AANP's Blog on Their FLI: IHCP's, Coded Vitalism, A Science Claim

here, a short citation from the AANP's blog "Physician's Who Listen:"

AANP Executive Director Karen Howard states in "AANP's DC FLI Sets New Records" [vsc 2010-05-10]:

"this year's annual Federal Legislative Initiative [FLI...] topped all records [...] this year we focused on how Congress can address the critical shortage of primary care physicians by accessing naturopathic medicine. Our specific requests included inclusion in all federal loan repayment programs and defining the term 'integrative health care practitioner' [IHCP...] our objective is to encourage Congress to ensure Americans have access to the best, most qualified providers [...] 'an Integrative Health Care Practitioner [...] addresses personal health needs [...] through lifestyle changes and the use of scientifically based therapies and outcomes based treatments that facilitate the inherent ability of the human body to maintain and restore optimal health [coded vitalism...and] utilizes clearly defined standards' [...from the sidebar] naturopathic medicine is based on the belief that the human body has an innate healing ability [coded vitalism]. Naturopathic doctors teach their patients to use diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and natural therapies to enhance their bodies’ ability to ward off and combat disease [coded vitalism]."

Note: yeah, 'new records.'  Yeah, 'primary care, best, most qualified providers.'  Oh, the slime so drips from this language.  There's the ND claim of 'science' upon the coded science-ejected, 'essentially naturopathic' / sectarian and the the irony of a demand for clarity.

Evil, evil, evil.

Hello SANP's 'Naturopathy is Science' Claim!

here, I welcome the 'naturopathy is science' claim of the Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Practitioners [SANP] to the Naturocrit fold:

SANP states in "What is Naturopathic Medicine?" [vsc 2010-05-10]:

"naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science [...] licensed naturopathic physicians have attended four-year professional-level programs at accredited institutions where they have been educated in the same basic sciences as allopathic physicians [...] during their first two years of study, the curriculum focuses on basic and clinical sciences [...] students of naturopathic medicine use the Western medical sciences as a foundation."

Note: oh, goody! What a treat.  There's that 'professions-level science foundation' [false] claim upon what is clearly not within science [that is, the essentially naturopathic!].  And there's that great mislabeling of modern medicine as "allopathy," what I call 'the reverse sectarian accusation.' This SANP false-categorization has been added to my extensive Appendix I. / Exhibit A, which is a collection of naturopathy's science claim.

Naturopathy As Coded Cultic Pseudoscientific 'Thought Reform' - BINM 2010 Homepage:

here, I quote from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine's [BINM] homepage and its rather peculiar "thought reform" like language:

001. BINM states at their homepage [vsc 2010-05-07]: 

"the naturopathic physician of tomorrow [...] will have a passionate belief in the efficacy of complementary medicine [...and they speak of] ethical ideal [...] to make a difference [...] practicing what we preach [...] a cultural transformation [...] the inherent worth and dignity of our common humanity [...] the natural healing power of the body, mind and spirit [coded vitalism...] to go forward, immersed in science."

Note: let's examine that language.

002. is this the language of "thought reform?"

talk of "tomorrow," "difference" and "cultural transformation" remind me of the language of Scientology and other proselytizing religions.  There is "belief," "preach," "ideal" and "spirit", which further reminds me of the religious / belief systems that PRESSURE. Science is posed as the context.  Now, naturopathy's "healing power" is a coding for their vitalistic science-ejected figment. The supernaturalism is science-exterior as well. So, what I take out of this: some kind of cultic-like / mindframe mission / flavor, a huge lack of transparency concerning the 'essentially naturopathic sectarian,' all falsely posed as science.  Therein, I think this is harmful stuff, though societal concern is equally postured.

SBM on Naturopathy This NMW 2010

here, I cite from a post by Dr. Crislip at Science-Based Medicine in response to the anti-vaxx. rant of a self-described ND:

001. Mark Crislip, M.D. states in "Nine Questions: Nine Answers"(2010-05-07):

"David Mihalovic, ND [...has written] '9 Questions That Stump Every Pro-Vaccine Advocate and Their Claims' [...] the vaccine questions are grounded in misinformation, ignorance or laziness [...] Mr. Mihalovic [hear, hear per 'Mr.'] identifies himself as 'a naturopathic medical doctor who specializes in vaccine research.' However, just where the research is published is uncertain as his name yields no publications on Pubmed.  BTW, I specialize in  beer research.  Same credentials [hear, hear (my credentials sit in front of my rectus abdominis!)...] as long as we are on the topic, since he evidently places great store in science, could Mihalovic please provide one double-blind, placebo-controlled study that can prove the safety and effectiveness of naturopathy? [...] could you please provide scientific evidence on ANY study which can confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of naturopathy? [...] Milhalovic,  could you please provide scientific evidence which can prove that disease reduction in any part of the world, at any point in history was attributable to naturopathy? [...] Milhalovic, could you please explain how the safety and mechanism of naturopathic nostrums in the human body are scientifically proven if their pharmacokinetics (the study of bodily absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of ingredients) are never examined or analyzed in any naturopathic nostrum study? [...] could you please provide scientific justification as to how applying naturopathy to a human being is beneficial to human health and prevents disease? [...] I am neither stumped not defeated. I know how to search Pubmed for medical information. My response directed specifically to the questions. My arguments are based on modern studies that a 12 year old can find in less than a minute, none of which have been disproved once, much less over and over. SBM is an open mainstream venue. I do feel like I just had won Jeopardy playing against Prof. R.J. Gumby; where is the honor in that? And people wonder why I question the wisdom of allowing naturopaths to function as primary care providers."

Note: well, I can't place this ND in terms of credentials.  But, I'll keep my eyes open.  The posture is ridiculous, because the science behind vaccination is quite robust. Naturopathy itself is hugely misinforming, ignorant, and lazy can be a great umbrella for their overall lack of rigor.  My basic position is that since the naturopathic is the science-ejected vitalistic and supernatural, Dr. Crislip's 'science support' cannot occur.  Whatever naturopathy can generate regarding actual science legitimacy does not concern the 'essentially naturopathic,' it concerns items borrowed from stand-alone areas of inquiry that naturopathy has subsumed and gerrymandered.

CASS Slams Naturopathy in the National Post (2010-05-05):

here, I cite and criticize verbiage from CFI's CASS this NMW:

001. Behzad Elahi and Lauren O'Driscoll write in "Naturopathic Medicine: Nature Isn't Always Good For You" [vsc 2010-05-05):

"Naturopathic Medicine Week is taking place from May 3rd to the 9th and one of its aims is to promote the use of so-called 'natural' medicines [...] are we really getting what we paid for? [not in my view...] according to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), naturopathic medicine is a system of primary health care that uses natural, vitalistic [that is 'science-ejected'], and holistic [that is 'science-unsupported'] methods and substances to support and stimulate the body's 'inherent self-healing processes' [yup, coded vitalism...] calling something 'natural' misleads the consumer into believing it is also safe [and effective...] after arguing against the use of these medications in the past, how can naturopaths argue that they should have prescribing rights for the same medications? [see my note 01...] the widespread use of the term 'alternative medicine' gives many people the impression that it is a valid alternative to conventional medicine, but this is very misleading [hear, hear...] only five provinces have legislation governing Naturopaths: British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia. There are councils set up in these provinces to regulate the profession [see my note 02]."

Note 01: because THERE IS MONEY IN HEALTH CARE FRAUD.

Note 02: naturopathy is not a profession, because it is based on falsehood.

002. I have to say this:

Canadians are SO KIND.

Can Something Survive, Of Our Dignity?

here, I muse:

001. I've copiously illustrated how naturopathy in North America is hugely fraudulent.  Not only are education consumers ripped off, so are clinical customers.  Hilariously, I've stated those two crowds' relationship with naturo. in commerce terms, but, the public actually has more rights than that. The public engages with naturopathy with the assumption that naturopathy fulfills the higher ethical standards of professionalism, as per naturopathy's labels.

002. the next question that comes to mind is "how do we survive this huge injustice, while remaining virtuous?"  The simple answer: I do not know.

003. what would my heroes do?

I know. My heroes win the day.  With force.  Yet, they are right.  I do not know how to do that kind of simultaneous 'goodness': I could be forceful, but that requires violence.

Violence by definition is not virtuous.

Suggestions are welcome.

Canada's Big Puddle of Shit: Naturopathy

so, after viewing The Bourne Identity for the umteenth time, I began thinking about a line in that film:

"You're in a big puddle of shit Pam, and you don't have the shoes for it."

Note: Canadians are usually quite nice. But, are they smart?

NMW and the "Science" and "Nature" of Naturopathy - ND Barlow & NSAND 2010:

here, I explore the language used by ND Barlow this Naturopathic Medicine Week [NMW] in Canada which labels naturopathy "science" and 'natural' [see 001., below]; then, I explore the science claims of naturopathy [see 002., below]; and then, the "nature" of naturopathy via the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors [NSAND] and the University of Bridgeport [UB; see 003., below]:

001. Barlow, B. (ND BINM 2009) states in "Naturopathic Medicine Week" (2010-05-05):

"naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach to medicine rooted in science and nature."

Note: lets analyze that.

002. the science of naturopathy:

002.a. naturopathy claims to be a branch of medical science.  In Canada, here's a premier claim from the Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors [NSAND] who state in "What is a Naturopathic Doctor?" [vsc 2010-05-05]:

"naturopathic doctors [...] cooperate with other branches of medical science  [...and speaks of the] science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention."

Note: science, science, science.

003. the nature of naturopathy:

003.a. on that same NSAND page, there is mention of the importance of "nature," just as with the Barlow citation:

"the practice of naturopathic medicine is based on 6 principles: [#1] the healing power of nature: the body is a self-regulating and self-healing organism. It is a naturopathic doctors job to guide the patient in removing any obstacles to this healing process and to choose therapies that gently support and stimulate normal function."

Note: you'd think that that alone explains itself.  But, there is a context that is not being communicated / it is coded, and it is important.

003.b. the hidden context of naturopathy, as unexpressed by Barlow and NSAND, is the science-ejected concept of vitalism as expressed by the University of Bridgeport in "Six Guiding Principles: Guiding Principle #1, The Healing Power of Nature, Viz Medicatrix Naturae":

"the body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force. The physician's role is to facilitate and augment this process, to act to identify and remove obstacles to health and recovery, and to support the creation of a healthy internal and external environment."

Note: such vitalism is hugely sectarian and science-ejected, even though UB claims that the university is overall nonsectarian the naturopathy is a health science.

004. "danger Will Robinson, unethical sectarian pseudoscience!"

PZ Myers Slams ND Maloney as a Quack and Kook [again]:

PZ Myers at Pharyngula writes in "Christopher Maloney is still a QUACK!" (2010-05-04):

"[the category is kooks] Maloney is the naturopath in Maine who makes inflated claims about the efficacy of his magic drugs [...] he's still complaining [...] and he's still making stuff up elsewhere [...] he has a page warning the world about me and you readers: 'the infamous PZ Myers asked those who visit his blog to repeat this message all over the internet [...] I have spent considerable time answering questions at both PZ Myers site and Dr. Novella's sister site. Dr. Novella acts as the 'brain trust' and 'spanks' anyone who questions PZ Myers' [...] Christopher Maloney is a quack [...]  I did not retract anything I said about him: he is a quack. Steve Novella is not my servant; I'm sure he'd laugh at the idea that he supports me unquestioningly. Novella dropped the evidence bomb on Maloney, nothing more. I guess I'll just have to be kind and reply by boosting Maloney's reputation on Google as a quack a little more."

Note: should be interesting to see what Dr. Novella writes about this.

Canada's 12th Naturopathic Medicine Week via Pincott-the-Vitalist!

here, I quote from the regular column authored by ND Pincott published at Canada's North Island Midweek mentioning this week's Naturopathic Medicine Week [see 001., below]; then, I visit the ND's own web page to point out 'the essentially naturopathic vitalistic' [see 002., below]; finally, I quote from a 2009 article by the same ND in the same publication that claims naturopathy is 'the same science' [see 003., below]:

001. Pincott, I. (ND NCNM 1984) states in the North Island Midweek's "Acceptance of Naturopathic Physicians Keeps Growing" [vsc 2010-05-03]:

"this year marks the 12th year that Naturopathic Medicine Week (NMW) has been proclaimed in Canada! This is an annual awareness initiative to educate the public [...] naturopathic physicians (NDs) are primary health care providers with 7-8 years post secondary education who practice safe, effective, science-based natural health care [...] across Canada there are more than 1,500 registered NDs and in B.C. there are 328 practicing NDs and last year there were 45 new licenses granted [...] there are two schools in Canada: Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Toronto) and Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (Vancouver). CAND is the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and is recognized as a stakeholder with the federal government participating in consultations on scientific panels and expert advisory committees [...] it is the role of the ND as educator to sift the wheat from the chaff when the media paint a negative view of natural therapies [...] naturopathic medicine week is to help educate the public about the extensive expertise of naturopathic physicians in their role of promoting health and preventing disease for the citizens of Canada, using safe and effective therapies. Dr. Pincott, naturopathic physician, welcomes you to drop into her Campbell River office[...] for more information call 250-286-3655 or visit www.DrPincott.com."

Note: wow, that huge "science" claim!  It must be great to have free license to engage in commerce under false pretenses.  So, these experts label naturopathy science, yet, what I cite in 002. refutes NDs' science-expertise claims.

002. the vitalism of ND Pincott is evident in her "Dr. Ingrid Pincott, N.D." page [vsc 2010-05-03]:

"Dr. Pincott [...attended] the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon [...] naturopathic medicine [...includes] homeopathy [...] and detoxification programs [...] Dr. Pincott believes [quite literally, this is a belief as opposed to a scientific fact] that in most cases, the body has an inner ability to heal itself when obstacles to cure are removed and therapies are given that stimulate the vital force (the healing force of the body) [explicit vitalism...] naturopathic principles: 1. the healing power of nature [that vitalism, coded]."

Note: ah, that essential, science-ejected, sectarian premise / belief known as vitalism.  The presence of homeopathy should send up sirens alone!  And detoxification!  What naturopathy has done is turn the healing ability of the body into a purposeful-life-spirit controlled 'magical-superstition imbued' phenomenon THAT IT AIN'T!  For the full NCNM vitalism-as-science nonsense, see here.

003. the science-ejected philosophy overarching / behind / contextualizing naturopathy is quite evident in ND Pincott's "Bargaining for the Right Prescription" [vsc 2010-05-03] in the North Island Weekender (2009-03-18): 

"the scientific education and training that naturopathic physicians receive is no different than the scientific training medical doctors receive. It is the philosophy behind the application of that science that differentiates NDs and MDs."

Note: man, oh man.  So, 'our science is no different so we call ourselves science, except for the nonscientific context we place all our science within, so we're still science even though the context of it all is a science-ejected or -unsupported philosophy / belief system.'

I think naturopathic lunacy keeps grown, instead.  I really appreciate the pseudo-journalism and blatant self-promotion all wrapped up nicely in nonsense / falsehood.

Naturopathy's Pseudoscience & Opacity - Traub in ISBN 0071443371 With Help From AANMC, NCNM, Oregon.gov and TNM

here, I quote from a chapter in a book that was written by ND luminary Traub that I find quite misguiding / false / misinforming [see 001.]; then, I go to the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges [AANMC] for a bio. on Traub [see 002., below]; then, I use web pages from NCNM,Oregon.gov and the Textbook of Natural Medicine to decode and illuminate naturopathy's absurd context [see 003., below]:

001. naturopathic luminary Traub, M. (ND NCNM 1981) states in "Chapter 16: Naturopathic Medicine" from "Integrative Cardiology: Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Heart" by MDs John Vogel and Mitchell Krucoff (ISBN 0071443371, 2007):

"[this chapter is] an attempt to inform and guide [...] naturopathic medicine [...is] a distinct discipline [...] the intention is to describe the scientific evidence for the naturopathic approach [...] naturopathic medicine [...is] an art, science, philosophy, practice of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness [p.303...it is] distinguished by the principles that underlie and determine its practice [...] methods used are consistent with these principles [...principles] based upon the objective observation of the nature of health and disease [...that are] continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances [...] the principles of naturopathic medicine are as follows [...#1] the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae) [coded vitalism...] an inherent self-healing process that is ordered and intelligent [coded vitalism and teleology...] this inherent self-healing process [coded vitalism...#3] work with the individual's self-healing process [coded vitalism...] total health also includes spiritual health [supernaturalism...and] personal spiritual development [supernaturalism p.304...] the education of naturopathic physicians is rigorous and demanding [...they are] educated in all of the same basic sciences as an MD."

Note: the pages I've cited from above are available for viewing at books.google.com.  Now, this is the typical naturopathic MO: claim 'same graduate doctoral level science' upon 'the essentially naturopathic,' [but, don't transparently / accurately reveal that 'the essentially naturopathic' is in-fact science-ejected!]. I dispute the claim that naturopathy is distinct / distinguished [it disguises, camouflages], that its principles survive scientific scrutiny [the 'essentially naturopathic' ones are quite science-ejected], that within science is the supernatural and science-ejected [that's plainly irrational and absurd, and science-illiterate], and that the basis of naturopathy is science [that is what 'basic science' means; instead, the basis is sectarian dogma / a belief amalgam]. I label naturopathy an opacity and an example of pseudoscience.  The public, comprised of patients and education consumers minimally, deserve to know the truth.  Otherwise, people engage with naturopathy under false premises / contexts: which is unfair trade in terms of commerce / fraud, and unethical / unprofessional in terms of healthcare and education.

002. Traub is 'spotlighted' at the AANMC's page "Alumni Career Spotlight: Michael Traub, ND, DHANP, CCH, FABNO" [vsc 2010-05-02] where:

002.a. AANMC and Traub quite copiously employ the label 'professional / profession:' 

"current professional endeavors [...] other professional achievements [...] he maintains a strong presence in the naturopathic profession [...] a pioneer and a strong influence in the profession [...] the profession [x2...] the naturopathic medical profession [...] a wonderful professional relationship [...] a great time to enter the profession [...] the profession today [...] this is true of most professions, but particularly so in the service/health professions [...] the professional life of a naturopathic doctor."

Note: profession, profession, profession.  But, an actual profession does not engage in deceit / is not based on falsehood / science-illiteracy because its client's welfare would be paramount. Vitalism [coded here] is several decades hugely science-ejected.  The truth should be told: naturopathy is an unethical sectarian pseudoscience.  The opposite of that is: professional and scientific.  Yet Traub, at his own web bio. page [vsc 2010-05-02], states: "he remains a member of the AANP’s Scientific Affairs Committee [...and] in 2006, he was honored by the AANP as 'Physician of the Year.'"  A shining example.

002.b. AANMC and Traub tells us he's:

"a naturopathic doctor (ND), a diplomate of the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians (DHANP), a fellow of the American Board of  Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO), and with a Certificate in  Classical Homeopathy (CCH) [...his] areas of focus/specialties [are] naturopathic oncology [...and] homeopathy [...he is a] past president of the AANP [and a] past president of the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians."

Note: wow, [not] impressive credentials!  I'm horrified [for life!] that someone [supposedly educated rigorously and scientifically, per NDs' claims!] in this day and age thinks homeopathy works then [I imagine] uses it on those suffering from cancer.  But, those are his credentials as an ND luminary: powerful placebos, scientific nonscience, naturalistic supernaturalism and kind.

002.c. AANMC and Traub speak of:

"[regular medicine as] the allopathic world [...while in naturopathy] a solid embrace of naturopathic medicine principles is needed [...that he's] the first naturopathic physician appointed to the hospital staff of North Hawaii Community Hospital (NHCH) [...where he] successfully advocated for the addition of botanical, nutritional and homeopathic medicines to the hospital’s formulary."

Note:  now, labeling modern medicine allopathy is like labeling modern chemistry alchemy.  It's stupid; it's sectarian in-itself. We see that the principles of naturopathy ARE its standard of care.  Great results: put an ND in a hospital and placebo medicine is dispensed.

003. let's decode, and illuminate [skeptically analyze!].  Traub is an NCNM graduate, so let's see what NCNM and Oregon [which is where NCNM is located] say about naturopathy [and a little bit of TNM]:

003.a. NCNM, Traub's alma mater, states in "Principles of Healing" [vsc 2010-05-02]:

"the practice of naturopathic medicine emerges from six principles of healing [...that] are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease and are examined continually in light of scientific analysis. These principles stand as the distinguishing marks of the profession: [#1] the healing power of nature -- vis medicatrix naturae. The body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force [explicit vitalism]. The physician’s role is to facilitate and augment this process [...#3] first do no harm -- primum no nocere. The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms, which are, in fact, expressions of the life force [explicit vitalism] attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complementary to and synergistic with this healing process. The physician’s actions can support or antagonize the actions of vis medicatrix naturae; therefore, methods designed to suppress symptoms without removing underlying causes are considered harmful and are avoided or minimized [...naturopathy is] the practice of promoting health through stimulation of the vital force [explicit vitalism...whereby] causes may occur on many levels, including physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual [...whereby] health and disease are conditions of the whole organism, involving a complex interaction of physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors [...whereby] the physician must strive to inspire hope as well as understanding. The physician must also make a commitment to her/his personal and spiritual development [...whereby] homeopathic medicine is based on the principle of  'like cures like.' Clinical observation indicates that it works on a subtle, yet powerful, energetic level [bullshit!], gently acting to promote healing on the physical, mental, and spiritual levels."

Note: so, here is a Rosetta Stone web page that clearly states that naturopathy is based upon the vitalistic and supernatural.  I've mentioned that the vitalistic is in fact science-ejected; and one should keep in mind that the supernatural is not science-supportable.  So, this is completely bogus, cultic and sectarian verbiage: a life force being claimed as 'scientifically in-fact' when in-fact science-ejected decades ago.

003.b. the State of Oregon states in "Oregon.gov: Board of Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2010-05-02]:

"[ND principle #1] the healing power of nature. Vis medicatrix naturae [...] the healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force [explicit vitalism]. The physician’s role is to facilitate and augment this process [...#3] first, do no harm. Primum no nocere. Illness is a purposeful process of the organism.  The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms, which are, in fact, an expression of the life force [explicit vitalism, teleology] attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complimentary to and synergistic with this healing process.  The physician’s actions can support or antagonize the actions of the vis medicatrix naturae [...naturopathy's] methods of treatments are chosen to work with the patient’s vital force [explicit vitalism], respecting the intelligence of the natural healing process [teleology...this is a] vitalistic tradition of medicine [explicit vitalism...wherein] the physician must also make a commitment to his/her personal and spiritual development in order to be a good teacher [...wherein] causes may occur on many levels including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual [...wherein] health and disease are conditions of the whole organism, a whole involving a complex interaction of physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors." 

Now, that's the belief / sectarian side of things: vitalism, teleology, supernaturalism.  But, overarching all of this is the science claim upon the naturopathic at Oregon.gov per: 

"naturopathic physicians (N.D.) [...] are educated in conventional medical sciences [...] the practice of naturopathic medicine emerges from six underlying principles of healing. These principles are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in light of scientific analysis [...] a growing body of scientific knowledge validates the naturopathic approach."

Note: yes, that is the State of Oregon stating that science and the science-ejected are the same thing.  This is quite an endorsement of irrationality and absurdity.  How were they so hijacked?  Now there's some deep pockets, and many are due compensation due to this ".gov" misguidance both educationally and clinically.

003.c. AANMC, for kicks too, states quite opaquely in "The 6 Principles" [vsc 2010-05-02]:

"naturopathic medicine celebrates the healing power of nature [...aka] nature’s healing powers [coded vitalism...] it is a dynamic philosophy as well as a profession [professions claim...it views] the body as an integrated whole.  Naturopathic medicine is defined by principles [...] above all, it honors the body’s innate wisdom to heal [coded vitalism...] naturopathic physicians practice the six fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine: [#1] the healing power of nature. Trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself [coded vitalism...#5] treat the whole person.  View the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions [supernaturalism]."

Note: so, vitalism is completely coded / opaquely communicated in that description.  And supernaturalism is required.  And 'profession' is the label upon this all.

 

Where is AANMC's science claim?  Well, not on that page, but instead at "Naturopathic Medicine FAQ" [vsc 2010-05-02]:

"[this is] a healing paradigm [model] founded on a rational balance of tradition, science and respect for nature [coded vitalism...our] diagnoses and therapeutics are increasingly supported by scientific evidence [...] naturopathic medical students at accredited ND colleges study the same core medical sciences as MD students [...] prior to admission into a naturopathic medicine program, the typical entering ND student has completed three years of pre-medical training and earned a bachelor of science degree [...] ND students are educated in the same basic sciences [...] as allopathic medical students. Some AANMC-member schools require more hours of basic and clinical science than many top allopathic medical schools [which is naturopathy's super-science claim...] students are educated in all of the same basic sciences as an MD or DO as well as the latest advances in science [...for admission we advise] a basic science foundation [...that you] earn a bachelor’s degree preferably with a pre-medical or other science major [...and we recommend you read] the 'Textbook of Natural Medicine' [...and we're also told] the six fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine are principles adhered to by naturopathic doctors [essential / mandatory / defining!...including #1] the healing power of nature: trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself [coded vitalism...#5] treat the whole person: view the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions [supernaturalism]."

Note: so, AANMC claims that the figmentation context of naturopathy is scientific. So much science, science, science labeling upon the nonscientific!

The Textbook of Natural Medicine, by the way, clearly lays out naturopathy's vitalism and science-mislabeling MO: “[naturopathy is] science-based natural medicine [p.028...] the vis medicatrix naturae [is] the vital force [which is] the healing power of nature [p.034].”  The TNM is another great Rosetta Stone for understanding naturopathy's opacity.

There are 23 instances of the term 'spirit' in that chapter, and here's the general ND sectarian principle of 'whole person' in terms of supernatural belief:

"though the general purview of the physician is the body, that instrument cannot be separated from the spirit, which animates it [vitalism, animatism & kind]. If the spirit is disturbed, the body cannot be fundamentally healthy [p.035]."  In ND school, we were taught that the vital force was "spirit-like."  In naturopathy, physiology is a result of that spiritual intelligence / HPN / VMN / life force.  That is a sectarian belief set [if ever there was one].  Pizzorno, the huge purveyor of naturopathy as "science based natural medicine" actually in Total Wellness equates spirit and vitalism while stating this has been vetted through "the rigors of the scientific method" [vsc 2010-05-02].  Wow, Nobel Prize for that man.

So, now in naturopathy physician and metaphysician are the same thing!  I've often labeled naturopathy's belief amalgam as: vitalism, spiritism, and teleology.  Also, autoentheism, because when I was in ND school, I was told that that spirit / vital force was 'god power within.'  I've coined / borrowed the term autoentheism to express that belief curtly.

004. overall:

where is an explicit disclosure that naturopathy is based upon science-ejected sectarian-vitalistic-spiritistic figmentation?  Never seen such.  Naturopathy's opacity is as far away from professionalism as vitalism is from science.  There's this huge 'science claim of / requirement toward' with the naturopathic, but when science is appropriately implemented regarding 'the naturopathic,' it is obvious that the essentially naturopathic is exterior to science.

Now, one thing I find appalling is naturopathy's destruction of 'freedom of religion,' which is the right of anyone to believe nor not believe whatever 'articles of faith' they may wish to -- since an 'article of faith' is basically an option / nonobligatory.  Once someone has power over another, say institutionally [ND education, ND medicine] and you falsely convey that what students & patients actually have the right to choose to believe or not is no longer a belief but a scientific fact / obligatory [e.g., naturopathy claiming its vitalism, and certain kinds of supernaturalism, scientific fact], a huge freedom / basic human right has been squashed.

Since when ever before has HIGHER education gotten so LOW?  

Is there any bigger fraud happening in North American higher education right now?

Andy Lewis on Integrative Medicine: Quackery, Pseudo-medicine and Anti-scientific Nonsense

the Quackometer [Andy Lewis] writes in "Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health Closes" (2010-05-01):

"as predicted last week, Prince Charles Charity has closed amid claims of fraud, money laundering and misuse of charity status [...it promoted] quackery, University courses in nonsense and increased use of magic medicine in the NHS [...] the concept of integrated medicine is a trojan horse. Strip away the cosy rhetoric of caring for the 'whole person' and what you find is a payload of quackery, pseudo-medicine and anti-scientific nonsense. The FIH has been notorious for promoting absurd treatments including homeopathy, reiki and acupuncture despite the evidence overwhelming suggesting these are useless treatments [...this] has been a menace to the public understanding of science and its role in healthcare. It will not be missed by all those who care about science, reason and good health."

Note: great news.

CFI's CASS: Naturopathy Unscientific & Dangerous (2010-04-30), and Here's a PEIAND Example:

here, I cite from a Center for Inquiry [CFI] press release which takes a stand [in title only, maybe] against naturopathy [see 001., below]; then I provide an example of naturopathy's MO via the Prince Edward Island Association of Naturopathic Doctors [PEIAND; see 002., below]:

001. CFI states in "Center for Inquiry: Naturopathy Unscientific & Dangerous, Says Canadian Skeptic Society" (2010-04-30)[vsc 2010-04-30]:

"May 3rd to the 9th marks Naturopathic Medicine Week in Canada. The Committee for the Advancement of Scientific Skepticism (CASS) believes that when evidence is evaluated scientifically, we find much promise [really!], but few reasons to believe naturopathic treatments [that's quite generous, actually]. Naturopathic interventions include therapeutics like traditional Chinese medicine [and] acupuncture [...and] homeopathy [...there is] 'weak, if any, evidence,' says CASS spokesman Michael Kruse [...and] 'the biggest problem with naturopathy is the lack of a standard of care' [I disagree...] CASS engages scientific claims made in public discourse, addressing misinformation by promoting evidence-based science. CFI -- which runs CASS -- is an educational charity promoting reason, science, secularism, and free inquiry [which is great]."

Note: I'd argue that when you look at naturopathy scientifically, you don't see "promise" you see obfuscation and figmentation.  'Weak evidence' for figmentations and the science-ejected falsely labeled science? Well, that is being quite generous.  When you know the whole naturopathic picture, you see irrationality, unprofessionalism, and outright fraud [clinically, academically etc.].  I would argue that 'pseudoscience without transparency' IS naturopathy's standard of care / MO.  That is not a problem about a uniform 'standard of care.'  That is a problem with lawful commerce and the higher standards of professionalism -- which naturopathy doesn't meet, cannot inherently meet.

002. here's an example of naturopathy's false scientific position:

002.a. naturopathy claims science, professional ethical status:

002.a1. PEIAND states in "What is Naturopathic Medicine?" [vsc 2010-04-25]:

"naturopathic doctors can also complement and enhance health care services provided by other health care professionals. They cooperate with other branches of medical science."

Note: obviously, there is a claim here of professional ethical status ['profess' is used three times on the page] and of science [used four times on the page] by naturopathy [used eleven times on the page].  CAND, the mother organization of PEIAND, published a similar claim (here) falsely labeling 'the essentially naturopathic' "science-based natural health care."

002.b. naturopathy claims to be based upon certain things:

002.b1. PEIAND states in "What Can Naturopathy Do For You?" [vsc 2010-04-30]:

"it is the approach, philosophy and training of naturopathic doctors that sets it apart from other forms of health care [...] the naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body [HPB] and to treat the root cause of disease [RCD]."

Note: so, there's philosophy, HPB, and RCD.

002.b2. PEIAND states in "Guiding Principles" [vsc 2010-04-30]:

"naturopathic doctors are guided by six principles [...that are] emphasized throughout a naturopathic doctor's training [...and are] the foundation of this distinct form of health care [...#2] the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae) [HPN=VMN...] the powerful and inherent healing ability of your body, mind and spirit [HPBMS] and to prevent further disease from occurring [...] this ordered and intelligent [teleological] healing ability."

Note: so, this is the 'big page' for defining a central premise of naturopathy, HPB.  Obviously, HPN=VMN=HPBMS.  But, the public is not being informed transparently.  I've spent a lot of words on this blog decoding this premise, which is vitalistic, spiritistic, teleological and science-ejected.  The naturalistic language [except for the spiritism-supernaturalism] is a disguise, and therein, naturopathy really isn't interested in patient rights / informed consent.  This is a ruse.

002.c.1. PEIAND states in "Natural Therapies" [vsc 2010-04-30]:

"the naturopathic therapies are all based on the same principles, they all assist the body's healing response [coded vitalism...] homeopathic medicine [...is a] powerful system of medicine [though the remedies are EMPTY!...] homeopathic remedies  [...] when carefully matched to the patient they are able to affect the body's 'vital force' and to stimulate the body's innate healing forces [naturopathy's vitalistic context...] traditional Chinese medicine / acupuncture.  The key principle that defines and connects all of Chinese medicine is that of chi, or vital energy. The chi of all organs must be in balance, neither too active nor too dormant, for a person to be healthy. The chi of the body's organs and systems are all connected in meridians or channels that lie just under the skin. A naturopathic doctor will use Eastern herbs and acupuncture to assist the body in regulating the chi and achieving balance [naturopathy's vitalistic context]."

Note:  so, there it is, the vitalism at the heart of the naturopathic.

003. dangerous as fraud, and I can think of more:

when science-ejected figmentations [HPB-vitalisms, supernaturalisms and kind] are falsely labeled as within science and acted upon in a medical context, I seriously doubt that medicine is improved or society benefits.  After all, if a figment is a fact, the RCD that's being supposedly treated by naturopathy is quite suspect, and I'm sure the diagnostics and therapeutics within such a structure of 'epistemic conflation' are quite unreliable / unknown / dangerous therein.

Naturopathy is pure absurdity: an article of faith is a scientific fact, the distinct is the blended, the science-based is the science-ejected...

NCSE Spanks Dr. Larry Dossey (2010-04-26), and the Pseudoscience of Vitalism (1995):

here, I cite from a recent Huffington Post [HP] response by NCSE to a recent HP post concerning science by Dr. Larry Dossey [see 001., below]; then, I do some archeology and quote from a classic NCSE page that strikes at the heart of naturopathy's belief amalgam -- vitalism [see 002., below]:

001. the National Center for Science Education's [NCSE] Steve Newton states in "In Defense of Scientific Methodology" (2010-04-26):

"in a recent piece titled 'The Scientific Method: An Educational Train Wreck?' Dr. Larry Dossey made a number of statements so factually inaccurate, so misrepresentative of the nature of science, that it reads like some ill-conceived parody gone awry [...a] rot [...] Dossey accuses scheming educators of trying 'to inculcate children with the scientific method' [...] I plead guilty. There is great value in [...] teaching [...] students about scientific methodology and nature of science [...] students come to the classroom with a host of misconceptions about the world [...] it is the proper job of science educators to help [...] student[s] see the world as it really is, rather than to reinforce their prejudices [hear, hear]. Biology students should learn that the theory of evolution is correct and that vaccines do not cause autism [...] chemistry students should understand why homeopathic claims about 'water memory' are not true. [hear, hear]. Science education can -- and should -- help students understand reality [...] a scientific understanding of the world brings food to the table [...] science has reduced human suffering and needless deaths, and produced longer and better lives [...] the misconception of scientists as cold, remote individuals comes from movies and television, not reality [...] science fiction is a poor basis for characterizing all scientists [...] there is a place for everyone in science [...] Dossey's essay misrepresents science, scientists, educators, and students. It is Dossey, not science, who has jumped the rails."

Note: now THAT is a spanking [verbally, of course].

Another Steve, Novella, in "Dossey on the Scientific Method" (2010-04-27) also spanks Dossey.  Included is this scathing criticism:

"Dossey is in no position to lecture about the deficiencies of the scientific world-view. He disguises his ideological problems with science in borrowed legitimate observations, and mixes them with howling straw men that no scientist would recognize in themselves. The result is not even 'a cleverly constructed tract of anti-intellectual propaganda masquerading as scholarship,' because no one would confuse this for scholarship."

PZ Meyers in "Another HuffPo Pontification on Science as It is Not Understood" (2010-04-26) states, in summary:

"he's a credulous magic man."

002. NCSE states in "National Association of Biology Teachers (1995): Scientific Integrity" (Board of NABT, 1995-03-15):

"the credibility and utility of science, and therefore biology, depend on maintaining its integrity. NABT has a special obligation, to promote this integrity in life science education. The data, concepts, and theories of science presented to students must meet the accepted standards of the discipline. To this end, NABT will not support efforts to include in the science classroom materials or theories derived outside of the scientific processes. Nonscientific notions such as geocentricism, flat earth, creationism, young earth, astrology, psychic healing and vitalistic theory, therefore, cannot legitimately be taught, promoted, or condoned as science in the classroom."

 Note: seeing NCSE quickly activated in response to the HP Dossey post is quite inspiring.  Seeing that NCSE maintains the NABT 1995 position paper, which trashes naturopathy's supposed scientific position of vitalism, is quite awesome.  What's coolest about the whole thing is that UB established their ND program after that date, and likely didn't even bother to pass their ND contents across the desk of any legitimate science organization for review.  So, from the get-go at UBCNM, naturopathy was falsely labeling the hugely science-ejected [e.g., vitalism, supernaturalism] as "health science."  Here we are, in 2010, and UB still labels vitalism science.  If anything, vitalism is more and more exterior to science.  

So, a higher education institution trades upon false premises, and that is truly morally repugnant.

CFI-Canada's CASS Trashes Homeopathy [yes!]

here, I cite from a recent National Post [Canada] article looking at homeopathy-the-absurdity from the point of view of scientific skepticism:

Mitchell Gerskup, Ryan Gray, Michael Kruse, Iain Martel, and Justin Trottier state in "A Vestige of the 18th Century" (2010-04-20):

"Hahnemann [...invented] homeopathy [...about 1800 and it] still doesn't work [...] Hahnemann termed the contemporary practice of humoral medicine 'allopathy' [...and] he suggested that disease should be treated [...instead with] homeopathy [...wherein] there is none of the original ingredient left in the solution [...it is] a prescientific (or at best protoscientific) point of view [...it is] prescientific thinking [...it is] a lot like magic [...within an] 18th-century quasiscientific context which became outmoded as modern science grew in its proficiency [...it is] archaic [...and upon] the dustbin of science [and therein TRASHED!...it is] based upon the antiquated notion of 'vitalism' (the idea that a life-force, or spirit, dwells within the body and can be manipulated to improve health [...homeopathy and vitalism were] abandoned by physicians and researchers [...along with other methods] based upon vitalism [...from the] 18th and 19th century [...] the National Council Against Health Fraud [...] has stated that 'homeopathy meets the dictionary definitions of a sect and a cult' [...] the authors are members of the Committee for the Advancement of Scientific Skepticism [CASS] and the Center For Inquiry-Canada [CFI-Canada]."

Note: by extension, this article encompasses naturopathy, since naturopathy requires homeopathy in its educational and board examination processes -- all across North America (AANP, CAND).  And that sectarian system falsely claims homeopathy is a clinical science.  Also, since allopathy was a term for medicine of the mid- to late- 1700s, it is not accurate to call today's medicine allopathy.  That is akin to calling today's chemistry alchemy, or today's astronomy astrology.  But, NDs use that inaccurate label ALL THE TIME.

Vitalism is Paranormal, Immature, and Science-Ejected (ISBN 1405181222, 2009)

Smith, J.C. (PhD{psychology} MSU 1975) writes in "Pseudoscience and Extraordinary Claims of the Paranormal: A Critical Thinker's Toolkit" (ISBN 1405181222, 2009):

"the traditional paranormal explanation is that acupuncture [p.006] frees the flow of a mystical energy, qi (or chi) [p.007...] children [...] in attempting to make sense of the world [...] may erroneously think of objects as possessing consciousness and agency or intentionality [...] eventually children outgrow such simplistic thinking patterns and learn to explain the world more accurately in physical, biological, and psychological terms [...] the idea that objects possess energy and intentionality is called vitalistic causality or vitalism, a type of thinking that also characterizes adult belief in the paranormal. Vitalistic thinking also characterizes early human thought and philosophy [...e.g.] a life-giving soul [...] in the 19th and 20th centuries physiologists proposed a vital force underlying all living things [...aka] life force, vis essentialis, vis viva, entelechy, elan vital, and soul atoms [...] vitalism is clearly a paranormal concept.  There is no evidence of vitalistic energy, much less a thinking energy with intentionality, outside the energies physics has discovered.  Children give up such vitalistic thinking as they mature [...] civilization gave up vitalistic explanations for those based on science [...] vitalism persists in energy treatments of complementary and alternative medicine [p.271]."

Note: meanwhile, naturopathy [which places itself within so-called CAM] calls its vitalistic premise "the healing power of nature," per a life force which is "intelligent."  And it labels itself "science-based."  In that sense, naturopathy is absurd, since what is within science and what is exterior to science are equated, and nonscience is falsely labeled science.

AANP's President: There's Supposedly 6000 Licensed NDs in North America

here,  I quote from the AANP President [see 001., below], then I visit his practice web site [see 002., below] and go a'searching for a transparent explanation of the central premise of naturopathy [not provided!]:

001. the American Association of Naturopathic Physician's [AANP] President Hangee-Bauer, C. (ND Bastyr 1984, LAc SFCA 1988) states in the AANP blog page "Naturopathic Leaders and Leadership" (2010-04-21)[vsc 2010-04-25]:

"it is currently estimated that there are about 6000 licensed NDs in the United States and Canada."

Note: perhaps that number is accurate. Though, exaggerating it would be beneficial to the ND movement.  Is naturopathy THAT disorganized that they can't count active North American licensees?  I don't think so. Remember, they are claiming professionalism.  In fact, on that blog page, "profess" shows up 8 times.

002. now, a short point I'd like to make about the current AANP President's own web pages describing [supposedly] naturopathy -- you can't get naturopathy's context presented to you in a transparent manner (what's new!):

002.a. Hangee-Bauer ND writes in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2010-04-25]:

"naturopathic medicine is a primary health care profession which emphasizes the prevention and treatment of disease, maintenance of optimal health, and promotion of the individual’s inherent self-healing process which naturopathic physicians refer to as the 'vis medicatrix naturae,' the healing power of nature [VMN-HPN...] naturopathic doctors follow six key principles in their practices: [#1] the healing power of nature. Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process [ISHP] in each of us which is both ordered and intelligent [teleological!]. NDs act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this self-healing ability [SHC...] NDs study the same basic and clinical sciences as do other medical students."

Note: there's the claim of professionalism, science, and VMN-HPN-ISHP-SHC.  But, nowhere on that page is the actual context of naturopathy transparently communicated - a vitalistic science-ejected figmentation is responsible for sickness and healing.  Instead, you get camouflage, and that is not what science and professionalism do!  Remember, this is the HEAD of the AANP.

002.b. Hangee-Bauer ND writes in "Frequently Asked Questions" [vsc 2010-04-25]:

"naturopathic medicine is a distinct [etc....] naturopathic doctors [...] follow six important principles in caring for their patients [...#3] trust in the healing power of nature - the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself. [#4] Treat the whole person - view the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions [...] both NDs and MDs attend four-year graduate level accredited medical schools, with similar training in the basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pathology [...and we're told NDs are] using scientific methods.[...] according to traditional Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture works by promoting the smooth flow of qi."

Note: so, again that camouflaged vitalism while ironically the ND claims that naturopathic is distinct.  But, you can see that supernaturalism that naturopathy also contains while claiming science-expertise.  Qi, of course, is vitalism and a figmentation.  It is interesting how many NDs are also LAcs - the vitalistic underpinnings of both are quite compatible.

002.c. Hangee-Bauer ND writes in "Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) & Acupuncture" [vsc 2010-04-25]:

"TCM is based on the concept of qi (pronounced chee) which is the life force or vital energy. Qi is the animating force that serves to warm us, protect us from external pathogenic factors, promote the functions of the body and hold our organs and tissues in place."

Note: that's vitalism.  Now, qi is on that page 8 times.

002.d. now, I'll bridge all these vitalistic euphemisms from 002.a. and 002.b. with what I may call a "Rosetta Stone" web page from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine.  UB states in "Six Guiding Principles: Guiding Principle #1" [vsc 2010-04-25] [archived here]:

"the healing power of nature. Viz medicatrix naturae: the body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force. The physician's role is to facilitate and augment this process."

Note: so, naturopathy is vitalistic.  No matter how it represents itself, which is mainly in an opaque / science-disguised / falsely labeled manner.  

And to quote from the song "For America" by Jackson Browne:

"with everyone from the President on down trying to keep it from you."

Brenders in HP: Demolishing Ullman But Perhaps Epistemic Delineation as Well

Brenders, D. (PhD ?) states in the Huffington Post's "Want to Help Save 34 Billion a Year in Health Care Costs?  Be a Skeptic" (2010-04-23) :

"I am an expert on B.S. -- a teacher of persuasion, an authority on sham arguments. Let's remove the sham arguments from Mr. Ullman's case and see what's left [...there is an] enlightening word: skeptic [...] a skeptic is a person who proportions his/her belief to the evidence [...] a properly skeptical person does not accept just any 'evidence' that matches his/her preconceptions and ignores the rest; evidence must pass certain tests of verity and must be verifiable independently and abundantly. No evidence, no belief [...] the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee['s...] inquiry and report could not have been more reasonable, thorough, even-handed, or damning to the credibility of homeopathy [...] Professor David Colquhoun, Professor of Pharmacy at UCL put it [succinctly]: 'if homeopathy worked the whole of chemistry and physics would have to be overturned' [read: implausible...] what's left of homeopathy with the sham arguments removed? [...] nothing."

Note: I agree with the 'it's placebo nonsense' verdict per homeopathy, in sum.  But, I have issue with Brenders's choice of the word "belief" to represent 'confidence in facticity' / scientific knowledge.  I classically divide epistemology into that area that is in-evidence / a posteriori [which includes science], and that area that is taken on faith / a priori [religion, dogma].  Belief, in my view, essentially belongs to the second category. So, evidence is antithetical to belief, in that sense.  Or perhaps a better word is irrelevant.  Evidence leads to tentative knowledge premises and degrees of certainty / doubt, while faith / leaps-without-evidence lead to belief.  To say that someone, for instance, believes that the earth is round because so much evidence warrants that conclusion is silly.  We know [not believe] the earth to be round[ish] and not flat.  So, I don't think a skeptic believes, I think a skeptic doubts in proportion to the quality of evidence available. Beliefs occur no matter what facts say.

CAND & CASS: Naturopathic Medicine Week is May 3-9

here, I cite from CAND first, then CASS regarding NMW:

001. the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors [CAND] states:

001.a. in "Naturopathic Medicine Week May 3-9" [vsc 2010-04-23]:

"naturopathic doctors (NDs) will be hanging up their lab coats [how sciencey!] during Naturopathic Medicine Week [NMW...happening] across Canada May 3-9 [...] to teach members of the community about natural medicine [...] and the benefits of  naturopathic medicine [...see] British Columbia Naturopathic Association, www.bcna.ca; Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, www.binm.org; Alberta Association of Naturopathic Practitioners, www.naturopathic-alberta.com; Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Practitioners, www.sanp.ca; Manitoba Naturopathic Association, www.mbnd.ca; Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors, www.oand.org; Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors, www.nsand.ca."

Note: naturopathic, naturopathic, naturopathic.

 001.b. in  "What is Naturopathic Medicine?" [vsc 2010-04-23]:

"naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends [etc....] the naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body [HPB, coded vitalism] naturopathic treatments are chosen based on the individual patient – their physiological, structural, psychological, social, spiritual [supernaturalism], environment and lifestyle factors [...] natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy [!!! etc....] the naturopathic medical profession’s infrastructure includes accredited educational institutions, professional licensing, national standards of practice, participation in many federal health committee initiatives, and a commitment to state-of-the-art scientific research."

Note: so, we get the nonsense of the blended distinct, and we get coded vitalism which is business-as-usual, supernaturalism, homeopathy, and the label of professionalism and a supposed science committment.

001.c. in "What Can It Do For You?" [vsc 2010-04-23]:

"the naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body [HPB] and to treat the root cause of disease."

Note: and that's all you are told.  Coded vitalism again.

001.d. in "History of Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2010-04-23]:

"Hippocrates, a Greek physician who lived 2400 years ago, first formulated the concept of 'the healing power of nature' [HPN]. This concept has long been at the core of medicine around the world and remains one of the central principles of naturopathic medicine."

Note: codes, codes, codes.  Hijacking the Big H.

001.e. in "Guiding Principles" [vsc 2010-04-23]:

"naturopathic doctors are guided by six principles [...a] set of principles emphasized throughout a naturopathic doctor's training [which] outlines the naturopathic approach to health and healing and forms the foundation of this distinct form of health care [...from #1] acknowledge and respect the individual's healing process [coded vitalism...#2] the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae) [...] this ordered and intelligent healing ability [coded vitalism]."

Note: so, the CAND's actual definition page for the principles of naturopathy veil naturopathy's actual vitalistic context in naturalistic language.  This is typical.

001.f. digging deeper, a global google.com search with the parameters  >cand.ca "vital force"< results in the CAND page "Natural Therapies" [vsc 2010-04-23] which states:

"homeopathic medicine [...a] powerful [!!!] system of medicine [...] when carefully matched to the patient they are able to affect the body's 'vital force' [vitalism] and to stimulate the body's innate healing forces [vitalistic healing...] traditional Chinese medicine / acupuncture.  The key principle that defines and connects all of Chinese medicine is that of chi, or vital energy [vitalism]. The chi of all organs must be in balance, neither too active nor too dormant, for a person to be healthy. The chi of the body's organs and systems are all connected in meridians or channels that lie just under the skin. A naturopathic doctor will use Eastern herbs and acupuncture to assist the body in regulating the chi and achieving balance."

Note: the same is roughly said here by CAND [vsc 2010-04-23].  Notice that the explanation of naturopathy's primary premise of HPN there does not transparently communicate naturopathy's essential vitalistic science-ejected context.  But, from the above, we have vitalism as the core of naturopathy's homeopathy and naturopathy's acupuncture, two of naturopathy's flagship therapeutics, and overall that is the core of the 'naturopathic natural.'  

Here's naturopathy's central textbook all about that vitalistic context, if you have any doubts: "the vis medicatrix naturae, the vital force, the
healing power of nature [p.034]."

Here is that concept on science's junk pile.   

Here is CAND talking up 'science, science, science' [vsc 2010-04-23].

 Here is CAND on Youtube with the label "science based natural medicine" [vsc 2008-04-06] overarching naturopathy.

002. the Center for Inquiry's Committee for the Advancement of Scientific Skepticism [CASS] states in "Center for Inquiry: Homeopathy Week a Skeptical Success":

"WHAW has gone [...] homeopathy is part of a scope of practice used by naturopaths, embracing a theory of 'vitalism' based upon an incorporeal spirit. Naturopathic Medicine Week will be celebrated May 3rd to 9th. CASS will be ready to confront more bad science [...] World Homeopathy Awareness Week (WHAW), organized as a celebration of homeopathy, was successfully hijacked by the skeptical community and critical appraisals of homeopathy dominated the internet. CASS engages with scientific, technological and medical claims made in public discourse, addressing misinformation by promoting evidence-based science. CFI - which runs CASS - is a registered educational charity promoting science and secularism."

Note: I totally agree.  In sum, I'd characterize the vitalism of naturopathy, their often disguised healing context, as a belief in a 'purposeful life spirit.'  Now, if I really want to inflict big philosophical words on the reader I'd state it as an amalgam of: vitalism, spiritism, teleology and autoentheism.