Peterson's Entry for NCNM: Ye Old “Science-Based Vitalistic” Naturopathic Nonsense

here, I cite from Peterson's “Graduate Programs in Business, Education, Health, Information Studies, Law and Social Work 2004” (ISBN 076891146x, 2003) regarding National College of Natural Medicine's [NCNM] claim that the vitalistic is within the science-based [see 001., below]: then I cite from the State of Oregon's Board of Naturopathic Medicine [OBNM] and similar nonsense [see 002., below]:

001. the 'professional science-based vitalistic' at NCNM:

001.a. Peterson's NCNM entry states:

“naturopathic medicine is a science-based, vitalistic philosophy and practice rooted in the principle of vis medicatrix naturae, the healing power of nature […] students pursue a vitalistically grounded and rigorous academic clinical program [p.2113].”

Note: so, naturopathy is essentially vitalistic. The 'back-stage' context of naturopathy is vitalism, even when naturopathy cleverly codes the premise so as not to allow for informed, transparent communication of that essential 'nature.' NCNM is the oldest of the AANMC schools, and this vitalistic context is canonical. Now, science has ejected the vitalistic, hugely. Yup. And to be grounded vitalistically is about as sensible as if dentistry centered itself around the figment known as the Tooth Fairy.  Rigor?  Thoughtless is more like it.  Cultic.

001.b. regarding science, the entry states:

“the first two years of study are focused on the standard medical sciences […] naturopathic medicine integrates natural healing methods from around the world with solid foundations in Western sciences.”

Note: I'm not sure how science can be standard and solid when what is science and not science is regarded as equal within the naturopathic realm. That is about as standard as stating that sense and nonsense are the same thing. So, a solid foundation in science is when science is ANYTHING you wish it to be?

001.c. and of course, we're told this is ethically rigorous / professional per:

“founded in 1956, National College of Naturopathic Medicine is the oldest accredited naturopathic medical college in North America. As such, it has been the heart of the profession.”

Note: what kind of profession is so FLAWED at its very core that it appears irrational, insane, scientifically-illiterate, and opaque?

002. OBNE states in “Naturopathy”[vsc 2010-06-19]:

"naturopathic physicians (N.D.) are primary care practitioners trained as specialist in natural medicine. They are educated in conventional medical sciences [...] the practice of naturopathic medicine emerges from six underlying principles of healing. These principles are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in light of scientific analysis. It is these principles that distinguish the profession from other medical approaches: [#1] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae. The body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force."

Note: so, more nonsense.

003. beware:

naturopathy is quite false at its core. You have States, their Departments of Education, the Federal DOE, regionally accredited colleges and universities, and college / university career guides spewing quite dunderheaded sectarian dogma posing as legitimate “science.”