Paul Offit At Medscape on Homeopathy - "Not in Any Sense Science Based"

Paul Offit of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia states in "Science in One Room, Homeopathy in the Next?" (2011-01-11)[vsc 2011-01-11]:

"children's oscillococcinum [...is] a product [...] that is completely, not in any sense, science based, and whose claims are specifically that it treats flu-like symptoms such as feeling rundown, body aches, chills, and fever. These claims are certainly not supported by what's in that product, which is simply 1 g of sugar. The FDA [...] does have the capacity to regulate this if they choose to [...] it is marketed as a drug, and there is a homeopathic pharmacopoeia. I think it's upsetting that there is such a thing as children's oscillococcinum when, in fact, it's just a gram of sugar. You could argue that there is value in something like placebo, given that one then doesn't have to expose a child to cough-and-cold preparations, which certainly do have side effects and can be dangerous [...] it is disconcerting when you see a company that advertises its product as being better than placebo when, in fact, it is placebo."

Note: oh snap.

Facebook: An Advertising Platform For Naturopathy's False 'Science Basis Claim' - 3 Examples

here, I pursue the first-page results of a google.com search of Facebook [FB] using the parameters "site:facebook.com "science based" naturopathic" [without the external quotes] particularly with an eye towards North American AANP-CAND-AANMC ND / NMD practitioners' advertising [see 001., below]; I've commented along the way:

001. today's search results include:

001.a. the FB page "Naturopathic Family Care" [NFC; vsc 2011-01-10] which states:

"dedicated to providing quality science-based information about alternative and complementary medicine. Our team consists of licensed naturopathic physicians."

So, the naturopathic qualification supposedly provides a background to therein discus the 'science-based medical'.

NFC's FB info page [vsc 2011-01-10] links to their practice page [vsc 2011-01-10].

There, at the page "Our Physicians" [vsc 2011-01-10], we're told that the NMDs are: DiCampli, J. (SCNM), Kerievsky, R. (SCNM 2000), Marchese, M. (NCNM 2002), Niechwiadowicz, M. (SCNM), Orona, S. (NCNM), Pseka, J. (?),  Tamburri, P. (?).

Now, the explanation of homeopathy by this seven-NMD practice, "Homeopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-01-10] states:

"homeopathy is a highly effective treatment for both acute and chronic conditions ranging from allergies and migraines to depression and concentration problems."

Note: but we know quite well that homeopathy is actually science-ejected in terms of its plausibility and its efficacy (see http://theness.com/neurologicablog/?p=2714).  So much for science-based commercial information through the FB portal.  Instead, this is the 'not scientific overall in context' [the essentially naturopathic] being falsely labeled science and traded upon.

001.b. the page "Sakura Naturopathic Clinic + Organic Spa" [vsc 2011-01-10] which states:

"Sakura is a naturopathic clinic and organic spa catering to health conscious, environmentally concerned individuals in Southern Georgian Bay [Ontario]. We provide safe, effective, science-based natural solutions to common health conditions and skin concerns." 

That page then links to this practice page with Jones, A. (ND CCNM) as the principle ND, and she states the same "science-based natural" claim.

Naturopathy is also claimed at the practice as "science-based" in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-01-10].

It is the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors, where Jones is geographically and of which she is a member, that tells us in "Where's the Healing?" [vsc 2011-01-10]:

"being 'holistic' can go beyond finding the right supplement, botanical extract, homeopathic remedy or [acupuncture] point. It is being able to contact the deeper essence of a person, whether you call it the spirit, soul or vital force."

Note: where is the science-based also the science-exterior supernatural: naturopathy.  So, again, the 'not scientific overall in context' [the essentially naturopathic] being falsely labeled science and traded upon!

001.c. the page "Naturopathic Advantage -- Dr. Theresa Martez, ND [Bastyr]" [vsc 2011-01-10] which states:

"[that they] utilize science-based lab testing."

That FB page links to this practice page.

Martez  states in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-01-10]:

"a licensed naturopathic physician (N.D.) attends a four-year graduate level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an M.D. [...having studied] the basic medical sciences [...and speaks of the] science of naturopathic medicine."  

So, science science science.  I don't see how the science is the same as regular science when it equates itself with the nonscientific / science-exterior.  It simply is insane too, to say that such things as the supernatural are science-based.

We're also told on that page:

"the naturopathic physician’s oath [...includes] 'I will use methods of treatment which follow the principles of naturopathic medicine [...including #2] to act in cooperation with the healing power of nature' [which is the vital force mentioned by another ND above, coded...] naturopathic medicine upholds the highest of standards through the adherence to the principles listed below [...#2] the healing power of nature [...] an inherent self-healing process [...] an intelligent process [...] this inherent self-healing process [again, coded vitalism]."

So, coded vitalism is the core of naturopathy, and it is not often enough transparently communicated!  When are the highest standards insanity: naturopathy.

We're also told: "we aim to educate our patients."  Quite ironic.

ND Awad of PANP and the 'Science-Based Coded Science-Ejected' - NDNR 2011-01

here, I cite from a recent Naturopathic Doctor News and Review [NDNR] interview of ND Awad President of the PANP [see 001., below]; and the PANP [see 002., below]; then, I decode [see 003., below]:

001. Awad, R.R. (ND Bastyr 2006) states:

001.a. in "The Pennsylvania Association of Naturopathic Physicians"(NDNR, 2011-01):

"the PANP is dedicated to advancing the principles of naturopathic medicine [p.024...]  I believe in the principles of naturopathic medicine and see the PANP’s purpose as essential to the tenets of treat the whole person, doctor as teacher, and prevention [p.025]."

Note: principles, principles, principles!  Interesting that ND Awad's tenets do not include HPN-VMN, naturopathy's central tenet, at least in this account.  So, the doctor isn't being a good teacher!

001.b. in "AANP Definition of Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2010-06-18]:

"naturopathic medicine is a [...] science [...] naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles which underlie and determine its practice. These principles are based upon the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances. Methods used are consistent with these principles [...] naturopathic physicians are primary health care practitioners, whose diverse techniques include modern and traditional, scientific and empirical methods."

Note: so, there's the broad "science" claim upon the principles of naturopathy, aka that the principles survive scientific scrutiny.

Now, the first principle is described, on that page, as:

"1) the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae): the healing power of nature is the inherent self-organizing and healing process of living systems which establishes, maintains and restores health. Naturopathic medicine recognizes this healing process to be ordered and intelligent [teleological]. It is the naturopathic physician's role to support, facilitate and augment this process."

That's all we're told about this 'overarching #1 principle' by ND Awad.

002. PANP states in:

002.a. "Naturopathic Principles: AANP's Definition of Naturopathic Principles and Practice" [vsc 2011-01-08]:

"naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles which underlie and determine its practice. These principles are based upon the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances."

Note: again, a science claim upon the principles of naturopathy aka 'the principles survive scientific scrutiny'.

Now, the first principle is described, in the page above, as:

"1) the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae): the healing power of nature is the inherent self-organizing and healing process of living systems which establishes, maintains and restores health. Naturopathic medicine recognizes this healing process to be ordered and intelligent [teleological]. It is the naturopathic doctor's role to support, facilitate and augment this process."

Again, that's all we're told about VMN-HPN.

I will say this plainly: the VMN-HPN principle is naturopathy's typical MO of coding -- and falsely labeling as science -- a belief known as vitalism that has been science-ejected for 100 years.

  But, we're not told the truth here.  Again, the doctor has failed as teacher.

This is the 'science-based coded science-ejected' naturopathic being falsely posed as able to survive scientific scrutiny.

003. a simple decoding of VMN-HPN via ND Awad's alma mater, Bastyr University [from the inside!]:

003.a. in "Courses: Naturopathic Medicine Program" (2001, ten years ago!)[vsc 2010-08-08]:

"NM5131 Naturopathic Clinical Theory [...] the therapeutic order is introduced. The vitalistic context of science-based, modern naturopathic medicine is emphasized [...] NM5136 The Vis Medicatrix Naturae [...] naturopathic medicine’s core clinical principle, the vis medicatrix naturae, is shared by traditional systems of medicine throughout the world. This course explores clinical research, writings and techniques from various systems of medicine which incorporate nature’s influence on healing, the nature of the healing processes, and the vital or life force [...] NM9118 Energetics of Natural Medicine [...] this course presents an analysis of the vital force."

Note: yes, that right, naturopathy is based upon the irrationality of 'the science-based vitalistic / science-ejected'.

 

  You just can't often get transparency concerning that absurdity.

BBC Newsnight on Homeopathy & Malaria 2011 - 'Evidence That They Work is Zero'

In "BBC Newsnight: UK Homeopathy - Update 2011" we're told:

"[GP Kavalier] 'it's a waste of good NHS money because I think the evidence that homeopathic treatments work is zero [...] drugs should have to prove efficacy and homeopathic treatments cannot prove that' [...Lawrence of the RPS] 'we would be very very concerned if a patient took a homeopathic preparation perhaps traveling to an area where there may be yellow fever, typhoid, malaria believing they were safe when in fact they wouldn't be safe' [...Beddington, UK's Chief Scientific Advisor] 'there is no evidence that homeopathic remedies are efficacious and the fundamental underpinning of homeopathy seems to be scientific nonsense'."

CNN on Wakefield's Elaborate Medical Fraud & Parallels to Naturopathy

here, I quote from a recent CNN article on medical fraud [see 001., below]; then, I think of ways that naturopathy parallels the language of the article [see 002., below]:

001. in "Retracted Autism Study an 'Elaborate Fraud,' British Journal Finds" (2011-01-05):

"a now-retracted British study that linked autism to childhood vaccines was an 'elaborate fraud' that has done long-lasting damage to public health, a leading medical publication reported Wednesday [the British Medical Journal...] the study's author, Dr. Andrew Wakefield, misrepresented or altered the medical histories of all 12 of the patients [...] Britain stripped Wakefield of his medical license in May 2010. Efforts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful Wednesday [...] 'meanwhile, the damage to public health continues, fueled by unbalanced media reporting and an ineffective response from government, researchers, journals and the medical profession,' BMJ states [...] 'it's always hard to explain fraud and where it affects people to lie in science'."

002. parallels regarding:

"elaborate fraud" and 'misrepresentation': overall, naturopathy falsely labels as science that which is not [vitalism, supernaturalism & kind; their wacko therapies like homeopathy];

"damage to public health": naturopathy positions imaginary figmentations and placebo therapies as panaceas and highly effective interventions, so people will take away from this a misconception that such is efficacious;

"unbalanced media reporting": basically, reporters become credulous, brainless mouthpieces once something is labeled natural and alternative instead of doing actual journalism;

"ineffective response from government": I've complained many times both locally and federally about what's going on, and the education robbers continue;

"to lie in science": well, even if I step the deliberateness down to a simpler 'lack of due diligence regarding the scientific status regarding what naturopathy claims as science', naturopathy is defined by its intractably false position regarding the contents of science.

ND Schikowitz: An Example of Naturopathic Grand Irrationalism

here, I cite from the web pages of ND Schikowitz, who makes a science claim about the naturopathic point of view that I disagree with so much  that I employ the label 'naturopathic grand irrationalism':

001. Schikowitz, S.A. (ND Bastyr 2003) states:

001.a. in "Dr. Sam Schikowitz's Biography" [vsc 2011-01-05]:

"he realized that the naturopathic profession embodied the common sense practicality, open-minded inquiry, and hard science that Sam felt was necessary to bring forth a good family doctor."

Note: that's a very interesting 'naturopathic science claim' from this Bastyr ND.

Bastyr states in "Bastyr At A Glance" [vsc 2011-01-05]:

"Bastyr University [BU...has] a multidisciplinary curriculum in science-based natural medicine [...its] international faculty teaches the natural health sciences with an emphasis on integrating mind, body, spirit [supernaturalism] and nature [coded vitalism...which is] natural medicine [...and] the model for 21st-century medicine."

Yes, that's BU placing, within "science", the hugely nonscientific supernatural and vitalistic.  The great reversal of values.

  Wow.  And we're told by ND Schikowitz that this is professional, of common-sense and the practical, open-minded and what's needed for good doctoring.  I disagree.  It is false so it's not professional [something does not contain what it ejects], it is irrational so it's not practical and sensible, it's sectarian dogma so it's neither open-minded nor based on inquiry, and I wouldn't go to any doctor that can't tell the difference between the categories 'article of faith' and 'scientifically supported'.  This is 12th-century medical thinking.

001.b. in "About Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-01-05]:

"when people ask me, this is what I say about naturopathic doctors [...it's] 4-5 years of naturopathic medical school which has the same level of medical science as standard medical school [...] doctors of naturopathic medicine are guided by six principles of naturopathic medicine, which emphasize a holistic and natural approach to patient care, evaluation, management, and care for medical conditions [...#4] the healing power of nature: naturopathic medicine respects the innate intelligence [vitalism] of the human body to heal. This vital force [vitalism...] the role of the naturopathic physician is to facilitate this natural process biochemically, physiologically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually [supernaturalism]."

Note: so there you have the claim that the scientific [naturopathic] reasonably contains the science-ejected [vitalistic, supernatural and kind].  That is the naturopathic grand irrationalism that fascinates me: whereby, science is actually a false label, and that's how low the science standards are within naturopathy.  The distinction between the scientific and the nonscientific is annulled, just as they do not distinguish between the natural and the supernatural.

So, what's holistic and natural is in this context rubbish.

East Valley Tribune Naturopathy - A "Natural Health Solution" That's Actually Supernatural!

here, I highlight some of the reporting laziness that happens concerning naturopathy.  First, there's the article which talks about "natural" medicine [NM] yet doesn't mention that the premise of NM's context is essentially supernatural [see 001., below]; then, I show you that within naturopathy / NM -- backstage! -- the premise is explicitly contextually supernatural [see 002., below]; yet, naturopathy falsely poses all-the-while as scientific [see 003., below]:

001. Travis Roemhild reports in the East Valley Tribune article "Natural Health Solution Offered in AF" (2010-12-30)[vsc 2011-01-01]:

"[caption] Dr. Matthew Cavaiola [NMD SCNM], a licensed naturopathic physician and acupuncturist, applies a series of needles to a patient's back in his clinic recently [...he] owns Phoenix Anti-Aging Clinic [...] and uses natural therapeutics to treat a variety of conditions[...main article] when Dr. Matthew Cavaiola opened his office in Ahwatukee Foothills, he was filling a need he saw in the community [...] to give the people of Ahwatukee Foothills an outlet into the world of naturopathic medicine [...he] has been a resource for residents who want to take a more natural route in dealing with their health. 'People really want answers for their health problems,' he said [...] 'the most important thing is understanding where the issues are coming from and dealing with the cause of the problem,' Cavaiola said. 'My goal is to not just treat the symptoms but to fight the cause [...by using] outside-the-box thinking' [...] Cavaiola is also a certified acupuncturist. He speaks highly of the practice saying that it has a unique ability to rekindle the energy [coded vitalism] that flows through the body. 'Acupuncture was developed and perfected over thousands of years [...] it opens up the chi [explicit vitalism] and can correct imbalances that have the ability to help with a variety of illnesses'."

Note: the article directly links to the ND's web page.  So, there's energy = chi, and a supposed "natural" context.  It's interesting how one can ever understand a causative figmentation [chi].

002. the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors's fund-raising book "The History of Naturopathic Medicine: A Canadian Perspective" (2009, ISBN 9781552787786) states: 

"naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of medicine based on the philosophies of vitalism and holism [p.014...] vitalism and holism represents the philosophy of naturopathic medicine [p.029...there are] six defining principles of naturopathic medicine: [#1] first, do no harm (primum non nocere) [...] from a naturopathic perspective, it refers not only to the patient but to the patient’s vital force [p.030...#2] the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae) [HPN-VMN...] the aim of naturopathic physicians is to treat the patient, not the disease, by directing the vital force and encouraging it with naturopathic therapeutics to stimulate the body’s own defenses [...marginal] 'during the healthy condition of man the spirit-like force [supernaturalism] which animates the material body rules supreme as dynamis [...] Samuel Hahnemann,  M.D. 1755 - 1843 [p.031...] vitalism refers to the view that life is governed by forces beyond the physical self [metaphysical]. Often vitalism is associated with concepts of spirit or soul [explicit supernaturalism; p.239]."

Note: so, there's vitalism = vital force = HPN-VMN = supernaturalism = dynamis = metaphysicalism = spirit / soul.  This is not natural at all!  What a hoodwink.  And naturopathic thinking isn't "outside", it's irrational: equating the natural with the supernatural.  But, the vitalistic supernatural are not science-interior, they are science-exterior.  That's an incontestable fact.

003. yet, at NMD Cavaiola's web page, we're told of naturopathy's "science" basis:

003.a. in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-01-01]:

"a licensed naturopathic physician (N.D.) [...] is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an M.D."

Note: by definition, "basic science" means 'science as a basis.'

003.b. in "New Clinic Brings Natural, Patient-Centered Care to Phoenix" [vsc 2011-01-01]:

"naturopathic physicians are trained [...] in the basic and clinical sciences, like a conventional MD."

Note: science, science, science.  But what kind of science contains nonscience?  The pseudoscientific kind.

004. in sum:

one huge problem with naturopathy is that it doesn't make -- obviously --  reasonable categorical distinctions in order to allow informed consent.  The natural and the supernatural are equated; the science-exterior and the science-interior are equated; the clinically inert 'of chi placebo' is elevated to the level of panacea .  But, these categories are quite distinct.  Blurring their delineation steps thought back into a pre-modern, prescientific, superstitious mode.  But, such naturopathic conflation continues.

one huge problem with the reporting regarding naturopathy is 'lack of depth and a blind proponentry'.  Each account reads like a billboard / advertisement.

NMD Aidun on Acupuncture: Spiritual Energy / Vital Force and Meridians Are Empirically Supported [not]

here, I cite from the web page of NMD Aidun, who states that there is a scientific basis for the actually science-ejected vitalistic / spiritistic:

001. Aidun, S. (NMD SCNM 2003) states in "Acupuncture" [vsc 2011-01-02]:

001.a. vitalism-spiritism:

"central to the discipline of acupuncture is the concept of chi [...] 'qi' or 'ki'[...] chi is that life force or spiritual energy which is part of every living thing that exists. Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture [...] facilitate the flow of chi as a means of enhancing vitality and/or addressing health issues [...] acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific points on the body along pathways called 'meridians' which are channels acting as highways carrying chi energy to various regions of the body [...] to aid the flow of the body’s vital energy (chi) for the purpose of dealing with specific conditions and diseases [...] alongside blood vessels run meridians which act as highways carrying chi to different parts of the body. We neither see meridians nor the energy flowing inside them [...] disease happens if the flow of chi is disturbed or blocked. By inserting thin acupuncture needles into specific acupuncture points, blockage of energy can be released to resume the flow of the vital force to the target organ ensuring it’s [punct., its] optimal function [...e.g.] the meridians supplying chi to the lungs."

Note: so the equation is chi = qi = ki = life force = spiritual energy = chi energy = vital energy = energy = vital force.  Essentially, this is a form of dualism posing a spirit-force-energy that governs physiology.

001.b. the science claim:

"scientific communities are becoming increasingly fascinated by the effectiveness of Chinese medicine and specifically acupuncture [...there have been] empirical efforts to better understand acupuncture [...and] of the more notable topics of focus for such research have been the meridian pathways and the validity of the notion that they carry chi or life energy throughout the body. A number of studies have used radioactive tracers [...] to trace the meridians [...results were] consistent with the paths and locations along the meridians as defined in the acupuncture meridian chart [...and] biopsies of acupuncture points have shown higher concentrations of nerves and blood vessels as compared to non-acupuncture points."

Note: the studies aren't cited.  Surprise, surprise. It seems highly unlikely / implausible that well-designed research can discover pre-scientific invisible structures carrying a figmentatious 'spirit energy'.  Actually, it would revolutionize science: science would support the supernatural, in sum.  This hasn't happened.  Nobels have not been awarded.  The universe is still comprised of physical substance.  The human imagination, on the other hand, can create whatever conceptions it so pleases.

002. such forays into 'meridian-biology correlates' has recently been encapsulated thusly:

Ben Kavoussi writes at Science-Based Medicine in "The Acupuncture and Fasciae Fallacy (2010-12-30):

"amidst the plethora of flawed, implausible, and wasteful research on acupuncture and Chinese medicine, a 2002 study on the 'Relationship of Acupuncture Points and Meridians to Connective Tissue Planes' stands out as the height of factual neglect [...] not only millions of taxpayer dollars are being spent on seemingly ridiculous research projects, but also the very fact that they are supporting these projects is often used to lend an appearance of legitimacy to treatments and ideas that are not legitimate."

003. vitalism [and supernaturalism] is so -- still SOOO -- 'not science' that it is best described as science-ejected.

Naturopathic.ca.gov Decrees Nonsense [Homeopathy] is Now Science

here, I cite from the results of a Google.com web search ["site:naturopathic.ca.gov homeopathy", without the quotes] of the web site of the State of California, which falsely decrees that homeopathy is science [see 001., below]; then, I cite from the 2010 Evidence Check that FURTHER damned homeopathy into archaic, science-rejected, superstitious oblivion [see 002., below]:

001. the State of California states, as an extension of their Department of Consumer Affairs no less [how absurdly ironic!]

001.a. regarding homeopathy:

001.a1. in "Naturopathic Formulary Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: December 11, 2005" [vsc 2010-12-28]:

"Chairman Wannigman [...] requested an addition of 'homeopathics would be classified as a general group' [...and] discussed the opinion that was distributed by the Department of Consumer Affairs from Norine Marks regarding questions raised from the committee on homeopathy and by the Advisory Council [...] there is also the continued restriction of drugs that are not considered medications available to lay homeopathic persons [...] homeopathic medicine: homeopathic pharmacies wanted clarification [...] the original language said that naturopathic doctors may prescribe homeopathy [...] Norine Marks was asked to discuss the creation of language that could define homeopathic medicines in a sense broader that those listed in the former homeopathic pharmacopoeia [...] the medications that are approved at homeopathic allowable potency and constructed specifically for homeopathic use should be made available to a naturopath."

Note: so, they've spent quite an amount of verbiage / ink / electrons on homeopathy.  It is essential to naturopathy.  The school I went to in fact quite falsely labels naturopathy's required homeopathy (see http://www.bridgeport.edu/academics/graduate/naturo/programreqs) as science (see http://www.bridgeport.edu/academics/healthsciences/).

001.a2.  in "Findings and Recommendations Regarding the Practice of Naturopathic Childbirth Attendance" [vsc 2010-12-28]:

"in order to qualify for licensure, NDs must take and pass Parts I and II of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX) [...] Part I of the NPLEX, the Basic Science Examinations [...] students are encouraged to take this portion of the examination as soon as they finish their basic science coursework [...] Part II, the Core Clinical Science Examination [...] beginning with the August 2007 NPLEX Exam administration, the Part II - Core Clinical Science Series will be integrated into a single examination that will include homeopathy."

Note: yes, that's science subset homeopathy.  NPLEX's document "Bulletin of Information and Application for the NPLEX Part II - Clinical Science Examination - February 2011 NPLEX Administration" [vsc 2010-12-28] tells us, similarly:

"the NPLEX Part II - Core Clinical Science Examination [...] covers the topics of diagnosis physical, clinical, and lab, diagnostic imaging, botanical medicine, nutrition, physical medicine, homeopathy [etc.]."

The root "scien" appears at least 63 times on my ocr pdfof their nonsearchable pdf: science, science, science.

001.a3. in "Findings and Recommendations Regarding Minor Office Procedures" [vsc 2010-12-28]:

"an applicant for licensure must have graduated from a naturopathic medical education program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). For accreditation, the schools must meet the following minimum requirements [...] program requirements for its degree or diploma of a minimum of 4,100 total hours in basic and clinical sciences [etc....] Part I of the NPLEX, the Basic Science Examinations [...] Part II, the Core Clinical Science Examination [...] beginning with the August 2007 NPLEX Exam administration, the Part II - Core Clinical Science Series will be integrated into a single examination that will include homeopathy."

Note: so, homeo. within science again.

001.a4. in "Findings and Recommendations Regarding the Practice of Naturopathic Childbirth Attendance" [vsc 2010-12-28]:

"an applicant for licensure must have graduated from a naturopathic medical education program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). For accreditation, the schools must meet the following minimum requirements [...] program requirements for its degree or diploma of a minimum of 4,100 total hours in basic and clinical sciences [etc....] the art and science of midwifery [...] related behavioral and social sciences [...] in order to qualify for licensure, NDs must take and pass Parts I and II of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX) [...] Part I of the NPLEX, the Basic Science Examinations [...] students are encouraged to take this portion of the examination as soon as they finish their basic science coursework [...] Part II, the Core Clinical Science Examination [...] beginning with the August 2007 NPLEX Exam administration, the Part II - Core Clinical Science Series will be integrated into a single examination that will include homeopathy."

Note: AGAIN.

001.b. regarding naturopathy as scientific, overall [and I suggest this Google.com web search, "site:naturopathic.ca.gov "objective observation", without the quotes] the State of California states:

001.b1. in "Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine - A Bureau of the California Department of Consumer Affairs - Findings and Recommendations Regarding the Prescribing and Furnishing Authority of a Naturopathic Doctor" [vsc 2010-12-28]:

"the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) [...has established] a consensus definition of naturopathic medicine for the modern era. The definition, unanimously adopted by the AANP’s House of Delegates in 1989, focused on the guiding naturopathic principles and philosophy rather than specific therapeutic modalities or treatments. The definition reads: 'naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care - an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness. Naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles which underlie and determine its practice [like vitalism and supernaturalism, which are science-ejected!]. These principles are based upon the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances. Methods used are consistent with these principles."

Note: so now homeo. is within science [and the supernatural], again again again.  Also, we're told in that same document:

"in order to qualify for licensure, NDs must take and pass Parts I and II of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX) [...] Part I of the NPLEX, the Basic Science Examinations [...] students are encouraged to take this portion of the examination as soon as they finish their basic science coursework[...] a student must pass Part I of the exam before being allowed to sit for Part II. Part II, the Core Clinical Science Examination [...] beginning with the August 2007 NPLEX Exam administration, the Part II - Core Clinical Science Series will be integrated into a single examination that will include homeopathy."

Note: again again again again..

Additionally, we're also told:

"as taught in naturopathic medical schools, the therapeutic hierarchy is a guideline to applying the modalities of naturopathic medicine [...#2] stimulate the self-healing mechanisms (vis medicatrix naturae) [SHM-VMN, coded vitalism]."

Note: the current California Naturopathic Doctors Association was once the California Association of Naturopathic Physicians.  Digging back to CANP's earliest archived page wherein CANP supposedly defines naturopathy, "What is Naturopathic Medicine?" (c2000-12-15) [vsc 2010-12-28], we're told:

"naturopathic physicians are guided by six principles: first, do No harm; the healing power of nature [HPN, coded vitalism]; find the cause; treat the whole person; preventive medicine; and, doctor as teacher. This set of principles, emphasized throughout a naturopathic physician's training, outlines the philosophy guiding the naturopathic approach to health and healing and forms the foundation of this distinct health care practice [...] the concept of vis medicatrix naturae, 'the healing power of nature' [VMN-HPN, coded vitalism]. This concept has long been at the core of medicine in many cultures around the world and remains one of the central themes of naturopathic philosophy today."

I find it ethically appalling that even in 2000, California AANP-AANMC-FNPLA type naturopathy was not being transparent concerning SHM-VMN-HPN -- their science-ejected vitalistic context.

Even in 2003, CANP postured a "science" basis for 'it all' in "California Senate Casts Historic and Decisive Vote In Favor of Licensing Naturopathic Doctors" (2003-08-10)[vsc 2010-12-28] stating:

"naturopathic medicine [...] focuses on [the] science-based [...] the four years of naturopathic medical education include basic medical sciences."

002. what science says:

002.a. regarding homeopathy, the year 2009, particularly from the UK, the document "Evidence Check 2 - Homeopathy" says it all:

"the Government should stop allowing the funding of homeopathy on the NHS. We conclude that placebos should not be routinely prescribed on the NHS."

002.b. about the 'naturopathic principles' that define naturopathy's context, let my quote from ND Lloyd's "The History of Naturopathic Medicine: A Canadian Perspective" (2009, ISBN 9781552787786) that I am holding in my hands:

"overview of the naturopathic approach: vitalism refers to the view that life is governed by forces beyond the physical [therein, the metaphysical...] vitalism is associated with concepts of spirit or soul and the term vitality refers to the inherent capacity of an organism to live, grow, develop and heal [p.239]."

Note: and then I will quote from another book I'm holding in my hands, Richard Dawkins's "The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing" (2009, ISBN 9780199216819) which states:

"for me, the greatest achievement of Watson and Crick was to turn genetics from a branch of wet and squishy physiology into a branch of information technology, in the process slaying, as suggested above, the ghost of vitalism."

So, basically, science has no need to resort to spirits or souls.  Evidence, naturalistic and physicalistic evidence, doesn't not require such nonparsimonious metaphysical fabrications / figmentations.

So not only is something within naturopathy falsely labeled, naturopathy's entire context is absurd: that the scientific is the science-exterior.

State of Kansas BHA-NAC Members' Naturopathic Absurdity: Homeopathy As "Science"

here, I cite from documents of the State of Kansas that absurdly labels homeopathy -- by way of naturopathy -- "science" in this here year 2010 [see 001., below]; then, I cite from the pages of the Kansas ND board who oversee -- yes, you guessed it -- their homeopathic selves and who would be the arbiters regarding any complaints of their blatantly false labelings about naturopathy-homeopathy as science [see 002. through 004., below]:

001. the State of Kansas states:

001.a. in "Naturopathic Advisory Council" [saved 2010-12-29]:

"[that NAC's current members are] Andrew E. Hefner, N.D. [NCNM 1968...] Medhi Khosh, N.D. [ND Bastyr 1998...] Peter Kimble, N.D. [NCNM 1999...] Ronald N. Whitmer, D.O."

Note: that's NDs Hefner, Khosh, and Kimble.

001.b. in "Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, Kansas Statutes Annotated and Kansas Administrative Regulations Relating to the Practice of Naturopathy, Revised July 2010" [vsc 2010-12-29]:

"the board shall issue a registration as a naturopathic doctor to an individual who [...] passed an examination approved by the board covering appropriate naturopathic subjects including basic and clinical sciences [...] each applicant for registration under this act shall be examined by a written examination or examinations chosen by the board to test the applicant’s knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences relating to naturopathy [x2...] basic sciences, including the following: anatomy; biochemistry; microbiology; pathology; and physiology; and clinical sciences, including the following: emergency medicine and public health; laboratory diagnosis and diagnostic imaging; botanical medicine; clinical nutrition; physical and clinical diagnosis; physical medicine; psychology; counseling; ethics; and homeopathy."

Note: yes, that's homeopathy falsely labeled by the State of Kansas as "science."  How do I know such?  Because a 2010 Evidence Check was done.

002. the practice associated with Hefner, A.E. (ND NCNM 1968) states:

002.a. in "Services" [vsc 2010-12-29]:

"naturopathy: we have a working relationship with a naturopathic physician (Dr. Andy Hefner) who specializes in homeopathy among other modalities [...and we're told too that] reflexology [is] a scientific technique [...and] chiropractic: many illnesses are the result of improper nerve supply."

002.b. in "Staff" [vsc 2010-12-29]:

"Andrew Hefner, N.D. (naturopath and consultant to the Center): National College of Naturopathic Medicine, ND, Portland, OR 1968;  Hahnemann Memorial Institute, Bradenton, FL, HMD 1980;  Extensive Post Graduate Studies, including the study of cardiology at the University of Vienna, Austria; Served as Preceptor for Preceptorship program at Bastyr University, Seattle, WA."

Note: so, homeopathy galore for ND Hefner and some very weird ideas at that practice.

002. the practice of Khosh, M.L. (ND Bastyr 1998) states:

002.a. that naturopathy is "science" in "Lectures by Dr. Mehdi Khosh Posted on September 9th, 2010" [vsc 2010-12-29]:

"naturopathic doctors (NDs) [...] are educated in the conventional medical sciences [...] naturopathic doctors treat disease and restore health using therapies form the sciences of clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, exercise therapy, counseling, acupuncture and hydrotherapy [...] naturopathic doctors cooperate with all other branches of medical science."

Note: so there you go, science subset naturopathy subset homeopathy.  That's false.

003. Kimble, P. (ND NCNM 1999) states:

003.a. in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2010-12-29]:

"homeopathy is a medical science."

Note: no it's not.

003.b. as reported by Baker, J. (? ?) in "Naturopaths Offer Alternatives to Western Medicine" (Lawrence Journal-World, 2001-04-06)[see news.google.com's archive]:

"[regarding naturopathy overall] 'it's just a matter of people becoming educated and learning that it does work' [...and the article coincidentally states] naturopathic doctors treat disease and restore health using therapies from the sciences [...including] homeopathy [...and we're also told] they study the same basic and clinical sciences as other medical students [Khosh and Khosh are pictured]."

 Note: not true.  How are the science's the same when science is equal to what's not science?  Homeopathy DOESN'T work, we know that explicitly.

004. so, WOW:

aren't the foxes watching over the hen house!  I can't imagine that a complaint to NAC about Kansas NDs' fraud regarding homeopathy particularly and naturopathy overall would be taken seriously.  They're the one's committing it!  How cozy.

State of California DCA-NMC Bait and Switch - Their "Consumer's Guide to Naturopathic Medicine" Brochure

here, I cite from a brochure I just received by snail mail from the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs Naturopathic Medicine Committee [SCDCANMC] which doesn't accurately express naturopathy's overall context and instead codes naturopathy's science-ejected central vitalistic context in misleading naturalistic language and a falsely postured context of professionalism [see 001., below]; then, I use the alma mater of the SCDCANMC committee chair and another committee member, NCNM, to 'cut to the chase' [see 002., below]:

001. SCDCANMC states in "Consumer's Guide to Naturopathic Medicine" (not sure when published):

001.a. 

"naturopathic medicine [...] uses natural methods and substances to support and stimulate the body's self-healing process [BSHP, coded vitalism].  It is distinguished by the principles on which its practice is based [...including] 1. the healing power of nature [HPN]: naturopathic doctors (NDs) trust in the body's inherent wisdom to heal [BIWH, coded vitalism...] naturopathic medicine can benefit people who prefer a natural approach."

Note: I'll specifically decode the vitalism below in 002. expressed so noninformatively in the above.

001.b. 

"NDs have different styles [...] some may focus on particular [...] therapies such as homeopathy [an implauible therapy!...principle] 4. doctor as teacher: the primary role of an ND is a teacher who educates [...] licensure ensures that naturopathic doctors [...] stay current with professional practice."

Note: ah, educating and professional claims.  Homeopathy is known to be an inert placebo!

002. oh how they love to bait and switch the central tenet / context of naturopathy, BSHP-HPN-BIWH:

002.a. SCDCANMC states in "Committee Members" [vsc 2010-12-27]:

"David Field is [...] committee chair [...] he received his bachelor of arts degree in biology from Colorado College in 1975 [...and] his naturopathic doctor degree at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, graduating in 1985 [...] he co-founded the California Association of Naturopathic Physicians (now California Naturopathic Doctors Association) [...] Dr. Field is the first licensed naturopathic doctor (ND-1) in California – his license granted in January 2005 [...also on the committee] Beverly Yates, ND is a California licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine and a 1994 graduate of the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM, www.NCNM.edu) in Portland, OR."

Note: ND Field tells us, at his web site homepage, practically NOTHING.  It's apparently a single page, mentioning homeopathy, acupuncture, and naturopathy and shows him in a white coat with a stethoscope around his neck.  ND Yates doesn't describe, apparently, naturopathy either at her web pages.  How noninformative, though NDs claim to be educators!  How, actually, manipulative.

002.b. at NCNM [the trunk of the naturopathic tree!], the alma mater of two of the three NDs on the board -- Field and Yates-- we're told in "Principles of Healing" [vsc 2010-12-27]:

"[naturopathy is] the practice of promoting health through stimulation of the vital force [explicit vitalism...] these principles stand as the distinguishing marks of the profession [professional claim]" [#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 attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complementary to and synergistic with this healing process [...] these principles are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease and are examined continually in light of scientific analysis [a false claim that these principles survive scientific scrutiny]."

Note: so, vitalism claimed as able to survive scientific scrutiny when it is actually science-ejected is the ESSENCE of the naturopathic.  This is the irrationalism and absurdity that SCDCANMC and the NDs mentioned above will not inform the public about, apparently, and that is disgusting.  Actually, SCDCA repeats the supposed science-basis of naturopathy in "Findings and Recommendations Regarding the Prescribing and Furnishing Authority of a Naturopathic Doctor" [vsc 2010-12-27]:

"these principles are based upon the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances."

003. so, nowhere in this brochure does it mention this caution [this is 'the chase']:

naturopathy is based upon the science-ejected vitalistic [and supernatural] falsely posed as scientific and medically relevant, and in that sense, you are not cautioned that you are putting yourself into the hands of, basically, sectarian charlatans.

Specifically, the naturopathic ruse is to posture as rational, professional, science-educated when really what you get is the superstitious and irrational-archaic, deceptive, and science-ejected / absurd.

Thanks, SCDCANMC, for totally advocating for this crap and in that sense becoming an accessory to fraud, deception and manipulation.  'Your tax dollars at work', ripping you off.

But, the public deserves to be fully informed, so they can make actual informed decisions and can engage in actual informed consent, instead of engaging in this unfair trade practice / naturopaTHICKNESS.

If it involves naturopathy, it usually involves the reversal of values.

Below are jpg scans of the brochure, as well as the mailing envelope.  I've put the brochure up at scribd.com as a somewhat searchable pdf after scanning it.  It can be downloaded directly from SCDCA in its full digital glory, too.

I have removed my address from the envelope, though, for the sake of privacy.  I received this in Connecticut from California by USPS first class mail 2010-12-27.

[Oh, and by the way, a new ND school is going to be established in California with a new class entering likely in Fall of 2012, according to the homepage of NMC.  The disease is spreading]:

Hoo-ya.

sCAM Can Be Fatal For Children - ACD 2010

Denise Mann reports at WebMD in "Is Alternative Medicine Risky for Kids?" (2010-12-23):

"the growing numbers of parents who turn toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their children’s illnesses may often assume that 'natural' means safe and harmless. But new research in the Archives of Childhood Diseases suggests that many complementary and alternative remedies can have significant -- even fatal -- side effects [...] Alissa Lim, MD, a pediatrician at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues tracked and analyzed all CAM-related adverse events reported to the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Units from January 2001 through December 2003 [...] the greatest risks were seen among infants who were put on restrictive diets and children with chronic illnesses who were treated with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) instead of conventional medicine."

Note: well, at least something critical got reported this year about sCAM nonsense.

Some Homeopathic Miracles of ND Barker -- "The Wonders of Natural Treatment" and Its Actual Science-Ejectedness

here, I cite from a Youtube video by ND Barker that makes some huge claims of naturopathic efficacy, particularly by way of homeopathy [see 001., below]; then, I remind that homeopathy is bunk [note for 001., below]; and show the science-ejected naturopathy-homeopathy context by way of the book this video promotes [see 002., below]:

001. Barker, S.J. (ND Bastyr 2000) states in "Reverse Chronic Health Problems with Natural Medicine - Dr. Simon Barker, ND" [vsc 2010-12-25]:

"[from the description] naturopathic doctor Simon Barker [...] explains how naturopathic medicine -- a subset of alternative medicine -- is able to reverse chronic health conditions [...from the video, the ND:] I went to a naturopathic medical school [...] Bastyr [...]  we're trained in a wide variety of alternative health care approaches [...] we study homeopathy [...] we run the gambit on alternative therapies [...] I will often give people supplements, homeopathics [...] I've successfully treated a number of patients with a wide variety of conditions [...] children with chronic ear infections, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headaches -- all of these conditions are reversible and I've had great success doing that by using the wonders of natural treatments [...] what I use is homeopathic remedies [...] in all of these cases the children are relieved of their present problem and the problems do not return [...and we're pointed to] 'The Beginner's Guide to Natural Living.'"

Note: so, using the wonders of homeopathy [and such], miracles happen!  They must be miracles, because homeopathic pills and liquids have no medicinal value.

002. the book, Cook's "The Beginner's Guide to Natural Living" (2005; ISBN 0975536184) is riddled with the science-ejected vitalistic-naturopathic-homeopathic:

"nearly five thousand years ago the ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy behind all life forms and processes [...an] animating force [that] controls the functioning of every organ and system in the body. The Chinese call this energy qi [...] chi is known as the 'life force' by shamans, as 'prana' by yogis, as 'bioelectric energy' [...] and the 'vis medicatrix naturae' ('healing power of nature') by modern naturopathic physicians [...] this life force energy must flow freely and in the correct strength and quality for the body to function correctly [p.152...] homeopathic remedies [...] Hahnemann believed that dilution and succussion released a power that affected the life force energy [p.085]."

Note: once you accept that there's a figmentation known as a life force and your alma mater calls it "science-based", I'm guessing it's pretty easy to accept that empty homeopathic nostrums have miraculous powers.

McMaster University's Science Faculty Promotes Naturopathic Pseudoscience as a Science Career

here, sadly I cite from a web page of Canada's McMaster University which promotes a naturopathy degree as a science career path [see 001., below]; then, I cite from the web pages of one of the schools MU promotes -- that I went to -- and show that they too label naturopathy science while simultaneously stating what naturopathy is based upon contextually, which is the science-ejected [see 002., below]:

001. McMaster University Faculty of Science states in "Science: Career and Cooperative Education -- Naturopathy Schools" [vsc 2010-12-24]:

"naturopathy schools accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, www.cnme.org [...in Canada]: Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Naturopathic Doctor Diploma Program, www.ccnm.edu; Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, Naturopathic Doctor Diploma Program, www.binm.org [...in the US] Bastyr University, Naturopathic Doctor Diploma Program, www.bastyr.edu; National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Naturopathic Doctor Diploma Program, www.ncnm.org; Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Naturopathic Doctor Diploma Program, www.scnm.edu; University of Bridgeport [UB], Naturopathic Doctor Diploma Program, www.bridgeport.edu/naturopathy [...] interested applicants are advised to check the relevant naturopathic school’s website for the academic and additional requirements before submitting an application to the school of their choice [...and MU also links to] American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, www.naturopathic.org; Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, www.cand.ca; Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors, www.oand.org; Ontario Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy, www.boardofnaturopathicmedicine.on.ca; Public Health Agency of Canada, www.phac-aspc.gc.ca; Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors, nsand.ca; British Columbia Naturopathic Association, www.bcna.bc.ca; Manitoba Naturopathic Association, www.mbnd.ca; Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Practitioners, www.sanp.ca; International Naturopathic Students’ Association, www.members.tripod.com/~INSA/index.html [...and this is all courtesy of] Science Career & Cooperative Education, Burke Science Building Room 127, www.science.mcmaster.ca/scce, (905) 525-9140 ext. 27898."

Note: yes, you can have that science career you always dreamed of through a naturopathy degree!  Not.

002. UB:

002.a. states naturopathy is within science categorically in here [vsc 2010-12-24];

002.b. yet, strangely, admits that what is essential to the naturopathic is:

002.b1. the vitalistic:

see this collection of mine.

Note: which is science-ejected, see this collection of mine.

002.b2. and the supernaturalistic:

 see this collection of mine.

Note: which is science-ejected, see this collection of mine.  This type of crap / junk thought by way of naturopathy is the absurdity that fuels this blog.

003. some things I am concerned about, still:

education consumers are being misled, and the false inducements by the naturopathy crowd are causing huge expense and diversion from career options that are actually what they say they are;

reputable institutions are being lazy and therein being muddied by their naturopathy promotion / promotion of the essentially false.

Novella's New "Medical Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths" DVD Course Now Available, and a Falsehood by BC Naturopathy!

here, I blatantly promote The Teaching Company's new media-based course "Medical Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths: What We Think We Know May Be Hurting Us" (2010) by Dr. Stephen Novella that I have just purchased but not yet received.  Particularly, I've highlighted the areas I myself am most interested in as a scholar of naturopathy [see 001., below]; then, I quote from the British Columbia Naturopathic Association [BCNA] particularly, concerning their claim that homeopathy and naturopathy are scientific [see 002., below]:

001. the course description page states:

001.a. overall:

"[there are] 24 Lectures, 30 minutes / lecture [...and lecture topics include] Medical Knowledge versus Misinformation [...] Vitamin and Nutrition Myths [...] The Fallacy That Natural Is Always Better [...] Antioxidants—Hype versus Reality [...] Vaccination Benefits—How Well Vaccines Work [...] Vaccination Risks—Real and Imagined [...] Herbalism and Herbal Medicines [...] Facts about Toxins and Myths about Detox [...] Myths about Acupuncture's Past and Benefits [...] What Placebos Can and Cannot Do [...] Roundup—Decluttering Our Mental Closet."

Note: and if you known your naturopathy contents, what's listed is a huge body slam in so many body areas to naturopathy!  Like a pro wrestler coming off the ropes and landing directly on.....'the therapies and claims of naturopathy'.  I must point out that naturopathy isn't mentioned on this TTC page, and I don't yet know if it will be in the course.

001.b. regarding homeopathy:

001.b1. the course states:

"[regarding the lecture] Homeopathy—One Giant Myth [...] homeopathy is a controversial belief system that should not be substituted for effective treatment [...it was] devised before the advent of science-based medicine [...and asks] why has the science community rejected its prescriptions?"

Note: yes, a science-ejected mythic belief system GALORE.

002. meanwhile, in the land of sectarian pseudoscience-based pseudomedicine:

the BCNA states (archived here)[vsc 2010-12-21] that "homeopathy is a highly systematic, scientific method of therapy."

Note: obviously, there is a collision here of claims.  And BCNA are the one's who claim, overall [quote falsely], that "naturopathic medicine is science based natural medicine [...and is built upon upon] a science-based platform" (archived here)[vsc 2010-12-22].

003. the bio. section of the course description states [and I provide here some useful web linkage]:

"Dr. Steven Novella is Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Yale School of Medicine [...with his] M.D. from Georgetown University [1991...] his personal blog [is] NeuroLogica Blog [...he is] founder and senior editor of Science-Based Medicine [...and] president and co-founder of the New England Skeptical Society [...and] host and producer of the organization's award-winning science show, The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe."