Why are film stars attracted to Scientology

A. The Church of Scientology has a huge following among Hollywood's movie stars. The devotees include John Travolta, Tom Cruise, Lisa-Marie Presley, Demi Moore and Kirstie Alley. John Travolta even tried to persuade former US President Bill Clinton to join during the Lewinsky affair to help him deal with the stress.

Q. What is Scientology

A. The Church of Scientology's basic premise is that the human body is host to a spiritual being called a Thetan that tries to exorcise painful memories. It can only successfuly do so using techniques from Scientologists.

The movement was founded by science fiction writer L Ron Hubbard. Mission: Impossible star Tom Cruise has claimed the Church helped him overcome dyslexia. Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell was seen studying Scientology text in the aftermath of the break-up from the girl band.

Q.What else do the stars turn to

A. Famously, ex-England coach Glenn Hoddle turned to his faith healer Eileen Drewery during England's World Cup bid in 1998. The former pub landlady was brought into the team's dressing room during their failed bid.

Jerry Hall, Dave Stewart and Michael Jackson have all admitted using faith healers in the past. Healers claim to be able to spot blockages in their clients' bodies and remove them through using homeopathoc remedies and natural energy.

Ayurveda has a large US movie star following, including Madonna, Demi Moore, Jodie Kidd and Goldie Hawn. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian philosophy based on the notion that people are a mixture of three types or 'doshas'. There is 'vata' , who are quick, intelligent and irritable; 'pitta', who are passionate; and 'kapha', who are loving and often overweight. Most people are a combination of three types.

Actor Richard Gere, appearing in Autumn in Love with Winona Ryder, turned to Buddhism and eastern spiritual religoun after his early success with An Officer and a Gentleman.

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By Katharine MacColl