The alleged performing of paranormal surgery with bare hands, in which the body is opened and closed without use or benefit of surgical instruments.
Patients remain fully conscious and allegedly experience no pain.
Psychic surgery received much Western media attention in the 1960s and 1970s, prompting thousands of sufferers to seek treatment in the Philippines and Brazil, where psychic surgery was easily available. Some patients have reported cures that are supported by medical diagnosis, but many have not been cured. Some of the 'tumors' removed from patients have been found to be chicken or pig organs, other lumps of animal flesh, or balls of cotton wool palmed by the surgeon. Kidney stones have been exposed as ordinary pebbles. Using the blood, wads of cotton, and sheets for diversion, the appearance of penetration can be created by folding the knuckles against the skin.