NCNM's 2011 Commencement Address by Alumnus ND Warren: Our [Science-Ejected] Vitalism, Homeopathy, and 'Energy Medicines' are "Foundational"

here, I quote from a transcript of part of the 2011 National College of Natural Medicine [NCNM] convocation [see 001., below]; then, from a web page of that ND particularly regarding homeopathy [ see 002., below]:

001. ND Warren, classical homeopathist [DHANP; NCNM 1984] states in "Convocation Address by Don Warren [at] NCNM – June 25, 2011" [vsc 2011-07-31]:

"'President Schleich, Members of the Board of Governors, Faculty and Staff of NCNM, Class of 2011 [...] it is a real honor to be invited to take part in this convocation [...] it has only been 27 years since I graduated from NCNM [...] we must also not be afraid to hold on to concepts that are a part of the historic profession that do not yet have an adequate scientific explanation...such as the vis, vital force and the use of energetic medicines such as homeopathy. Such concepts and practices are foundational to who we are as naturopathic physicians'."

Note: and there you go.  Such is dogmatically fused into naturopathy, no matter how science-ejected the lot becomes. What's MOST interesting about ND Warren's language is that he states that vitalism and homeopathy lack scientific support.  Meanwhile, on NCNM's own page explaining naturopathy and its contents, we're told quite falsely that vitalism and such survives scientific scrutiny as objective fact.  Well, that's not true: they're science-ejected, actually. And what's also interesting is that ND Warren's practice page explaining naturopathy does not transparently communicate that the "healing power of nature" sectarianism essential to naturopathy is the vitalistic science-ejected concept that it is.

I link to a YouTube video of this 2011 ceremony [vsc 2011-07-31] containing the naturopathic oath part below [starting at 00.08.45; the video is apparently damaged though the audio is okay], wherein NDs by-oath bind themselves to naturopathy's sectarian ideas, like vitalism -- which is in Latin on the huge tapestry behind the stage -- and to falsely labeling the lot "science":

also, here's a link to NCNM's program for that 2011 commencement (click here) where we are told "naturopathic medicine is heir to the vitalistic tradition of medicine in the Western world. This is evidenced by its emphasis in treating disease through the stimulation, enhancement and support of the inherent healing power of the body. Chosen methods of treatment respect this natural healing process."  I've blogged recently concerning how such vitalism is science-ejected EVEN as taught at the K-12 science level.  This language was also used on the 2010 program.

002. ND Warren, along with NDs O'Farrell (CCNM 2002) and Lewis (CCNM) (see ), state in "Homeopathy" [vsc 2011-07-31]:

"in the early part of the 19th century, Samuel Hahnemann developed the system of medicine we now call homeopathy.  The basic principle of homeopathy is that disease is a result of a disordered 'vital force' and that to find permanent cure, one must use a medicine (or remedy) that is 'vital' [as in imaginary and immaterial!] and has the potential for stimulating a healing response bringing the body back to a normal, healthy state [...] over the  course of homeopathic treatment not only do symptoms disappear, but the person is in a much healthier state overall."

Note: so, there's that old vitalism again.  And that's quite a claim of activity and efficacy for remedies that are EMPTY.  Magic beans and unicorn tears.

Arizona Naturopath O'Connor: Endocrinology, Bariatrics, & Barista

here, I cite from a recent press release and a web page of NMD O'Connor [see 001., below]:

001. O'Connor, A. (NMD SCNM) states:

001.a. in "Arizona Naturopathic Doctor Offers Unique 5 Minute 'Consult n Coffee' for $5 Along With Free B-12 Injections" (2011-07-29)[my comments are in bold]:

"[I'm] the premier naturopathic doctor in Arizona [...] Dr. Andrea O'Connor [...] will provide coffee and 5 minutes of her expertise on a variety of topics ranging from weight loss, hormone replacement, anti-aging, and natural pain management [...for] $5 [...]";

sounds like quite the self-elevation, and discount!  I'm wondering what blends are available...

"[and that's not all, folks] patients who sign up for consultations on Phoenix Integrative Medicine's newly redesigned website [...] http://www.phoenixintegrativemedicine.com [...] will receive a free B-12 injection [...]";

hmmmmmm.  Why does EVERYONE apparently qualify?  Does EVERYONE require such an injection?  The NMD seems to really like to inject people.   Very natural.

"Dr. O'Connor's practice [...] includes the HCG diet [...] HCG both sublingual and by injection [...and] bioidentical hormone replacement [...and] antiaging treatments with testosterone injections along with B12 injections [...per] individualized hormone replacements [...]";

sounds to me like endocrinology.  It also sounds like bunk hCG diet junk I've earlier blogged about.

"[there's also] medical marijuana";

because that's natural, right, for pain management.  I don't know much about it, but I'm thinking this may make you hungry.  If you are in pain and want to lose weight, this and the hCG diet may cancel each other out!

001.b. in "Weight Loss" [saved 2011-07-29]:

"Andrea O'Connor, NMD [...has] proven weight loss techniques that are customized to you [...] including the HCG diet program [...] (injections and sublingual)."

Note: again, sounds to me like the hCG diet junk.

002. in my view, be cautious:

NDs/NMDs are quite confused.  Her alma mater, SCNM, claims that the education is "scientific" yet when you look at the contents of naturopathy, it is replete with HUGELY science-ejected junk (like homeopathy which is absurdly labeled remarkable [their President and CEO is a homeopath DHANP], and a core requirement by oath to vitalism).

Fact: The 2011 K-12 National Science Standards Trash / Bury Naturopathy's Central Vitalistic Premise

here, I cite from the National Research Council of the National Academies regarding the newly revised 2011 national science framework for K-12 [see 001.a. and 001.b., below]; and then, particular to naturopathy's central premise [vitalism], I point out that these standards label that premise TRULY science-ejected [see 001.b., below]:

001. the National Research Council of the National Academies writes:

001.a. in the press release “Report Offers New Framework to Guide K-12 Science Education, Calls for Shift in the Way Science is Taught in the U.S.” (2011-07-19):

“[this] report […] sponsored by Carnegie Corporation of New York […and] released today by the National Research Council […] the operating arm of the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering […was] developed by an 18-member committee that included experts in education and scientists from many disciplines […it] presents a new framework for K-12 science education that identifies the key scientific ideas and practices all students should learn by the end of high school […] the new framework is designed to help students gradually deepen their knowledge of core ideas in four disciplinary areas over multiple years of school, rather than acquire shallow knowledge of many topics […] it strongly emphasizes the practices of science – helping students learn to plan and carry out investigations, for example, and to engage in argumentation from evidence […] to ensure that by the end of 12th grade, all students have some appreciation of the beauty and wonder of science, the capacity to discuss and think critically about science-related issues, and the skills to pursue careers in science or engineering."

Note: sounds very progressive.

001.b. in "A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas" [available for free download]:

"science is replete with ideas that once seemed promising but have not withstood the test of time, such as the concept of the 'ether' or the vis vitalis (the 'vital force' of life) [that's vitalism, which is central to naturopathy; 3-22]."

Note: oh snap!  Meanwhile, naturopathy maintains -- regressively and HUGELY unscientifically -- that it is a scientific fact that such a 'vital force' is responsible for physiological activity and particularly, for disease and health.  This is why, but not totally why: naturopathic licensure results in licensed falsehood, and the preparation for such is a falsely labeled education.

A Naturopathic Oncology Chapter c2002 - From Tagliaferri's 'Breast Cancer Beyond Convention' (ISBN 0743410122)

here, I cite from a chapter by NDs Standish, Grosshans, Lush and Robeson that opaquely explains naturopathy's basis while hugely invoking science [see 001., below]; then, I shed light on that actually science-ejected basis from an update of naturopathy's Textbook of Natural Medicine that that chapter cites [see 002.,below]:

001. lead author ND Standish (Bastyr 1991), of a collection that has "the world's foremost authorities [...] a 'dream team' of breast cancer experts" claimed on its cover, writes:

001a. of the vitalism that dare not speak its name:

"the eight principles of naturopathic medicine: [#1] use the healing power of nature [HPN, coded vitalism], identify and treat the cause, first do no harm, see the doctor as teacher, treat the whole person-mind  body and spirit [supernaturalism], focus on prevention, promote wellness, use the least force to obtain each therapeutic goal. All eight principles apply in treating breast cancer naturopathically [...] the healing power of nature is central [p.249]."

Note: and that's all you get.  Yes, supernaturalism but also coded vitalism as HPN, which is claimed as central, but not central enough to transparently explain.  Yet, we're somehow to believe the doctor is teaching.  I feel manipulated, yet the cover states things within have been "explained in clear, nontechnical language".

001.b. 25 instances of the word root "scien":

"Leanna J. Standish, N.D., Ph.D., L.Ac. is [...] Bastyr University Senior Scientist.  She is a licensed naturopathic physician with a twenty-five-year career as a research scientist in experimental neuroscience who has spearheaded research on the efficacy of naturopathic medicine to treat breast cancer [...] I had always been afraid of cancer, especially breast cancer -- particularly because current scientific under standing is actually quite limited [...] I wanted to know as much as I could about this disease, not just from professional training, textbooks, and cutting-edge science [p.245...] in this chapter, I bring to bear what I’ve learned about the most promising science-based natural medicine approaches [...] I also make it my business to investigate available CAM treatments so I can help my patients sort out useful, science-based therapies from treatments that may be based more on self-delusion, wishful thinking, or marketing hype than on fact [...] now we’re building a solid base of scientific studies and systematic clinical observation to validate the best approaches [p.246...] to make sure there’s a human face to all the science I’m discussing [p.247...] later in this chapter we will walk you through each of these goals, providing you with the best known strategies for reaching each one, with specific treatments and state-of-the-art scientific knowledge about each [p.249...] art and science [...] naturopathic medicine is not just an art but also a science [...] when scientists do turn their attention to natural [p.250] medicines, they often skip right over the test tube and animal testing in favor of clinical studies although even naturopathic physicians recommend natural medicines about which we have only incomplete scientific evidence, we often have more to go on than you might think. My colleagues and I have systematically searched the scientific literature to evaluate which CAM therapies have the strongest evidence backing up their use [...] in the rest of this chapter, I’m going to take you through each of the ten naturopathic goals for breast cancer, with the best naturopathic treatments of choice for each, and a look at the science backing them up [p.251...] some scientists believe that low levels of melatonin put women at risk for breast cancer [p.260...] scientists are looking at specific immune recognition approaches to breast cancer alone and in conjunction with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy [p.263...] controversial scientific evidence links organochlorine pesticides e.g., DDT and polychlorinated biphenyls PCBs) [etc. p.264...] the science does not yet exist [p.268...] I firmly believe in using what has been scientifically validated [...] but even for me, all the literature on CAM is confusing enough to be crazy-making-and that’s after [p.272] you sort out the marketing hype from the science [p.273...] the bulk of the scientific data, however, suggests [p.275...] scientific evidence indicates it would be safe [p.276...] Dr. Cheryl Grosshans, a recent graduate ofthe naturopathic medical program at Bastyr University who began working with me in has helped me collect, read, and review hundreds of scientific papers on natural medicines for breast cancer [p.282]."

Note: oh how they love to invoke "scien".  A principle ethos of science is transparency.  So, I find it odd that the chapter so opaquely describes naturopathy's HPN central premise and yet claims science, science, science.  Now, the endnotes for the chapter cites: "Pizzorno J, Murray M. Textbook of Natural Medicine. Kenmore, Wash.: Churchill Livingston Press, vol. II, 2000."  That was the earlier edition.

002. what the TNM 3rd edition (2005; ISBN 1455705276)  says about HPN:

"[in a chapter authored by ND Bradley] naturopathic medicine has always identified the Latin expression vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature) as its philosophical linchpin [p.079...] the Principles of Naturopathic Medicine: [#1] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae [...] the foundations of naturopathic medical philosophy are found in vitalism [p.080...] vitalism is a medical philosophy based on observable scientific phenomena [bullshit...] 'vital force,' defense mechanism, or simply 'nature') [p.082...which is] vitalism [p.085...] naturopathic physicians integrate vitalistic therapies [p.086...in a chapter authored by NDs Zeff, Snider and Myers] Dr. Sensenig presented 'Back to the Future: Reintroducing Vitalism as a New Paradigm' [p.030...] the vis medicatrix naturae, the vital force, the healing power of nature [p.034...] many naturopathic modalities can be used to stimulate the overall vital force [p.034...] an entire physiologic system (immune, cardiovascular, detoxification, life force, endocrine, etc.) [p.036]."

Note: so, there you go, some transparency.  HPN is the science-ejected archaicism known as vitalism, a kind of purposeful life-spirit dualistic sectarian belief that is totally scientifically unnecessary to explain ANYTHING but claimed as science by naturopathy.  If so simple a thing cannot be understood, honestly communicated and even properly labeled by NDs, I don't think naturopathic oncology is for me: equating the hugely science-ejected and the actually scientific doesn't sound like a sound basis for someone claiming cancer treatment specialization.

Endless Oxymorony: ND Lee's Live Blood Cell Diagnostic Analysis That is Not a Diagnostic Tool!!!

here, I cite the oxymoronic language used by an Ontario ND who describes his diagnostic-yet-nondiagnostic live blood cell dark-field microscopy sCAM [see 001. and 002., below]:

001. chch.com's Maria Hayes reports in the video "Naturopathic Blood Test Can Help Diagnose Problems" [vsc 2011-07-20]:

"[from the description] if you're serious about preventative medicine, there is a blood screening procedure [that makes it a diagnostic tool] you might want to consider. It's a centuries old concept, that's been given a boost by newer technology. Maria Hayes explains [...] this blood screening process isn't funded by the province. You will have to pay out of pocket, about $150 per test [...and we're told in the video: reporter] this is not your standard blood test [a blood test is a diagnostic tool].  Burlington naturopath Dr. Philip Lee is performing a live blood analysis. [Lee:] This test is really good for a person say they come in they're really healthy, they say they're really healthy.  Cholesterol looks good, sugar looks good, but still tired, 'I'm not sure what's going on with my body.'  [Reporter] Shawn Jones falls into that category: serious about nutrition and improving his health, he turned to Dr. Lee when he experienced unexplained symptoms like bloating and bouts of diarrhea. [Jones] I saw that he was doing live blood analysis.  I'd heard of it before and I knew it was a better way of getting a three dimensional picture of what's actually going on inside you [really!]. [Reporter] The process involves a tiny blood sample being placed under a microscope.  The image is photographed and displayed on screen. In Shawn's case, images from a test in April show oddly shaped red blood cells and indications of excessive parasites in the blood [really!].  Today's images show a significant improvement thanks to a change in his diet.  [Jones] I focused more alkaline, I've added in a lot more sea vegetables, a lot more green juices. I use a lot of medicinal herbs like tonic herbs in my diet to help boost my immune system [powerful stuff!].  [Reporter] Lee says the analysis can show difficiencies in the blood but isn't a diagnostic tool for specific illness.  [Lee] I wouldn't look in the blood and say you have the cancer, like that.  But I would say from the blood cell I can see that you might have low B12 or low in folic acid or low in iron [diagnostic findings due to this diagnostic tool]."

Note: so, the test is claimed in the article's title and description as being DIAGNOSTIC, and then we're told all the ways it is useful to figure things out [diagnosis], and then we're told it isn't a diagnostic tool at all yet it was used for follow-up to measure changes from a course of naturopathic treatment.  This is the height of the big burning stupid: sCAM, so-called complementary and alternative medicine wherein something is both itself and what it is not.  I'm sure the pills behind the ND shown in the video are quite a source of income.  NDs classically pull in half their income from their dispensories.  And the treatment sounds so typically naturopathic.  The supposed parasite KIND isn't mentioned.

002. at his own web page, the video's Lee, P.K.L. (ND CCNM) states:

002.a. in "Live Blood Cell Analysis" [vsc 2011-07-20]:

"in live blood analysis, a small drop of blood is taken from the fingertip and placed on a slide under a dark-field microscope [...] we can observe the blood in its natural terrain environment [yeah, because blood lives on glass usually!...and] generally through live blood microscopy, we can determine [such is diagnosis!]: 

sluggish immune system, liver, heart and pancreas stress, nutritional status [...] possibilities of parasites / candida, digestive issues, atherosclerotic predisposition, toxicity and pH imbalances, signs of excess free radical and oxidative damage, predisposition to chronic and degenerative disease [...] this test may be of value in the early assessment of: any health problem of unknown cause, chronic fatigue syndrome, compromised immunity, cardiovascular or stroke family history, anemia, yeast related health issue [sounds like the reading of tea leaves if ever!...yet]

live blood screening with microscopy is not a diagnostic procedure [...but] it can often point you in a direction to take for further diagnostic testing [it's nondiagnostic in that diagnostic kind of way!...and] is indicated for anyone that would like preventative medicine [...] it is also particularly useful in tracking patient's response over time to their treatments indicating at the earliest moment a need to change their medication or therapy [...] we can watch over time how a patient is responding to their treatment [...] the cost of the live blood cell microscopy is $150."

Note: so, diagnostically speaking, dark-field live blood cell analysis is claimed to be a VERY USEFUL tool while, at the same time, it is stated as NOT DIAGNOSTIC.  This is a microcosm of naturopathic absurdity, if ever: an endless oxymorony.  The ND also does  mistletoe injections .  Quackwatch has demolished this pseudodiagnostic, by the way.  And so has Science-Based Medicine, which states:

"live blood analysis [...] is more akin to high tech reading of tea leaves or the entrails of [a] pig to divine the future. It is the cargo cult of quackery [sCAM!], with the trappings of science but none of the substance."

perfect for naturopathyland.

An Appendix Revamped!!! And a Highlight Therein of the Science Claims of NDs Dick-Kronenberg and Potenza

here, I briefly describe an update that I've done to a Naturocrit appendix [see 001., below]; then, I detail one particular new addition to that appendix [see 002., below]:

001. the Naturocrit appendix I.05.d.:

is a compilation of the 'science claims' of CAND- and AANP-type NDs / NMDs whose names begin with 'D'.  My main interest is to search such naturopaths' web pages particularly for usage of the root "scien" and its etymologic versions. 

after a few weeks of research, pages have been further archived as video screen captures and biographies have been added wherever possible.  I am particularly pleased with finding the  "scien" usage of the practice I highlight below, which I've lifted directly from I.05.d.  The post's publication date has been changed as well, from 2007 to 2011.

002. Dick-Kronenberg, L. (ND NCNM 1990), Potenza, C. (ND Bastyr 2002) state:

.

[for bio.s, click here, http://www.windroseclinic.com/staff.html]

.

i.

.

[in "Windrose Naturopathic Clinic - Child Intake"]

.

"the naturopathic community is continually interested in furthering the goal of naturopathic medicine through scientific investigations and research";

.

(click here,

http://windroseclinic.com/forms/ChildIntake.pdf)[]

.

ii.

.

[in 'homepage']

.

"naturopathic physicians [...blend] the best of modern medical science and traditional natural medical approaches [...] our doctors here at the Windrose Naturopathic Clinic combine the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science";

.

(click here,

http://www.windroseclinic.com/)[]

.

iii.

.

[hosts "Thermography: A Preventative Screening Tool for Breast Health" by ND Horowitz]

.

"thermography is the medical science";

.

(click here,

http://www.windroseclinic.com/Thermography.pdf)[]

.

iv.

.

[in "Windrose Digital Thermal Imaging Center"]

.

"Dr. Kane teaches doctors worldwide on the science and interpretation of thermal imaging";

.

(click here,

http://windroseclinic.com/forms/ThermoForms.pdf)[]

.

v.

.

[in "Homeopathy"]

.

"homeopathy is a scientific application";

.

(click here,

http://www.windroseclinic.com/homeopathy.html)[vsc 2011-07-10]

.

vi.

.

[in "Intake"]

.

"naturopathy is founded in scientific principles [...] homeopathy is a scientific application [...] the naturopathic community is continually interested in furthering the goal of naturopathic medicine through scientific investigations and research";

.

(click here,

http://windroseclinic.com/forms/Intake.pdf)[vsc 2011-07-10]

.

vii.

.

[in "Patient Manual"]

.

"naturopathy is founded in scientific principles [...] homeopathy is a scientific application";

.

(click here,

http://www.windroseclinic.com/images/Patient_Manual_Web.pdf)[vsc 2011-07-10]

.

Note: science, science, science.

Naturopaths, Their Perhaps NonHomeopathic hCG Diet, and Some PalMD Wisdom on Truly Homeopathic and NonHomeopathic hCG Fraud

here, I list three NDs / NMDs who engage in commerce by selling the service of 'the hCG diet', according to their web pages [see 001., below]; then, I excerpt from a recent Scientopia.org post by PalMD on 'the hCG diet matter' [see 002., below]:

001. a google.com search with the parameter "naturopathic hCG diet" [without the external quotes] produces these first-page hits (2011-07-15):

001.a. Toghyani, J. (ND SCNM) who states in "HCG Diet -- Frequently Asked Questions" [vsc 2011-07-15]:

"attempting to go on a low calorie diet without the use of HCG will actually cause permanent harm to the body and to your health! [...] the dosage is almost considered homeopathic – really minimal, and no side effects have been reported yet. If anything, side effects might include: brittle fingernails becoming strong and normal; high blood pressure might normalize; blood sugar might normalize; high cholesterol might come back down to normal; skin tone might be better and stronger, depression and arthritis symptoms might lessen or disappear; and you might have to spend a lot of money to change your wardrobe completely! :0)."

Note: cute promises, with cute little sign-off graphics as well.  hCG is being posed as quite the panacea here.  It sounds to me that the dosage is PHYSICALLY ACTUAL since the doctor states it is "almost considered homeopathic".  If it were TRULY homeopathic, there'd be TRULY NOTHING in it.  Which is it?  Present or absent?  There's a sliminess to this description provided, a quasi-ness.

001.b. Smith, G.L. (NMD SCNM) who states in "HCG Promotes Safe Healthy Weight Loss" [vsc 2011-07-15]:

"hCG diet shots for weight loss [yes, INJECTIONS...] the amount differences between the hCG diet protocol and hCG used for fertility purposes is significantly different in quantity [...] important notice: HCG is not approved by the FDA to aid in weight loss. [Yet!!!] HCG for the use of a weight loss aid, is an alternative forms of treatment. The FDA has not determined it to have sufficient evidence to indicate that HCG is effective as a weight loss aid. However, thousands of people all over the world have safely and successfully lost weight with the assistance of HCG [efficacy claim]. Dr. Smith will have the final say on who may and who may not qualify for HCG. Please call for details."

Note: there is no mention as to HOW LOW the dosage is.  It seems again PHYSICALLY ACTUAL.  The FDA nonapproval is interesting: isn't this then a nonapproved human drug trial?  There are huge ethical issues therein.  First and foremost, are the test subjects properly being protected and are they wholly consenting in a wholly actually informed manner?   The lack of "sufficient evidence" hasn't stopped naturopathy from practicing whatever it wants, in my view.  In fact, they even falsely label the hugely non-efficacious as efficacious without penalty.

001.c. Purcell, A. (ND SCNM) who states in "HCG Diet Frequently Asked Questions" [vsc 2011-07-15]:

"although HCG is associated with pregnancy, it can safely be used by both men and women that are looking to get their weight under control [...] HCG has been found to have a positive response in cancer treatment by inducing cancer cell death, inhibiting cell proliferation, turning on tumor suppressing genes and promoting DNA repair, stay tuned as more research is conducted on this amazing hormone [...] researchers have found that HCG can actually help the body burn more fat [...] at Portal To Healing, our HCG program is 30 days long. Usually this is enough for the patient to reach their goals, however, if a weight reduction greater than 10% of their body weight is desired, the patient can continue HCG for an additional 10 days [...] research suggests a small, daily HCG injection (approximately 125IU to 150IU) results in a weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per day, and often more, when accompanied by a low calorie diet of approximately 500 calories [...] HCG dieters lose 1 to 2 lbs or fat or more per day [...] HCG injections [...] for weight loss are administered using a very fine needle and are virtually painless."

Note: so, again, this sounds like ACTUAL HCG.  And of course a lot of promises are made.  Cancer?  Really?  Is it even possible to burn that much FAT in a day?  Particularly when the article mentions how LITTLE physical activity is required.  Seems absurd.

002. PalMD writes in "The 'hCG diet': A Fraud Literally Without Substance" (2011-07-14):

"hCG has made a spectacular return as a diet fad [...] back in the 1950s [...] British endocrinologist [...] ATW Simeons had an idea [...that] hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) could help people lose weight without feeling hungry [...] several studies in the 1970s effectively discredited his work [...] not only does it not aid in weight loss, but as an active hormone, it may have other unintended effects [...like] tumor formation or growth [...] but in the 90's, famous shill and convicted felon Kevin Trudeau published a book that helped revive the hCG diet craze [...] put yourself in the shoes of a convicted felon like Kevin Trudeau: you want to continue to sell a weight loss scam, but you want to avoid getting sued if you happen to cause a tumor.  How can you still market the hCG diet without the hCG?  Homeopathy! [...wherein] fake drugs [are legally allowed] to be sold as real drugs [...] homeopathic dilution[s] of hCG [...have] no hCG [...it's just] water [...] hCG does not contribute to weight loss, and ultra-dilute hCG isn't even real --- there is no hCG in it.  It's all, in my opinion, more fraud."

Note: tell it to them, brother. So, when is the "effectively discredited" -- whether homeopathic or actually physically present -- claimed as a miracle panacea?  Naturopathyland. 

003. so, I wonder:

is this usage by naturopaths of hCG unapproved human experimentation?  It doesn't seem homeopathic mainly but could be homeopathic in some instances.  Either way, NDs/NMDs apparently find hCG WONDERFUL.  They also seem quite unaware of the experimental nature or even the fraudulent nature, depending on the type of hCG being used, and the legal consequences of such activity!!!

Mullin's 2011 "Integrative Gastroenterology" -- ISBN 0195371100 9780195371109 -- and Naturopathy's EM Vitalism via ND Pizzorno aka Old "Science-Based" Joe

here, I cite from the Oxford University Press 'just published' and MD Mullin edited "Integrative Gastroenterology" particularly regarding so-called 'energy medicine' and the naturopathy chapter by ND Pizzorno [see 001., below]; then, I cite from ND Pizzorno's own web page science-expert self-labeling and from his alma mater NCNM [see 002., below]:

001. editor Gerard Mullin MD's "Integrative Gastroenterology" (ISBN 0195371100 9780195371109; 2011) [my comments are in bold; a portion of this book is available for viewing at books.google.com and amazon.com]:

001.a. has a "Chapter 21 - Naturopathic Medicine and Digestion" by Pizzorno, J.E. (ND NCNM 1975) wherein Old "Science-Based" Joe states:

"naturopathic medicine prioritizes supporting the body's innate healing processes [p.205...and NDs are] armed with a strong belief in the inherent ability of the body to heal [p.206...]";

coded vitalism ALERT!  Much more of a BELIEF in the beliefy kind of manner than immediately indicated!

"naturopathic medicine is a distinct system [p.205...]";

naturopathy's DISTINCTIVITY is one of their more hilariously irrational claims:

A) look at ND Pizzorno's alma mater NCNM [more will happen in 002., below] which states on the current page "Frequently Asked Questions" [saved 2011-07-13]: 

"naturopathic physicians craft comprehensive treatment plans that blend [etc.]."

so, in REALITY, you get the oxymorony of 'the blended distinct', which to me sounds not-very-distinct.

B) search the web with google.com and the parameters "naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that blends" [outside quotes removed] and you'll get quite a preponderance.

"naturopathic medicine [...is] a way of thinking about life, health and disease [...] it is defined [...] by the philosophical principles that guide the practitioner [p.205...] seven concepts provide the foundation that defines naturopathic medicine [...] as a guide to developing a curative relationship with patients [...#1] the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae) [p.206...]";

and that's all you are told about #1.  No matter, I've quite a collection that preponderantly illuminates this here-coded expression as the vitalistic essential premise of naturopathy.  And truly, the vitalistic context does mean that naturopathy thinks about life, health and disease through that vitalistic lens.  They'd usually rather not broadcast that, though.

"[and speaks of] the scholarly discussion of naturopathic clinical theory [p.206...]";

oh how I wish NDs / NMDs had academic / scholarly integrity when it comes to their contents [theory is being too generous, in the scientific sense of the word] and actual science!

"[NDs are] a unique group of professionals [...and ND Pizzorno writes of] the profession [p.206...] naturopathy became a formal profession in the United States after its founding by Benedict Lust, in 1896 [p.207]";

and they insist PROFESSION PROFESSION PROFESSION.  There are actual characteristics of formal professions!  In my view, naturopathy's false labeling, irrationality, and opacity EXCLUDE it from being professional and even from meeting the lower bar of fair commerce!  After all, what kind of business or profession for that matter falsely labels the science-ejected IN A HUMONGOUS WAY.........science anyway?  Science is a distinct kind of knowledge, yet naturopathy seeks to blend in a whole bunch of junk with science and instead of simply calling it all now-not-science but a muddle, they insists that such blended knowledge is distinctly science anyway.

"the disease-centric approach of conventional medicine [p.206...]";

and there we go, a straw-man representation of modern medicine.  This is such a bad representation of modern medicine that ND Pizzorno should be ASHAMED.

"7 naturopathic guidelines [...#2] stimulate the vital force [p.206...]";

and there you go,  the Full Monty! Ye old archaic science-ejected vitalistic context which defines 'the naturopathic'.  The book has much more to say about such vitalism / so-called energy medicine [EM; see 001.b., below].

001.b. has a "Chapter 15 - Energy Medicine and Gastrointestinal Disorders" by Ann Marie Chiasson, MD who states:

"there is an underlying energy body within the physical body that affects health [p.156...]";

this is, of course, an article of faith.  There is no evidence for such, and no need for such to explain how the body actually works.  What this is really is supernatural spiritism and metaphysics hidden by scientific words like "energy".

"there is no evidence for or against energy medicine [p.156...]";

bullshit.  I'd argue that science, as an aggregate, has DISCARDED the supernatural / spiritualistic / metaphysical that is truly the subject here and therefore there is HUGE non-evidence for it.  Since things are so well-explained parsimoniously without such, the burden is upon the claimant to provide such evidence, and justify this nonessential belief's necessity. 

"energy medicine is a newer term [many might say New Age term] coined to refer to healing modalities that work with the underlying energy or vital force of the body [...aka] energy body, biofield or subtle energy [p.156...] a subtle form of energy [...aka] 'qi [...] ki [...] doshas [...] prana, etheric energy, fohat, orgone, odic force, mana, and homeopathic resonance' [...this is] a resurgence of 'vitalism' or the belief [I'll say] that an underlying vital force exists in the body and is central to health [...] Mesmer [...] called it magnetism [...aka] the putative field [...] the resurgence of energy medicine is actually an integration of prior views of health and healing [p.157...]";

ah, so there we go, a rogues gallery of vitalism around the globe and for the last few centuries.  I think the devolution aspect of "integrative medicine" can be seen here, wherein science-ejected archaicisms are re-injected into medicine for no reason other than that the practitioner likes certain articles of faith and believes such figmentations are relative to human biology.  There's also a huge conflation between objective / mutual reality and subjective / individual imaginings here. 

"the belief in an underlying vital force or subtle body [...that] underlying energy of the body [...is] alternately characterized as spiritual healing [p.158...]";

and there you go, unmasked.  All this energy and electromagnetic talk is really camouflage for 'ye old spiritual blankety blank'.

"common energy medicine techniques [...include] acupuncture [...] healing touch [...] homeopathy [...] joh rei [...] polarity therapy [...] qi gong [...] reiki [...] sound therapy [...] tai chi [...] therapeutic touch [...] yoga [...] zero balancing [p.158...]";

sure.

"EM techniques arise from the ancient concept of a primary vital force within the body affecting the health of the physical body [p.163]."

ah, so in a nutshell, a definition that shows vital force is archaic. It is also an article of science-ejected faith / figmentation.

Note: her web page "Services" states:

"Dr. Chiasson is pleased to offer integrative medicine consultations [...for] $400.00 [...and] energy medicine treatments  [...for] $125.00 [...] energy medicine works with a model of illness that addresses the electromagnetic field (or energy field) that underlies the organs and physical structure of the body [...] energy  medicine  incorporates  hands  on healing and other techniques that change, stimulate, add or shift the underlying energy that is associated with the disease process."

you really have to wonder what happened to an MD who studied ACTUAL science and 'things of immediate evidence' to practice medicine, and then got into all this figmentatious masked-spiritualism vitalistic babble while masquerading the whole supernatural and superstitious thing with the quite inappropriate scientific language of "energy" and "electromagnetic" and "field" and even "force".

002. Old "Science-Based" Joe and his alma mater NCNM:

002.a. ND Pizzorno:

is famous at Naturocrit for his self-labeling "one of the world's leading authorities on science-based natural medicine."  Specifically, he is talking about naturopathy and its contents.  Armed only with an ND [no PhD of a science variety and no apparent scientific activity of the 'hands-on active scientist' kind] Old "Science-Based" Joe is a self-made expert of science who isn't a scientist in the professional sense.

002.b. NCNM:

is his alma mater, and that is the institution that credentialed him academically.  It is interesting to see that at NCNM, science includes what is hugely not science.  But, I guess you'd incorrectly be labeling nonscience as science your whole career as Old "Science-Based" Joe has done if your origination educational institution had that very same approach.

003. in sum, the book:

shows naturopathy's vitalistic / EM / masked spiritistic requisite premise and how integrative medicine [IM] isn't about any NEW IN-EVIDENCE methods and ideas that are in any sense immediately medically necessary, but is instead a RETROGRADE DEVOLUTION to centuries-ago science-ejected superstitions, ideas, methods and claims then MIXED with current modern medical science and earnestly claimed NECESSARY MEDICALLY.

and there isn't much hesitation, in the IM and naturopathic realms, toward falsely labeling the big knowledge jumble all specifically "science-based".

Naturopath's Blood Type Diet Not Scientifically Supported

Nan Allison writes in "Ask an Expert: Get your answers on blood type diet, HPV: Science Doesn't Support Diet Based on Blood Type" [saved 2011-07-12]:

"[Q:] there’s a book out that’s called something like 'Eat for Your Blood Type.' Is there any scientific evidence that this works? [...A:] Eat Right for Your Type by Peter J. D’Adamo, a naturopathic doctor, is based on his theory that the right diet for your blood type [...] his theory has never been tested [...] the science is not there to support it the author claims that a person may lose weight from following the right blood type diet [...due to] the 'toxins' [that] are stored in fat tissue [...] there is no research to back the author's claims."

the Absurd Science-Based Qi of ND Dugoua

here, I highlight quite the contradiction / irrationality -- which in itself is a microcosm of naturopathic absurdity -- WRONGLY using knowledge-type labels [see 001. and 002., below]:

001. Dugoua, J.J. (ND CCNM) states:

001.a. in "Biography Of Naturopathic Doctor Jean-Jacques Dugoua" [vsc 2011-07-11]:

"I practice science-based medicine [...] Dr. JJ combines naturopathic medicine, clinical nutrition, evidence-based medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, detoxification, mesotherapy and intravenous (IV) therapies in his treatments."

Note: that's quite a list of supposedly science-based stuff, including the highly science-ejected HOMEOPATHIC and naturopathy's detox falsehood / chemicals phobia.  I think the claim is science-based subset 'all this stuff I do'.  But how can something be within a group it is exterior to?

001.b. in "Practice" [vsc 2011-07-11]:

"qi: the theory of the channels is fundamental to the understanding of acupuncture. There are 365 mapped acupuncture points along the 12 major channels, as well as over a thousand extra points found on the hand, ear and scalp. Qi [...] is the energy moved through the channels and the movement of qi helps to balance yin and yang, balance an excess or deficiency in the body, and nourish the internal organs [...and is used for] 

irregular periods, painful periods and PMS, infertility, headaches (tension and migraine), stress, back pain, constipation, menopause, insomnia, allergies and sinusitis, asthma, chronic pain, erectile dysfunction, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, shingles, tinnitus, urinary tract infection, musculoskeletal problems."

Note: wow, quite the all-purpose therapy.  Yet, qi does not exist, nor do the channels or points.  In science, energy actually has quantity, it is not a figmentation!

002. it is incorrect:

to label homeopathy and qi, for starters, as within science.  But, that's what naturopathyland does.  And engauges in commerce based on such WRONG labelings as 'the science-based science-exterior'!

'Science Subset Naturopathy-Homeopathy-Therapeutic Touch' -- Griffin Hospital's Integrative Junk Thought / Nonsense

here, I cite from the web pages of Griffin Hospital [see 001., below]; then, from scientific criticism of what Griffin has falsely termed 'scientific' [see 002., below]:

001. Griffin Hospital’s Integrative Medical Center states:

001.a. in "Frequently Asked Questions" [vsc 2011-07-07]:

"naturopathic medicine [...] treats with safe and effective natural therapeutics [...including] homeopathy [...NDs have studied] the basic medical sciences."

Note: science has thoroughly refuted homeopathy, strangely enough.  It is not only not effective, it is not considered worthwhile to investigate due to what already has been done and its absurdity / lack of plausibility.  I think the claim here is science subset naturopathic medicine subset homeopathy.   Such is false, but it gets better below.

001.b. in "Patient Evaluations" [vsc 2011-07-07]:

"a scientific paper describing our model of care is available here [...] treatment approaches available at the IMC include [...] naturopathic medicine [NM...] therapeutic touch [and] homeopathy."

Note: wow, there's some seriously mislabeled WOO.  I think the claim here is scientific subset 'what we do'.  I'll get down to brass tacks in the next subsection regarding the NM.

001.c. in "The Integrative Medicine Center Team" [saved 2011-07-07]:

"Lisa Rosenberger, ND, MS, LAc -- staff naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist [...] a graduate of the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon [...] her areas of specialty are drainage therapies [and] homeopathy."

Note: now, I LOVE NCNM NDs!!!  You get an idea of the sectarian conflation of knowledge types at NCNM, wherein science is claimed to contain what science has hugely ejected for several decades.  Conflation and integration lead to NONSENSE and IRRATIONALITY, by modern medical standards.  Drainage therapy is a form of homeopathy - UNDA.

001.d. in "Connecticut’s Integrative Medicine Center Offers a New Conventional Medicine Model: An Interview With David L. Katz, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACP, and Ather Ali, ND, MPH" (from Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, vol. 7, no. 1, Feb/Mar 2008):

"we offer [...] alternative therapies such as general naturopathic care [...] homeopathy [...] therapeutic touch [...] our current resident has strong interests in classical homeopathy [...they treat by means of] herb, drug, nutritional supplement, homeopathic remedy, or a combination  [...] we gave him a homeopathic remedy [...] the graduates of our resident program [...] are practitioners trained in naturopathic medicine [...and] understand science [...] I was interested in developing a model that was in equal parts responsive to the needs of patients and responsible about the use of scientific evidence [...] scientific evidence is important [...] we need more science. We need more evidence."

Note:  ah, the STRIDENT call for science and claim of is quite IRONIC.  When someone has an ND like from say NCNM where science and nonscience are equated, hmmmmm.  I don't think science is therein understood.  Abused, yes.  Understood, no.

002. science says that these therapies and worldviews are bunk:

homeopathy,

therapeutic touch,

naturopathy's essential vitalistic premise:

"mainstream science has rejected vitalism since at least the 1930s, for a plethora of good reasons that have only become stronger with time."

you can find such vitalism on the Griffin Hospital site, too.

Swedish Skeptic Astronaut Overdoses on Homeopathic Sleeping Pills, Feels Fine

Clara Guibourg reports in thelocal.se article "Fuglesang Survives Homeopathic Pill Overdose"(2011-07-07):

"[in] an effort to get the inefficiency of homeopathic medicine [...] a group from a Swedish science organization, with astronaut Christer Fuglesang in the lead, took an overdose of sleeping pills [...] Thursday afternoon [...] ten times the recommended dose of homeopathic sleeping pill coffea alfaplex [...] 'I feel just fine. I guess I feel neither better nor worse than just before taking this overdose' [...] 'we're risking our lives for science,' wrote Fuglesang in an opinion piece for newspaper Svenska Dagbladet, signed by the organization Vetenskap och Folkbildning (VoF) , a non-profit organization working towards promoting popular science education, and discrediting false science [aka pseudoscience...] 'we expect Swedish politicians to rethink their stand on alternative medicine's use in healthcare' [...] 'we hope the use of homeopathy will cease, seeing as how it's pure humbug. And above all, the state and country councils should not stand behind such humbug'."

Note: since the pills are inert, of course nothing happened.  Naturopaths, of course, claim homeopathy is a clinical science on their North American licensure exam, and they are HIGHLY FUNDED by homeopathy companies.