DEUT920 In the Torah, there were many "experts" who claimed that they could cure disease and sickness using ways and methods that did not involve standard medical practices. What all of these practices had in common was that these individuals believed they possessed a power to heal that came from some place other than God. Therefore, all these "alternative therapies" (as outlined in the Torah), which are based on a belief in other powers such as idols, are forbidden. Although we no longer have the same deep desire to worship idols today, Judaism still believes that anytime some other power than God is claimed to be involved, that practice is forbidden. Thus, healing by using witchcraft is forbidden in the Torah, as is the healing of a wizard, relying on omens, astrology, (stick) divination, mediums, or illusions to provide a cure (Exodus 25:17, Leviticus 20:27, Deuteronomy 18:9-12).