Religious Barriers in Psychology

    As the new year approaches, I face a decision that will have a large impact on it.  I must decide if I want to pursue psychology in my degree program.  It dismays me to hear about so many psychologists shunning things like meditation and chakra healing, simply because they can't be tested as well as other methods.  They are likened to placebo affects that only influence feelings because the individual thinks they will work. 
    As a seasoned practitioner of these methods, I can verify this is an ignorant way of looking at it- probably the way a pill-pusher would, who thinks mental health is mostly determined by chemistry.  Meditation and chakra healing worked for me every time, no matter what my mood was.  They work for millions of people around the world.  
    I don't understand what it is about religion and spirituality that deems their practices unscientific.  Creationism aside, religions have a lot to teach about mental health, so I am especially surprised to see psychologists play devil's advocate.  I'm probably just going to stick with the plan and face any roadblocks as they come.  I'll have to train my mind to think more scientifically if I'm going to succeed in the program.