The Quackometer on Homeopathy: "Cult-Like" [and Parallels to Naturopathy]

here, I cite from a recent post at The Quackometer regarding homeopathy [see 001., below]; then, I suggest some similarities homeopathy has to naturopathy [see 002., below]; and I provide a specific example [see 003., below]:

001. Andy Lewis writes in "Escaping the Cult of Homeopathy" (2010-12-13):

"I would not be the first to suggest that believers in alternative medicine often display the traits of members of cults [...and] of all alternative medicines homeopathy, to me, looks the most cult-like [...e.g.] it defines itself in opposition to what it calls 'allopathy' and in doing so creates a straw man of what medicine is today [...] homeopathy is so strictly defined by its opposition to modern mainstream medicine that it will always lie at the fringes in a pseudoscientific bubble [...] it must attack and denounce alternatives – such as scientific medicine – without any form of compromise [...] the cult model explains why virtually no homeopaths have condemned the murderous practice of using sugar pills to treat fatal diseases like HIV and malaria [...this] thinking of the cult [...this] cult-like dark side of homeopathy [...this] pseudo-medical and superstitious cult [...homeopathy apostate] Wendy describes life inside the cult of homeopathy [...] Wendy talks about how the training for homeopaths is vital for creating the cult-like mentality [...] questioning was highly discouraged [...] 'my critical abilities were silenced within the first year – not by others – but because it would be considered judgmental in that society [...] I now see homeopathy as the disease.  I think it is a form of madness' [...]  Wendy has found the current sceptical blogging about homeopathy on the internet a useful tool in 'de-programming' and re-engaging with a critical approach to examining the claims of homeopathy."

Note: there are many parallels between homeopathy and naturopathy.  And I have, under oath, labeled naturopathy "cultic mystical weirdness", I must admit.

002. parallels:

It is a fact that: 

a) ND web pages often have a "FAQs" section rhetorically posing the question 'what is the difference between homeopathy and naturopathy?'

b) naturopathy labels modern medicine 'allopathy';

c) both homeopathy and naturopathy are based on science-ejected archaic / medieval ideas such as vitalism.

003. for example,  Lee, T.S. (ND Bastyr 1986) states in "What Is Naturopathic Medicine?" [vsc 2010-12-13]:

"what is the difference between a naturopath and a homeopath? [...] homeopaths use only the homeopathic approach, whereas naturopaths train in several forms of diagnosis and treatment, one of which is homeopathy [...which] stimulates the patient's vital force to help resolve the disease [...paralleling] the philosophy of naturopathic medicine: living things have an innate ability to heal themselves [coded vitalism].  Our vital force promotes self-cleansing, self-repair, and therefore self-healing [...] naturopathic treatments [...and] techniques and methods have long been respected throughout the world.  While modern allopathic medicine is a youngster of less than 200 years old, natural medicine has been the primary medicine used by most of the human community even into the 21st Century."

Note: this result came about by using google.com and web-searching >"what is the difference" homeopathy naturopathy<.  It was the second result.

Bad Astronomy on Naturopathy - "No Evidence For It"

Phil Plait writes at blogs.discovermagazine.com in "Mike Adams Fails Again: Astrology Edition" (2010-12-13):

"Mike Adams [...] can politely be described as an antiscience propagandist. If there’s no evidence for it, he’ll believe it: naturopathy, antivax, alt-med fluffery, you name it. He runs the website Natural News, which has an extremely high density of nonsense per electron."

Note: well said.

Will PZ Myers "Cease and Desist" Concerning ND Maloney? - We'll Know This Week

here, I list some of the relevant pages in the ND Maloney - Pharyngula issue somewhat organized chronologically [as near as I can tell]:

2010-02-17 - Myers posts "Christopher Maloney is a Quack":

"Maloney is a naturopath in the state of Maine, where quacks like him get to call themselves 'doctors' [...] a student, Michael Hawkins, dared to criticize him, pointing out that 'naturopathic medicine is pure bull' and stating that naturopaths are under-qualified and do not deserve the title of 'doctor' [...] Maloney took action to silence him [...] not only is Maloney a quack, but he's a stupid quack [...] now a much bigger blog is going to spread the word that Christopher Maloney is a quack [...] let the whole world know that Christopher Maloney is a cowardly quack."

2010-02-17 - Popehat posts "Christopher Maloney Is A Quack. [edit] But Maybe Not Censorious";

2010-02-18 - Myers posts "Christopher Maloney: Still A Quack":

"that quack, Christopher Maloney, has written to me now... with a nice little edge of hysteria and paranoia [...] 'u can call me an idiot and a quack, but when you repeat the fact that I am not a doctor and not qualified, that is a written lie or libel. I am a doctor under Maine state law and meet the qualifications of that title' [...] the plot thickens. Maloney denies getting Hawkins' site shut down."

Note: related to this, Myer's posted on 2010-02-18 "Andreas Moritz is a Cancer Quack", Steve Novella posted on 2010-02-18 "Naturopaths Can Silence Critics Too" with Maloney using the name Quackalicious in the comments, and fellow ScienceBlogs.com blogger Orac posted on 2010-02-19 "Andreas Moritz and Trying to Shut Down Valid Scientific Criticism: A Sine Qua Non of a Quack" and fellow ScienceBlogs.com blogger Joshua Rosenau posted on 2010-12-08 "Christopher Maloney is a Quack".

2010-07-27 Steve Novella posts "Maloney Declares Victory":

"made clear by this exchange is the difference between the science-based approach and Maloney’s approach, which is typical of naturopaths. I look at all the evidence for plausibility, safety, and the reasonable potential for benefit. If I am convinced that I can offer my patients the probability of benefit in excess of harm, I will use a treatment (no matter how it is labeled) with proper informed consent. But I will then closely follow the evidence and will stop using a treatment if good clinical evidence is negative. Or I will start using a treatment when new evidence shows that it is safe and effective. Maloney, on the other hand, appears to trade in wild speculation. In my opinion he has demonstrated sloppy, black and white thinking, an inability to understand the implications of published research, a bias against science-based medicine, and a willingness to prescribe treatments based upon the flimsiest of scientific justifications. He then accuses me of being 'dismissive' and has the stones to declare victory in our exchange because I eventually tired of his evasiveness and crank tactics."

Note: Maloney's compilation is here.

2010-10-14 - Maloney posts "Quack Attack: An Explanation of the Attacks on Dr. Christopher Maloney";

2010-12-07 - Myers posts "I Get Mail":

"some people just don't get it. Christopher Maloney wants to silence a message he doesn't like on the internet by serving a cease and desist order. The last time I mentioned Maloney was eight months ago, and even then it was to point and laugh at his page throwing crazy paranoid accusations at me. So now [...] he has decided to stir the pot and remind everyone that Christopher Maloney is a quack and that he keeps on quacking? [...] once again, the web will start echoing the Christopher Maloney is a quack message. It must be handy for a quack to marry a lawyer, but I don't think she's giving him good advice in this case. You might as well serve a writ on the tides to stop flowing as ask the internet to erase a piece of its data."

Note: Maloney's compilation is here.

2010-12-08 - Popehat posts "If It Walks Like a Duck, and Censors Like a Duck...";

---

The deadline for the cease and desist request is 2010-12-14.  We'll see what happens this week.

ND Murray's 2009 ISBN 9781416549338 - Analyzing 'What ND Murray Won't Tell You About Naturopathy Overall'

here, I quote from ND Murray's 2009 book [see 001.a., below]; then, I provide some transparency regarding the essentially naturopathic [see 001.b., below]:

001. the book and a partial analysis:

001.a. Murray, M.T. (ND Bastyr 1985) writes in "What The Drug Companies Won't Tell You and What Your Doctor Doesn't Know" (2009;ISBN 9781416549338):

"[the dust jacket tells us Murray is] one of today’s leading authorities on natural medicine [...and states he is] drawing on more than thirty years’ worth of scientific research [...and he] provides clear guidance [...and his web site is] www.doctormurray.com [...the prologue tells us] conventional wisdom is established if it is simple, convenient, comfortable, and comforting -- though not necessarily true [...] people want to believe conventional wisdom because it is indeed so simple, convenient, comfortable and comforting, even if it may not be true [...] change [...] we are in the midst of it [...] a new paradigm [...] a model used to explain events [...] is emerging [...] as our understanding of the environment and the human body evolves, new paradigms -- new explanations -- are developed [p.001...] the era of self-empowerment is beginning [...] by definition and philosophy most conventional medical doctors M.D.s practice allopathic medicine, the system of medicine that focuses primarily on treating disease rather than promoting health [...] you may have noticed the N.D. after my name on the cover [...] I am a naturopathic doctor [...a degree from] Bastyr University [...] naturopathic medicine is based on seven time-tested principles [...#2] employ the healing power of nature [HPN, coded vitalism]. N.D.s believe that the body has considerable power to heal itself [coded vitalism]. The  role of the physician is to facilitate and enhance this process [coded vitalism, p.002...#3] causes can spring from physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual levels [supernaturalism...#4] an individual as a whole, composed of a complex set of physical, mental-emotional, spiritual [supernaturalism], social, and other factors [...#7] 'health' is defined as the state of optimal physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual [supernaturalism] well-being [...] I am a proponent of what I like to describe as rational medicine [p.003...] a more rational and truthful approach to health care is needed [p.004...] I also hope that you can all become advocates of change [...#5] the physician is a teacher. The word 'doctor' comes from the Latin docere, which means 'to teach.' N.D.s view our roles as primarily those of teachers: to educate, empower, and inspire our patients to assume more personal responsibility for their health [p.005]."

001.b. analysis & commentary:

001.b1. regarding the dust jacket:

"leading authorities", well then I think we can take ND Murray's methods of communicating naturopathy as 'the typical way they do it' / their M.O.;

"scientific", well, lets apply science to the contents of what is 'essentially the naturopathic' [more on that below regarding naturopathy's principles' context]; 

"clear guidance", well, I'll show you how naturopathy codes its essential science-ejected principles and doesn't inform concerning the science-exterior status of said, and you'll see that instead of clarity we get camouflague, instead of the clear we get the opaque; 

001.b2. regarding the prologue:

"conventional wisdom", well, the conventional wisdom regarding licensed naturopathy is that it makes sense and reflects truth, but it doesn't and that is actually easy to show [more below];

"change" and 'the evolution of knowledge', well naturopathy missed the boat regarding the progression of scientific knowledge as regards naturopathy's contents;

"self-empowerment", well, what ND Murray fails to realize is that it is exceptionally paternalistic and disempowering not to be transparent about where naturopathy lies [literally, as in falsehoods];

"allopathic" as "treating disease", well, that's bullshit.  For example, pediatrics deals with prevention of disease HUGELY.  It's simply false to claim that medicine is locked in to 'the pound of cure' view as opposed to prevention.  Vaccines anyone?;

"seven time-tested principles", well, two aspects of these principles' context, when you really boil it down, are 'time-ejected figmentations' in terms of science, vitalism and supernaturalism [more on that below].  Humans tens of thousands of years ago -- without language, soap, and culture overall -- surely beat each other over the heads with sticks to solve their everyday problems in a very time-tested manner, but today I hope one wouldn't argue about the 'time-testedness' of such barbarity;

'HPN', oh, you dissembling dissemblers when it comes to communicating your context, NDs across North America!  This is their racket: don't disclose this context in full, use naturalistic language that disguises what you REALLY are talking about -- vitalism, that science-ejected concept naturopathy is defined by, and defined by falsely representing it as able to survive scientific scrutiny!;

'the supernaturalism', well, I'm all for people believing as they so desire, but naturopathy claims that these supernaturalisms and vitalisms survive scientific scrutiny, which is false;

"teacher" and "educate", well, this isn't teaching and educating, it strikes me as manipulative propaganda.  In order for people to 'be responsible' they have to be in command of the facts, and naturopathy is quite dysfactual and dyseducational!;

"inspired", well, if naturopathy has done anything it has demonstrated to me how a bunch of cultic yahoos can legalize their racket and disguise themselves as an overall M.O.

002. ND Murray's web page, mentioned above, is not up right now.  Random House states in "Michael T. Murray, N.D.":

"Michael T. Murray, N.D. is widely regarded as one of the world's leading authorities on natural medicine. He is a graduate, faculty member, and serves on the Board of Trustees of Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Murray is the co-author of A Textbook of Natural Medicine, the definitive textbook on naturopathic medicine for physicians [...he is] a consultant to the health food industry ['big supplement'...] for the past twenty years, Dr. Murray has been compiling a massive database of original scientific studies from the medical literature. He has personally collected over 50,000 articles from the scientific literature [...] according to Dr. Murray: 'one of the great myths about natural medicines is that they are not scientific' [...] Michael T. Murray, N.D. has dedicated his life to educating physicians, patients, and the general public on the tremendous healing power of nature [HPN, that cannot here be mentioned as a science-ejected figmentation!]."

Note: I cannot make this shit up.

003. so, again we engage in the complete reversal of values:

wherein naturopathy claims to be informing and empowering but is really dissembling and manipulating. And someone who rails against pill pushers is himself a pusher of a lot of known-as-ineffective pills [glucosamine etc.].

Well, I'm glad we've straightened out what HPN is, overall.  But, if you are still confused, see this chapter of Murray's TNM, which details naturopathy's science-ejected vitalistic context -- so often disguised as HPN.

"Truthful"? Naturopathy is not only "not necessarily true", it is indeed not true at all. 

"Rational medicine", me arse.

ND Ferguson and Bastyr's 'Nonscience Is Science NaturopaTHICK Permissiveness' - Youtube 2008, Peterson's College Guide 2009

here, I cite from a Bastyr ND's Youtube video [see 001., below]; then, from Peterson's College Guide where Bastyr advertises [see 002., below]:

001. Ferguson, T.M. (ND Bastyr 2007) states in "Science Supports Naturopathic Healing" (posted 2008-12-12)] [vsc 2010-12-10]:

"[the video's textual description] Dr. Todd Ferguson on how science and research shows naturopathic methods are effective ways of healing [...from the video itself, narrator] 'are treatments in naturopathic medicine supported by scientific research?' [Ferguson] 'Ah, yeah [..] it sort of depends on how you define science [...] 3000 years of trial and era would be considered, in my mind, science.  But I think what you're getting at is more the modern type of science, and yes [...] many naturopathic concepts actually have a lot of research in them [...] yes there is a lot of research if you look in the right place."

[here's the link as a Youtube embed]

.

.

Note: science, science, science.  Wow, so, this product of Bastyr University states, basically, that knowledge and habits from the prescientific era are INDEED scientific.  That is quite generous.  It is also quite wrong.  Hmmmm: 'the Earth to me seems flat' said the cave man, 'therefore that is as scientific to naturopathy as the actuality that by modern methods we know the Earth to be round [roughly].'  Such is naturopaTHICK thought.

002. Peterson's College Guide 2009 [which I consider to be a form of 'false advertisement / commerce inducement'] states in "Bastyr University School of Naturopathy" [vsc 2010-12-11]:

"Bastyr’s fully accredited four- to five-year Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.) program is internationally renowned for its rigorous, science-based curriculum [...] a distinct multidisciplinary, science-based approach [...] students receive a thorough foundation in the basic medical sciences [...] basic science studies [...] the field of natural health sciences [...] scientifically trained naturopathic physicians [...] science major-level chemistry [...] science major-level biology [...] with an emphasis on understanding the mind, body, spirit, and nature."

Note: so, we're told that within science is the supernatural.  This isn't true.  And it hasn't been for a couple hundred years.  But, we can see from Ferguson's example, in naturopathyland, ANYTHING is science [including especially the supernatural].

003. what "nature" is contextually in naturopathy:

Broadly speaking, in naturopathy, "nature" is the "healing power of nature".  Bastyr explains this foundation-to-naturopathy in "Principles of Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2010-12-11]:

"[the first and foremost] the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae): naturopathic medicine recognizes the body's inherent ability, which is ordered and intelligent, to heal itself. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to recovery, and to facilitate and augment this healing ability."

Note: and that's all you get.  You have not been properly informed, along the lines of professionalism.

But, if you go to Oregon's .gov site which is the 'trunk of the naturopathic tree' [Bastyr is an offspring of Oregon's NCNM], you'll get some transparency [along with absurdity].  There you will see that "nature" for naturopathy, in its principles, is the science-ejected concept known as vitalism [ejected from science for, charitably, 100 years and more].

004. so what to make of this:

the pattern is obvious: person educated wrongly / vitimized by an institution goes on to Youtube and espouses that institutions huge falsehoods / errors for the world to see.  Said institution continues its racket through advertisement via college guides.

A Perfect NaturopaTHICK Example - Canada ND Pulls Her Kids From Wi-Fi Containing School

here, I cite from a recent report that clearly indicates how NDs view scientific consensus [as in misrepresent it]:

Robert Mangelsdorf reports for the Maple Ridge News in "Children Pulled From Maple Ridge School Over Wi-Fi Concerns" (2010-12-10)[vsc 2010-12-10]:

"parents at a Maple Ridge elementary school have pulled their children out of school over fears radiation from Wi-Fi internet routers may be harming their children. Samantha Boutet [...] a naturopathic doctor [...] pulled her two daughters out of the public school system and now home-schools them [...while] a considerable body of scientific evidence suggests radiation from Wi-Fi routers is perfectly safe. In a 2006 report, the World Health Organization stated there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak radio frequency signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects. Health Canada [...] has determined 'exposure to low-level radio frequency energy, such as that from Wi-Fi equipment, is not dangerous to the public' [...] in response to concerns about perceived health issues, School District No. 42 reviewed existing research, and found there to be no convincing evidence of a health threat associated with Wi-Fi. Boutet believes [!] that until there is concrete evidence Wi-Fi is safe for children, schools should plug their computers back in. 'The science is divided, but until we know for sure, we shouldn’t be putting kids at risk,' she said. 'My kid is the canary in coal mine.'"

Note: the science IS NOT DIVIDED.  But, being that naturopathy groups the scientific and the nonscientific into one falsely labeled scientific category, this is a perfect example of the naturopaTHICK.

AZ Licensed ND Underwood Accused of Child Molestation, and How NMDs/NDs Molest Science

here, I cite from a recent account of an naturopath in Arizona accused of child molestation [see 001., below]; then, I detail how naturopathy molests science [see 002., below]:

001. AZCentral.com reports from the Arizona Republic in "Videotape Shows Anthem Doctor Showering With Boy, Authorities Say" (2010-12-10):

"[as reported by Brennan Smith] authorities have discovered a videotape they believe shows an Anthem [naturopathic!] doctor showering with a 9-year-old boy he is accused of molesting, according to Lt. Brian Lee of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office [...] Don Underwood [is] a naturopathic doctor who is accused of molesting a former employee's son [...] Underwood faces seven counts of child molestation and three counts of sexual conduct with a minor in the case of the 9-year-old, who told his mother that Underwood molested him on several occasions [...] authorities said the boy provided 'very descriptive and graphic information implicating Underwood in several felony molestation charges' [...] Dr. Craig Runbeck, executive director of the Arizona Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board [more on them below], said he has not received Underwood's police report but will pursue a summary suspension of Underwood's license if his conduct is deemed harmful to his patients [huh? how about society at-large?]."

Note: so, that concerns the horrid [alleged / accused] sexual molestation of a child.

002. naturopathy's molestation of science:

002.a the State of Arizona Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board states:

002.a1. at their home page:

"mission statement: the primary duty of the Board is to protect the public through the regulation of the practice of naturopathic medicine."

Note: quite a noble goal.

002.a2. that its board members are:

"Catherine Lynn Walker NMD, Chairman; Daniel Rubin ND [ND SCNM 1997], Vice Chairman; Mr. Evan Zang, Secretary/Treasurer; Renee Waldman NMD, Physician Member; Mr. Kip Micuda JD, Public Member; Ms. Linda Barron, Public Member; Dr. Bruce Sadelik, Physician Member."

Note: so, lets look at ND Rubin.

002.b. ND Rubin as a microcosm of naturopathic science molestation:

002.b1. ND Rubin [bio.and CV here, here, here] states naturopathy's essential and required science-ejected premise, vitalism, in "Naturopathic Medicine: Ways, Means and Practicality" [archived from his http://www.naturopathicspecialists.com/uploads/Naturopathic_Medicine_What_is_it.pdf, vsc 2010-03-06]:

"[naturopathy's essential] precepts. Vis medicatrix naturae [slide 010...] vis medicatrix naturae. Vis = energy, strength or force [...] the body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. The physician's role is to facilitate this process with the aid of natural nontoxic therapies [slide 011...] the vital force. This describes the energy essential for life, the innate life principle, or the inherent power within every living organism. Naturopathic doctors seek to support the vital force [slide 012]."

Note: such vitalism is hugely science-ejected AS A CONTEXT.  The slideshow states "Presented by Daniel Rubin, N.D. [at the] University of Illinois Medical Campus Chicago, IL [on] March 15, 2006."  I've had it in my archives for years.

002.b2. yet, ND Rubin claims that naturopathy is scientific while nonscientific in "Naturopathic Oncology: An Emerging Discipline" [vsc 2010-12-10] (2005-08):

"naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of health care and distinguished by the principles that underlie and determine its practice [...which] are based on objective observation of the nature of health and disease [...and] continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances [...its] methods used are consistent with these principles [...] such principles are vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature) [(VMN-HPN a.k.a. coded vitalism!)...and speaks of] the philosophy, science and practice of naturopathic oncology [...] to attend naturopathic medical school, applicants complete the same science premedical requirements required by conventional schools of medicine. Naturopathic medical schools are 4-year,  graduate level, federally and regionally accredited institutions. The first two years are comparable to conventional medical school, emphasizing basic medical sciences. The second  two years concentrate on clinical sciences, focusing on natural therapeutics [...] the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination [NPLEX] is the standard used by all licensing jurisdictions for naturopathic physicians in North America. It includes five basic science exams -- anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, microbiology and immunology -- taken after the first two years of naturopathic medical school. The clinical science examinations are taken following graduation and include [...] homeopathy."

Note: science, science, science.  And that label is placed upon naturopathy's VMN-HPN, and homeopathy.  This does not compute: something isn't equal to what it is excluded from!

Currently, isn't it interesting that at ND Rubin's page "Practice Philosophy" we aren't told of this vitalism-science conflation-irrationality [indistinction!].  Yet, ND Rubin does state [and I think it is quite ironic actually, and would be even absurdly funny, if this wasn't such a huge load of ONCOLOGY mischief / horror]:

a reverence for patient's "humanity and dignity";

their "becoming empowered";

"I believe that each individual with cancer should be treated as a person first, and a patient second";

"the best treatment approach";

"the underlying";

"a type of healing that transcends any type of physical or molecular mechanistical medicine";

"a good treatment plan always begins with the education of both the person undergoing the treatment";

"I believe that when the basis of a treatment plan, as well as the basis of cancer is well understood, one will be in a better position to decide if such a treatment is truly appropriate for them";

"the purpose of this writing is to generate understanding though education";

"one needs to understand the fundamentals of the situation".

Yes, the irony is TRULY killing me.

003. overall note:

so, a member of the Board of NDs/NMDs in Arizona is actually A MENACE [molesters are menaces too] to the public's understanding of science since science is claimed absurdly as equal to the actually science-ejected, and therein science is sadly HUGELY molested [of course, in a much differently-heinous context than child molestation].

I could go on and on.

Obviously, if you understand, in the words of ND Rubin, "the fundamentals of the situation" regarding naturopathy and science / their false self-labels,

naturopathy is an absurd pseudoscience doing quite scary things in quite serious situations and with a quite misleading mannerism / M.O.

Ah, the most extreme reversal of values. 'Under lying' indeed.

"Ode to ND Maloney" - spaceScat 2010

After I'd gone through some 'Maloney tantrum' experience 2010-11 [see 001., below], spaceScat improvised a song during our jam that same month [see 002., below]:

001. Through Facebook, ND Maloney had said this to me:

"Dear Bob, I noticed that rather than actually continue our conversation, you took the time to post your excerpts (with snide comments) [here...] I can only take this to be the act of someone who lacks basic social skills. I must apologize to you, because I mistook you for an intellectual equal. My comments should not be taken out of context, and I do not give you permission to reprint any of our personal correspondence on your blog. You have shown yourself to be both unethical and underhanded. Christopher Maloney, N.D."

Note: oh well, lost another Facebook friend.  Damn!  Hmmmm, since when is Facebook, a SOCIAL site, personal anyway? And isn't my personal correspondence equally MINE?  Hmmmm...

002. Here's the song, embedded from Vimeo. First, though, I've transcribed the lyrics.  I don't do much with video, but the background picture of the video (from this Naturocrit post a year ago, here) is, for me, quite an accurate representation of naturopathy in this day and age [claimed as science when HUGELY not]:

"You told me the things you do

You'd video taped and shown it 

To everybody else

and you wanted some feedback

 I captured your comments 

and reposted them in blogspace

Somehow, you think I've violated you

And my ethics are in question 

but I'm really not concerned much

If you had something important to say

I'm sure it wouldn't be so much about my approach

 About my approach to you 

and my handling 

of the things you say that you can do

The things you say your medicine does

The things that just probably are not true

Don't tell me that I can't tell you 

the things that I think of the things you do

You know sometimes people say the things 

they don't even know about

sometimes they're wrong too

I'm just taking what you said 

and putting it on blogspace

so don't get all excited about that

 Don't you have anything better to do

then make a big deal about me and you?

Don't you know I care about 

the things you say and others too?

I want the truth, not a bunch of phooey

Not a bunch of phooey."

.

.

.

.

Thanks Popehat for your recent Maloney post, which got me off my ass to get this Naturocrit post together.

SGU 5x5 on Vitalism; HAND's Vitalism; Goldacre on Scrutiny

here, I cite from a 2008 Skeptics' Guide to the Universe 5x5 podcast concerning the science-ejected status of vitalism [see 001., below]; then from the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians [see 002., below]; and finally from Ben Goldacre [see 003., below]:

001. the Skeptics' Guide 5x5 states in "Podcast 45 November 11, 2008 - Chi and Other Forms of Vitalism" [saved 2010-12-08]:

"[the web page] SGU 5x5 - Five Minutes with Five Skeptics. A weekly science podcast discussing news in the world of science and pseudoscience. A companion to The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe weekly podcast [...] podcast 45 - November 11, 2008: Chi and Other Forms of Vitalism [...the mp3, Steve] this is the SGU 5x5 and tonight we're talking about chi.  Chi, which is alternatively spelled chi or qi, the English approximation of a Chiense word which means life energy.  It is the core of traditional Chinese medicine philosophy [00.00.42...] this mystical life force or life energy [...Bob] the belief isn't limited to China, either. It's called prana in India.  It's ki in Japan.  In France Anton Mesmer called it animal magnetism [...] Bergson referred to it as elan vital, vital force [...Jay] an acupuncturist thinks that they're unblocking chi [...also] reiki [...and] therapeutic touch [...Steve] these are all forms of vitalism, the notion that there's a life energy that separates living things from nonliving things [...] it is a supernatural or metaphysical thing, a spiritual force [...] but, of course, there isn't a like of evidence for any of this.  These are all prescientific notions, the attempts of primitive societies to understand what they could not understand, the nature of health and illness for example, life and non-life.  Modern science has not verified any of these concepts of life energy or life force.  In fact, this fight was fought within the scientific world about 100 years ago and the vitalists, those who thought that there was some kind of vital force, LOST.  The evidence clearly showed, and the logic clearly led to the conclusion, that vitalism is unnecessary and that nothing like chi or like a life force exists.  It's not necessary to explain any biological process [...] it is simply unnecessary, which is the harshest criticism you could level at any idea in science."

Note: tell that to naturopathy!

002. meanwhile, to illustrate the vitalism that is at the heart of naturopathy [falsely posed as science], here's the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians' article "Vol.XIV #4 - The Centesimal And Lm Potencies, Simillimum - Winter 2001: A Comparison from the 5th and 6th Editions of The Organon By David Little" [vsc 2010-12-08]:

"[per 'life force, quoting Hahnemann] 'the life-force appears to strive to assert its superiority' [...] this action by the life force [...] 'the life force brings forth the exact opposite condition-state counteraction [...] proportionate to the life force's own energy' [...] 'after action of the life force' [...] 'our life force always and everywhere brings to pass' [...] strong medicines in large doses tend to cause opposing counteractions from the life force [...] the lebenskraft (life force) [...] to this subtle medicinal disease the life force needs to use no more secondary effect than necessary [...] 'the life force appears to strive to assert its superiority by extinguishing the alterations' [...] Hahnemann spoke of the essential role of life force in the Preface to the introduction of the 6th Organon in 1842 [...] 'homeopathy is aware that a cure can only succeed through the counteract on of the life force against the correctly chosen medicine. The stronger the life force that still prevails in the patient the more certain and faster the cure that takes place' [...per 'vital force'] so that the vital force never receives the same exact dose twice in succession. In this way, the vital force can receive the single dose or a series of doses in medicinal solution without the aggravations witnessed in the dry or unmodified liquid dose [...] once again we see the importance of the balance of the primary action of the remedy and curative response of the vital force [...] against which the instinctive vital force was compelled to direct an increased amount of energy [...] compelling the vital force to act [...] the aggravation of symptoms compels the vital force to act [...] this medicinal disease alters the vital force [...] will soon be extinguished by the vital force [...] the idea of a crisis-like aggravation compelling the vital force to increase its energy [...] an increase of energy of the vital force [...] the vital force directs its whole energy [...] the vital force heals the pathology in stages [...] the instinctive vital force [...] it may mistune the vital force [...] here the vital force is compelled to produce an antagonistic secondary action [...] in homeopathy the vital force is exposed to a very small dose [...] the curative reaction of the vital force is not disrupted by the repetition of the minimal size [...] the lebenskraft (vital force) [...] the vital force removes no mistuning [...] the vital force is moving toward the cure."

Note: HANP informs us "the practitioner of homeopathy must be well versed in the science of the body in both health and disease [...] an increasing body of scientific research is proving the potent biological action of homeopathic preparations" [vsc 2010-12-08]:.  This is false. A member list can be found here.

003. at The Guardian, Ben Goldacre writes in "Mutual Criticism is Vital in Science. Libel Laws Threaten It" (2010-12-08):

"in science and medicine, criticizing each others' ideas and practices [...is] exactly what you are supposed to do, all of the time [...] medicine is almost unique among all human activities in that it's possible to do enormous harm even when you set out with the absolute best of intentions [...] in medicine, when you make a mistake about whether something works or not, it's possible to cause death and suffering on a genuinely biblical scale.  That's why we have systems to try and stop us making such mistakes, and at the heart of all these lies mutual criticism: criticizing each others ideas and practices. This isn't something that's marginal, or tolerated by the profession. It's something that is welcomed and actively encouraged. More than that, it's institutionalized [...] in a BBC World Service documentary out today – made with the BBC Radio science unit, rather than current affairs – we explain why science is different, and why it is dangerous to have laws that restrict the everyday scrutiny of each others' ideas and practices that scientists and doctors necessarily engage in [...] Discovery: Science and Libel is on the BBC World Service [about 28 minutes...] you can listen again online through the BBC iPlayer."

Note: hear, hear.  It, it.  Again, again.

Naturopathy's 'Fundamental Vitalistic Principles' - Frances, D. (ND NCNM 1993) @NCNM.edu 2010

here, I cite from a National College of Natural Medicine's [NCNM] faculty page regarding the essential science-ejected vitalistic context of naturopathy:

001. Frances, D. (ND NCNM 1993) states in "Deborah Frances, ND Adjunct Faculty [CV tab]" [vsc 2010-12-07]:

"experience [...] 1993 - 2008: Family Practice in Naturopathic Medicine.  Full family practice [...] based on the vitalistic principles fundamental to naturopathic medicine.  Homeopathic practice includes emphasis on LM potencies in chronic cases."

Note: what more is there to say, nonsense [naturopathy's vitalism context] with more nonsense piled upon it [homeopathy, of the ultra-ultra-ultra-dilute kind].  This find came about from a Google.com web search parameter >naturopathic vitalistic<, and was the second hit.  If you are more interested in naturopathy's homeopathy, see "A Comparison from the 5th and 6th Editions of The Organon" at the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians.  There, you'll hear more about the naturopathy / homeopathy figment known as the "vital force" or "lebenskraft (life force)".

University of Bridgeport's "Health Science" [False-]Advertising 03 [pictoral] - 2010-12:

here, I post a roadside picture I took today along I-95 in the West Haven, CT area wherein the University of Bridgeport [UB] advertises its "Health Science" programs [see 001., below]; then I list what's included in that "division" [see 002.a.]; and what is essential to naturopathy [see 002.b.]; and the fact that that makes naturopathy not science, and therein falsely advertised [see 002.c.]; then, I muse [see 003., below]:

001. this is a picture taken today with a cell phone, so its resolution is not so hot:

.

.

.

The advertisement says:

"UB. UBelong Here.  www.bridgeport.edu.  Our degrees in Health Science make everyone feel better.  University of Bridgeport [and I can't read the rest]."

But, if it's anything like the 2009-12 one I'd posted [hey, this is a holiday-season ritual for me], and I think it is the exact same poster,  it says in its tiniest print "Opening doors.  Building futures."

002. now for some analysis:

002.a. at UB, we're told that within its "health sciences division" is naturopathic medicine.  Their web page "Health Science Students" [vsc 2010-12-06] states:

"why study at UB?  State-of-the-art programs [the best!].  The University’s professionally accredited health sciences programs [...include] the College of Naturopathic Medicine [...offering a degree in] Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.) [...a] state-of-the-art curricula and significant clinical experiences. The members of the faculty include skilled instructors with backgrounds in the biomedical and clinical sciences."

Note: science, science, science!  And supposedly 'the best' science, too! And 'of the professions' ethically, possessing "significant clinical experiences."  Promises, promises, promises.

002.b. now, it doesn't take much effort to discover 'the essentially naturopathic' and how UB embodies naturopathy's 'reversal of values':

002.b1. UB tells us in "Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.) - Program Details" [vsc 2010-12-06]:

"are you interested in a career in a field of medicine that works to support the natural healing power of the body, mind, and spirit? In naturopathic medicine we call this vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature) [VMN-HPN], and it is our guiding philosophy [...] the College conducts research to advance the understanding and knowledge of the natural health sciences."

Note: so, supernaturalism is [absurdly] considered / labeled natural and within science, obviously.  Yet, we're not really informed here, though we're promised "details", concerning the true context of naturopathy's VMN-HPN, which is also labeled science.

002.b2. and naturopathy's primary textbook, "The Textbook of Natural Medicine", tells us that that HPN is the context known as vitalism.  In "Chapter 3 - A Hierarchy of Healing: The Therapeutic Order: The Unifying Theory of Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2010-12-06] we're told:

"the therapeutic order, or hierarchy of healing, is now incorporated into ND college curricula throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand [p.031...] the therapeutic order [...consists of #2] stimulate the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae): the self-healing processes [...#3] address weakened or damaged systems or organs [...including] harmonize with your life force [p.035...] many naturopathic modalities can be used to stimulate the overall vital force [...] these strategies are used to restore optimal function to an entire physiologic system (immune, cardiovascular, detoxification, life force, endocrine, etc.) [p.036...] the vis medicatrix naturae [occurs 9x in chapter], [is] the vital force, [is] the healing power of nature [p.034]."

Note: so, this is the essentially naturopathic: HPN=VMN=SHP=LF=VF.  We're told, at the TNM homepage, "you can trust Pizzorno.  Unsurpassed in its authority and scope."  And ND Pizzorno is the one who equates HPN directly with "spirit" [vsc 2010-12-06].

002.c. how do I know that vitalism and supernaturalism are indeed science-ejected?  Because national science organizations have stated so:

002.c1. regarding the science-ejected nature of vitalism, this is one of my favorite finds:

the Marine Biological Laboratory of Wood's Hole states in "Biological Lectures Delivered at the Marine Biological Laboratory of Wood's Hole In the Summer Session of 1894" (1896; publ. Ginn and Co):

"there is no warrant for the assertion that life is something different from, and independent of, matter an energy. That is the mistake of vitalism."

Yes, that's 1896.

002.c2. regarding the science-ejected nature of the supernatural:

the American Association For the Advancement of Science [AAAS] states in "A Study Guide For The Evolution Dialogues" (2007):

"what science is and is not. The scientific method uses observation and logic to develop testable hypotheses. Scientific theories encompass many tested hypotheses and are continually refined as new data is discovered. [But,] no aspect of science can address supernatural questions [p.020...e.g.] creationism and 'intelligent design' deal with supernatural questions that [truly] cannot be addressed through the scientific method. Science and religion ask and answer different questions [p.031...] supernatural entities by definition operate outside of natural laws and so [truly] cannot be investigated using methods of experimentation [...] one reason that modern science has flourished since the seventeenth century is that it has limited itself to natural explanations alone [p.032]."

Note: yes, that is the HUGE scientific preponderance known as the AAAS.  Of course, natural medicine is based upon the supernatural yet labeling itself science -- conflating the natural and supernatural.  But there is a reasonable distinction, and maintaining that distinction protects the integrity of science and the integrity of freedom of belief.

003. musing:

we were / are promised state-of-the-art science, and professionalism.  But, values have been reversed, in terms of naturopathy: you get, instead, the archaic pseudoscientific, and not that high standard of credat emptor that professionalism embodies, not even the lower general commerce standard of caveat emptor.  

What you get instead is complete bass-ackward dain-bramagedness.

Oregon ND Law: Their AG's Enforcement of the Patently Irrational and False

here, I cite from a 2010 Oregon Attorney General enforcement of the Oregon ND practice law [see 001., below]; then, I detail the inherently false and irrational composition of the '.gov' State of Oregon naturopathy definition itself [see 002., below]:

001. Keith Loria reports in "Oregon AG Shuts Down Unlicensed Naturopath" for Legalnewsline.com [2010-11-19][saved 2010-12-05]:

"Oregon Attorney General John Kroger announced on Thursday that [...formerly licensed ND] Paul Shandor Weiss [...was caught practicing] naturopathic medicine in the state without a license [...Weiss] allegedly misrepresented his [naturopathic] licensing status in violation of state law [...] 'Oregonians must be able to rely on the credibility of health care providers,' Kroger said. 'We will not permit unlicensed practitioners to put our personal safety at risk by misrepresenting their qualifications' [...] the Oregon Department of Justice learned of his actions from the state Board of Naturopathic Medicine, which is responsible for licensing and regulating naturopathic physicians in Oregon [...] 'I want to thank the Board of Naturopathic Medicine for their assistance on this case,' Kroger said."

Note: the irony is killing me.  Overall, how do you enforce the inherently false and irrational [see 002., below]?

002. that State of Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine states in "Naturopathy" [vsc 2010-11-16]:

"naturopathic physicians (N.D.) are primary care practitioners trained as specialist[s] in natural medicine [(a.k.a naturopathy / naturopathic medicine)..NDs are] educated in conventional medical sciences [(a science claim)...with] a four-year graduate level naturopathic medical college [(a claim of some kind of intellectuality)...naturopathy is] a unique and distinct system of health care [(I think not)...] naturopathic medicine is heir to the vitalistic tradition of medicine in the Western world [(vitalism: the science-ejected)], emphasizing the treatment of disease through the stimulation, enhancement, and support of the inherent healing capacity of the person [(coded vitalism)]. Methods of treatments are chosen to work with the patient’s vital force [(vitalism)], respecting the intelligence of the natural healing process [(coded vitalism)]. The practice of naturopathic medicine emerges from six underlying principles of healing. These principles are based on the objective observation [(as opposed to sectarian figmentation -- which is what this crap really is)] of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in light of scientific analysis [(so, we're being told that the science-ejected survives scientific scrutiny -- me arse)...] these principles [...] distinguish the profession [(a claim of credat emptor etc.)] from other medical approaches: [#1] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae [(coded vitalism)...] the healing process is ordered and intelligent [(physiological teleology: the science-ejected)]; nature heals through the response of the life force [(vitalism: the science-ejected)]. The physician’s role is to facilitate and augment this process [(coded vitalism)...#2] identify and treat the cause, tolle causam [...] causes may occur on many levels including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual [(sectarian supernaturalism: the science-ejected)]. The physician must evaluate fundamental underlying causes on all levels [...#3] first do no harm, primum no nocere. Illness is a purposeful [(teleological)] process of the organism.  The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms, which are, in fact, an expression of the life force attempting to heal itself [(a science-ejected sectarian figmentation falsely labeled 'scientific fact')]. Therapeutic actions should be complimentary to and synergistic with this healing process [(naturopathy's coded, science-ejected, vitalistic, spiritistic, teleological context)].  The physician’s actions can support or antagonize the actions of the vis medicatrix naturae [(coded vitalism)...#4] treat the whole person [...] health and disease are conditions of the whole organism, a whole involving a complex interaction of physical, spiritual [(sectarian supernaturalism)], mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors. The physician must treat the whole person [...#5] the physician must also make a commitment to his/her personal and spiritual development [(a certain kind of sectarian supernaturalism)] in order to be a good teacher [...this] naturopathic philosophy serves as the basis for naturopathic practice [(like the 'must's from above, this is obligatory -- by law and ND must pose the science-ejected as scientific etc.!)...] the current scope of naturopathic practice includes [...] homeopathic medicine [(a therapy known to be inert and implausible)] is based on the principle of 'like cures like.'  It works on a subtle yet powerful electromagnetic level, gently acting to strengthen the body’s healing and immune response [(coded vitalism)]."

Note: so, here's the deal:

OBNM falsely labels the science-ejected -- the vitalistic, the supernatural, the teleological -- as able to survive scientific scrutiny, and then mandates this position onto its ND / NMD members.

This HUGE falsehood is fully sanctioned by the State of Oregon, a full-fledged accomplice to this naturopathic racket -- they position it, they legitimize.

Yet, somehow, in all of this, it is possible to violate the irrational and deceptive pseudostandards of Oregon naturopathy.

Enforcing a misrepresentation of a credential that is inherently a misrepresentation / 'that which lacks credibility' [the essentially naturopathic] defies reason.

That is patently crazy.

ND Jacobs @ PCTV - 'The Body Responds to Homeopathy Well'

here, a Utah naturopath on Youtube promotes homeopathy's efficacy, while in the land of scientific fact, homeopathy is preponderantly considered an implausible therapy:

001. Jacobs, T. (ND NCNM) states in "Dr. Thad Jacobs - Summit Integrative Medicine on PCTV's MMS" [vsc 2010-12-03]:

"[00. 02.22] we're biological beings, we respond to a biological stimulation [...00.02.42] homeopathy, acupuncture, these types of things are what the body responds to well because they are natural stimuli for the body [...and speaks of] chelation therapy [...and] 'I'm happy to be a resource [and we're given his web and telephone contact]."

Note: ah, that naturopathic fantasy known as homeopathy, wherein empty pills and liquids are delusionally posed as 'profoundly effective'.

We're also intelligent beings, and we won't be fooled.

ND Lawrence - Naturopathy's "Core Value", Supernatural-Vitalism

here, I cite from the web pages of a Kansas ND who specifically equates naturopathy's "healing power of nature" with the supernatural and vitalistic [see 001., below]; then, I reiterate the AANP's false labels upon naturopathy that got me involved with this racket so many years ago [see 002., below]; finally, I reiterate your basic human right to believe in that which you so choose, in terms of matters of 'freedom of conscience' [see 003., below]:

001. Lawrence, V. (ND CCNH) states:

001.a. in "What is a Naturopath?" [vsc 2010-12-01]:

"the practice of naturopathy is based on the premise that the body is self-healing [BISH]. There is a belief in a spirit, vital energy or life force [S=VE=LF] beyond the physical realm, although modern medicine has not found a way to measure this energy [TE]. When there is an illness or disease, the life force has become blocked in its ability to self-heal. The task of the naturopath is to discover what may be the obstacles to healing. The obstacles are of a physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual nature [...] the foundation of naturopathy follows these core values: [#1] vis medicatrix naturae [VMN]: nature possesses the power to heal illness [...] the body has an inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent [teleological!], nature heals through the response of the life force. The naturopath’s role is to facilitate this process [TP...#2] primum non nocere, first do no harm [...] 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 attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complementary to and synergistic with this healing process [THP]. The physician's actions can support or antagonize the actions of the vis mediatrix [sp., 'medicatrix'] naturae, the healing power of nature [VMN=HPN]."

Note: so, for naturopathy, there's this obvious equation:

BISH = S=VE=LF = TE = VMN = TP = VMN=HPN.

Naturopathy's core values encompass: a belief amalgam that is all-at-once supernatural, vitalistic, and teleological.

001.b. in "Why Naturopathy?" [vsc 2010-12-01]:

"the foundation of naturopathy follows these core values: [#1] vis medicatrix naturae, nature possesses the power to heal illness [VMN-NPTPTHI...] the healing process is ordered and intelligent [teleological!], nature heals through the response of the life force [LF]. The naturopath’s role is to facilitate this process [TP...#2] primum non nocere, first do no harm [...] 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 [LF] attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complementary to and synergistic with this healing process [THP]. The physician's actions can support or antagonize the actions of the vis mediatrix [sp., 'medicatrix'] naturae -- the healing power of nature [VMN-HPN]."

Note: so, the vitalistic equation / naturopathy's "core value" context is expressed as:

VMN-NPTPTHI = LF = TP = THP = VMN=HPN.

002. the AANP-Alliance false promise / label:

A long time ago I was bamboozled into naturopathy -- in part -- by that pseudoprofession's at-large false self-labeling.

The consortia, known as the AANP-Alliance, then comprised of the "AANP, Bastyr University, National College of Naturopathic Medicine and the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences", stated in "The Alliance Legislative Workbook" (1997) (I've uploaded my original copy to scribd.com) (archived here):

"naturopathic physician's are the modern day science based primary care doctor [...] it is not a belief system."

Note:  when, actually [!!!], the discretely naturopathic is HUGELY science-ejected and 'of belief', as ND Lawrence has demonstrated.

Thanks, AANP Alliance and your component schools.  As a person of integrity, I shall "Never Forget" this racket.

003. basic human rights:

What does it mean to be falsely induced in terms of commerce?  To be a victim of unfair trade and kind?  With the State a huge accomplice in the matter!  This particularly relates to naturopathy's and States', such as Oregon's, wrongful mislabeling of naturopathy in term of science.

But, there is an even more profound issue, apart from science.  It has to do with what one can choose or not choose to hold as a belief / matter of conscience.  What naturopathy is doing is disguising such voluntary matters falsely as objective fact.  But, things which are 'faithy' are not such.  So, you are being denied a basic human right, if you accept the world as naturopathy would like you to [their way]: a specific kind of voluntary supernaturalism is being superimposed as involuntary fact.

ND Swanz - A Favorite Example of the Science-Ejected Naturopathic

here, I cite from the web pages of ND Swanz, who not only describes naturopathy's essential science-ejected vitalism context but he has also named his practice after it [see 001., below];

001. Swanz, P.V. (ND SCNM) states:

001.a. in "Homeopathy" [psc 2010-11-29]: 

"homeopathy utilizes dilute plant, animal, or mineral remedies to stimulate the vital force [VF...] the inherent self healing ability [ISHA] that acts to restore balance in the body [...] Dr. Peter Swanz is an expert in homeopathy [...] he is a fellow of the Homeopathic Association of Naturopathic Physicians."

Note: so, VF=ISHA.  Homeopathy, of course, is so diluted that its pills or liquids are inert.

001.b. in "Naturopathy" [psc 2010-11-29]:

"naturopathic medicine answers how we can live, become, and maintain health [...it has] two foundations, a science base and a philosophical base [...] there are six underlying premises on which the philosophy is based [...#2] support the healing power of nature, 'the vital force' - vis medicatrix naturae [HPN, VF, VMN respectively...] naturopathic principles apply across both acute and chronic illness, for young and old, male and female alike."

Note: so, HPN=VF=VMN.  So, there are many aliases for the vitalistic context that defines naturopathy.  Their base is Janus-faced / contradictory: of science and of 'philosophy' [the science-ejected, actually].

You can find this 'essential naturopathic contradictory irrationality' at ND Swanz's alma mater, SCNM, as it describes naturopathy in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2010-11-29]:

"naturopathic doctors  [...] philosophy is derived in part from [...] vis mediatrix [sp., medicatrix] naturae - nature is the healer of all diseases [NHAD...] the six principles that guide the therapeutic methods and modalities of naturopathic medicine include [...#2] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae. The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health [IARH]. The physician’s role is to facilitate this process [TP...] naturopathic doctors cooperate with all other branches of medical science [...] their practice is based on the same basic bio-medical science foundation that allopathic [!] practice is."

Yes, SCNM can't spell medicatrix [happens a lot].  Anyway, now, in terms of naturopathy's vitalism, here we see VMN=NHAD=HPN=IARH=TP.  And overarching all of this is the claim that such is "science" and of a "science foundation" [not!].  I would think that if you are 'of a science base yet defined by the science-ejected', you've go problems -- especially if you don't see a problem therein.

001.c. in 'homepage' [psc 2010-11-29]:

"Vital Force Naturopathy is a holistic healing practice [...] Dr. Swanz  [...] has advance training in homeopathy."

Note: so, vitalism is so important to ND Swanz that he named the practice "vital force."  And regarding "holistic", well if I've learned anything over time it is that "holistic" and "bone-headed" are quite synonymous.  After all, homeopathy is touted here galore and it is considered, in these here times, an unethical placebo therapy.

001.d. in "SCENAR Therapy at VFN" [psc 2010-11-29]:

"SCENAR is an abbreviation for the Self Controlled Energy Neuro Adaptive Regulator [...] the EMF impulses from the SCENAR device are a dynamic energy directed to help guide the body in its own healing process [BIIOHP...] supporting our body’s own healing ability [BOHA...] it is a signal that the body recognizes as its own [...] the impulse is constantly changing supporting an activation of the body’s adaptive mechanisms [BAM...] the SCENAR device does not heal the body.  It supports and helps to reactivate the body’s own healing mechanisms [BOHM...and is used for] shock, trauma, intoxication, pain [...problems of the] digestive system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, muscular-skeletal system, urinary system, reproductive system, nervous system, circulatory system, immune system, endocrine system [...] ear, nose, and throat complaints; eye complaints; skin complaints; and dental complaints [...] burns, fractures, insect bites and stings, allergic reactions, stress and accompanying complaints."

Note: wow, panacea alert!!! It is not a stretch to assume this being done, as all naturopathy is, within a vitalistic context, so we can further extend the aliases of that to BIIOHP, BOHA, BAM, and BOHM.

Lets say "I'm skeptical."

On Facebook, the page "Scenar Therapy" states: "scenar therapy is one of the most advanced forms of  'energy medicine' in the world today."

Oh, that explains it - a pseudodiagnostic-pseudotherapeutic, like Vega and Reich machines. See Quackwatch's "Signs of a Quack Device" and "Index of Questionable Devices".  At the latter, we're informed:

"the devices listed on this page are either inherently bogus or are approved for one use but improperly used for other purposes [...] for example, some bogus devices have been approved as 'biofeedback' instruments even though their actual intended use is to diagnose and/or treat disease [...and includes the] SCENAR."

002. of vitalism and 'energy medicine' overall:

002.a. vitalism [in all its naturopathic guises] is science ejected:

I've been collecting citations for years about this indisputable fact.  To base a medical system on such and usually falsely label the whole thing as science -- as is naturopathy's M.O. -- is nuts.

002.b. 'energy medicine' is without scientific support. Wikipedia states in "Energy Medicine":

"a 2007 investigation by the Seattle Times found that thousands of devices claiming to utilize energy medicine -- many of them illegal or dangerous -- were used in hundreds of venues across the United States. The newspaper described energy medicine as modern-day snake oil, pointing to a lack of regulation and the widespread use of false or unproven marketing claims."

Note: oh snap!