Atwood on CAM in the American Medical Association Journal of Ethics, and AANP's Response to AMA's 2009 SOPP

here, I cite from a recent piece regarding ethics, CAM and modern medicine [see 001., below]; then from the AANP's response to criticism by the AMA [see 002., below]:

001. Kimball C. Atwood, MD rites in "'CAM' Education in Medical Schools—A Critical Opportunity Missed" (also as pdf) (2011-06) [my musings are in bold]:

"the medical school classroom should seek to foster a rigorous, skeptical habit of mind [...]';

hear, hear.

"a problem common to 'complementary and alternative medicine' (CAM) courses in U.S. medical schools [though is that] they are uncritical and promotional [credulous to the extreme!].  This is unfortunate because the topic [of CAM] offers an ideal opportunity to discuss scientific skepticism, other critical thinking skills, accurate information, the history of medicine, medical practice ethics, human studies ethics, and linguistic integrity -- all of which are basic to professionalism and excellence in modern medicine [...]";

hear, hear.

"[such CAM things as] qi cannot, by dint of its Chinese pedigree, claim immunity from scientific scrutiny. Nor is such scrutiny even concerned with that pedigree: what makes qi unworthy of being taken seriously in science or medicine is that it is undetectable, unmeasurable, and unfalsifiable. The same can be said for many other beliefs found in CAM, no matter their geographical or ethnic origins: the human energy field, craniosacral rhythms, chakras, the four humors, chiropractic subluxations, vitalism, psychokinesis, similia similibus curantur, water memory, homunculi represented on the eyes, ears, and feet, and more. A scientific dismissal of qi no more belittles Chinese culture or people than a dismissal of humoral theory belittles European culture or people [...] ";

now, some may argue that qi is vitalism, other that qi is a form of animism or animatism.  Often, it's even spiritism.  The dismissal of qi, is, like the dismissal of humoral Galenic archaicism, actually historical fact TOO.

"in reality, the emergence of modern medicine and its discarding of prescientific myths were the result of scientific discoveries [...] it was the discovery of such principles as chemical thermodynamics and Avogadro’s number and the development of the basic medical sciences, that refuted vitalism, homeopathy, humoral theory, miasma theory, the doctrine of signatures, and other prescientific myths that persist today as CAM beliefs [...]";

hear, hear.

"[the term] 'allopathic' was coined circa 1800 by Samuel Hahnemann, the inventor of homeopathy [...] the term was not accurate even at the time, and certainly does not describe modern medicine [...]";

no it doesn't.  I've often said that calling modern medicine allopathy is akin to calling modern chemistry alchemy.

"'complementary' and 'alternative' are themselves euphemisms, designed not by those who would exclude them but by their apologists, to distract from less flattering adjectives. An honest term for most practices covered by the term CAM would be 'implausible medical claims' [...]";

but truthful labels upon nonsense harm its marketing!  In order to judge something broadly implausible, it actually requires a broadly educated and ACTIVE intellect in the modern sense.

"modern medicine is [...] distinguished by its reliance on science. The principles of biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology do not vary according to location, nor does the capacity of science to follow evidence wherever it may lead, whether to new discoveries or to discrediting long-held opinions [...]";

that's why scientific-skepticism is the most rebel-punk-kick-ass of attitudes.

"the preponderance of evidence shows that the effects of CAM treatments, with the exceptions of a few biological substances, are not distinguishable from those of placebos [...]";

not to the believers, unfortunately.

"[skeptically speaking] logical fallacies, including the appeal to tradition ('five thousand years of Chinese history'), are common in CAM advocacy. Astrology is far older than acupuncture, but astrology is not valid. Others fallacies illustrated in the case scenario are the ad populum ('qi is widely accepted as legitimate'), the straw man (Michael appears to accuse Sophia of belittling Chinese culture, people, or history when she was doing nothing of the sort), the argument from ignorance and the argument from authority ('a concept that I wouldn’t expect anyone who hasn’t grown up in the culture to appreciate'), special pleading ('it's impossible to subject that kind of complexity to controlled trials'), the ad hominem ('who are you to decide what constitutes evidence?'), and the tu quoque ('keep an open mind before you disregar...)."

such metacognition is antithetical to sectarian unreflective dogmatism!!

002. the State of Alaska hosts the 2009 AMA SOPP paper on naturopathy here.  And I'm fascinated that naturopathy, in all this time, HAS NOT -- by-any-means-of-the-term adequately -- ADEQUATELY addressed the criticisms therein.  Karen Howard of the AANP stated in "April 2011: The AANP Meets the AMA":

"on May 10, AANP President Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, and I will meet with the American Medical Association (AMA) at their Chicago headquarters, along with other nine professions [...] to discuss the reality of modern day inter-professional collaboration [...]";

ah, of-the-professions claim.

"in 2009, the AMA targeted naturopathic medicine in its Scope of Practice Partnership (SOPP), an effort to restrict non-MD and DO providers from enhancing their scope of practice to meet the level of their training [...]";

ah, the persecution claim.  I've read that document, and it is, in my view, ACCURATE.  Now, if NDs are allowed to practice to the full extent of their training, which for instance labels homeopathy a clinical science and the science-ejected scientific -- therein it is mistraining -- WOE TO PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS and FAIR TRADE.  Result: licensed falsehood.

"the AANP, in response to their inaccurate misrepresentation of ND education and training [...]";

oh, snap!  The science frauds are accusing the more rigorous organization of misfeasance.  Talk about living in cloud cuckoo land and the reversal of all values.

"despite AMA opposition, AANP State Affiliates continue to gain ground, increasing scope and gaining licensure laws. Why? [...]";

my opinion: ignorant lawmakers and a gullible public and 'ye old lacking-in-scruples naturopathy'.

 "committed volunteer NDs are relentless in their efforts to educate legislators on their education and training [...]";

now, a long time ago, a certain AANP document:

From naturocrit

misrepresented naturopathy and set me down that rabbit hole.  Don't trust their representations: miseducation and education are the same thing in naturopathyland.  That's why they can name their school's "division of health science" and universities of "health science" when actually hugely NOT.

 "our academic institutions and the CNME adhere to federal and state accreditation standards that mirror that of allopathic medicine [...]";

the 'A' word, because naturopathy is so fused with homeopathy.  If allopathic medicine was the medicine of 1800 [and it certainly isn't modern medicine], then this isn't something to brag about.

 "NDs all over the country, in licensed and unlicensed jurisdictions, maintain a commitment to the highest standards of the professionalism [...]";

hmmmm.  The misrepresentation of homeopathy is merely one sign of naturopathy's knowledge, commerce and therein professionalism problems.  E.g, here are five NDs that incorrectly label homeopathy "scientific" [from my Appendix I.05.p. which is AANP NDs T-Z]: 

Tessler, N. (ND Bastyr 1983, DHANP AANP) states "homeopathy is an advanced natural healing science" [vsc 2011-01-17]; Thoring, T.C. (ND Bastyr 1999) states "is naturopathic medicine scientific? Yes [...] many of the individual therapies of naturopathic medical practice have been scientifically validated [...including] homeopathy" [vsc 2011-01-10]; Tweedle, A. (ND CCNM) states "naturopathic medicine is primary medical care that integrates modern medical science [etc....] health is restored using therapies from the sciences [...including] homeopathy [...] naturopathic physicians [...] are extensively trained in modern medical science" [vsc 2011-02-02]; Vandekerkhove, A. (ND BINM) states "naturopathic physicians are trained in the conventional medical sciences [...] they use therapies from the sciences [...including] homeopathy" [vsc 2011-02-02]; White, L.H. (ND UBCNM) states "naturopathic doctors (NDs) [...] are educated in the conventional medical sciences [...] they treat disease and restore health using therapies from the sciences [...including] homeopathy" [vsc 2010-08-07).

"evidence of that is reflected in our licensing laws and bills that require all licensed NDs to have graduated from CNME approved schools and pass the NPLEX";

hmmmm. The NPLEX falsely labels homepathy a "clinical science".  What does the NPLEX guaranteed: institutionalized falsehood.

"carrying an active license to practice naturopathic medicine is indeed a badge of honor. It demonstrates commitment to your patients, commitment to continuing education and providing quality care, and commitment to advocating for laws that enable NDs to serve the primary care and prevention needs of at-risk populations across the country.";

hmmmm. I see licensed falsehood, which, where I come from, ain't honorable.  Like Oregon's OBNM nonsense, now with a ".gov" stamp.

AANP's 2011 Convention - "Efficacy", "Scientific" and ND-Homeopaths' Keynote, Ha!

here, I cite from AANP web pages regarding their 2011 convention [see 001., below]; then from attending NDs' writings about naturopathy's beloved homeopathy [see 002., below]:

001. the AANP states:

001.a. in "President's Message: A Summer of Community"(2011-06-15) [vsc 2011-06-16]:

"by Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, LAc, AANP President.  May was a wonderful month for the AANP and the naturopathic profession [...] our profession [x2...] my profession [...]";

ah, that 'of-the-professions' claim ['profess' is used 5 times on the web page, actually].  Profession, profession, profession: how can naturopathy be a profession if it is based on falsehood?

"[including an] historic meeting with the AMA [...]";

the AMA had some very interesting things to say about naturopathy in 2009.  The State of Alaska hosts 2009's "AMA Scope of Practice Data Series: Naturopaths" which states: "not only does naturopaths' insistence on practicing on the fringe of modern medicine produce providers of questionable medical competence through an educational system fraught with scientific inaccuracies and omissions of even the most basic established medical principles, it also propagates the unfortunate result of patient care that is devoid of current, evidence-based medically accepted concepts [p.012]."  I guess it was a successful meeting: the AANP wasn't served papers.

"[we've an] AANP Convention in August [...]";

more on that below.

"our scientific community is busy preparing for the Naturopathic Research Summit on August 16 [...]";

naturopathy has a STRANGE idea of what constitutes science.  The science-ejected and nonscientific are included within naturopathy's "scientific", in fact (see OBNM, which is the state that hosts the school of many of the NDs I'll cite from below).

"the AANP is calling all of its members to nominate qualified candidates for the [...] VIS [award...]";

the Vis is their sectarian belief in a supposedly physiological vitalistic figmentation.

"with all of the changes in health care, advances in medical knowledge and trends [...] the AANP Convention is the place to be to digest, absorb and grow – and connect."

except, of course, when it comes to acknowledging the past few hundred years of scientific advancement, wherein supernaturalism / vitalism / dualism ['things that lack evidence, Alex, for $100 please'] was for obvious reasons EXCLUDED from science because science is about this actual physical universe and not sectarian imaginings and delusions / archaicisms NOT IN EVIDENCE.

001.b1. in "2011 Convention" [vsc 2011-06-16]:

"AANP Convention 2011 - Composing Effective Patient Care."

Note: so, efficacy.  Supposedly.  You'd think therefore that things that don't work would not be included in the convention.

001.b2. in "Arizona Biltmore Schedule" [vsc 2011-06-16]:

"Friday, August 19, 2011 [...] 8:45am – 10:15am Keynote Speakers: Composing Effective Homeopathic Care: 25 years of  Refining Practice and Teaching What We Know.  Paul Herscu, ND and Amy Rothenberg, ND [...] 3:15pm – 4:45pm [...] Effective Homeopathic Care Continued [...] Paul Herscu, ND and Amy Rothenberg, ND [...] Homeopathic Research and Treatment of ADHD. Jamie Oskin, ND."

Note: yes, that's right, the KEYNOTE of the 'efficacy' convention is homeopathy, which DOESN'T WORK / is an EMPTY REMEDY.  Truly this is the revaluation of all values: bizzaroworld.  Placing effective next to homeopathy is like placing active and inert next to one another.

002. what some of these NDs say about homeopathy:

002.a. ND Hangee-Bauer states in "Biopuncture - A New Treatment For Pain and Injury" (also here, here)  [vsc 2011-06-16]:

"biopuncture is the superficial injection of dilute homeopathic remedies around or at the site of acute or chronic pain and injuries to address muscle pain and spasm, inflammation, joint pain, and lymphatic drainage. These 'micro-dose' injections at carefully chosen spots influence the local immune response and promote the natural healing process. What is it good for? We most often use biopuncture for orthopedic problems, such as neck and back pain, sciatica, ankle pain, shoulder injuries and tendinitis. It can also be used to help manage chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as colds, flu and bronchitis.What are the treatments like? We first do an initial evaluation of your history and symptoms, followed by an examination and biopuncture treatment [...] if you have questions or are wondering if biopuncture could help you, call and schedule a free phone consult with Dr. Hangee-Bauer."

Note: I think that's a claim of homeopathic efficacy.  So the PRESIDENT of the AANP practices biopuncture / homeopathy and acupuncture woo.  It has even been on Dr. Oz, that lover of woo.  Not sure why it's called 'life puncture', sounds ominous. A better name would be homeopuncture.   Notice the carefully selected conditions that these inert therapies are chosen to affect: things that wax and wain and are highly subjectively measured. Two ineffective woos combined.

002.b. ND Herscu and ND Rothenberg state:

002.b1. in "Paul Herscu ND, DHANP" (ND NCNM 1986) [vsc 2011-06-16]:

"Dr. Herscu graduated from [...] National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland Oregon in 1986. He was [AANP] board certified in homeopathy [...] Dr. Herscu has a general practice in naturopathic medicine with a specialty in classical homeopathy [...] his book, The Homeopathic Treatment of Children, Pediatric Constitutional Types  is widely regarded as an essential textbook on pediatric homeopathy [...] Dr. Herscu founded the pacesetting New England Journal of Homeopathy [...] he teaches other physicians and practitioners the art and science of homeopathy. Dr. Herscu is the founder and director of The New England School of Homeopathy."

Note: ah, that false science claim upon 'the homeopathic'.

002.b2. in "What is Homeopathy?"  [vsc 2011-06-16]:

"homeopathy is a distinct medical art and science [false science claim] ]which employs tiny doses of natural medicines to stimulate the body's inborn healing capacity [coded homeopathic-naturopathic vitalism, actually]. The homeopath strives to perceive each patient's individual physical, mental and emotional nature [...] homeopathic medicines are quite safe [...] those practicing homeopathy include naturopathic physicians, medical doctors, chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, as well as trained professional homeopaths. The in-depth interview process delves deeply into the patient's physical, mental, and emotional nature. People often report that they enjoy the process and the individualized care provided by their homeopathic practitioner. The remedy is chosen by the practitioner after an interview and analysis. Classical homeopathy, such as that practiced in this office was originally conceived by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), encourages the prescriber to offer only one remedy at a time."

Note: ah, the claim that homeopathy, thoroughly scientifically discarded, is instead science.

002.c. in "Amy Rothenberg ND, DHANP" (ND NCNM 1996)  [vsc 2011-06-16]:

"Dr. Rothenberg [...] holds doctorate of naturopathic medicine from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine; Portland, Oregon 1986 and was [AANP] board certified in homeopathy in 1989 [...and] is a highly respected naturopathic physician, international lecturer, teacher, and experienced homeopath [...] she is interested in the whole person: body, mind and spirit [...] Dr. Rothenberg will utilize [...] homeopathic remedies in order to arrive at a patient plan that aims to restore health and improve vitality [...] she has long been a contributor to journals and magazines that highlight the efficacy and scope of practice of natural medicine [...] she particularly enjoys teaching homeopathy and how it fits into the larger natural medicine scene. She has taught for The International Foundation of Homeopathy, The National Center of Homeopathy, The New England School of Homeopathy [...] she was the editor of the pacesetting New England Journal of Homeopathy [...] homeopathy is a unique form of medicine that can offer hope for treating autism [false hope]."

Note: again, homeopathy galore and claims of efficacy.

002.d. ND Oskin (ND SCNM) states:

002.d1. in "Dr. Jamie Oskin, N.D."  [vsc 2011-06-16]:

"Dr. Oskin is a naturopathic physician licensed in Arizona [...] he utilizes homeopathy and nutrition as gentle, safe, and effective therapies for the treatment of patients suffering from many acute and chronic illnesses [...] following his general family practice residency, he completed a second year specialty residency with a focus in homeopathy at the Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center in Scottsdale, Arizona thanks to a generous donation from Hyland's Inc. / Standard Homeopathic Co. As a specialty resident in homeopathy, Dr. Oskin had the fortunate opportunity to study directly under Dr. Stephen Messer, one of the foremost internationally renowned experts in homeopathy. He has also studied with other internationally acclaimed homeopathic physicians [...] Dr. Oskin’s work has been published nationally in Homeopathy Today, the American Journal of Homeopathic Medicine and NDNR (Naturopathic Doctor News and Review). Click here to download the full text articles. Dr. Oskin also plays an active role in ongoing homeopathic research [...] given Dr. Oskin’s love of both homeopathy and jazz [etc....] Dr. Oskin is a member of the National Center for Homeopathy, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association (AzNMA)."

Note: homeo., homeo., homeo.  If homeo. and nutrition are BOTH being used and are quite comparable in this ND's eyes...that doesn't say much for nutrition!

002.d2. in "Homeopathy" [along with fellow NDs Haller, Udell, Kwan, Ham, Peyman]  [vsc 2011-06-16]:

"homeopathy is a remarkable, yet sadly under-utilized, therapy that stimulates our natural ability to heal and recover from illness [...]";

when actually implausible, archaic, and nonactive.

"when practiced well by a homeopathic doctor, it can gently and permanently cure diseases and restore health to a degree that is simply amazing [...] it is useful in a wide range of diseases, from coughs and earaches to autoimmune disease and cancer [...] it is often effective where conventional medicine has failed. Homeopathy is safe, gentle, non-toxic, and amazingly effective for people of all ages";

bullshit.  But in naturopathyland, empty pills are all these things, remarkably.  These are huge efficacy claims, yet science shows that homeopathy is BUNK.

"homeopathic medicines [...] are prescribed in minute doses [...] tiny doses [...]";

that's an understatement.

"[it's a] gentle yet effective way to cure illness [...]";

again, a claim of efficacy.

"homeopathy is the scientific application of the law of similars, often referred to as like cures like [...]";

which isn't supported by any evidence as a law, and therein not science from the very get-go.

"in the scientific community it is well known that disease occurs through the interplay of several factors [...]';

ah, the supposed science association. 

"the majority of known acute and chronic diseases can be treated successfully with homeopathy, including nearly all of the most common reasons why people seek medical treatment in the United States [...]";

bullshit.

"homeopathy is really quite extraordinary. It is safe, gentle, non-toxic, and amazingly effective."

bullshit.

003. so, I think it is safe to say that naturopathy and homeopathy are fused [no amount of scientific refutation of homeopathy's claims is going to unfuse the two; after all, this is SECTARIAN medicine]

homeopathy is required at every ND granting school;

it is required on the ND licensure exam and quite falsely labled "clinical science";

the head of the ND schools' consortia is a DHANP;

it is written into law as a branch of medical science when it is anything but;

 their upcoming textbook is sponsored by homeopathy companies.

Steven Salzberg at theatlantic.com - AltMed is 'Marketing Triumphing Over Science'

Steven Salzberg writes in "A 'Triumph' of Hype Over Reality" (2011-06-16):

"[regarding] David H. Freedman's July / August story 'The Triumph of New Age Medicine' [...] a very flattering view of the world of alternative medicine [...] what is the 'triumph' of new age medicine? [...it] is really the triumph of marketing over science, of hype over reality [...yet] we do need to find ways to fix what's wrong with the practice of medicine, but not by turning to [the] fairy tales [...of a] multibillion-dollar industry [...] offering ineffective treatments at a handsome profit [...] I believe that when studies show that a treatment doesn't work, it's time to move on. Acupuncture, homeopathy, reiki, ayurveda, healing touch, and other 'energy' therapies have all failed their scientific tests [...] beliefs such as homeopathy that are wildly implausible and that violate well-established principles of physics, chemistry, and biology [...] real science is all about admitting our mistakes and moving on. Alternative medicine isn't new - on the contrary, it consists almost entirely of old, long-disproven methods that have been re-packaged as 'alternative' or 'integrative' medicine, and whose proponents simply won't accept the evidence."

Note: the next post on this blog will deal with the 2011 American Association of Naturopathic Physicians annual convention which similarly uses -- I'm not kidding -- the term "effective" in its convention title, yet, has as keynote speakers..................

wait for it....................

ND-homeopaths!

the Science-Ejected Naturopathic "Foundation" That Dare Not Speak Its Name - the Coding of UB NDs Charles and White of North Haven, CT

here, I illustrate the typical CT ND coding MO [see 001., below]; that also occurs at NDs' schools and state associations [see 002., below]; but, you can find their science-ejected foundation 'red in tooth and claw' in their primary textbook [see 003., below]:

001. Charles, M. (ND UBCNM) and White, L.H. (ND UBCNM) state:

001.a. in "Naturopathy" [vsc 2011-06-14]:

"there are six principles of healing that reflect the foundation of naturopathic medical practice [...#2] the healing power of nature: the healing power of nature is the inherent self-organizing and healing process of living systems which establishes, maintains, and restores health  [coded vitalism...we] support the body in healing [...] naturopathic medicine is a medical system that focuses on the body's vital ability to heal and maintain itself [coded vitalism...] a wholistic approach [...] the body has the innate potential to heal and repair itself and to keep itself in balance  [coded vitalism...#5] doctor as teacher: a principal objective of naturopathic medicine is to educate the patient [...] we often hold workshops and talks to educate people about naturopathic medicine [...] conversation and education."

Note: I don't feel well-educated by this particularly OPAQUE explanation of naturopathy.  In fact, I'd call it strategic CODING of the essentially naturopathic [HPN] for marketing / commerce purposes.  I'd rather be fully informed so I can actually consent.

001.b. in "What We Do" [vsc 2011-06-14]:

"we I truly believe the body has the ability to heal itself [coded vitalism...] the body's natural intelligence [...] we look at the whole person – mind, body, and spirit [supernaturalism]."

Note: more coding, and that naturopathic supernaturalism!  I'm not sure, actually, how one can LOOK at spirit.  Such is, fundamentally, a metaphysical and figmentatious concept and if actually apprehendible / discernible [as opposed to projected imaginings / articles of FAITH] I think these NDs would have been awarded Nobel Prizes by now for their measurement-o'-spirit breakthrough.

001.c. in "Homeopathy" [vsc 2011-06-14]:

"homeopathy is a system (art and science) of medicine."

Note: homeopathy is as scientific as astrology!  At least astrology uses ACTUAL STARS.  Homeopathy is INERT / empty!  But, in naturopathyland, science is ANYTHING including crap of the quality of astrology / homeopathy.  This practice LIKES homeopathy, too: "[we're told] homeopathic remedies are extremely safe and non-toxic but immensely potent medicines. As such, they have profound implications for virtually all states of disease, or imbalance, in the body."  Again: where is their Nobel Prize?  Homeopathy is indeed DEBUNKED and 'in the sack'.  What a crap claim.

002. the alma mater of these NDs, and their state ND association:

002.a. the University of Bridgeport:

002.a1. labels naturopathy [including its crap homeopathy] science, still, to this day.

002.a2. but, in supposedly explaining naturopathy, you still only get manipulative opacity and, underneath it all, irrationality:

to this day, UB calls naturopathy "natural health sciences" in a "division of health sciences".  The same page states: "are you interested in a career in a field of medicine that works to support the natural healing power [coded vitalism] of the body, mind, and spirit [supernaturalism]? In naturopathic medicine we call this vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature) [HPN-VMN]."

Note: ah, bullshit piled upon horseshit.  So, the claim is science subset supernaturalism subset HPN-VMN.  So, essentially, the claim is science subset nonsense -- and that's absurdly insane.

002.b. the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association states in "About Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-06-14; my comments are in bold]:

"naturopathic medicine is a licensed medical profession in the State of Connecticut [...]";

ah, ye old licensed falsehood.  Since when is a profession based upon falsehood?

"individualized therapy may include [...] homeopathy [...] naturopathic physicians are the only group of physicians that truly specialize in alternative and natural medicine [...]";

yes, specialized nonsense / junk like homeopathy, which is science-ejected and that also means alternative and natural.

"naturopathic medicine [...] stimulate[s] natural healing forces within the body [coded vitalism]."

and that's what they give you there.  That's it.

003. the Textbook of Natural Medicine has the Full Monty [it is archived here]:

"this is the removal of the obstacles to cure, which allows the action of the vis medicatrix naturae, the vital force, the healing power of nature. This is the first step in the hierarchy of healing and what naturopathic physicians may call the overarching clinical theory of naturopathic medicine: the therapeutic order."

Note: that is a DECODING of the underlying vitalism that is at the heart of the naturopathic healing context that they do not inform transparently about throughout most of their venues.

the science that is the science-ejected / the science-ejected sectarian belief archaisms that falsely claim the ability to survive modern scientific scrutiny.

that is naturopathy: pseudoscience, pseudoprofession.

the Science-Ejected Vitalism Figmentation of Bastyr's Science-Based Medicine [ISYN]

here, I quote from a couple Bastyr pages [see 001., below]:

001. Bastyr University's Bastyr Center for Natural Health states in "Health Conditions and Concerns: Pain -- Chinese Medicine Helps Ease Summer Activity Backlash" [vsc 2011-06-12]:

"the sudden influx of outdoor activities can also result in a lot of aches and pains. To avoid this 'activity backlash,' you can try some therapies offered in the acupuncture and Oriental medicine department at Bastyr Center for Natural Health, either as a preventive measure or to treat an injury [...] Benjamin Apichai, LAc, clinical faculty member at Bastyr Center, explains that according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, sports injuries can cause 'qi' (life force or energy)[vitalism figmentation] stagnation and blood stagnation [...] tui na deals with balancing the body's lack or surplus of 'qi' (life force)[vitalism figmentation]. 'Tui na is a therapy combining general massage, acupressure and stretching techniques. It helps the body in balancing yin, yang, qi [vitalism figmentation] and blood,' says Apichai."

Note: so, Bastyr uses the label "science-based" on acupuncture's contents.  The degree is even called a "master of science." But, I don't think so: science and science-ejected figmentations are quite different.

NYANP-AANP, New York's ND Giardenilli, CNME's Lawyer Seitz - 'Professionalism and Homeopathy is Science', 'c$300,000 in Debt so License Me', 'Equivalent Science and We Will Build Schools' [respectively]

here, I cite from a New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians [NYANP] and American Association of Naturopathic Physicians [AANP] 2011-06-09 youtube.com video [see 001., below]:

001. the NYANP-AANP youtube.com video "Licensure for NDs in NY Could Pass This Session (June 9, 2011)" [vsc 2011-06-12; my comments are in bold; the video is on the AANP youtube account] states:

.

.

"[narrator] there is now a greater push to license naturopathic medicine in New York [...so they can] diagnose and treat [...] naturopathic doctors came to New York's capital to lobby legislators for a bill that will recognize them as licensed professionals [...]";

yes there is a bill.  Ah, the 'of the professions' claim and the desire to Dx and Tx.  I have often labeled naturopathic licensure "licensed falsehood", and I haven't changed my mind.  The video may state "getting naturopaths licensed is mostly about saving lives", but I don't think so.  It's mainly a legal shield for nonsense that the state will become a party to.

professionalism is a continuous claim by the NYANP and AANP.  NYANP, in fact, states on their web page "the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NYANP) is the professional association for naturopathic doctors in New York State."  AANP states, in fact, on their web page "a naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician [...and we're told one ND granting school is] National University of Health Sciences."  

so, overarching professionalism and science -- supposedly.  Now, what profession falsely labels the profoundly science-ejected [naturopathy's homeopathy, per NYANP, AANP and NUHS, for starters] science on a supposedly rigorous board exam and federally as well as state-sanctioned curriculum / commerce domain?

E.g.: here's AANP's Position Paper on Homeopathy [vsc 2011-06-12] whereby they label homeopathy -- to this day --  'science-supported' when IN FACT homeopathy is PROFOUNDLY science-ejected.

 

so, you see, licensure is IN FACT a stamp upon falsehood and nowhere will you see naturopathy transparently informing the public that it has SO ENLARGED the definition of professionalism and science that, in the ULTIMATE reversal of all values: a) professionalism is now falsehood and opacity; b) nonscience is now science; c) commerce occurs by quite misleading means YET absurdly has state and federal sanction.  Therein, false commerce is, by means of a naturopathy licensure bill, LEGALIZED -- and that's  absolutely absurd, no matter how legalized it is.

"[not-an-ND/NMD] Dr. Daniel Seitz, executive director Council of Naturopathic Medicine: 'MD students and naturopathic students both go through a four-year doctoral-level training program.  In that sense they are equivalent.  Both study basic sciences and clinical sciences that are equivalent.  However, naturopathic doctors go on to learn about natural approaches to health care, a whole range of therapies' [including homeopathy, falsely labeled as science on CNME's exam...]";

bullshit.  To repeat, I argue that when science and nonscience are absurdly posed as the same thing -- which is what naturopathy does, FUNDAMENTALLY -- this idea of equivalent  "science" / doctoral-level science is absurd.  THIS ISN'T EVEN HIGH-SCHOOL LEVEL SCIENCE.  It's like studying modern geology and cartography, and then saying that from that cumulative science-basis, the claim that the earth is flat is as equally scientifically true as the earth being round.  Replace 'flat-earth' with homeopathy's magic beans and unicorn tears, geology and cartography with biology and pharmacology -- and naturopathy is doing that same kind of nonsense.

Daniel Seitz, J.D., Ed.D. [who is not a naturopath] represents the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education.  So, therein, the USDE approved accreditation body of naturopathy -- that is CNME! -- falsely labels its contents: e.g., science subset schools subset naturopathy subset homeopathy.  WOW! 

"Dr. Sara Giardenilli is a naturopath who hopes New York will soon be added to the growing list [...] 'I have $279,000 dollars of debt from medical school' [...] 'I can't practice here in the state' [...]";

boo-hoo.  I've an equivalent amount of debt from ND school misadventures and research post-ND school into this nonsense [not to mention what was lost / HARM had I gone another route -- one with accurate labels and actual ethicality!].  I think that more than a quarter of a million dollars for educational nonsense needs A GRAND JURY INVESTIGATION and CLASS ACTION status [more than happy to testify].

"licensing naturopaths is a financial win-win for the state argues senator Ken Lavalle.  It will open the doors for naturopathic schools and keep jobs and patients in New York."

boy, you have been snookered, Mr. Legislator.  When is licensed falsehood a win-win?  When the perps get what they want and the lawmaker gets a law passed, to tell their constituents 'see, I do my job, I make laws'.  And when the marks get fleeced.

so, I went to an ND school bordering on New York, that falsely labels as science what science has either ejected for more than a hundred years or for several hundred years.  Does New York really need that kind of school?  Do the legislators CARE AT ALL about the integrity of education, science, and professionalism?  Or, are the taxpayers merely TO BE FLEECED?  I'm not optimistic.

Note: by the way, the video states "Dr. Paul Mittman, president of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine [...] 'we're spending 80% on easily preventable conditions [...] people want to see doctors who emphasize prevention'."  Excuse me, but isn't Mittman a DHANP?  An uber-homeopath, of the nth naturopathic degree!  Disqualified!  Blaming the victim's lifestyle for all the diseases of the world is quite abusive.  SCNM is as misrepresentational: labeling naturopathy science, stating that within naturopathy is the profoundly science ejected ['danger Will Robinson, LUNACY!!!'].

I've watched it for years.  In fact, they were party to the document that snookered me.

George Lundberg MD: Homeopathy is "Rubbish" and then Calls Medicine the "A" Word

MD Lundberg states at medpagetoday.com in "The Accidental Genius of Homeopathy"(2011-06-07):

"[transcript] why is homeopathy rubbish? In classical homeopathy [...] a chemical substance theorized to be possibly effective against a particular malady [...is] diluted and shaken repeatedly until the chemical initially placed into the water has been so diluted that none of its molecules can be found by chemical analysis [...and is] then administered to a patient by a healer who believes fervently that it will be therapeutically active in fundamental violation of the laws of physics [...] all thoughtful physicians I know consider the historical theory and philosophy of homeopathy to be rubbish, balderdash, preposterous, BS [...] NOT PLAUSIBLE [...and] not even worth testing for safety and efficacy [...he speaks of] homeopaths and their related ilk [...] a competent-seeming, confidence-oozing, self-labeled healer who listens with empathy, communicates well, and radiates good will, who then doles out pretty, colored, distilled water [...] safety in homeopathy would not seem to be a problem, save for possible delays to treatment for some serious malady for which allopathic medicine has effective, safe treatment."

Note: yes, rubbish -- empty remedies falsely posed as medicinal.  But using the 'allopathic' label upon modern medicine to me rings false.  It's as accurate as labeling modern chemistry alchemy.  And I think it plays into the homeopathic camp's nonsensical typification of modern science-based medicine, because allopathy was the tail-end of archaic humoralism philosophy and such heroic and now-a-days seen-as-wacky measures around the year 1800.

Naturopathy Irrationality Microcosm - Australia's 'ND' Morick and the Science-Ejected Falsely Labeled Science

here, I cite from the web page of naturopath Morick of Western Australia [see 001., below]:

001. Morick, S. (BHSc ECNH 2009) states in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-06-02]:

"naturopathic medicine uses the same scientific understanding of disease processes (anatomy and physiology) as conventional medicine [...] modern herbalism is an advanced scientific discipline [...] advanced scientific investigation has now also determined exactly [etc....the] main point of difference is that naturopathy fully acknowledges that all living beings contain a vital 'life force' that sustains them.  This life force may be referred to as 'chi', 'prana', 'spirit', 'etheric or astral body' or the 'vital force' [...]  the intangible, spiritual, energy dimension of each of us. This vital force has an aspect to it that induces our body to heal."

Note: so, I use the ND credential here with some caution, as credentials in Australia are a little different.  But the absurdity isn't: yes, science claimed upon the vitalistic-supernatural, which isn't within science or supported by science IN ANY MANNER.  Biology, particularly physiology, discarded vitalism several decades ago and science discarded supernaturalism from its contents a few hundred years ago.  Unless you are scientifically illiterate, as naturopaths often are.  Claiming that within a category is that which that category excludes is IRRATIONAL. 

It's fascinating that a supposedly "science" degree is ANYTHING BUT, essentially [iris diagnosis anyone?].

NMD Weiss - Uber "Cardiologist"

here, I cite from a press release concerning SUPPOSEDLY HUGELY SUCCESSFUL "cardiologist" naturopath NMD Weiss [see 001., below]:

001. prweb.com's "WellWise.org Interviews Nation's Only Naturopathic Cardiologist" (2011-06-02)[vsc 2011-06-02; my comments are in bold]:

"Dr. Decker Weiss [...is] the nation’s only naturopathic cardiologist [...he's] the first naturopathic cardiologist in the nation to complete a residency program in the Columbia Hospital System, the Arizona Heart Hospital and the prestigious Arizona Heart Institute [...]";

recently, naturopathy has begun more and more to mirror MD-land:  NDs have taken on, as Weiss does, the initials NMD [vsc 2011-06-02] and titles that MDs use as indicators of specialty expertise.

"Dr. Weiss is well qualified to address these issues [...]";

well, NMD Weiss is a graduate of SCNM 1997. Hmmmm: ND schools like SCNM claim to be "scientific" [vsc 2011-06-02] yet naturopathy is based on the science-ejected.  I'm not at all impressed with such academic nonsense -- hugely mislabeling knowledge categories -- as a prelude to being a physician in this modern era.  Maybe 300 years ago.  What's so interesting about the link that I've provided regarding SCNM's science claim is how coded the actually science-ejected-naturopathic is in that document: nowhere in that document is it admitted that science has been irrationally unlimited to the point wherein it contains the hugely science-ejected, and that naturopathy's context is actually a science-ejected context due to its requisite vitalism, supernaturalism, homeopathy etc.  So "well qualified" my ass.  It's the same old 'naturopathy false commerce labeling' and pseudoprofessionalism opacity in the clinical and educational realms.

"[he] has a remarkable 13-year record of successfully treating thousands of patients with naturopathy [...] in 13 years of practice treating thousands of patients, he has had only five patients who died of heart attack [...and] every one of his patients with congestive heart failure improved [...] his approach has a proven track record [...]";

anecdote, anecdote, anecdote.  There are many reasons -- besides the fact that his therapies are effective -- to account for this 'success': self-selection is one of them [e.g., if you have a serious heart condition, would you be CRAZY enough to be ONLY treated by a naturopath and would that naturopath be crazy enough to be the sole PCP for a serious heart condition?].  Ah, "proven"...but he has published no studies himself, that I know of and that have 'rocked the cardiology world', that compare typical treatment to his 'other' REMARKABLE treatment.  Weird.

"heart disease is the number one cause of death for adult Americans [...] the cause of heart disease [is] inflammation [...]";

I don't think that SOLE CAUSE is actually true.  There are many causes and type of disorders that are 'heart disease'.  I'd think that heavy antiinflammatory therapies would, even with other problems such might cause, have already been noticed as DRASTICALLY reducing heart disease if this were true: e.g., there are a heck of a lot of people with inflammatory disorders who haven't been noticed to have huge heart disease benefits / prophylaxis secondary to their decades-long antiinflammatory pharmaceutical regime.

"natural medicine [...aka] naturopathy uses a different approach than conventional medicine to get the basic cause of heart disease under control [...e.g.] plant-based medicines that have been used safely for 1,000 years [...and] anti-inflammatory supplements [...]";

having claimed an ability to fix the FAKE sole specific cause with specific 'natural' implausible methods..."different" is an understatement.

Applied Kinesiology: "An Unconscious Fraud" From the Quackometer...to 3 North American NDs

here, I cite from a recent Quackometer post regarding applied kinesiology [AK; see 001., below]; then, I illustrate the use of AK by NDs [see 002., below]:

001. Andy Lewis writes in "How Applied Kinesiology Can be Used to Justify any Quack Treatment" (2011-05-19):

"you may not be surprised to learn that applied kinesiology was invented by a chiropractor [...whereby] customer and practitioner get locked into the mutual delusion that muscle strength can be altered in the presence of 'good' and 'bad' substances [...AK] is widely used to [fakely] diagnose allergies and other health problems, and then on the back of a fake diagnosis [/ diagnostic test], sell lots of vitamin pills, diets and dubious devices [...AK] is an unconscious fraud caused by suggestion and the ideomotor effect [...] it lies at the heart of much quackery and I hope that the Nightingale Collaboration will be making it a Focus of the Month in [the] future, as this nonsense really needs to be challenged."

Note: hear, hear.  Me too.

002. these first-page results occurred via a Google.com web search parameter ""applied kinesiology" naturopathic diagnosis" [without the outside quotes] (2011-05-30):

002.a. Alberta, Canada's Lenung, K. (ND CCNM) states in "Applied Kinesiology" [vsc 2011-05-30]:

"applied kinesiology is a system that evaluates structural, chemical, and mental aspects of health using manual muscle testing alongside conventional diagnostic methods. The essential premise of applied kinesiology that is not shared by mainstream medical theory is that every organ dysfunction is accompanied by a weakness in a specific corresponding muscle, the viscerosomatic relationship."

Note: really.  The wonders of naturopathic gullibility never ceases to amaze.  Not shared because it isn't true.

002.b. Portland, Oregon's Thomas, N. (ND NCNM) states in "Applied Kinesiology" [vsc 2011-05-30; my comments are in bold]:

"applied kinesiology [...] AK balances the structural, chemical and mental sides of health [...it's] used for:

musculoskeletal issues - pain, injuries, sprains, loss of function, limited range of motion, spinal and joint misalignment, TMJ dysfunction, etc.;

disease and illness prevention and recovery;

increasing organ and gland health and function;

releasing and managing emotions and stress;

improving brain and nervous system function and co-ordination;

discovering individual nutritional needs and sensitivities [...in sum]

AK treatment addresses the function of your body's muscles, organs, glands, spine, joints, nervous system, lymph, meridian flow (based on Chinese medicine), emotions, and nutrition [...]";

that's quite a list.

"applied kinesiology (AK) is a diagnostic and therapeutic practice [...] its diagnostic principles are based on traditional Chinese medicine in which every muscle in the body is related to an organ, gland or acupuncture meridian. By testing specific muscles, the doctor can identify areas of dysfunction in the body and apply the appropriate method of treatment [...]";

a lot of bunk there -- I'll guess it doesn't happen for free, either.

"AK blends therapeutic modalities from cranial-sacral therapy, sacral-occipital technique, acupuncture meridian therapies, chiropractic, naturopathy, osteopathy, clinical nutrition, and energy psychology [...]";

because when all that junk petered out, a rebranding had to happen!

"an AK doctor is able to examine how areas of the body (organ, glands, etc) are functioning, locate the cause of any dysfunction, and apply therapy towards the specific areas to restore and maintain health. In this way, AK is able to help the areas that need the support, and prevent pathology and disease before it occurs."

promises, promises.

002.c. Newington, Connecticut's Riley, K.M. (ND Bastyr 1984) who states on the Naturopathic Gathering 2011 page [vsc 2011-05-30]:

"Kathleen Riley has been practicing naturopathic medicine for the past 26 years [...]  Dr. Riley incorporates applied kinesiology [...] and other therapeutics into her practice as a way to help her patients effect deeper healing [...] she has worked extensively with patients with Lyme disease for many years and has much to share in how to approach these patients using our naturopathic principals [sp., principles]. She strives to try and help her patients work toward healing in the way that she was taught by her teachers, especially John Bastyr and Bill Mitchell and is excited to be able to share her experience through cases and conversation at this year’s Gathering."

Note: the Gathering is about the 'essentially naturopathic'.  And yes her alma mater Bastyr's motto is "science-based natural medicine", an absurd label placed upon what is TRULY not scientific at all --  e.g. much of naturopathy's principles' content [vitalism, supernaturalism and such, for starters].

003. AK, therein, is VERY naturopathic:

pseudo and nonsensical.

New York State's ND Marcantonio and NCNM: Science and Efficacy Claims Upon the Science-Ejected (2005, 2011 respectively)

here, I cite from a 2005 Buffalo News piece written by New York State ND Marcantonio claiming that naturopathy is 'science, science science' [see 001.a., below]; and from her practice's 2011 web page that claims homeopathy is "effective" [see 001.b., below]; then, from her alma mater NCNM [see 002., below]; and finally, from the Quackometer's recent post on homeopathy [see 003., below]:

001. Marcantonio, R. (ND NCNM 2001) states:

001.a. in the Buffalo News's "Education, Licensing Standards Would Protect Public"(2005-08-04) [vsc from their archive 2011-05-24; access to BN's archived articles is available for a small fee]:

"[as NYANP treasurer] NYANP would like to state that we share Andrew Skolnick's concerns in his July 27 article about practitioners using the title 'naturopath' who have no scientific, medical or accredited medical educational background [...we are] licensed naturopathic doctor (N.D.) with extensive science-based training in the safe use of natural therapies [...] like conventional medical schools, the first two years concentrate on the basic biomedical sciences: anatomy, physiology, histology, embryology, pathology and biochemistry. The second two years integrate the basic biomedical sciences with clinical sciences, focusing on a broad range of preventive therapeutic interventions: clinical nutrition and diet, botanical medicine, homeopathy, naturopathic physical medicine and hydrotherapy and counseling."

Note: science, science, science.  Homeopathy has been considered nonsense by science even farther back than this century!  But not for naturopathy: their licensure exam labels homeopathy "science".

001.b. in "NHC Medicinary" [practicing with Lim, M. (ND NCNM); vsc 2011-05-25]:

"a 300 year old medicine, homeopathy is based on the 'aw of similars', like cures like. Homeopathic remedies prepared from serial dilutions of either plant, animal, or mineral substances act to stimulate the body's own healing mechanisms. Homeopathy is quite a safe and effective tool for children as well as adults."

Note: stating homeopathy is effective is like stating voodoo and witchcraft are effective.

002. back to the mother ship, NCNM:

so, NCNM is famous for stating 'the full monty' regarding naturopathy: notice the science claim upon the vitalistic science-ejected, and the homeopathy included under that posed science umbrella as "powerful".  Fascinating that the practice page of ND Marcantonio that supposedly defines naturopathy doesn't fully disclose these wacko contents, and instead gives us CODING of naturopathy's essential premises.

Note: in sum, so much for professionalism, science, transparency, informed consent and above-board commerce!

003. as Andy Lewis writes in "The Myths of NHS Homeopathy" (2011-05-24):

"I have already spelled out in some detail why such research would be deeply unethical: firstly, we already know with a very high degree of certainty that homeopathy is a superstitious form of medical treatment that is completely ineffective."

Note: hear, hear.

Popular Science on the Nonscientific Status of Vitalism - 1884-04

here, I go BACK into the 1800s and cite from an article in Popular Science Monthly regarding the nonscientific status of vitalism:

William G. Stevenson, M.D. writes in "Physiological Significance of Vital Force" (PSM 1884-04, pp. 760-773:

"modern science has so extended the horizon of our mental perspective, has achieved such brilliant triumphs in so many departments of thought, and, on the basis of verified fact, has erected such an imposing superstructure of useful knowledge in the domain of inorganic nature, that some, rejecting the vitalistic theories of the past, have accepted the belief that the deeper mysteries of vital phenomena will, in final analysis, be demonstrated to be but resultants of physical forces acting under complex conditions of organization [p.760...] to some, 'vitalism' yet maintains its position in the philosophic realm or organizations, and a 'vital force,' independent of and antagonistic to physical force, yet presides over the manifestations of organic bodies.  This, if true, necessitates 'two distinct sciences and two distinct orders of nature,' which, though related, are not reciprocal. This view is not in harmony with either chemical, physical, or biological science of the present day, and stands in direct contradiction to the accepted doctrine of the correlation and conservation of energy [...] matter, or material organization, is, therefore, so far as human knowledge goes, an absolute condition upon which all life-manifestations depend, and to assert, as do the 'vitalists,' that this vital energy -- an agency which cannot be verified, though dependent upon a material condition for a display of its actions -- is not related to it, but is independent of it and under distinct and antagonistic laws, is an assumption at variance with scientific truth and reason [p.765]."

Note: yes, this was written in 1884. The full version is available for free at books.google.com. Naturopathy, meanwhile, absurdly claims that vitalism survives scientific scrutiny NOW.  Notice that vitalism was science-ejected EVEN BEFORE the discovery of DNA.

I'll repeat what the author so eloquently states: vital energy is an assumption at variance with scientific truth and reason.  Yet, somehow naturopathy schools were started in the late 1900s [such as UB; and NUHS in 200x with the 's' standing for SCIENCES] and label such vitalism [and similar science-ejected kind] "science", and engaged in educational commerce based on such falsehoods.