Bob Park on Homeopathy - "Totally Meaningless"

the great Bob Park writes in "What's New" (2011-01-14):

"the 18th century German inventor of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann, believed in 'vitalism,' a spiritual essence that goes beyond physics or chemistry. This is by no means unusual; most people believe in spiritual or religious cures even today. 'Medicine is most powerful,' Hahnemann wrote, 'when it communicates nothing material' [...]  Hahnemann typically used a dilution of 30C [...] this would exceed the dilution limit of the entire Earth, which is to say it's a meaningless result [...] Oscillococcinum [...] also marketed as a homeopathic cold remedy [...is] at a ridiculous dilution of 200C. That would exceed the dilution limit of the entire visible universe and is thus totally meaningless. The average consumer is totally unaware that he's shelling out 10 bucks for a teaspoon of sugar."

Note: hear, hear.

spaceScat is FINALLY noticed by ND Maloney [that ass!]

here, I cite from and notate a [crazy, NOT FU**ING PAYING ATTENTION!] post by ND Maloney regarding a song we recorded about him [I find it very ironic that ND Maloney is accusing P.Z. Myers of defamation, and yet engages HUGELY in such with me; remember, defamation is about stuff that is NOT TRUE and hurts one's character!]:

001. ND Maloney states in "Wow! I’ve Got My Own Song Now!" [vsc 2011-01-18; that means video screen captured in-case of slimyness a**hole!!!]:

"as a disclaimer, I never attended U of Bridgeport

[he attended National, the school of 'epistemic conflation' and science-mislabeling nonsense at the heart of naturopathyland].

The individual involved has no specific knowledge of me

[I do have SOME knowledge, particularly in terms of his relationship with MD Novella and P.Z. Myers and their bickering],

and appears to carry a strong grudge against my profession

[naturopathy is as much a pseudoprofession as it is a pseudoscience!!!].

There’s someone who flunked out of University of Bridgeport 

[ND Maloney is now stating quite a hurtful falsehood concerning me, as in defamation of character; as my UB days were outright fraud and I voluntarily left there without an ounce of accusation against me, as in 'left in good standing'; and I sued their Telfon-coated a**es to no avail since apparently the Connecticut judiciary protects them; so maybe we'll just consider suing Maloney for this 'flunked out invention' one day!]

who has spent the last ten years trying to get back at them

[no, I'm more concerned with public enlightenment of that fraud aka naturopathy]

and has now decided I merit not only continued harassment

 [huh?]

but my own song?

[yes, you get your own song, no charge -- but continued harassment?  Please, lets not get too exaggerated!  YOU you just libeled ME!  A**...]

evidently I need to be immortalized

 [all naturopathy frauds need such fame!  In fact this blog is dedicated to immortalizing naturopathy's absurd position which includes within science what's nonscience, and then trades on that]

in what sounds like a very cool (ala Grateful Dead)

[I think that's a complement!]

very disturbed response

[really?  I think we're rather avante!]

to my request that he remove any of my information from his blog

[huh? A**!  You don't own information you post in PUBLIC, or that you communicate to me through Facebook - a SOCIAL site].

I should like to point out that this was instead of write back to me like an adult

[that's Maloney's cave-man like grammar, folks! but such is forgiven...]

     I’m attaching links to his original lyrics, because I’m pretty good at deciphering song lyrics and he sounds like he’s been imbibing herbs in large quantities before singing

[actually, my naturopath buddy is the singer / song-writer a** and we're all quite sober!].

I think I could probably do better lyrics, so next time he should probably collaborate with me

[no thank you parasite! Find your own whining ND to write about].

[...] his lyrics involve some kind of relationship with me

[dream on!]

I simply contacted him to ask for permission to reprint a small portion of his blog for an upcoming book entitled:  “ND vs. MD” which would help people decide which path is the best fit for them

[bullsh*t, according to my transactions with ND Maloney on Facebook!  I think our contact involved more than that subject, a**!].

Here are the lyrics from his blog

[yes, these were ad-libbed by Lon (ND UBCNM) as we jammed, the original is here; what's hilarious is that Lon never read anything about Maloney beforehand and the song came about from a couple of minutes of me talking about the general situation wherein someone engages in a public forum and then whine about the fallout]:

“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.”

[...]  here’s a link."

002. I'm loving it:

I transcribed Lon's ad-libbed lyrics and created the song title, and ND Maloney has repeated them!

  It's almost as good as shaking someone's hand after wiping your own a** with it, and then watching that person eat chocolates with that same hand [sad!!!; yeah Mallrats].

Or it's like someone snapping on their own mom [weird, crazy!!!].

The video up at that Vimeo link, by the way, shows a UB I-95 billboard that falsely labels UB naturopathy as science -- to this day.

That I can't believe: false commerce, nowhere close to fair trade, never mind supposed professionalism, abusing the public trust.

That's naturopathy for you.

It's also the cake-and-eat-it-too area, wherein:

someone claims victim-hood but has no problem defaming another quite overtly,

tries to argue specifically but doesn't pay attention to detail,

and where, overall something is labeled something it isn't.

[Hypocritical] Maloney is getting harassed by me as much as me getting 'flunked out' is true.

Fetching James Randi (NYT 2011-01-17)

I couldn't help but notice in "Sit. Stay. Parse. Good Girl!" currently up at the New York Times, that a certain picture in the article resembles James Randi!

It's a very interesting article.  From this teacher's point of view, oh how I'd love such diligence!

I'll try to ask him, when I get the chance at some meeting forthcoming, if he's felt a certain kind of 'gnashing' feeling.

If so, I've proven voodoo -- and I want my million.

-r.c.

ND Thomson and Naturopathy's OVERALL Irrationality

here, I briefly logically engage some 'nonsense naturopathy-speak' [NNS]:

001. Thomson, R. (ND NCNM) states in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-01-17]:

"naturopathic medicine blends centuries-old natural therapies (such as herbs, nutrition, and water therapy) with current advances in medical science (like medical imaging, modern biochemistry, and lab testing) [...] naturopathic medicine has been growing steadily in popularity as a source for scientifically-based 'alternative' medicine."

Note: so, we're told that naturopathy is science mixed with nonscience then we're told that naturopathy is science.  Hmmmm: is wine+mud still wine? I don't think so.

Of course, Thomson is an NCNM graduate, a school that states that the scientific and the science ejected are the same thing.

I see a source of knowledge conflation and its progency.

In the land of NNS, wine and wine+mud ARE the same thing.

Beware.

CBC.ca on "Natural Health Products" and the Misleading Words of Heather Boon [et alii]

here, I cite from an article concerning sCAM 'natural health products' that includes 'consumer rights advocacy' from UT's Boon [see 001., below]; then, I cite from a pro-naturopathy paper Boon was the lead author of that is quite misleading regarding naturopathy's basis (so much for informed consent) [see 002., below]:

001. Joh Hembrey reports in "FAQ: Alternative Therapies -- Natural Health Products: What You Should Know" (2011-01-14)[vsc 2011-01-16]:

"natural health products [...include] vitamins and minerals, herbal remedies and teas, homeopathic medicines and probiotics [...and are a] $4.3 billion [Canadian market per 2004...] natural health products are now considered a subset of drugs under the Food and Drug Act. Health Canada says it ensures that natural health products are safe, effective and of high quality [...except] Health Canada treats homeopathic medicines -- which are made by extremely diluting substances that are said to have effects similar to the condition being treated -- differently [...and] there is also a category for traditional claims, where companies need to submit evidence that a product has been used by a branch of traditional medicine to treat a particular condition consecutively for 50 years, she says, adding they do not have to submit clinical data [...] 'it's based on the evidence [...] if you have good scientific evidence you can make pretty much make any claim you want [...e.g.] if the claim the company wants to make is this cures your headache, then yes, we need to see double-blind, clinical trials [...] the labels have a lot more information then they used to and I think people need to stop and take some time to read the label,' says Heather Boon, associate professor at the University of Toronto [...she says] the package should also include the name and quantity of each medicinal ingredient [except for homeopathy, which doesn't have any!], recommended use and duration, expiry date and risk information [...] Health Canada says consumers should speak with a health-care professional, such as a medical doctor, nurse, pharmacist or naturopathic doctor, if they have any further questions about natural health products."

Note: so there's big money in this, and a huge exemption regarding safety, efficacy and quality for a privileged subset of these medicinal products -- the homeopathic / 'empty placebo remedy'.  Boon tells us that we deserve to be well-informed in the sense of "science" regarding claims on products.  That's a good thing, though exempting items is an unusually kind act of charity.  Does Boon abide by that 'informed consumer' / 'consumer rights advocacy' sentiment herself?  Health Canada labels naturopaths "professionals", but do NDs / NMDs deserve that level of trust and that position of self-policing? [I offer answers below, in 003.]

002. pronaturopathic propaganda / 'a survives scientific scrutiny claim upon the hugely science-ejected naturopathic':

002.a. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine has up the Boon lead-authored study "Practice Patterns of Naturopathic Physicians: Results From a Random Survey of Licensed Practitioners in Two US States" (2004):

"naturopathic medicine [...has] a primary goal [their foremost principle, actually] of enhancing the individual's innate self-healing ability [coded vitalism...] naturopathic medicine is defined by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) as 'distinguished by the principles upon which its practice is based. These principles are continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances."

Note: so, you'd reasonably take from this the idea that naturopathy is, as they claim in exhibit A, scientific.  Nowhere in the article is the truly science-ejected vitalistic basis [exhibit B and C, respectively] of naturopathy communicated.

Year-round, I add to those three databases: exhibit A which is the ND claim of science, exhibit B which is the ND basis of vitalism, exhibit C which is the scientific rejection of vitalism -- it's quite an interesting collision to track.

Anyway, you are being misled but, that is a typical naturopathy M.O.:

claim science-basis, don't reveal the science-ejected underneath actuality.

Again, so much for informed consent.

003. so:

does Boon abide by that 'informed consumer' / 'consumer rights advocacy' sentiment herself?

I wish I could confidently say so.

do NDs / NMDs deserve that level of trust and that position of self-policing?
 
How can you trust that which is false and opaque, and has to problem with it?  

ND Kassam, ND Smith: Science Subset Naturopathy Subset Homeopathy

here, I quote from two Portland, Oregon NDs who claim homeopathy is science, as is naturopathy:

Kassam, N. (ND NCNM), Smith, K. (ND NCNM) state in "FAQS" [vsc 2011-01-15]:

"ND's are trained in medical sciences [...] the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians [...] maintains high standards of education and medical practice and encourages scientific research [...] is naturopathic medicine scientific? Yes [...] homeopathic medicine is a subset of naturopathic science."

Note: science, science, science.  But, if naturopathy and homeopathy are science, then it also means that nonscience is science.  And that's absurd.

ND Purcell - Naturopathy "Makes Sense, It's Logical", 'Vitalism is the Future' [aka Naturopathy's Reversal of Values!]

here, I've cited ND Purcell first from a Youtube.com video that claims naturopathy "makes sense", is "logical" and is of the "future" [see 001.a., below]; then, from another Youtube video wherein she explicitly states naturopathy's vitalistic context and that naturopathy is "the medicine of the future" [see 001.b., below]; then, I cite her homeopathy proponentry and coded vitalism from her web pages [see other parts of 001., below]; finally, I reflect on naturopathy's HUGELY absurd context [see 002., below]:

001. Purcell, A. (ND SCNM) states [from either Youtube or her own web pages]:

001.a. in "Meet Dr. Andrea Purcell" [vsc 2011-01-15]:

"naturopathic medicine makes sense.  It's logical.  The concept that we are regenerative instead of falling apart [coded vitalism], the philosophy that naturopathic medicine stands upon.  Such as: doctor as teacher, treat the cause, do no harm. These are all incredibly important components of health care. Now and for the future."

Note: so, sense and logic and coded vitalism!  It's very interesting that "life force" / vis medicatrix naturae isn't explicitly communicated here.  We'll get some of that old time, science-ejected, naturopathy-overarching vitalism from ND Purcell in the next video, below.  And, obviously overall, naturopathy's context is claimed by the ND in this video as "the future".

001.b. in "Ask Dr. Purcell - Integrative Natural Medicine" [vsc 2011-01-15]:

"[description] naturopathic health care provider Dr. Andrea Purcell explains integrative natural medicine [naturo.'s more recent marketing label!] and why she believes it is the health care approach of the future [...video] integrative natural medicine is the medicine of the future.  This is where science meets the art of good medicine [...] as medicine evolves, it's going to be much more important to look at the person as a whole.  And not just the parts, or a mechanistic view.  Is really going out of style and a vitalistic, whole-body perspective is coming into style.  And for good reason."

Note: ah, so the "vitalistic" which is hugely science-ejected.  So, naturopathy isn't science of the future, it's stuff from the past that is science-ejected.

This is an example of naturopathy's reversal of values:

science is nonscience,
the past is the future,
what's important is the discarded unimportant,
good medicine is sectarian illogical nonsense,
a scientific fact is also an article of faith! 

001.c. in "Dr Andrea Purcell Lecture series - Boosting Immunities" [vsc 2011-01-15]:

"I'm an ND, naturopathic doctor [...] I specialize in natural and alternative medicine [...] natural medicine often has the other side of the story [I'll say QUITE A STORY...] there's just so many more options when it comes to natural medicine [...since] nature provides for us."

Note: I'd think that when science equals nonscience as it does in naturopathy, yes, there is quite a vast selection of junk to call nonjunk.  You can make whatever you wish up and call it macaroni.  But, there can be made reasonable distinctions in spite of naturopathy's desire to integrate / blend / conflate all things into a meaninglessness of knowledge type.

001.d. in "What Is a Naturopathic Doctor?" [vsc 2011-01-15]:

"naturopathic doctors in North America [...are] trained in conventional medical sciences, diagnosis and treatment [...they] blend the best of modern medical science and traditional natural medical approaches [...such as] homeopathy [...]

naturopathic medicine explained.  Naturopathic medicine is defined by its own philosophy. The philosophy is based upon these six principles: [...]

2. doctor as teacher [...] we believe that it is our role as naturopathic doctors to educate our patients about their health and the steps necessary to stimulate the natural recuperative processes within them [coded vitalism...] naturopathic doctors are committed to educating you [...]

5. the healing power of nature [HPN]: nature acts powerfully through healing mechanisms in the body and mind to maintain and restore health [coded vitalism]. Everyone has within them the power to heal [coded vitalism]. Naturopathic physicians work to restore and support these inherent healing systems [coded vitalism...] naturopathic medicine is based on the belief [I'll say] that the human body has an innate healing ability [coded vitalism]. Naturopathic physicians teach their patients to [...] enhance the body's ability to ward off and combat disease."

Note: so they love homeopathy, in fact labeling it [falsely] a clinical science on their board exams [more homeopathy in the next section].  But, in this supposed explanation of the basis of naturopathy above, notice that they don't love to be transparent about HPN.  Though the ND has stated the vitalistic explicitly in the second video I mentioned, it's not on her web pages -- though it is EXPLICITLY at her alma mater.

I for one don't feel very educated / taught when I'm not given the 'actually science-ejected essential to naturopathy context' in a transparent manner by an ND.  How can I engage in informed consent and a fiduciary relation -- an ethical / professional relationship -- when NDs hide their premises?  I can't even engage in honest commerce when things are so opaque, never mind the higher standard of professionalism!

001.e. in "What is Homeopathy?" [vsc 2011-01-15]:

"homeopathy is a system of therapy in which very small non-toxic doses of natural medicines are given to stimulate a healing reaction in a person [...] I use homeopathy with each person [!!!] because it is very effective in stimulating your body’s own healing mechanism [coded vitalism] allowing your body to overcome the disease state naturally [...] patients of all ages and a wide variety of problems can benefit from this form of natural medicine.  Conditions homeopathy is effective [!!!] at treating include but are not limited to: acute and chronic pain, ADD / ADHD, anxiety, arthritis, behavior disorders, chronic ear infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disorders, migraine headaches, PMS/Menopause."

Note: so there's the claim of  homeopathy's broad efficacy, and its use by ND Purcell on every patient.  Again, as often is the case, the vitalistic context is coded and never stated as 'science-ejected but lets do things -- like take homeopathy's empty pills -- in that figmentatious context anyway'.

002. some reflections concerning naturopathy's absurdity and reversal of values:

where else can you find such JUNK THOUGHT? 

E.g.: wherein, science is falsely used in supposed professional commerce as a label upon the hugely nonscientific?

If you were a physicist, you'd have to put a minus sign in front of so much said by NDs to arrive at the truth.

The Anthem of Naturocrit - "Ballad of Accounting"

here, I've transcribed the lyrics to Ewan MacColl's "Ballad of Accounting" and linked to a version performed by Karan Casey:

001. lyrics:

(Ewan MacColl)

In the morning we built our cities
In the afternoon walked through the streets
Evening saw us leaving
We wandered through our days as if they would never end.

All of us imagined there was endless time to spend
We hardly saw the crossroads and small attention gave
To landmarks on the journey from the cradle to the grave,
cradle to the grave, cradle to the grave.

Did you learn to dream in the morning?
Abandon dreams in the afternoon?
Wait without hope in the evening?
Did you stand there in the traces and let them feed you lies?
Did you trail along behind them wearing blinkers on your eyes?
Did you kiss the foot that kicked you?
Did you thank them for their scorn?
Did you ask for their forgiveness for the act of being born,
Act of being born, act of being born?

Did you alter the face of the city?
Did you make any change in the world you found?
Did you observe all the warnings?
Did you read the trespass notices?
Did you keep off the grass?
Did you shuffle off the pavements just to let your betters pass?
Did you learn to keep your mouth shut, were you seen and never heard?
Did you learn to be obedient and jump to at a word,
Jump to at a word, jump to at a word?

Did you demand any answers?
Who, the what, or the reason why?
Did you ever question the setup?
And did you stand aside and let them choose while you took second best?
Did you let them skim the cream off and give to you the rest?
Did you settle for the shoddy and did you think it right
To let 'em rob you right and left and never make a fight,
Never make a fight, never make a fight?

And what did you learn in the morning?
How much did you know in the afternoon?
Were you content in the evening?
Did they teach you how to question when you were at the school?
Did the factory help you grow, were you the maker or the tool?
Did the place where you were living enrich your life and then
Did you reach some understanding of all your fellow men,
All your fellow men, all your fellow men?

Note: that pretty-much sums it up for me.

002. the embed:

Naturopathy's Dental Amalgam Mercury Cultism - Ontario's Stonetree Clinic vs. NCAHF

here, I excerpt from a recent blog post by NDs Gignac and Sonnenburg regarding the supposed dangers of the 'toxins' from dental mercury amalgam fillings [see 001., below]; then, I cite their 'science claim' and colon hydrotherapy crap [see 002., below]; then, some actual expertise via NCAHF and Wikipedia [see 003., below]; finally, I remind you of  'the essentially naturopathic' figmentatious [see 004., below]:

001. the blog page of Gignac, T. (ND CCNM) and Sonnenburg, L. (ND CCNM) states in "Mercury Amalgams: How Safe are Tooth Fillings?" [vsc 2011-01-14]:

"dental amalgams deliver a daily dose of mercury to the body [...and] are the single largest source of mercury exposure for the average Canadian. The link between mercury from tooth fillings and actual health problems, though, has been the subject of much debate [hmmm, really?...] in 2009, the FDA ruled mercury wasn’t harmful, but last month an FDA advisory panel urged them to reconsider. It would appear that the tide is slowly turning [hmmm, really?...] if you’re concerned about your fillings, we recommend a three step process: test for elevated levels of mercury in the body [testing! $$$; maybe by the 'provocation method' known to create false positive results]; help remove the mercury through IV chelation, supplementation, and inhalation treatments [treatment!$$$]; referral to a specialist for safe amalgam removal and replacement [treatment! $$$]. To learn more about testing for mercury and other toxins, contact the office [...for] a complimentary appointment."

Note: so, they're quite willing to entertain 'concerns', test -- and I'm going to hazard that the testing method is the quite deceptive 'provocation method' --  and treat. Such a detoxification regime may be so lucrative that the initial visit is free. But, what do experts say, as opposed to ideologues, about supposed dental amalgam mercury [see below]?

002. the NDs also state in "Frequently Asked Questions" [vsc 2011-01-14]:

"is naturopathy scientific? There is an enormous body of evidence supporting naturopathic medicine, [...] you’ll be surprised to discover just how practical and scientific our work at the clinic is. We rely a great deal on lab testing and logical, scientific analysis."

Note: so, we're led to believe that this is science, overall -- enormously!!!

Yes, their clinic is so ENORMOUSLY scientific that they do colonic cleanses on site, about which we're told:

"colon hydrotherapy (also called colonics, colon cleanses, or colonic irrigation) is a hygienic cleansing of the colon (large intestine) with filtered, temperature regulated water [...] it is a painless, safe and effective method of removing dried fecal matter and restoring the colon to optimal health and function, bringing with it a sense of well being [...] the therapy is useful for many different reasons, including restoring and/or regulating bowel functions and routines, reducing toxins built up in the colon and helping to detoxify the liver and lymphatic system [...] an ineffective digestive system makes it difficult for your kidneys and liver to properly flush toxins, which in turn can lead to a variety of health complaints [...their] state-of-the-art colon hydrotherapy suite in our Collingwood Naturopathic clinic offers regular treatment times."

But, these claims are bunk in terms of medical science.  Even Wikipedia's article states:

"the rationale for colon cleansing is the concept of 'auto-intoxication', the idea that food enters the intestine and rots. The ancient Egyptians believed that toxins formed as a result of decomposition within the intestines, and moved from there into the circulatory system causing fever and the development of pus. The ancient Greeks adopted and expanded the idea, applying their belief in the four humours [...] auto-intoxication enjoyed some favor in the medical community from the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century, but was discarded as advances in science failed to support its claims [...] despite this, 'auto-intoxication' persists in the public imagination. The practice of colon cleansing has undergone a resurgence in the alternative medical community, supported by testimonials and anecdotal evidence and promoted by manufacturers of colon cleansing products."

003. the National Council Against Health Fraud states in "Consumer Health Digest #10-52: False Dental Amalgam Toxicity Claims Slammed Again" (2010-12-30):

"a study of 56 patients who claimed to have symptoms caused by mercury in their amalgam fillings has found that none of the patients had significant levels of mercury in their blood or urine [...] 20 of the patients has previously been previously diagnosed with mercury toxicity by 'commercial practitioners using unconventional testing panels' [likely provocative testing...] a recent review by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs concluded: 'studies continue to support the position that dental amalgam is a safe restorative option for both children and adults' [...] during the past few weeks, unjustified scare headlines have been generated by an anti-amalgam campaign that involved testimony at an FDA hearing [...] Robert S. Baratz, M.D., D.D.S., Ph.D. noted: 'the simple truth is that there is no significant risk because amalgam fillings are safe [...] the promotion of anti-amalgamism is regularly linked with fringe practitioners, people with financial interests in promoting something else [like naturopathy!], and pseudoscience [like naturopathy!...] the anti-amalgamists resemble more a religious cult [like naturopathy!] than a group of serious, objective scientists searching for the truth.'"

Note: oh snap!  Yes, it's a bunch of crap.

004. 'the essentially naturopathic' context and science:

[to get to this, since these Ontario NDs don't apparently explain the naturopathic context on their web site in any manner, we need to go to the OAND, the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors]:

004.a. OAND on vitalism-supernaturalism, the primary figmentatious context of naturopathy:

004.a1. in their publication Natural Path (Winter 2002) [vsc 2011-01-14]:

"Homeopathy: An ND's Perspective [by] Zorana Rose, BA in OT, ND [...] the remedy then stimulates the body to heal itself. It does this by supporting the 'vital force' of the person. Hanhemann described this vital force as the energy that animates all living things [...] when an imbalance occurs (Hahnemann refers to this as a disturbance in the person's vital force), symptoms, signs or susceptibilities appear. A homeopath will prescribe a remedy that will help the body return to balance [...] Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician and chemist, discovered and developed Homeopathy into a science [...] has homeopathy been scientifically proven? The short answer is yes."

Note: so, there is the vitalism context of naturopathy, there as it relates to their homeopathy.  Yes, that's an overarching label of science placed upon homeopathy, that is truly FALSE.

004.a2. in their publication The Pulse (Summer-2008) [vsc 2011-01-14]:

"Where's the Healing? by Paul Epstein, ND [...] 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. In contacting this deeper essence, the holistic physician is to tap the person’s true source of healing."

Note: it's rare to get naturopathy's overall context of vitalistic supernaturalism so transparently communicated, as the above two definitions from OAND do, when amalgamated [a ha ha ha!].

For instance, OAND does say, quite opaquely otherwheres:

"the strategic approach to augment our body’s own innate defenses against metastasis is fully in line with our philosophy and the vis medicatrix naturae."

004.b. in all this, remember, "Danger, Will Robinson!":

because, believe it or not, OAND is not averse to falsely labeling naturopathy overall "science based."

Speaking of Homeopathic Dilution on SBM - My 2011-01-12 Comment

here, I repeat what I said in comment to Dr. Novella's "1023 2011" (2011-01-12) [particularly because I want a place to add to later concerning that Nelson bladder-water-molecule source]:

"Speaking of dilution, for some reason I’m reminded of the Nelson-homeopathy link — from UK circles.

There is a homeo. remedy maker in the UK called Nelsons (see http://www.nelsonsnaturalworld.com/en-gb/uk/our-brands/nelsons-homeopathy/ ) [of course it's all called "natural"], but that’s not what I mean, though it has been reported that a Nelson’s pharmacy [apparently] recommended homeo. remedies instead of actual malaria prophylaxis in 2006 (see http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2006/jul/14/medicineandhealth.lifeandhealth ).

My memory was of a snarky quote, maybe by Richard Dawkins, something like:

‘you are more likely to drink today in one of your beverages a molecule of water that has passed through Admiral Nelson’s bladder [he is known to have peed into the sea at least once!] than to find a molecule of original substance in a homeopathic remedy.’

Since Admiral Nelson was shot by a French marksman, and your unavoidable Nelson-remedy is likely in everything you drink, we’re all protected from SIMILAR [!!!] 19th century marksman rifle-fire. In fact, I know NO BODY who has been so accosted. I’d like someone to provide subjects that refute proof of this protection!

Anyway, I’ve looked on-line, but can’t find the source / origination — the internet has diluted it.

Or, perhaps I dreamed it. So I’ll borrow [!] and reiterate:

“I’m more likely to shovel a molecule of water in the snow on my walk this afternoon that has passed through Admiral Nelson’s bladder than to find a molecule of original substance in a homeopathic remedy from the dispensary of the naturopathic college down the street.”

-r.c.

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.