . . . Thank you Suzanne and for this . . . “Being touched without permission is nothing short of assault.”
It should be front page news the miracles that have happened in the lives of the students of Universal Medicine, through choosing to be responsible and make self loving choices they have a vitality and a joy that they have not experienced before. Totally opposite to the lives of people living in a cult.
In our current modern society, it is considered very normal to go to the gym obsessively, even if that includes replacing meals with protein shakes and partying religiously on the weekend and training hard again to work it off. This is just one of the many lifestyle choices we accept as normal….but why? Why is it that we are completely unchallenged by a person living in this way? And further more why are we so challenged by someone making positive lifestyle choices after attending Universal Medicine events? It seems very convenient that an organisation like Universal Medicine becomes the villain, the cult, the strange thing, when in truth it is the most all-encompassing and deeply considerate philosophy I have been privy to, to date. There is no obligation to sign up or attend and it is open to the general public. There really is nothing weird, well nothing weirder than what is already accepted by many, but very interesting that most people try to put it in the weird box, for as long as it sits on the ‘cult’ side of the room, nobody has to ask themselves why they are not living this true model of health.
When a woman is touched even by their partners in a way which is inappropriate and without the respect she rightly deserves, a woman has every right to say ‘No’. Why should it be any different? It is appalling that we as women have got to this place of utter disregard where our society even considers that this behaviour is normal and acceptable.
At Universal Medicine everyone is free to come and go as they choose. It is a sad reflection on much of journalism today that many who call themselves journalists jump on the bandwagon of the sensation seeking cult-ure of rubbishing what they have not bothered to find out for themselves.
Branding something a cult inappropriately immediately casts suspicion and judgment on it which is always the intention.
Suzanne thank you for clarification in your awesome blog that Universal Medicine is not a cult . . . I am sure these journalists have never been in a cult otherwise, they would describe it differently or the only reason why they wrote it like this was to get more newspapers sold. If that would be the case then something very important is out of order.
Well said about this irresponsible piece of journalism printed by the Courier Mail, Suzanne.
To so-brand people who are inspired to actually improve their lives and care for themselves, as so many students of Universal Medicine are doing, is impossibly ridiculous – and yet, there it is, in print.
We have a long way to go in order to fully call our media – at least sectors such as this – to account.
“The treatments Universal Medicine practitioners offer are nothing short of beautiful, caring procedures.” They define or redefine the word treatment and many other words like love, care and nurturing. Treat and discover for yourself. Find a UniMed practitioner near you – https://www.epa-international.com/practitioners
‘Being touched without permission is nothing short of assault.’ It is assault plain and simple. In legal terms it’s called Common Assault. I volunteer in a hospital for people with neurodisabilities and during our training we were shown that even touching someone gently on for example, their arm or shoulder without permission is Common Assault. It is not OK however normalised it has become.
The true story here has been overlooked for the push for sensationalism and showing headlines. I can see now how many people are swayed away form knowing the truth because of the doubt that is portrayed within sections of the media. The true and very worthwhile story is that many people are changing everything about their lives and it’s making a difference.
It just makes no sense for these journalists to call Universal Medicine a cult just because we have chosen to make life style choices that are loving and healing to our bodies, this way of bringing in self love is so foreign to a world that is all about self identification which brings abuse to the body in many varied ways.
It is crazy to think you are treated with suspicion or said your in a ‘cult’ because you make lifestyle choices that are truly loving and supportive, you lose excess weight, become more productive at work, deepen all your relationships, have more energy and vitality, become more engaged in the community – who is really living in a cult? I leave it for you to decide.
If looking after yourself means you’re in a cult then the world is truly crazy. I don’t care what anyone says – I’m going to look after myself until the end!
I love the header of this blog Suzanne, it exposes their own stupidity of what they are trying to make be doom and gloom.
It really is sad that many see one who chooses to live in a way that honors and respects their body, to the degree where what they eat and how they live changes, because it is felt that the old ways were not honouring and respectful. What if just doing this in our lives could enrich our health and wellbeing, bring back a true sense of responsibility and to boot, relieve the pressure on our health systems. Now this is what needs to be reported.
Hear, hear Suzanne, I agree with all you say. One has to conclude that there needs to be the return to true journalism, true reporting with true investigations, with real concern for people and for humanity at large. Whatever are these so called ‘journalists’ on about?
‘So when someone (be they male or female) decides to listen to themselves and to the many medical articles that have been written separately, and decides to follow all of that advice at the same time, then it is considered weird, cult-like behaviour. How weird is that?’ Definitely weird Suzanne, very well said.
Universal Medicine being a cult is just farcical. Any true investigative journalist could discover and report the truth in a minute, for many journalists that is not their intention. I look forward to the day that changes.
Thank you Suzanne for a very clear and powerful response to the extremely harmful reporting by Josh Robertson and Liam Walsh. A great opportunity squandered by these two to be able to present truth to humanity by choosing instead to resort to lies and sensationalism. And the public also have a responsibility in this when it comes to choosing what to read.
I love your simple and direct approach Suzanne – I totally agree with all you share. It is interesting if you make choices that are more loving and true people start saying you must be in a cult, if you have harming behaviours and continue to live a lie everyone leaves you alone because they don’t feel challenged by your lifestyle choices.
‘Being touched without permission is nothing short of assault’. This is spot on Suzanne. Having the self-worth to voice when and if we want to be touched and HOW is very liberating and respectful and loving of one-self. Since when did that become a crime?
Have we forgotten the art of respect? Everybody is allowed to walk away from Universal Medicine if he or she doesn’t like to hear what is presented. But to insult and blame is a respectless behaviour.
“it is normal for men to touch their partners without their permission. This is not normal behaviour. If I ever lived in a relationship where it was okay to be touched by anyone without giving my permission, I would leave in a second. Being touched without permission is nothing short of assault.” – YES
This is actual written law, however as seen in countless domestic violence cases they are rarely enforced to a meaningful degree.
Universal Medicine (re)presents that what we have always known deep inside is true ant that includes that fact that there’s something deeply ailing about the way we currently live, and it also presents that it is our choice and responsibility that make it what it is, and we do have a choice to choose otherwise. And that there are people who are starting to choose the true way – this is very uncomfortable for some.
Thank you for this very straight to the point and fact updating blog Suzanne. There really isn’t much more to say than journalists please check your facts before reporting as you are lying about a very reputable company – Universal Medicine AND with that you are lying to the public.
The denigration of women in the media needs to be addressed, for Josh Robertson to insinuate that it should be ok for a man to touch their partner without their permission is incredibly disrespectful. When domestic violence is such a serious issue in our society, to say something like this is not only irresponsible but shows the misogynistic behaviour some men still hold towards treating women with equality and respect.
It amazes me that these men can, with consideration, put their names to what they have written. I would be so embarrassed to take such a stand these days? On one hand we are campaigning to end domestic violence and on the other we have journalists saying that it is ok for men to treat their wives as property, the very premise/misconception we are trying to change. These guys seem quite medieval.
Suzanne I couldn’t agree more with your points, the article printed was full of lies. I find it frustrating that three years on no media newspaper will print the true story of people turning there lives around 360 degrees to great health, vitality, engagement in work and life, building great relationships with work, friends and family. This is what the world needs is answers to how we can turn around the harm and abject misery most find themselves in regardless of their bank balances. My life has infinitely improved and is beyond anything I could have dreamed of as I now feel in my bones that I am beautiful, lovely, sweet, powerful and worthy of love. To accuse Universal Medicine of doing harm or being subversive stops people from seeking and understanding the truth that is being lived and can be lived by everyone.
Suzanne I totally agree there is nothing about Universal Medicine that resembles a cult. Just lots of people listening to common sense information and lots of freedom of choice to embrace this information into their own lives or not, our choice!
Thank you Susanne, it is absolutely abhorrent that we let journalists lie; this is just a reflection of how far we have strayed from the truth. It is time to bring a change to what we as society accept as a ‘so called truth’. Regulating against lies should be the last stance; we as humanity should just live the truth through our loving commitment to each other in brotherhood!
If we use the media’s wobbly yardstick for determining that Universal Medicine is a cult, every group that congregates over a common interest point should also be considered a cult – eg pet owners, car and sporting clubs, orchid growers, book clubs, political parties, small business owners etc. Obviously quite ridiculous!
Absolutely. Sadly journalism has strayed far away from being an honourable profession dedicated to reporting truth.
So true Suzanne – to treat ourselves with integrity and love supports us – and to ignore our body is just another form of abuse. We treat our cars with more love than we treat our own body – now, that does feel really weird!
Truth.
I very much agree what you are saying Suzanne, there are actually many things that are known to be truly good for us human beings, like going to bed and rising early, not taking drugs (including alcohol), eating a balanced diet (most people I speak to know for example that vegetables are good for us) and I assume and thoroughly hope that every single human being on this earth has experienced a loving moment with somebody and has felt how truly heartwarming and nurturing that is. If that defines a cult then we are one big cult on this earth.
Well said, Suzanne: I love it how you claim that you don’t allow abuse. So powerful and strong. A woman in her true vulnerability.
I agree with everything you have said here – when did taking good advice about your health start to mean you’re in a cult – it’s crazy!!
Thank you Suzanne. To suggest that by my choosing to live a life bringing the fullness of me to every moment is ‘weird’ or ‘cult-like’ is actually very weird in itself. I think it’s remarkable and I feel amazing.
Well stated Suzanne, So lovingly and unwavering setting the facts straight.
Well said Suzanne!
Lovely Suzanne thank you for your blog and I can agree in every word you wrote.
There is an amazing amount of wisdom shared in the blogs published in this website. I know first hand how life changing they are (for example, I went back to sleep every night after almost ten years of bad sleeping). Everyone has the right to either give it a go and see what happens or to reject what is here presented. Either option is cool. None is cult.
Thank you for your blog Suzanne. Its crazy to see on one hand we have the medical authorities telling us certain foods are no good for us and then on the other hand, when an individual comes along and agrees with the medical, he and everyone associated, are claimed to be in a cult. Where is the responsibility of the press in providing a sensationalised piece rather than a true account that could help many more people in starting on the road to self-care and so lessen the burden on the health systems.