naturocrit

Huge Naturopathic Science Claim: 2012's "Textbook of Natural Medicine 4th Edition" (ISBN 1437723330 , 9781437723335 )

2012-01-31T20:45:00.004-05:00

here, I cite from the product descriptions at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble for the future edition of naturopathy's "Textbook of Natural Medicine" which has been so rife with NATUROPATHILLOGICALITY in earlier editions that, really, I'm salivating thinking of what further absurdity / irrationality has been conjured up:

001. Amazon.com states in "Textbook of Natural Medicine, 4e [Hardcover]" (ISBN 1437723330 , 9781437723335 ) [vsc 2012-01-31]:

"more than 10,000 research literature citations show that the content is based on science rather than opinions or anecdotes [...] coverage of the philosophy of natural medicine includes its history and background, with discussions of toxicity, detoxification, and scientific documentation of the healing actions of nature and natural substances [...] a scientific presentation [that] includes the science behind concepts and treatments [...] a comprehensive, scientific treatment plan [...] evidence-based coverage of diseases and conditions to help you make accurate diagnoses and provide effective therapy [...] in-depth, evidence-based coverage of 73 diseases and conditions includes key diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology of diseases, and therapeutic rationales [...] diagnostic procedures include practical, easy-to-follow descriptions of evidence-based techniques";

Note: science, science, science. And, of course, within all this, are naturopathy's "common therapeutic modalities [...like] acupuncture, homeopathy." I have the book on preorder for May. Looking forward to exposing MORE of the naturopathic nonsense that is so ABUNDANT within the second and third editions of this book.

002. Barnes and Noble states in "Textbook of Natural Medicine / Edition 4" [vsc 2012-01-31]:

"covers in-depth, evidence-based natural medicine approaches [...like] ayurveda [...] colon therapy [...] homeopathy [...and speaks of the] scientific basis of acupuncture";

Note: the publisher is, we're specifically told, "Elsevier Health Sciences."

Changelog 2012-01-28

2012-01-29T07:02:00.000-05:00

here, I summarize this week's additions to my public naturopathy database. I've also decided to link to an ND's video each changelog, to quote from, and to tag the video in some detail:

001. added:

the vitalism of:

NDs Henson and Panych to Appendix B.05.i.c.02.,

ND Hughes to Appendix B.05.i.c.03.,

ND Camilleri to Appendix B.05.i.bb01.,

ND Cheng-Kai-On and ND Kim to Appendix B.05.i.bb02.;

the science claims of:

ND Ingels to Appendix I.05.h.,

ND Zampieron to Appendix I.05.p.;

the 'vitalism is science-ejected' claim of:

Kwok, S. to Appendix C.06.c.;

the 'naturopathy is pseudoscience and quackery' claim of:

telegraph.co.uk to Appendix K.07.,

melbourneweekly.com.au to Appendix K.07.,

medscape.com to Appendix K.07.;

002. video of the week link [not to pun]:

ND Hughes of British Columbia, Canada.
.

(for a bio., click here, http://www.mapleridge-naturopathic.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=69&Itemid=97).

.[not sure why blogger isn't working with the embed code below]
.

#meridiancharts #intravenous #supplements #annecdotes #naturopathicphysician#rheumatology #phlebotomy #holistic #primarycare #chakracharts #balance #mindbodymedicine#stress #mentalemotionalcausesofdisease #sphgmomanometer #stethoscope #doctorasteacher #answertoallills #idealism #emptypromises

(from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaYH-pt5D0U)[vsc 2012-01-27]

his most disturbing promise: "my job is to allow people to be their own best doctors so they can be healthy for the rest of their lives"

[quite a promise! implied: you got sick not because this ND didn't have the answers, but because you didn't learn from my teachings and do the right things. Reality: the body fails, eventually, of a specific illness / failure of function].

(for his list of the diseases he treats, click here, http://www.mapleridge-naturopathic.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=82)

(for his claim of homeopathy efficacy, click here, http://www.mapleridge-naturopathic.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=89)

Changelog 2012-01-22

2012-01-22T01:00:00.000-05:00

added the vitalism of:

ND Mead to Appendix B.05.i.d.03.,

added biographical links to Appendix B.05.i.d.03.,

ND Mercer and ND O'Brien to Appendix B.05.i.d.03.,

ND Haynes & ND Penney & ND Pierceto Appendix B.05.i.c.02.,

ND Hornyak to Appendix B.05.i.c.03.,

ND Vojtisek to Appendix B.05.i.L.,

the journal Naturopathic Doctor News & Review to Appendix B.04.b.;

added the science claims of:

ND Ney to Appendix I.05.L.,

ND Nguyen, R.H. to Appendix I.05.L.,

ND Vuksinic to Appendix I.05.p.,

ND Vacher to Appendix I.05.p.,

ND von Schneidau to Appendix I.05.p.,

ND Vagias to Appendix I.05.p.;

Pennsylvania Naturopathy's HB 1717 Naturopathic Licensure - Take Action Now 2012

2012-01-20T14:54:00.003-05:00

here, I quote from a recent email I got from the AANP ND organization in Pennsylvania [see 001., below]; then, some ND examples from PA [see 002., below]:

001. PANP tells me in an email titled "Support HB 1717 Naturopathic Licensure in PA" (2012-01-18):

"all Pennsylvanians deserve access to safe, responsible, qualified healthcare providers. Let your legislators know that you feel it is important to license naturopathic physicians this year! We will need you to sign and ask as many Pennsylvanians as you know to do so as well. There is a public hearing Thursday January 19 in the licensure committee on this bill. Thanks in advance for your help!"

Note: the irony is killing me. Hmmm. Seems like they believe that licensure of NDs leads to GOOD things.

002. PANP examples [the bad things that NDs do, really] / PANP state in:

002.a. "Naturopathic Principles" [vsc 2010-07-26]:

"naturopathic medicine is a [...] science [...] naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles which underlie and determine its practice. These principles are based upon the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances [...] naturopathic doctors [...] diverse techniques include [...] scientific and empirical methods."

Note: such a science, science, science claim upon the naturopathic domain!!!

002.b. "What is Naturopathic Medicine?" [vsc 2012-01-20]:

"[a page with the root 'scien' on it three times'] many illnesses, both acute and chronic, can be effectively treated using natural techniques, some of which may include [...] homeopathy is a powerful system of medicine that is more than 200 years old. This medical system uses highly diluted substances to cure illness. Homeopathic remedies act to enhance the body's innate immune response."

Note: wow, homeopathy!

003. in sum:

I have often stated that licensure of naturopathy leads to licensed falsehood. This idea of science subset naturopathy subset homeopathy is absurd. Science has truly annihilated homeopathy as efficacious. But, in licensing naturopathy, what happens is:

"science" can be the science-ejected, the inert is now powerful [homeopathy as an example], truth is now falsehood, what is "safe, responsible and qualified" is now bogus, predatory, and whackaloon.

It would be very interesting to contact who is sponsoring the bill. Take action!!!

The 2012 Excellent Demise of UK Naturopathy, and My Ten Year US Anniversary

2012-01-19T15:13:00.001-05:00

here, I cite from reports of the annihilation of public funding for UK naturopathy pseudoscience education [see 001., below]; and then, I recount my personal US naturopathy experience here in Connecticut, a land of licensed falsehood [see 002., below]:

001. UK funding for 'science degrees in the naturopathic' has ended, as reported:

001.a. by Lars Bevanger at Deutsche Welle in "UK Universities Drop Alternative Medicine Degree Programs" [vsc 2012-01-19](2012-01-18) which states:

"as of just a few years ago, there were 45 different degree possibilities across UK universities in what nearly all mainstream scientists would call pseudoscience like homeopathy, naturopathy and reflexology [...] starting this year, it will no longer be possible to receive a degree from a publicly-funded British university in areas of 'alternative medicine,' including homeopathy, naturopathy, and reflexology [...] until last year, students at Salford University in Manchester could take a bachelor of science degree in homeopathy, Chinese medicine or acupuncture - all disciplines regarded as non-scientific in the wider science community [...and as] 'quackery' [...] last year, both the British and German governments called for a halt to public funding of homeopathy [...] nearly all scientists dismiss this and other alternative medicines like acupuncture and chiropractic as unscientific [...] 'they're dishonest, they teach things that aren't true, and things that are dangerous to patients in some cases,' said David Colquhoun, professor of pharmacology at University College London, who has led the charge to shut down these programs [...] 'there'd be nothing wrong with teaching about acupuncture or chiropractic or homeopathy as quaint things that people used to believe before we knew better,' he said. 'But these are being taught to kids so that they can go out and treat patients as though if it was all true. And this is a terrible situation for a university to be in' [TRULY!...] five years ago, he started campaigning to close what he calls university courses in 'quackery.' Since then, 21 out of a total of 45 courses across six UK universities have been shut down [...] the overwhelming majority of such treatments have not shown that they actually work' [...] said Edzard Ernst, a [former] professor of complimentary medicine at the University of Exeter [...] 'homeopathy has to be taught in such a way that nobody would ever dream of practicing homeopathy because it is not supported by clinical evidence - and therefore academically speaking you cannot support it'."

Note: excellent. Meanwhile, in the Dodge City / Wild West region known as North America, the naturopathy apparatus -- engaging in what I call licensed falsehood, unfair trade, and mindfucking -- quite blatantly uses labels such as 'homeopathy is a clinical science that is powerful' and 'naturopathy is science based' and 'reflexology is a science'.

002.b. by David Colquhoun actual, in "The Demise of Quackademia: Progress in the Last 5 Years Leaves Michael Driscoll and Geoffrey Petts Isolated" (2012-01-01) which states:

"if you try to put science into homeopathy or naturopathy, the whole subject vanishes in a puff of smoke [agreed!!!...] since writing about [such] anti-scientific degrees in Nature (March 2007), much has been revealed about the nonsense that is taught on these degrees [...] degrees in homeopathy, naturopathy and 'nutritional therapy', reflexology and aromatherapy have vanished altogether from UCAS [...] for many years, Westminster was the biggest supplier of BSc degrees in quackery. [E.g.] at the beginning of 2007 they offered 14 different BSc degrees in homeopathy, naturopathy, nutritional therapy, 'complementary therapies', (western) herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine with acupuncture."

Note: again, excellent.

002. well, an anniversary of sorts:

002.a. a recounting, from Rob Cullen actual:

in the mid 1990s, I'd read the literature of the naturopathy colleges here in the US and began working on prerequisites to attend [sent by USPS, by the way]. They used and still use such labels upon naturopathy as "science-based" and 'same scientific foundation' and 'not a belief system'. I began attending the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 -- which they MARKET as within a "science" division -- and stayed in that program until 2002. Along the way, I got to know the 'essentially naturopathic' and found it ethically heinous. Particularly, naturopathy requires homeopathy to graduate and for its licensure exam and QUITE FALSELY labels homeopathy "science". So, I stopped the program and I can honestly say this: what a pile of bullshit. I never took the naturopathy oath, I never gained my ND, and never sat for that so false piece of crap called the NPLEX. Derailed, I decided to publicise what I knew about naturopathy and this continues to this day. I'm sad that the UK has such higher science standards than the US. I'm also sad that student rights do not exist in the US. I've watched the North American naturopathy racket grow, instead, and victimize people more and more with its academic and clinical false commerce. I see I was right, back in 2002, with 10 years of distance and these great developments from the UK. Of course, what I'm recounting in this blog isn't merely my opinion: it is directly stated most often in the words of the naturopathillogicalists [trademark Rob Cullen], and top-tier scientists. Where is the legislation to protect the public from such sectarian predation? And to compensate the harmed who are victimized financially and whatnot by crap-that-pretends-not-to-be-crap? My whistle-blowing will continue.

The Applied Kinesiology of NUHS.edu 2012

2012-01-16T14:01:00.000-05:00

here, I detail the bunk diagnostic known as applied kinesiology [AK] at National University of Health Sciences [NUHS]:

001. at NUHS, we're told:

001.a. in "Clubs and Organizations" [vsc 2012-01-16]:

"professional development and networking practice your skills with [...the] Applied Kinesiology Club [...] to contact a club or for more information, call the Office of Student Services at 630-889-6541 or email studentservices@nuhs.edu";

001.b. "Bulletin 2011-2012" [vsc 2012-01-16]:

"activities and organizations [...] Applied Kinesiology Club [...] Elective Course Descriptions [...] EL1100 Applied Kinesiology: A Survey Course Credits 1.0 This survey course focuses on the procedures used in the practice of, and its relationship to health care outcomes of Applied Kinesiology (AK). Students will also explore the literature involved in AK in order to broaden their understanding of the issues in the field. Students will be exposed to the history of AK and to the description of mechanics of neurology. This material will be presented in discussion and lecture. Prerequisite: None";

Note: and in that school catalog, the root "scien" occurs 691 times!

001.c. in "About Us - Our Faculty" [vsc 2012-01-16]:

"Terese Black, DC [...] is certified in acupuncture and applied kinesiology";

002. the National Applied Kinesiology Club web page states [their Facebook page is here]:

002.a. in "National Applied Kinesiology Club: What is AK?" [vsc 2012-01-16]:

"applied kinesiology (AK) is a form of diagnosis using muscle testing as a primary feedback mechanism to examine how a person's body is functioning. When properly applied, the outcome of an AK diagnosis will determine the best form of therapy for the patient [...] AK draws together the core elements of many complementary therapies [...like] joint manipulation or mobilization [...] myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian therapy, clinical nutrition, dietary management and various reflex procedures [...] the determination of your need for dietary supplements requires knowledge of your symptoms along with an examination for known physical signs of imbalances and a dietary history. Blood, urine, saliva or stool analyses may be added [...] it takes hundreds of hours of study and years of practice to perfect the multitude of diagnostic techniques that have been developed in AK [...] applied kinesiology is only taught to persons licensed to diagnose in the health care field [...] the International College of Applied Kinesiology and the courses offered by the College are only open to those individuals who are health care practitioners, licensed to diagnose, or students enrolled in an accredited college program who, upon completion, will be granted a license to diagnose";

Note: diagnose, diagnose, diagnose.

002.b. in "National Applied Kinesiology Club: Applied Kinesiology Fundamentals Course" [vsc 2012-01-16]:

"this practical series is designed to introduce students and practicing physicians to applied kinesiology principles with hands-on workshops. No previous AK knowledge is required [...] the advanced diagnostic system of applied kinesiology fundamentals can be used to evaluate the efficacy of any and all healing systems [...] Allan Zatkin, DC, DIBAK: Dr. Zatkin has been in practice for over 23 years and teaching AK since 1987. Dr. Zatkin has been in practice with the founder and developer of applied kinesiology, Dr. George Goodheart, since 1985. His step-by-step approach makes the basic AK fundamentals easily understood and applicable [...] location: National University of Health Sciences 200 East Roosevelt Rd, Lombard IL 60148¨ Janse Hall Room 139(630)889-6702 [...] registration [cost...] 1st time student $135 [...] repeat student $85";

Note: diagnostic again, and not a cheap club to be a part of.

003. some scientific skeptical analysis:

003.a. the Wikipedia article "Applied Kinesiology" [2012-01-16] states:

"nearly all AK tests are subjective, relying solely on practitioner assessment of muscle response [...] some studies have shown test-retest reliability, inter-tester reliability, and accuracy to have no better than chance correlations [...] skeptics have also dismissed AK as 'quackery,' 'magical thinking,' and a misinterpretation of the ideomotor effect. It has also been criticized on theoretical and empirical grounds, and characterized as pseudoscience [...] a review of peer-reviewed studies concluded that the 'evidence to date does not support the use of [AK] for the diagnosis of organic disease or pre/subclinical conditions'";

Note: oh snap. Diagnostically, AK is bunk, apparently. I do not participate in any Wikipedia editing, by the way, not even the entry on naturopathy.

003.b. Quackwatch states in "Applied Kinesiology: Phony Muscle-Testing for 'Allergies'and 'Nutrient Deficiencies'":

"applied kinesiology (AK) is the term most commonly used to identify a pseudoscientific system of muscle-testing and therapy [...] the concepts of applied kinesiology do not conform to scientific facts about the causes or treatment of disease";

Note: and there you go. NUHS claims science subset AK, in my opinion. And quite hugely AK is regarded as bunk, preponderantly. The Skeptic's Dictionary has a nice entry on the ideomotor effect and an entry on AK.

Changelog 2012-01-15:

2012-01-15T10:07:00.003-05:00

added:

the vitalism of:

-ND Habib to Appendix B.05.i.c.02.;

-ND Hubbs to Appendix B.05.i.c.03.;

-ND Epstein to Appendix B.05.i.bbbb00.;

-ND Fry to Appendix B.05.i.bbbb00.;

-ND Franzoni to Appendix B.05.i.bbbb00.;

-ND Frketich to Appendix B.05.i.bbbb00.;

-NDs Gerber and Schenck to Appendix B.05.i.c.00.;

-ND Godby to Appendix B.05.i.c.00.;

-added biography links and video screen captured
various archive.org links to Appendix B.05.i.c.00.;

the science claims of:

-NDs Liu and Morrison to Appendix I.05.j.;

-video screen captured archive.org links

of ND Lee, J. and added more of his amusing

and bizzare science claiming to Appendix I.05.j.;

-ND Shegeft to Appendix I.05.o.;

-ND Selassie to Appendix I.05.o.;

-ND Scurtu to Appendix I.05.o.;

-ND Schnurr to Appendix I.05.o..

[and the absurdity of 'science-ejected science' = naturopathy marches on

academically and commercially].

Good Bye New York Times

2012-01-13T21:53:00.002-05:00

some thoughts:

001. so, before a bunch of Conservative whackaloons decide that what I'm saying supports their crappola [somebody say FOX NEWS], I'm not voluntarily cancelling my NYT web access:

it's just that the NYT has erected a paywall on my account. Now, I read the NYT much more often than several times a day -- I am an old-time liberal and slight radical grounded in the 'reality-based fact set'. I think it's great that the NYT has a science section separate from a technology section. But, unfortunately, I will not pay something like $35 a month to read it directly now that I am blocked from reading NYT stuff as much as I want throughout the day.

002. likely, if articles show up on news.google.com, I'll be able to read the content. But, as a born-New Yorker, the NYT has been my go-to source for decades of my life.

Note: I'm grateful that the NYT gave me a free year of web subscription before all of this just happened today. But, in this economy, I'M NOT PAYING.

so, therein, I'm changing my browser home page from the NYT homepage to the news.google.com homepage [I don't believe in teasing myself with thing I can't read on my PC, phone, or Kindle Fire - all of which I use in a day].

I wish NYT the best, in this tough era of 'old media' versus 'new media.' I really hope they keep up their very astute reporting.

and, therein, my patience being thinned out to an extreme: sayonnara, 'southern Yankee break my heart...'.

I regret that the 'paper' couldn't get an advertising revenue stream to accommodate my usage of their resources.

---

Robin Gibb, Cancer and Naturopathy - Via Orac 2012

2012-01-12T14:34:00.001-05:00

here, I excerpt, and direct to the source post:

000. at Respectful Insolence, Orac writes in "Naturopaths vs. Stayin' Alive" (2012-01-12):

"what irritates me about this article is not so much that Gibb is undergoing naturopathic treatment. He's dying; he's desperate; he has a wife is is, to put it kindly, very prone to woo. What would be amazing is if he managed to stick to science-based treatment for palliation. He's also incredibly wealthy; so the usual complaint of quacks sucking down the last money of a dying man doesn't apply as much as it usually does. And, make no mistake, 'naturopathic oncology' is quackery, just as naturopathy is [...e.g.] homeopathy is part and parcel of naturopathy [AND I'll add falsely labeled science by that whole shebang...and] there is no quackery that naturopaths don't embrace[agreed]. 'Energy healing,' 'detox' woo, unscientific use of supplements, these are just a few of the sorts of pseudoscience naturopaths embrace enthusiastically. What irritates me is the typical reporter lazily buying into the spin that naturopaths put on their quackery that 'good nutrition' can stimulate the body's natural ability to heal itself, even to the point of healing an advanced malignancy [a dangerous and quite abusive absurdity...]contrary to what proponents of 'natural healing' tell us, eating the 'right' diet is no guarantee that you won't get cancer [...and] having a posse of naturopaths plying Gibb with their quackery isn't helping matters. We can only hope that it doesn't actually hasten his end."

Note: what I also am struck by is how obvious naturopathy is all the things highlighted above, and yet how false the North American naturopathy apparatus is in labeling and trading upon its absurd marketing label of "science-based natural medicine". The unfair trade, if that's the right word [I prefer racketeering myself], I'll guess, has amounted into the hundreds of millions of dollars so far. The whole post is up at the above link.

Changelog 2012-01-08:

2012-01-08T20:42:00.003-05:00

I've decided to periodically list what changes I've made to these Blogger pages about naturopathy:

-added the vitalism of:

ND Walker to Appendix B.05.i.L.; ND Tam to Appendix B.05.i.k.;

ND Sandstrom to that of ND Knickrehm to Appendix B.05.i.c.05.;

-added the science claims of:

ND Godby, ND Groenewoud & ND Matsen,

ND Grobe, ND Gaul, ND Gatis to Appendix I.05.f.;

-changed the by-line of Naturocrit to include the term "naturopathic pathillogical".

My Naturopathillogic Invention: How the NaturoPATHic PATHillogical Came to Be a New Naturocrit Label

2012-01-08T10:44:00.003-05:00

here's a short rundown of this wordsmithing I couldn't help but do:

I've exposure to naturopathy since the early nineties, when there was only 2 schools, Bastyr and NCNM.

A sample AANP document I'd read, of a web site they had at the time which no longer is active on the web but is permanently archived

(see http://web.archive.org/web/19990221212454/http://www.teleport.com/~aanp/alliance/main.html)

labeled naturopathy "science" and "not a belief system".

Well, ultimately, there are central components to the essentially naturopathic which are not-science and quite 'of-belief'.

And therein is the 'illogic': science that is not science, 'not beliefs' which actually are beliefs.

In states where they are licensed I term this 'licensed falsehood'.

I've watch the whole thing grow, like an epidemic: therein, the 'path'.

Thus, the naturopathillogic.

Research continues to support this simple fact: there is quite a pattern of overt false labeling or covert coding of naturopathy's contents, and the misinformation MO of naturopathy continues to this day.

There are thousands of naturopathic web pages I've indexed and archived belonging to individuals, institutions & governments documenting this falsely labeled commerce in North America and abroad.

There are scores of books, too: particularly the Textbook of Natural Medicine

(see http://www.naturalmedtext.com/storedfiles/sample_Chapter%203%20-%20A%20Hierarchy%20of%20Healing%20-%20The%20Therapeutic%20Order.pdf?CFID=1001876&CFTOKEN=10594692)[vsc 2012-01-08]

Yes, live on the web right now: labeling naturopathy "science-based natural medicine" subset science-ejected "vis medicatrix naturae, the vital force, the
healing power of nature" and supernatural "humans are spiritual beings" and the lovely fake therapy known as homeopathy which they label BRILLIANT.

So, therein: science now contains nonscience, supernatural beliefs are no longer beliefy, physiology is run by a mystical-immeasurable 'underlying' energy or force hugely science-ejected but under their banner of science-based, and QUITE empty pills are lauded.

I've often labeled such nonsensical blending of knowledge types epistemic conflation.

I've sometimes labeled the whole thing mindfucking.

There's also all the schools' literature I've received [and libraries and undergraduate institutions have received] over the years through the US Postal Service.

Naturopathic Academic and Commercial Falsehood Recipe 2012

2012-01-02T15:43:00.000-05:00

here, to begin 2012, I share what I see as an old recipe, based on my continuing naturopathy experience and research:

Muddleheaded Soup

Directions:

1) Begin with the claim that naturopathy is science-based

(see http://thesciencethataintscience.blogspot.com/ for my HUGE compilation;

or, see the brief 'old science-based Joe biography' up on youtube at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnnEqpt2HNY [vsc 2012-01-02]);

2) Simultaneously be ACTUALLY based on the science-ejected or science-unsupported

(see these compilations: for vitalism, http://thevitalismofnaturopathy.blogspot.com/;

supernaturalism, http://naturopathicspiritism0000.blogspot.com/;

for one of their nonsense therapeutics, homeopathy, you can visit

ND Pais at http://www.foroptimalhealth.com/ and the ND / NMD board exam

at http://www.nabne.org/nabne_page_23.php if you seek to to catch them all in you net misrepresenting).

3) Blend, or INTEGRATE, these ingredients, then cook it up most appropriately in a CROCK pot, and serve your soup as part of an academic commerce or clinical commerce platter.

Advice:

to get people to purchase your creation, make sure your platter is garnished with

LOTS OF SCIENCE CLAIMS. It is best advised that you arrange the platter in such a manner that the science garnish false-labeling actually obscures the underlying truly naturopathic.

---

Complaint XCCVIIIXIXIX Updates As I Receive Them

2011-10-19T22:59:00.000-04:00

here, I'll list responses, as they come in, to my most recent '2011 postal outburst' toward [supposed!] consumer-citizen protection and [supposed!] regulatory bodies in NY, CT and Federally:

Note: of course, the research continues even if the Naturocrit posts don't.

for instance, I MOST HIGHLY recommend Blackwell's "Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fast Facts for Medical Practice" (2002; ISBN 0632045833 9780632045839) which recently came up on books.google.com. I then bought and ocr'd it. Its chapter 14 -- by then Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine faculty member NMD Ehrlich, ND at the time of its publication; a school that is his alma mater -- tells us [also in my D-F compilation at http://appendix-b-05ib-aanpnds.blogspot.com/]:

"naturopathy is a distinct system of medicine that is based on an understanding that the human organism contains a powerful healing intelligence called the 'vital force'" [which is nonscientific and particularly science-ejected; and a requisite center-piece BY OATH of the naturopathic sectarian context]

while simultaneously THAT SCHOOL HE WENT TO, SCNM states EVEN NOW [see http://www.scnm.edu/forms/scnm_naturopathic_medicine.pdf; archived at http://web.archive.org/web/20060217134812/http://www.scnm.edu/forms/scnm_naturopathic_medicine.pdf]

"the principles of naturopathic medicine are based upon objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually re-examined in the light of scientific advances."

yes, quite distinct and rational, and most importantly TRUE [not!]: the FOR DECADES science-ejected survives CURRENT scientific scrutiny.

yes, this is supposed rigorous and doctorate-level and SCIENCE. This is some of the naturopathy RACKET, in a nutshell -- effecting their citizen-clinical-customers and their citizen-educational-customers...and A FALSEHOOD SO EASY TO SHOW.

anyway, the chronological list [with some recent mass-media journalism in blue]:

2011-10-07 - Ronald Furan of the NYSAGO / Division of Economic Justice / Bureau of Consumers Frauds refers the complaint to NYSHESC [let the circle begin to be formed];

---

2011-10-16 - scientist Steven Salzberg at Forbes writes in "A Bad Week For the Nutritional Supplements Industry": "Duffy MacKay [is] a naturopath, which is a form of quackery I’ll have to treat separately in the future" [looking forward to it!!!];

---

2011-10-18 - Jane D. Comerford of the CTAGO informs me that my complaint has been referred to the Connecticut Board of Naturopathic Examiners. Yes, that's right: complaints against naturopathic falsehood, irrationality, insanity, false trade, and fraudstering go to THE PEOPLE DOING IT. This is akin to having Madoff assess whether or not his ponzi was a ponzi. This is my clearest example yet of the State of CT's explicit facilitation of naturopathic falsehood, irrationality, and quackery at the expense of consumer rights and OBJECTIVITY. There's no mention of the overall issue of false commerce I've pointed out: selling services, both clinical and educational, under a science label that such services fundamentally cannot deliver upon! They call the complaint merely my letter "concerning naturopathic education" also. That is not the basic issue [this CT response is not a surprise, they have been accomplices for decades in this naturopathic racket; and the circle continues its formation, yet the mutual jerking cannot happen YET];

---

2011-10-19 - I comment on a uncritical, pro-naturopathy, vitamin advertisement I mean article in The Atlantic (see http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/10/a-conversation-with-david-friedman-doctor-of-naturopathy/246789/ ) that AANP Executive Director Howard [who is not an ND / NMD] also commented on using such inaccurate language as "[NDs study] the SAME basic sciences as an MD [...at schools of the] AANMC [...that are] nationally accredited [...it's] a doctorate-professional degree on par with MD and DO [...NDs take] rigorous professional board exams". So, I said:

"Speaking of what's 'not true', it is quite not true that homeopathy is science, science-based, scientific and kind. Homeopathy, an integral part of naturopathy, is in fact science-debunked. Yet, in fact, your kind of naturopathy, the AANMC-AANP-CAND variety, labels homeopathy a "clinical science" on your North American licensure exam. There's A LOT of really bad REALLY BAD oversight going on regarding naturopathy, its claims, and its commerce labels."

---

2011-10-22 - Nothing big to report, simply because there isn't anything that's going to happen in terms of JUSTICE and ENFORCEMENT in my lifetime. Here's an interesting hit to this page, though, via Sitemeter. It's Sallie Mae (defined here) -- one of the financial accomplices in all this, along with State and Federal education departments, schools and naturo. org.s -- looking up my nickname via google.com and then going to this web page 2011-10-19:

---

At Science-Based Medicine, in "The Cure" (2011-10-20), Jann Bellamy proposes a "Science-Based Healthcare Practices Act." She reminds us "we know in fact that: naturopathy’s basic premise is simply a restatement of long-discredited vitalism [amongst other things LONG discredited, like their claim that the supernatural is within science], the chiropractic 'vertebral subluxation' does not exist, so it can’t 'interfere' with anything, nor can it be 'adjusted'; [and per acupuncture] there is no 'energetic physiology' theoretical or otherwise." Such "legalization of nonsense as health care has a deleterious effect on the public [I'd argue both clinically and educationally -- stealing people's treasure]. Each year, millions in the U.S. visit state-licensed naturopaths, chiropractors and acupuncturists, exposing themselves to diagnoses of conditions that do not exist and treatments for these non-existent conditions, as well as treatment of real diseases with implausible and ineffective therapies. They will spend millions of dollars on these visits, paying with either their money or yours."

Hear, hear. I term the phenomenon "licensed falsehood."

Meanwhile, naturopathy's 'blatant nonscience falsely labeled as science' commercial activity is easy to find with a web search through google.com: ""with all other branches" naturopathic" [exterior quotes removed].

You get a lot: principally, this is the naturopathy-wide claim that North American naturopathy and its contents [that is: knowledge, methods and required belief obligations] is SCIENCE and particularly MEDICAL SCIENCE.

A 6th page hit from New York City's Columbia University Medical Center states in "FAQ - Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-10-22]: "naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science [...] an ND cooperates with all other branches of medical science [...but it gets better, Q:] is naturopathic medicine different from homeopathy? [A:] yes, homeopathy is different from naturopathic medicine, but the two types of medicine are often confused. Homeopathy is an independent natural therapy and system of healing that is part of the repertoire of therapies employed by naturopathic doctors [...] naturopathic medicine encompasses homeopathy and several other natural therapies, and treatment integrates aspects of each of these therapies." So, there you go, the claim: science subset naturopathy subset homeopathy. That is completely FALSE, and then they take your money or your insurance company's or the taxpayer's.

At schools, this is often termed quackademic medicine. This is also going on at one of my grad. universities from the past, NYU's Medical Center. In general terms I regard this as a RACKET.

---

2011-10-26 - the SILENCE is deafening [so I listen to this while I continue research].

---

Here's some entertainment, anyways: this is an NCNM ND in Florida on Youtube.com -- Heather Crider [they uploaded this 2011-09-12]. The ignorance and deception is blinding, really, in this video. First, she tells us that naturopathic education is comprised of "a very rigorous scientific coursework" and that she learned homeopathy there and it is a favorite treatment (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9y5oyHyJoE)[vsc 2011-10-26].

NCNM, of course, claims that naturopathy's contents survive rigorous scientific scrutiny, including its therapies like homeopathy and its vitalism and supernatural beliefs which are in its tenets or principles (see http://www.ncnm.edu/academic-programs/school-of-naturopathic-medicine/about-naturopathic-medicine.php ) [archived here]. That, of course, is bullshit. Second, ND Crider attempts to explain naturopathy's tenets in a second Youtube.com video (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ihh5JXT6LQ0 ) [vsc 2011-10-26], except: the word used quite mistakenly in the title and in the video is "tenants" and when she explains naturopathy's "healing power of nature" SHE IS COMPLETELY NOT EXPLAINING IT ESSENTIALLY. How do I know this? Because the NCNM link above DOES explain HPN as a sectarian belief in a "life force" while she talks about herbs and treating malaria with such. Here's to naturopathy, REALLY LOW HANGING FRUIT when it comes to analysis, simultaneously: ignorant, deceptive, shifty, naive, irrational, false, unprofessional, and PSEUDO.

---

2011-11-05 - still SILENCE. You have more rights on a used car lot: educationally and clinically. Yet, ironically, naturopathy claims to be a profession, with therein, a fiduciary duty towards society -- not just the commerce duty of said used car lot.

---

I have been musing about this great little gem of a document by New York ND Bongiorno (see http://www.innersourcehealth.com/docs/naturopathic_medicine_acupuncture.pdf) [vsc 2011-11-05], wherein we're AS USUAL told that naturopathy is "science-based" yet we get that hugely science-ejected defining vitalism at the heart of naturopathy!!! A great microcosm of the naturopaTHICK: ignorant, false, irrational, dumb:

"the term naturopathy refers to the idea of 'nature cure,' which uses the healing power of nature in an effort to allow the patient to cure their own illness by stimulating the body's vital force, or qi [...] naturopathic therapies tend to work slowly by building and nourishing the body, and improving the patient's vital force [...] Dr. Peter Bongiorno graduated from Bastyr University, the leading accredited university for science-based natural medicine [...the] rigorous coursework and includes basic and clinical sciences."

Welcome to 'the big natural stupid land of reversed values'.

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2011-11-07 - And, to top off my accusation that naturopathy fundamentally is science-ejected archaic junk falsely labeled science, this World Health Organization 2010 document "Benchmarks for Training in Naturopathy" (2010; ISBN 9789241599658) illuminates the fundamental / defining science-ejected vitalism at the heart of naturopathy (click here, http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/documents/s17553en/s17553en.pdf) [vsc 2011-11-07]:

"naturopathic practice emerged from an amalgamation of the philosophy, techniques, science
and principles that typified the alternative healing systems of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, particularly those related to vitalism [...] some of the founding influences that defined naturopathic philosophy and practice include [...] the philosophy of vitalism, which maintained that the body has an innate intelligence that strives constantly for health, so that the practitioner’s role is to assist these efforts by cooperating with the healing powers of nature active within the body [...] the principles that inform naturopathy can be summarized as follows [...] act in cooperation with the healing power of nature [...] act in cooperation with the healing power of nature: the Stoics of ancient Greece believed that there was an animating principle, logos, that acted as a vital force to order the universe [...] seek, identify and treat the fundamental cause of the illness [...] this often requires a thorough examination of the patient’s lifestyle, diet and vital force [...] annex 1: glossary [...] vital force: the essential energy that animates the body, referred to in Chinese medicine as chi and in Ayurvedic medicine as prana."

This document itself even gets SO ABSURD as to pose the existence of "basic sciences, clinical sciences [and supposed] naturopathic sciences [...] naturopathic practitioners continued their support for high academic standards and sound curricula to pursue the scientific confirmation of naturopathic methods." Bullshit.

Here's the telling sign of how rigorous/high naturopathy's scientific standards/ commitments are: as science profoundly hammers the last couple nails into the coffin of homeopathy and acupuncture which are so inherent to naturopathy [as anything other than nonspecific, highly ritualized placebos], at an institutional level naturopathy ignores modern science as it relates to naturopathic contents and continues pursuing a path of false labeling of such contents as science.

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2011-11-12 - Frank Brockley of NYSHESC writes to me that NYSAGO has told NYSHESC that I should contact Sallie Mae; Kathleen W. Boulware of SCTDPH tells me that my complaint is not within their jurisdiction [can you say 'circle jerk subset circle jerk subset...'].

So, as I have stated for several years regarding naturopathic licensed falsehood: the States are accomplices to this humongous naturopathic racket. Coincidentally, today I also received directly from naturopathy-central, NCNM, the 2011-04 "Blueprints and Preparation Guide" for the racket's North American naturopathic licensure exam "NPLEX Part II Clinical Science Examinations." On the table of contents, we get the absurd claim of science subset 'homeopathy and medieval Chinese metaphysics / superstition' [2 scans for your pleasure, click each to enlarge]:

One day these human rights violations will be justly dealt with.

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2011-11-20 - Nothing to report. Though, I'm reveling today in this little piece of QUITE PUBLIC AND PERMANENT evidence written by NCNM ND Mittman [published by SCNM in 2007; archived in 2010] which immediately and clearly points to the NONSCIENTIFIC ACTUALLY SCIENCE-EJECTED central vitalistic-spiritistic belief-premise of naturopathy as told to us by this LUMINARY naturopath-homeopath, President and CEO of SCNM, and President of the AANMC (archived version here; vsc original 2011-11-20):

"[see its page 002] the concept of the healing power of nature remains the core principle of naturopathic medicine today. The vis medicatrix naturae is the energetic quality that animates living beings, helps maintain health and coordinates healing and repair. Nearly every culture has a name for it – the Chinese call it chi, in India they refer to it as prana, the Japanese call it ki. Present when we are born and gone when we die, this animating force exists in every living plant and animal, including humans [...] this powerful, healing force [...] this energy of life [...] naturopathic medicine assists the healing power of nature [...] the vis medicatrix naturae [x2...] naturopathic medicine heals through nature."

He is also speaker at this weekends OAND conference. It is titled Emerging Trends and Treatments in Naturopathic Medicine. In the brochure for the conference, no lie, the root 'homeo' shows up 27 times.

I am sickened, absolutely sickened by this continuous licensed falsehood AND JUST HOW MANY PLAYERS ARE INVOLVED: educationally, politically, and clinically.

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2011-11-26 - The New York Times reported on naturopathy and mentioned its science-ejected central vitalistic belief in 1996 (see http://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/18/us/in-quests-outside-mainstream-medical-projects-rewrite-rules.html):

"alternative medicine can include treatments offered by practitioners like naturopaths, who attribute disease to blockages in the flow of a life force."

How fascinating that even now, if you visit the site of the ND-NMD school consortia, the AANMC, along every page practically is the false label of "science" upon 'the naturopathic.'

On this (see http://www.aanmc.org/careers/alumni-leaders-in-the-field.php) AANMC page, ND Garcia in fact tells us:

"Dr. Clare Garcia, ND - SCNM alumna: develops personalized treatment plans that stimulate the body's inner vital force of healing. Specialties: hormone therapy, homeopathy, nutrition, IV treatments."

How continuously fascinating.

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2011-12-01 - I've decided that the richest public source, presently, for acquiring new ND / NMD material is Twitter. For instance, see http://twitter.com/#!/search/naturopathic%20medicine . There I will be found, see http://twitter.com/#!/naturocrit . Naturocrit may be revived next year, but basically everything pertinent has already been said here.

The naturopaths are quite active on Twitter: it seems more compatible with their shallow, flighty, farty unthought pattern.

---

Slán Leat / Adios II.

2011-09-24T23:03:00.000-04:00

here, I continue a goodbye with a letter I sent in a flurry of certified mail to various education and legal regulatory accomplices that through the years have aided naturopathy in its deceit [I've edited some rather personal information here]:

2011-09-23

To all the parties involved in thisONGOING Naturopathic Education Commerce and GeneralCommerce Fraud:

I've received notification that wagegarnishment will occur for the education loan debt I have [see copiesattached]. I am currently employed as a _______ with an income thatis roughly $_2000 a year and I will not voluntarily pay towards thisdebt.

I will provide some background andbecause I think this is an issue of consumer fraud /misrepresentation in the area of higher education and fraud /misrepresentation in general in terms of commerce, I've copied thisto Pioneer, NYSHESC, NYSAGO, CTDE, NYAGO, CTAGO and USDE:

-I attended CUNY Lehman College from1990-1994, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude, and withmultiple honors. Grants covered my tuition, so I've no debt from myBA.

-I then attended NYU towards an MA,but I ceased this after getting interested in the program in naturopathic medicine at the University of Bridgeport here inBridgeport, CT.

-I then attended UB's College ofNaturopathic Medicine for four years. I ceased this program voluntarily because I came to the conclusion that naturopathyinherently misrepresents itself to education consumers and tosociety at large.

-I then attended CSU and the StateUniversity of CT but neither of those programs ended up beinginteresting to me and I have no graduate degree.

When I consolidated my debt, I wassurprised to find out that since the initial loans for grad schoolwere in NYS at NYU, that apparently my entire aggregate is nowNYSHESC. I'd actually take more pleasure if it was CT who had thelot, as they are the greatest accomplices regarding the greatesthigher education falsehood I've ever heard of: the false labeling ofa doctoral degree as science when HUGELY in content not.

At the core of my debt is the UBnaturopathy misrepresentation which enticed me from NYU and whichlater, after seeing it for what it truly was through the four yearsof schooling there, messed up my professional path. I now considermyself a whistle-blower and I have been publicly writing about thisnaturopathic fraud at my blog naturocrit.blogspot.com for 5 years andfor more than 500 posts as well as carefully cataloging naturopathy's claims in print, on the web, and specifically fromtheir own textbooks.

Apart from my own 'from the inside'criticisms and compilations, I highly recommend the bloghttp://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/which does an even better job than I do at exposing what is clearlynaturopathic misrepresentation, irrationality, quackery, andfalsehood.

The documents I have are too numerousto include here, but I've made them all publicly available onlinethrough my blogger accounthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14987563840947860899 . What I'd really like to know is whyI have to do all this leg work and consumers are not being properlyprotected by you all.

Here's a version of what I know aboutnaturopathy fraud if you still don't get it, in terms of generalcommerce and education commerce:

a) the University of Bridgeport labelsits naturopathy science. So, this deals with the education consumer. Here's a picture I just took:

And here is UB stating their curriculum(see http://stargazer.bridgeport.edu/naturopathy/desc/hm.html) and its requisite homeopathy.

b) State-wide clinician groupsadvertise similarly to the public. So,this deals with general commerce. Here'sNYANP telling usnaturopathy is science (see http://nyanp.org/ndreport511.pdf ) as they try to get a law written: “[from p.1] naturopathyis a science-based health care practice […and] natural therapiesinclude […] homeopathic remedies.” Here'sCT's State ND group (see http://www.cnpaonline.org/) stating science and one of their members practicing homeopathy

(see http://cnpaonline.org/yanover-marianna.html).

c)so , if you are following, the marketing claim is science and thecontents are homeopathy amongst other things. I use homeopathy hereas a microcosm of naturopathy's false representations, becausehomeopathy is utterly and truly science-ejected. Here's a link tothe recent UK evidence-check that in sum says homeopathy doesn'twork, it can't work, and it's actually so scientifically-ejectedthat NO FURTHER RESEARCH IS RECOMMENDED (see http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmsctech/45/45.pdf).

d)but, this fraud gets better. Go to the web site for the NorthAmerican licensure exam for NDs and you will find homeopathyfalsely labeled science (see http://www.nabne.org/nabne_page_23.php ).

Ihave been at this research regarding naturopathy for well over 15years now. When I first started, I knew little and believed theirlabels. Here's the document that induced me, safely stashed away atthe Internet Archive (seehttp://web.archive.org/web/19990221212454/http://www.teleport.com/~aanp/alliance/main.html) wherein we're told “naturopathic physicians are the modern dayscience based primary care doctor.” And, New York, here's anarticle written by a NY naturopath and if you know anything about thetherapies and methods she is discussing – that is, if you areliterate in modern medical science – they are scientificallynonsensical (seehttp://niagara-gazette.com/features/x1126800427/NATURAL-HEALTH-Just-what-is-a-naturopath).

But,let me make a prediction: this licensed and soon to be licensedfalsehood will continue without investigation, consumers willcontinue to be fleeced, and I'll become even poorer in the process.

-RobCullen.

Note: the next step of this is to post their responses [and lack of response] and I'll take it directly to the media. Perhaps the best indication that absurdity is now quality is this simple fact: the Princeton Review medical school prep reference claims that the "naturopathic" is amongst "the best medical". If such a complete reversal of all values isn't remarkable, then I stand corrected in that very Orwellian sense [his 1984]:

peace IS war, ignorance IS strength, truth IS falsehood, science IS nonscience, virtue IS vice...and so on.

and, of course, I highly recommend the 'just published' study "Supported by Science?: What Canadian Naturopaths Advertise to the Public" [PMID 21920039; Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2011 Sep 15;7(1):14; see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21920039 ] by Caulfield and Rachul which states, for all those who don't get it yet and need to have their heads banged against the arse of Cu Chulainn [see here for this incredibly obscure reference]:

"a review of the therapies advertised on the websites of clinics offering naturopathic treatments does not support the proposition that naturopathic medicine is a science and evidence-based practice."

Slán Leat / Adios.

2011-09-06T23:45:00.001-04:00

Adios amoebas.

This is the end.

I have decided to STOP.

Someone perhaps will take up the mantle.

Licensed falsehood will continue.

I've complained to all supposed oversight bodies without response.

Sayonnara.

I'm tired of being an audience to myself.

Looking to jet out of the U.S., start life anew without a crazy fraudulent USDE student loan mortgage over me [science subset naturopathy 'my arse']:

-r.c.

ND Clemons: We Heal by Vis aka Vital Force aka Luck Dragon Medicine!!!

2011-08-26T13:19:00.005-04:00

here, it cite from an ND's explanation of the basis of naturopathy, vitalism and an equation of such with imaginary / mythical figmentation!!! [ISYN]:

001. Clemons, J. (ND NCNM) states [my comments are in bold]:

001.a. in "What is a Luck Dragon?" [vsc 2011-08-26]:

"naturopathic medicine is founded on the idea of a healing force of nature [HFN] or vis which resides within every living thing. In Chinese medicine this could be compared to qi [with] the focus of Chinese medicine being the cultivation, preservation and restoration of the smooth flow of qi [...]";

so, it's HFN = vis = qi as the defining context of 'the naturopathic'.

"this healing force [HF...is like] a mythical creature, a Luck Dragon, which can’t be seen or touched, yet promotes our growth, healing and regeneration [...]";

so, it's HF = figmentation / the mythical!!! And that's accurate, scientifically speaking, because there is no healing force. There's healing, but we know those mechanisms very well and they are anything but IMAGINARY and MYTHICAL! Welcome back to the middle ages and all its superstitions, folks.

"this force [F...] this vis [is] working to protect our body and enable our healing defenses [...] our own Luck Dragon! Within each of us is an individual life force [LF...]";

so, it's F = vis = Luck Dragon = LF.

"preservation of this vis requires careful, conscious medicine that works to support the Luck Dragon, rather than suppressing the protective life force of the body. Luck Dragon Medicine is the medicine that works to cultivate the life force within the body. Naturopathic medicine is a medicine that works to preserve and support the Luck Dragon to prevent dis-ease and promote lasting health [...]";

yes, go on...and talk to me more about the little gnomes in your garden that make it grow...aka the dragons in your body that make it heal.

"through naturopathic medicine patient and practitioner work to support the vis, to encourage the unique, individual Luck Dragon in each of us. The naturopathic practitioner works to educate and to empower the patient to understand how they can work to support their own Luck Dragon. If we look at it this way, Naturopathic medicine could then can be seen as teaching the care and feeding of your Luck Dragon."

so, the essence of naturopathy is a weird, evidenceless, mythical figmentation centerpiece! Well, I fee educated and empowered now...now knowing how WACKO naturopathy is in its thinking!!!

001.b. in "What Is Acupuncture?" [vsc 2011-08-26]:

"the focus in acupuncture is to restore healthy movement of energy or qi [...so that it is not] obstructed or impeded. Treatment is focused on removing blockages, expelling pathogens, and restoring the flow of qi or vital force, thereby supporting the body’s inherent ability to heal itself [...]";

again, healing by vitalistic figmentation: energy = qi = vital force. Of course, energy is a scientific term for something actual and physical and not a figmentation.

"the Chinese medicine practitioner [...] use[s] techniques [...] to affect or improve qi flow in the body."

002. overall note:

if you go to the alma mater of this ND, you will be told quite incorrectly that such 'mythic figmentation' -- shall we call it -- survives rigorous scientific scrutiny as objective fact...because that's the naturopathy racket, falsely posing junk thought as quality knowledge and scaring people into thinking they need to fix something THAT DOESN'T EVEN EXIST with naturopathy the means to do that.

is it wise to put your health in the hands of a practitioner whose basis is imaginary and who is committed to falsely representing the imaginary as scientific fact? Who conflates medically irrelevant dragons and superstitious forces with that which is real, medical, and scientifically supported?

UB's Knowledge-Type Claim: Science Subset Health Subset Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic [jpg]

2011-08-25T17:57:00.001-04:00

so, I've a new digital camera and this is the first picture taken with it [from the streets of Bridgeport, CT; the racket continues!!!!]:

and though UB has been paring back the live versions of these well-established and thoroughly-archived web pages (see http://www1bpt.bridgeport.edu/ub/nm/Six_Prihtm.htm , http://www1bpt.bridgeport.edu/ub/nm/Six_Prithree.htm ), it is still a 'live fact' that naturopathy [and kind!] is NOT SCIENCE at all but based ESSENTIALLY on the science-ejected vitalistic and supernatural [and kind!].

NMD Kracoff Claims You Are Toxic (Though Scientifically Speaking This is B.S. aka Strap in for a Woo-ful Pharmacy-Based Racket)

2011-08-23T12:44:00.000-04:00

here, I cite from a recent article that warns us all of our organ-debilitating toxicity, and coincidentally the authors sell from their own pharmacy solutions to this fake toxicity problem [see 001., below]:

001. "Dr. Gary Kracoff NMD" and Steve Bernardi write in the Milford Daily News's "Over the Counter: Consider a Cleanse" (2011-08-23)[vsc 2011-08-23]:

"the body cleanse is an important aspect of the well lifestyle [...for] wellness [...] the build-up of toxins must be dissolved in order to help the body function properly [...they] can create harm and weaken the performance of key organs [...these] toxins [...] remain in the digestive system and need to be removed through the cleansing process [....aka] a detox [...which] can assist in weight loss, a healthy sleeping pattern and can also improve arthritis by decreasing aches and pain [really!...] toxins are in the air we breathe as well as food and water [...and no matter] there is still a need to detoxify [$$$$$$...] we recommend to those visiting our store to do a cleanse twice a year [$$$$$$...you can do a] colonic irrigation [...to] cleanse the colon [...or] herbal teas [...or a] fast [...] we recommend an all-in-one approach, such as the Whole Body Integrative Cleaning System [ka-ching ka-ching $$$$$ (something like this)...which is] a super milk thistle supplement [...] fiber [...] and a laxative [...you should also buy from them] a daily probiotic [...] ancient faiths [...] involve a purification or cleansing ritual [...] cleansing of the inside of the body is much the same [...to] become pure again, as when we were born [...] Steve Bernardi is a compounding pharmacist and Dr. Gary Kracoff is a registered pharmacist and a naturopathic doctor at Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center in Waltham (www.naturalcompounder.com) [$$$$$$$]. Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications or health in general can email steveandgary@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870."

Note: now, this toxins myth has been super-analyzed by scientific skeptics as BUNK, and in my view, engaging in commerce wherein fake problems are posed to people and supposed solutions to such fake problems are sold...is racketeering. Shame on these two for scaring, literally, the shit out of people. What other specific junk is here: colonic irrigation which recently was hugely criticized medically as non-beneficial and risky, homeopathy which we know is nothing but an empty remedy which doesn't even warrant further scientific investigation though NMD Kracoff promotes it, health / medical practices equated with religion [which has nothing to do with medical science and factual reality, essentially -- aka these toxins are as much an article of faith / figmentation and as health promoting as a baptism ritual or a belief in a Tooth Fairy].

Vitalism: Naturopathy's Falsely Labeled Science-Ejected Context Currently, According to THE FOUNDER (NDNR 2011-08)

2011-08-12T17:27:00.002-04:00

here, I quote from the current NDNR which talks about naturopathy's contextual hub / central premise / requisite obligation [see 001., below]:

001. in "Early NDs Understood the Power of Mother Nature" (NDNR 2011-08, pp. 027-028), Czeranko, S. (ND CCNM 1994) [vsc 2011-08-12] states:

"Lust [the founder of naturopathy] states poignantly 'naturopathy is a philosophy founded upon the simple theorum that vital-force is in all living matter which gives expression in health and disease' (1923, p. 136) [...and we're also told this] 'nature cure [aka naturopathy...] is the art and science of supplying Nature [coded vitalism] with the conditions necessary to a cure and is constructive (1923, p. 186)'."

Note: so there you go, science claimed upon nonscience ['mother nature' aka 'vital force' aka 'nature' -- vitalism, in sum] -- naturopathy's MO to this day but seen even almost 100 years ago. In my view, NDNR stands for 'not a doctor, not rational'. Meanwhile, though based on the science-ejected vitalistic, this ND's alma mater falsely labels naturopathy with such claims as "a rigorous scientific foundation" and "science- based" (for my collection of such claims from this naturopathy school, click here). Yet, simultaneously, CCNM claims vitalism as the basis of naturopathy (click here). So, TO THIS DAY and throughout the last say 100 years, naturopathy has FALSELY claimed that the hugely vitalistic / science-ejected is indeed science while profoundly science-ejected. But don't worry, it's here to stay as they've written such irrationality / absurdity into .gov statutes such as in Oregon, the trunk of the naturopathy tree [which serves as a Rosetta Stone of sorts for interpretation of all other state's ND / NMD usually incomplete 'naturopathy principles' iterations].

"The Run", Naturopathic, Homeopathic - A Search Surrounding a Publicity Stunt and an Absurd "Natural" Pseudotherapeutic

2011-08-07T13:54:00.003-04:00

here, I do a Google.com web search with the parameters "naturopathic "the run" homeopathic" [without the outside quotes] and report on the results [see 001., below]:

001. the top three first-page hits include:

001.a. the naturopathic practice page of Krudowski, J. (NMD SCNM) who specializes in homeopathy and asks on her home page that "The Run" be supported and on her page "FAQs" [vsc 2011-08-07] states:

"naturopaths experience the same four years of basic bio-medical science training as that of allopathic practice [...] homeopathy is a science."

Note: that's rich. But homeopathy is truly science-demolished. So when is something the same when it is not: naturopathyland.

001.b. the naturopathy proponentry / endorsement page of the American Medical Student Association "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-08-07] which states:

"naturopathic physicians (NDs) attend 4 year full-time residential medical schools and are primary care providers trained in conventional medical sciences [...and] homeopathy [...one school being] National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL [...] all licensed NDs must complete four years of graduate medical education at a school accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) and pass a two-step board examination (similar to USMLE Steps 1 and 2) [called the NPLEX]."

Note: so, I think the obvious claim here is science subset naturopathy subset homeopathy, which is QUITE FALSE. The NPLEX exam mentioned is claimed to be "science" in title on both parts, with the second part including homeopathy -- nonsense on stilts wearing a tuxedo.

001.c. the practice page of Godby, D. (NMD NCNM 2004) and Caban, P. (N NCNM 2005):

NMD Godby is one of the runners for "The Run", which is explained as "moving natural medicine forward."

Note: if you go to the alma mater of these two naturopaths, the school itself clearly states in their 2010-2011 catalog the science-ejected premises that naturopathy is based on WHILE falsely labeling the whole thing objective scientific fact. Forward, these days, is not the progressive advancement of knowledge, apparently, that it used to be. Science has already moved forward, and in the dust, on the trash-heap of the discarded sectarian and whackaloon, lies homeopathy. And naturopathy, in falsely labeling what is HUGELY science-ejected as science -- in a stubborn, absurd, pig-headed manner common to sectarian systems of pseudomedicine -- is actually quite regressive.

this is science by publicity stunt, truly, and nonsense on stilts wearing a tuxedo....running....away from scientific consensus and into its own private Idaho of pseudotherapeutic absurdity.

Colon Cleansing and Detox Gets Dumped On By Science in the JFP 2011

2011-08-01T05:10:00.003-04:00

here, I cite from a summary of a Journal of Family Practice article on colon cleansing bunk [see 001., below]:

001. at medpagetoday.com Nancy Walsh reports in "Colon Detox Not Backed by Science"(2011-08-01):

"Ranit Mishori, MD of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and colleagues, in the August Journal of Family Practice [...in the article] Mishori R, et al 'The Dangers of Colon Cleansing' J Family Pract 2011; 60: 454-457 [...wrote] 'a search of the literature using the terms colon cleansing, herbal colon cleanse, colon detoxification, and colon irrigation yielded no scientifically robust studies in support of this practice' [...] colon cleansing has been practiced since antiquity as a means of enhancing health through ridding the body of [supposed] toxins [...] users can perform the procedure themselves, but many visit hydrotherapists or colon hygienists [...] Mishori and colleagues outlined three cases of colon cleansing sessions that led to adverse outcomes [...and there have been reports of] air embolism, septicemia, and fatal parasitic infections [...] serious infections and heart failure [...] colon cleansing has no evidence to support its use, and can lead to pain, vomiting, and fatal infections [...specific advice is that] colon cleansing is not medically advisable [...] the devices are not FDA approved and if sanitary precautions are inadequate, infections can result [...] organizations of these practitioners, and the training they receive, are not scientifically regulated."

Note: it is rather ironic that JFP would publish this, being that colon hydrotherapy is an article of faith for naturopathy [they did a crap load of them in ND school during my time there!], and JFP has been quite generous to naturopathy.

[if ever something resembled a feces transplant, it is an infection acquired by use of one of these machines].

ND Bethune: Homeopathy, Vitalism, Applied Kinesiology, Detox, Reiki

2011-08-01T04:51:00.000-04:00

here, I cite from the web pages of a Connecticut ND who's into typical naturopathy stuff [see 001., below]:

001. Bethune, S. (ND SCNM) states:

001.a. in "Stephanie Bethune, Naturopathic Doctor" [vsc 2011-08-01]:

"Dr. Stephanie Bethune is [...] integrating scientific research with the healing powers of nature [coded vitalism]. She specializes in homeopathy, nutrition, herbal medicine, applied kinesiology [AK], detoxification programs [detox], and stress and weight management. She is also a reiki master teacher [...] NDs are educated in all the same fundamental sciences as MDs and are qualified to diagnose and treat disease, just as any licensed physician. Naturopathic doctors are preventive medicine specialists and are able to provide you with safe, effective, affordable health care [...] Dr. Bethune received her ND degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona [...] Dr. Bethune is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians [...] call now to set up your appointments with Dr. Bethune. See how you can be encouraged, educated, and empowered to take charge of your healthcare and your life [...] please also visit http://drstephaniebethune.com."

Note: yes, blending science with HPN, which is, coded here, naturopathy's essential vitalistic context. She's got homeopathy, AK, detox and reiki all under one roof. A claim of "fundamental sciences", and supposed efficacy. Appointments, plural! I shall be educated? Empowered? That, of course, would be predicated on the practitioner actually being rigorously knowledgeable.

001.b. at http://drstephaniebethune.com we're told by ND Bethune:

"our mission is to provide you with primary holistic healthcare that is personalized, safe, and effective."

Note: again, a claim of efficacy. The homeopathy alone belies this! But wait, there's more!

001.c. in "Homeopathic Appointment" [vsc 2011-08-01]:

"homeopathy is a gentle and effective system of healing [...that will] re-establish balance [...] homeopathy is a gentle and effective system of healing which views all disease as a disturbance or untunement in a person's life force or vital force. This particular disturbance produces particular symptoms [...] your case will then be studied and the most appropriate remedy will be prescribed to you. Homeopathic remedies [...] are prepared in a very unique way so that the final product used in treatment is highly dilute and, therefore, very safe and non-toxic."

Note: effective, effective effective! Supposedly. There simply isn't a life force or vital force, scientifically speaking. Such is science-ejected. Why aren't we told that? Why aren't we told that there's nothing in a homeopathic remedy and it lacks, preponderantly, scientific support?

001.d. in "Applied Kinesiology" [vsc 2011-08-01]:

"applied kinesiology (AK) is a form of diagnosis that uses muscle testing as a primary feedback mechanism to examine how a person's body is functioning. AK encompasses many forms of natural therapies and is an amazing way to experience integrative medicine. Using AK, Dr. Bethune is able to detect improper function in the organs or within the structure of the body. This includes emotions, muscles, skeletal alignment and acupuncture meridians. It is an accurate way to determine the best method of therapy for you. AK can be used to assess nutrients, foods, and supplements and is also excellent for any kind of pain [...] applied kinesiology (AK) uses muscle testing to examine how your body is functioning. AK detects: improper organ function, skeletal misalignment, sources of pain. AK assesses: structure of the body, emotions, muscles, acupuncture meridians, nutrients, foods, supplements."

Note: the amazing pseudodiagnostic known as AK. These claims simply aren't scientifically true.

001.e. in "Why Detox" [saved 2011-08-01]:

"detoxification describes a method of assisting the body to heal by removing some of the toxic burden. We accumulate toxins from our food, air, water, cleaning products, beauty aides, and numerous other daily contacts [...] detoxification programs should only be done under the supervision of an experienced health care practitioner. Dr. Stephanie Bethune is an expert in detoxification methods. This is a perfect opportunity to give your body a fresh start for the New Year. Now is the time to rid yourself of toxins!"

Note: ah, toxin paranoia.

001.f. in "Detox Program: Ohm Cleanse Program" [saved 2011-08-01]:

"a detox is a system of 'cleaning' your body on a cellular level by reducing the toxins that have been stored deep in your tissues. Detoxing, or cleansing, works by unburdening an overloaded system. The digestive organs are often overloaded by large or unhealthy meals. Although these organs will continue to digest the food it is presented with, it is done less and less efficiently unless we 'take out the garbage.' By giving your body less, or healthier, foods to digest, it is able to devote more attention to the process of healing. You will also be taking herbs to support your liver. These herbs will help to keep elimination active to prevent re-absorption of the toxins being released [...] mini boost: 3 weeks, $300, all supplements + weekly naturopathic visits [...] big boost: 6 weeks, $600, all supplements + weekly naturopathic visits."

Note: expensive especially considering how bunk detox is.

001.g. in "Reiki" [saved 2011-08-01]:

"reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing [...it] involves the placing of the therapist’s hands at various positions over your fully clothed body to unblock energy flow and promote healing [...] reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit [...] many have reported miraculous results [...] it has been effective in helping almost every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect."

Note: that's quite a claim of efficacy for what is known historically as 'the laying on of hands'. The energy is imaginary, here, of course and the effects, quite -- to put it politely -- exaggerated.

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

2011-07-31T15:53:00.001-04:00

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

2011-07-29T11:56:00.007-04:00

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

2011-07-27T21:54:00.001-04:00

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)

2011-07-24T09:41:00.006-04:00

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!!!

2011-07-21T00:47:00.001-04:00

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

2011-07-20T02:07:00.003-04:00

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]

[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)[]

[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

2011-07-15T18:18:00.006-04:00

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

2011-07-14T01:32:00.003-04:00

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

2011-07-12T15:04:00.000-04:00

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

2011-07-11T21:44:00.003-04:00

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

2011-07-07T21:25:00.000-04:00

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

2011-07-07T14:00:00.002-04:00

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.

Naturopathyland's Oregon.gov as Racketeering [musing]

2011-06-29T23:34:00.007-04:00

here, I cite from the Wikipedia article on racketeering [see 001., below]; then, I mention the imaginary 'principal cause' of illness that naturopathy claims 'needs their special treatments or you will be harmed' [see 002., below]:

001. according to Wikipedia's "Racket" (2011-06-29):

"a racket is an illegal business [...] engaging in a racket is called racketeering [...] the word racket is used to describe a business [...] engaged in the sale of a solution to a problem that the institution itself creates or perpetuates, with the specific intent to engender continual patronage."

Note: so, commerce / business / patronage occurs after a fake problem is constructed and then remedied by the creators. Sounds familiar, if you know about naturopathyland's operation.

002. naturopathy's fake cause of illness, 'the vital force':

002.a. for years:

I've been collecting naturopathy's claim of a vital force underlying physiology. It truly doesn't exist. It's a fake problem / artifice -- a vital force causing illness that needs to be fixed. In that sense, the heart of so-called natural medicine is artificial. Naturopathy claims regular medicine only treats the symptoms of the vital force's activities [biology!] causing 'suppression' and greater harm to the person, and that only naturopathy fixes that vital-force principal cause by 'getting to the root' [truly a metaphysical belief / figmentation]. So, they say something is wrong with you that isn't, that they can fix it, and this gets them business because, claiming professionalism, science, and rigor, they prey on people's trust [bait and switch with the addition of a threat of harm if a certain route is not taken].

002.b. a specific example, Oregon's Board of Naturopathic Medicine [vsc 2011-06-29]:

"methods of treatments are chosen to work with the patient’s vital force [...aka] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae [...because supposedly] nature heals through the response of the life force [...naturopaths must] first, do no harm, primum no nocere [...] the process of healing includes the generation of symptoms, which are, in fact, an expression of the life force attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complimentary to and synergistic with this healing process [vitalism]. The physician’s actions can support or antagonize the actions of the vis medicatrix naturae. Therefore, methods designed to suppress symptoms without removing underlying causes [fix that vital force!] are considered harmful and are avoided or minimized."

Note: and there you go, licensed falsehood and licensed racketeering along the lines of 'if you ignore our science-ejected vitalistic figmentation underlying physiology and merely use science and evidence medically, you will be harmed'. Of course, you do not get that kind of honesty / transparency from them. The State of Oregon is endorsing a physiological bogey-man and the commerce that occurs to treat it, and the mislabelings of this health sect: the racket of treating a fake cause / artifice erected by naturopathy or you will be harmed, and not giving the consumer proper labeling. The life force / vital force is falsely postured as "in fact" and Oregon.gov goes so far as to state that the figment / bogey-man at the heart of naturopathy is "based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in light of scientific analysis." The endorsement still shocks me to this day: how exactly do you objectively observe and scientifically analyze a metaphysical figmentation that science has profoundly ejected? How do they get away with labeling homeopathy "powerful" when in fact it is WITHOUT ANY EFFICACY!!! According to Archive.org, this Oregon.gov OBNM page was crawled and permanently archived 2010-05-28 [vsc 2011-06-29].

it appears, also, that naturopaths get REALLY CLOSE to seriously ill people, as oncologist like ND Birdsall these days, and do their naturopathy thing around these very vulnerable people. That link is immediately related to Oregon.gov because that's where she went to ND school.

here's another one, NMD Helms, who states:

"I use the guiding principles of naturopathic medicine with a comprehensive group of therapies to strengthen whatever vital force you have left to the point where the disease/disorder/condition is relieved, reduced, and then removed [ah, it was my figmentation that made me ill!...] I have done a year long residency in oncology and still see cancer patients that are looking for a complete approach [...] I particularly enjoy working with cancer patients [...] I look at the science of the disease/condition and work with you to develop a treatment plan [...including] energy therapies (homeopathy, acupuncture, hands-on & hands-off healing)."

yes, absurdity marches on.

Naturopathy More Expensive Than Conventional Care [2010 Pubmed indexed study], Less Expensive and Homeopathy is Science [NYANP assertion]

2011-06-27T19:59:00.000-04:00

here, I compare an assessment of naturopathic medical care increased-costs from Germany [see 001., below] with assertions by the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians of supposed cost-savings [see 002., below]:

001. up at Pubmed is the abstract for "A study of costs and length of stay of inpatient naturopathy--evidence from Germany" by Romeyke T, Stummer H. [Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 May;17(2):90-5. Epub 2010 Oct 6] which states:

"a total of 918 patients who received naturopathic complex therapy were investigated regarding their clinical picture and the length of their stay in hospital [...] the results showed that the duration of hospitalization was significantly greater than that of the comparison group of patients (cases from 263 German hospitals) receiving purely internal medical treatment in hospitals at national level."

Note: sure, there's a lot not specified. But, I would think, if naturopathy is SO GREAT, and as they say 'treats the cause unlike regular medicine which only treats symptoms', why apparently do the patients stay sicker longer? Wait: I would think that if you forgo the best modern medical methods for care, YES, your stay SHOULD be longer and therein MORE EXPENSIVE because you placed it with INFERIOR methods.

002. meanwhile, the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians states in "Benefit Analysis of Licensing Naturopathic Doctors" (2011-05):

"NDs Prevent Chronic Disease & Decrease Health Costs [...] naturopathic medicaid services are 57.5% more cost effective than MD/DO/NP combined services."

Note: so they claim! NYANP also claims in the document "naturopathy is a science-based health care practice" and "natural therapies include [...] homeopathic remedies." Yeah, science.

if their standards for science are so low as to contain the science-ejected, I suspect their standards for cost-savings are so low as to include what-costs-more!

because naturopathy is truly 'the reversal of all values.'

On Naturopathy's Homeopathy: NYU Langone Medical Center and AANP [falsehood] versus Wikipedia 2011-06-26 [truth]

2011-06-26T21:23:00.006-04:00

here, I cite from AN ACTUALLY FALSE description STILL UP by New York University's Langone Medical Center [NYULMC] covering naturopathy and homeopathy [see 001., below]; then, from the preponderance known as Wikipedia [which is quite vetted these days]:

001. NYULMC states in "Naturopathic Medicine FAQs" [vsc 2011-06-26, my comments are in bold]:

"naturopathic medicine encompasses homeopathy [...]";

that is, naturopathy subset homeopathy!

"naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science [...] an ND cooperates with all other branches of medical science."

yes, they say it twice. I can say this once: NYU is in bed with falsehood. That's kind of sad, I went to NYU as a graduate student for a time. I left, ironically, because I believed the false descriptions of the naturopathy organization that this very same NYU page links to per "information courtesy of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians." The world is a small place! And naturopathic fraud is PERSISTENT: not just in its activities but in lifelong effects.

002. meanwhile, Wikipedia's article "Homeopathy" (2011-06-26) states:

"as the quality of the trials become better, the evidence for homeopathy preparations being effective diminishes, and the highest-quality trials show that the remedies themselves have no effect [...] the collective weight of scientific evidence has found homeopathy to be no more effective than a placebo."

Note: some references are

"Ernst, E. (2002), 'A systematic review of systematic reviews of homeopathy', British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 54 (6): 577–82, doi:10.1046/j.1365-2125.2002.01699.x, PMC 1874503, PMID 12492603 [...] Parliamentary Committee Science and Technology Committee - 'Evidence Check 2: Homeopathy' [...] 'Homeopathy - Issues', National Health Service [...] Altunc, U.; Pittler, M. H.; Ernst, E. (2007), 'Homeopathy for Childhood and Adolescence Ailments: Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials', Mayo Clinic Proceedings 82 (1): 69–75, doi:10.4065/82.1.69, PMID 17285788 [...] Shang, Aijing; Huwiler-Müntener, Karin; Nartey, Linda; Jüni, Peter; Dörig, Stephan; Sterne, Jonathan AC; Pewsner, Daniel; Egger, Matthias (2005), 'Are the clinical effects of homoeopathy placebo effects? Comparative study of placebo-controlled trials of homoeopathy and allopathy', The Lancet 366 (9487): 726–732, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67177-2, PMID 16125589."

003. is 'science subset medical science subset naturopathy subset homeopathy' right?

no, NOT AT ALL, unless your standards for science are so low that profound nonscience is now science. Which is absurd. This blog is fueled by such absurdity. By the way, I went to ND school with NYU's ND, who speaks of

"powerful therapies for urologic conditions [...including] prostate cancer."

only in Naturopathyland is nonscience science, and magic-beans powerful: the POWERFUL illogic labeled POWERFUL urologic.

Science-Based Subset Naturopathy Subset Natural Therapies Subset Homeopathy Subset Science-Ejected -- Lane, K. (NMD SCNM), ISYN

2011-06-25T21:49:00.000-04:00

here, I amuse myself by citing from a naturopath's web page particularly regarding naturopathy's homeopathy [see 001., below]; and then from her alma mater [see 002., below]:

001. Lane, K. (NMD SCNM) writes in "Natural Therapies" [vsc 2011-06-24]:

"[naturopathy's] homeopathy is a medical system more than 200 years old, which uses highly diluted substances that act to enhance the body's innate healing response [coded vitalism...] Dr. Hahnemann stated: 'any substance that produces symptoms in a healthy person when given in full-strength form, will cure a sick person with the same symptoms when given in a very diluted minute form' [minute is GENEROUS when describing the contents of a homeopathic remedy!...] homeopathic medicines know[n] as homeopathic remedies treat a gamete [not sure what word is SUPPOSED to be there!] of health concerns [that's quite a promise of efficacy...] it does this by addressing the source of illness not just the symptoms. Homeopathic medicine treats the vital force (known as qi in Chinese medicine) [vitalism], which is the element that distinguishes a living creature from one the not. Homeopathic remedies assist the vital force in returning to a balance state and restoring health physically and emotionally."

Note: so, vitalism [and other not-science-supported ideas, like dilution INCREASING effect] is the premise of homeopathy. A vital force is not an element in any modern sense; it is an archaic figmentation that has been ejected from biology, which is the science that studies life. Vitalism is a belief which naturopathy, including its homeopathy, is based upon. Naturopathy is a belief system.

002. her alma mater, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences [SCNM] states:

002.a. this vitalism too [see my collection].

002.b. and then ABSURDLY puts 'the science label' on top of all naturopathic content, including, of course, the science-ejected vitalistic-homeopathic.

NCNM's New Master’s of Science Degree in Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR) and Their Decades-Persistent FALSE Idea of What Constitutes Legitimate Science and Evidence

2011-06-24T15:32:00.000-04:00

here, I cite from an announcement by the National College of Natural Medicine [NCNM] regarding their new supposedly "scientific" graduate degree [see 001., below]; but, other graduate degrees at NCNM are scientific nonsense so watch out [see 002., below]:

001. NCNM writes in the email mailing "NCNM Master's of Science Degree in Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR)" (I received this 2011-06-21; my comments are in bold):

"National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM) [is] introducing the Master’s of Science Degree in Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR) [...a] new MS program[...] designed for medical professionals and those interested in a strong foundation in research and study design [...] this program aims to train evidence-based clinicians [etc....] it combines course subjects from the standard master of public health (MPH) and master of clinical research programs (MCR) with a CAM research literature and scientific base [...] the Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research blends the scientific rigor of the MPH and MCR with the natural medicine content [...]";

science, science, science. But, is wine plus mud still wine?

"the curriculum for the Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research begins with two core courses that provide a foundation in natural medicine research. The Introduction to Research course is a medical research literature survey course that not only provides students with an overview of seminal natural medicine research studies but also teaches them how to critically evaluate research literature [...] Research Practicum is the foundational research skills-building course wherein students are trained in scientific methods [...]";

again, science and supposed criticality.

"interested in learning more about this exciting new degree? Please see the attached flyer or contact the Office of Admissions at 503.552.1660 / 877.669.8737 or admissions@ncnm.edu."

this is commerce, of course: they require payment for what is offered.

Note: NCNM has details up at their web site here.

002. science claims upon the science-ejected / science-exterior, for decades:

it is not difficult to find NCNM's naturopathy description, which does this [labeling the science-ejected vitalistic and the science-exterior supernatural falsely 'within science'].

it is also not difficult to find NCNM's classical Chinese medicine description which claims that CCM as a science lives in its own private science Idaho per "an independent science that has its own parameters and does not require validation by other scientific systems."

003. overall note:

this new science graduate degree just looks like more sectarian nonsense disguising itself as science when actually NOT.

so take care with your future: in "natural medicine"-land, nonsciences are falsely posed as sciences and traded upon quite deceptively.

if you study them long enough, and I've watch NCNM particularly for decades, you can unravel the HUGE absurdity:

that nonscience can be categorically within science as a category.

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

2011-06-17T08:44:00.004-04:00

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!

2011-06-16T13:01:00.002-04:00

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'

2011-06-16T10:59:00.024-04:00

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

2011-06-14T11:10:00.102-04:00

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]

2011-06-12T19:57:00.015-04:00

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]

2011-06-12T13:33:00.143-04:00

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

2011-06-08T23:13:00.028-04:00

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

2011-06-02T20:07:00.029-04:00

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"

2011-06-02T18:33:00.052-04:00

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

2011-05-30T18:54:00.082-04:00

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)

2011-05-24T13:33:00.045-04:00

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

2011-05-23T00:28:00.027-04:00

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.

Five-Year Anniversary of My TNM Review at Amazon!!!

2011-05-22T22:29:00.009-04:00

here, I reiterate my review of the Textbook of Natural Medicine, 3rd. ed. that I'd put up at Amazon five years ago, "This is Scientific Medicine?" (May 20, 2006):

"I recently viewed the new chapter concerning 'naturopathic philosophy' [in the 3rd edition, 2005] within this text at the University of Bridgeport's library, as there's a naturopathic school there that I attended. The chapter discusses the premises of 'the naturopathic.' Do you really want to be treated by a physician who conflates (blends) supernatural, nonscientific, scientifically discarded, idealistic, metaphysical, religious and scientific information -- and presents the whole thing as [supposedly] scientific? [a misrepresentation: Kitzmiller et al. v. Dover Area School District anyone?]. Check out "The Epistemic Conflation of a School of Thought Claiming to be Scientific" and "Why I Dropped Out of Naturopathy School" - online per me, Rob Cullen. [THIS is future healthcare? I disagree, these prophets are truly 'facing backward']. I'm highly ethically disturbed by this text and naturopathy, still. I'll just make one point about this book's contention that complexity, self-regulation, and evolution indicate that life defies the laws of natural science {and is therefore supernatural} -- particularly the second law of thermodynamics, per physics, in terms of life as supposedly being antientropic as indicated by life's evolving complexity [p.081-082] -- therefore justifying, particularly, vitalism and its handmaiden teleology-finalism. [Beliefs essential to 'the naturopathic'; explanations no longer within science at all; rejected-knowledge in terms of the scientific].[Yes, evolution! Even though evolution is actually the culmination of 'methodological naturalism,' which is HOW science approaches phenomena, that is: SCIENCE DOES NOT INVOKE THE SUPERNATURAL {which includes ideas like naturopathy's vitalism, spiritism and kind}, science determines its contents based upon EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE, and exceptionally LEAN explanatory approaches {per parsimony: as in 'do not multiply entities needlessly'; that is, if not ascribed by the evidence, IT ISN'T A SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATION}]. Ah, HUGE problem. The second law deals with closed systems and life's context is within an open system, in terms of thermodynamics. [For the compliance of the 'living' with thermodynamic law, see Atwater & Rosa's work in 1897 which specifically speaks in terms of the first law {the Kinesiology Dept. of Rice University has a nice web page on biological thermodynamics}; and see 'Biological Thermodynamics' ISBN 0521795494 {p.321 specifically speaks in terms of the second law}]. UB says NDs practice "scientific medicine" and naturopathy is "health science." Hmmm, what kind of [supposed] science text gets something so simple WRONG? Naturopathy is a 'self-labeled science-based' area that won't let go of what has not been considered scientific [the supernatural, the metaphysical, the idealistic, the scientifically-refuted and -discarded -- and kind; i.e., the tenets of their doctrines] for several decades PLUS. This text reflects naturopathic 'epistemic mislabeling nonsense' [e.g. naturopathy's vitalism ("life force"), spiritism ("personal spiritual development; body, mind, spirit"), autoentheism ("god-power within"), teleology-finalism ('life force' as "intelligent, purposeful, goal-directed") and 'whatever else idealism'/ woo-woo AREN'T science-based (or even empirical phenomena, as in therefore 'not scienceable') -- but are falsely labeled as scientific by naturopathy anyway]. In reality, minimally, a mandatory, manipulatable, spiritual, 'underlying' {metaphysical, supernatural, idealistic and what-not} 'life force' {of many aliases} immediately responsible for states of health and disease is INSTEAD AN ARTICLE OF FAITH {aka a 'sectarian medicine' belief set}. Hmmm: "the most thoroughly researched and carefully referenced text on natural medicine has been revised to include the most up-to-date information...." It has been a couple of months since I read that chapter, and I'm still, honestly, LAUGHING OUT LOUD. Naturopathy is, essentially, a 'supernatural science' (an oxymoron; particularly, vital-force-spirit, spiritism, autoentheism, and teleology-finalism as "science-based" are arrived at through a radical unlimiting of the boundaries of 'the scientific'); while evidence from science doesn't support the supernatural / theistic, the metaphysical, or the idealistic; and vitalism and spiritism, in terms of physiological agency, are refuted biological hypotheses. -rc."

Note: and I wouldn't change a thing. Well, I would change the fact that they bamboozled me into studying the junk for four years with false labels in terms of commerce and education, derailing my life at great cost.