Feb 23 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Conspirituality: Conspiracy Theories of the Alternative Wellness World that Become Religion

The article explores how conspiracy theories within the alternative wellness community, termed 'conspirituality,' resemble a form of digital religion that attracts many disillusioned with traditional medicine.

The concept of 'conspirituality' merges conspiracy theories with the alternative wellness movement, captivating those who seek alternatives to traditional medicine. The article discusses a book by three yoga communicators, which highlights the pseudoscience and misinformation prevalent in new-age wellness spaces. This phenomenon reflects a broader trend where individuals disenchanted with conventional healthcare turn to these alluring narratives that often lack scientific grounding.

Conspirituality presents a more seductive story compared to the straightforward messages from public health experts, particularly in today's digital landscape dominated by streaming platforms, viral memes, and inflammatory tweets. This melding of spirituality and conspiracy invites followers into a search for meaning, marked by rituals and a constant flow of supposed revealings. The narrative constructed by conspirituality draws on an idealized past, offering adherents a sense of purpose and community amidst the often confusing and overwhelming modern world.

As these conspiratorial ideas permeate wellness circles, they can undermine public health initiatives and promote distrust towards scientifically-backed medical practices. The implications of this trend are significant, as it emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and scientific literacy in countering pseudoscientific beliefs that can arise from the allure of alternative explanations for health and wellbeing.

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