Published on
updated on
Reading 2 min.
in collaboration with
Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
Medical validation:
November 19, 2024
For several years, pranism has attracted more and more followers. What does this practice consist of? What are its effects on health? And how to protect yourself from it? Explanations from Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo.
Do you know pranism? This is a new sectarian belief, which consists of feeding only on “prana”, in other words “divine” particles. A dangerous trend for health, according to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
Feeding on “air and light”
Like so many other followers of pranism or “breathing”, Elliot, 16, practiced extreme fasting, stopping eating. Waiter in his parents’ restaurant, he loses quickly “five kilos” and even participates in a training course with other “believers”, he confides to our colleagues at 20 minutes.
“It was a bit ironic, I was cooking for others while depriving myself. But I saw it as a test, even as a sign. […] I was hungry but everything was presented as temporary. Hunger was a temporary state, before it managed to become truly pranic. Weight loss, too. And then everything would be truly magnificent and wonderful.”he testifies.
A way of life, which in no way shocks his family, who are also fans of pranism: his parents eat very little, skip meals and try to feed themselves.air and light“, to live in perfect health and harmony.
“Pranism was in line with the rest of my education”confirms the young man, who will eventually escape unscathed.
Serious health dangers
Although this trend may make you smile as it seems excessive, it has nevertheless attracted more and more French people over the past ten years.
Indulging in breatharianism (i.e. “A young total acquired at the end of a sacred process of 21 days beyond which it is possible to nourish ourselves only with air and light“, according to the Miviludes) can indeed be fatal.
“We cannot nourish ourselves with light and deprivation of drinks for 3 days leads to death!” confirms the medical director of Doctissimo.
Deprived of solid and liquid food, the human body becomes dehydrated very quickly, leading to neurological and cardiovascular problems. “There is also a strong loss of proteins and fats… It’s criminal.” underlines the doctor.
Disastrous effects, confirmed by the interministerial mission of vigilance and fight against sectarian abuses.
“This practice is responsible for deaths abroad. In France, she is the subject of close surveillance of the conferences and courses of her “priestess” (Respirianism is promoted in our country by the Australian priestess Jashmuheen (Ellen Greve)“, details the organization.
According to the interministerial mission of vigilance and fight against sectarian abuses, some good reflexes must be adopted on a daily basis to protect oneself from these groups under influence.
- Be wary of solutions”miracles“, often expensive, and/or involving numerous and close sessions;
- Be attentive to any significant change in the child’s or loved one’s behavior. Do not isolate yourself, nor isolate the child in an exclusive relationship with the “practitioner” ;
- Talk about it to those around you and to pediatricians, doctors, and other health professionals;
- If in doubt, do not wait until it is too late to question MIVILUDES: www.derives-sectes.gouv.fr or [email protected]