here, I cite the "science" label -- by an ND of the non-AANP variety -- placed upon quite 'scientifically-decided nonsense' [see 001., below]; and I briefly analyze the 2009 article from the Oklahoman that got this up on my radar, which calls sCAM's BUNK "cutting edge" [see 002.,below]:
001. Hopkins, C. (ND FNUN) states in "Services: Electro-Dermal Screening":
"electro-dermal screening is actually utilizing pathometry [measurement of disease] or the measurement of disturbed electron flow in the body. The measurements are obtained at the acupuncture site mainly on the hands and the feet [...] it is a 'data acquisition process' used to determine the areas of electrical imbalances in the body. It allows the practitioner to conduct an 'interview' with the body’s organs and tissues, showing much about the basic function of those areas [...] the system has been designed to send an electrical current through electrical pathways or meridians recognized by scientists throughout most of the world. Many pathways (meridians) have been verified by thousands of years of use within the science [of?] acupuncture while others have been recently discovered by modern science. Each pathway corresponds to organs or systems within the body itself [...] we would then team together and use nutritionals and homeopathics for a time to neutralize the allergen and detoxify the body."
Note: note the science-y language, particularly the word "science" [;)]. When, actually -- meridians don't exist per science and the EDS diagnostic method is BUNK, and so are the therapeutics [per homeopathy, and per detox]. The diagnosis and treatment of disease is, by the way, what most consider to be practicing medicine.
002. the Oklahoman states in "Oklahoma Naturopaths Offer Natural Therapies To Aid In Healing" (2009-06-21) [vsc 2012-02-21]:
"[as reported by Jennifer Palmer] cutting-edge natural therapies [...] at Healthy Solutions [...per] Hopkins and two other practitioners use reflexology, bio-energetic screening [EDS]and other methods, whereas Taylor specializes in iridology, the study of the iris of the eye."
Note: the AANP and affiliates are cited twice in this article, though the ND in this article is not of that affiliation. This is not clearly stated. We have this promise of "cutting-edge", which most people believe is 'of best current scientific support.' That is not true, it is a mislabel.
Reflexology is BUNK, and iridology is BUNK.
This is journalism?
Addendum: I've tried to find, three years later, naturopath Hopkins on the web. No luck. Here's a naturopath who recently made similar claims in 2012:
"NMD" Griffith had this 2012-01-31 press release [vsc 2012-02-21] which states:
"Barbara Griffin, NMD, CNC, clinical director, Vital Health, Inc. [...says] iridology [is] the scientific interpretation of the iris [...] iridology is the science of interpreting the structure of the iris as it relates to the organs of the body [...] a powerful window to the genetic make-up of the body and means of assessing conditions and levels of health [...] a powerful tool in assessing what is going on inside the body through a painless examination of the eye's iris [...] Dr. Griffin's specialties include traditional naturopathy [...and] EAV Meridian Stress Assessment [...and] iridology, SKASYS, live blood cell analysis [...and] BioCleanse foot detox."
She additionally writes in "About Us" [vsc 2012-02-21]:
"Barbara has a naturopathic degree [her NMD I assume!] from Arkansas College of Natural Health [(something dealing with this school is here)...and is a] certified iridologist."
Reflexology is BUNK, and iridology is BUNK.
This is journalism?
[this post was mildly revised and reformatted 2012-02-21]:
Addendum: I've tried to find, three years later, naturopath Hopkins on the web. No luck. Here's a naturopath who recently made similar claims in 2012:
"NMD" Griffith had this 2012-01-31 press release [vsc 2012-02-21] which states:
"Barbara Griffin, NMD, CNC, clinical director, Vital Health, Inc. [...says] iridology [is] the scientific interpretation of the iris [...] iridology is the science of interpreting the structure of the iris as it relates to the organs of the body [...] a powerful window to the genetic make-up of the body and means of assessing conditions and levels of health [...] a powerful tool in assessing what is going on inside the body through a painless examination of the eye's iris [...] Dr. Griffin's specialties include traditional naturopathy [...and] EAV Meridian Stress Assessment [...and] iridology, SKASYS, live blood cell analysis [...and] BioCleanse foot detox."
She additionally writes in "About Us" [vsc 2012-02-21]:
"Barbara has a naturopathic degree [her NMD I assume!] from Arkansas College of Natural Health [(something dealing with this school is here)...and is a] certified iridologist."
