Monday, November 29, 2010

ND Swanz - A Favorite Example of the Science-Ejected Naturopathic

here, I cite from the web pages of ND Swanz, who not only describes naturopathy's essential science-ejected vitalism context but he has also named his practice after it [see 001., below];

001. Swanz, P.V. (ND SCNM) states:

001.a. in "Homeopathy" [psc 2010-11-29]: 

"homeopathy utilizes dilute plant, animal, or mineral remedies to stimulate the vital force [VF...] the inherent self healing ability [ISHA] that acts to restore balance in the body [...] Dr. Peter Swanz is an expert in homeopathy [...] he is a fellow of the Homeopathic Association of Naturopathic Physicians."

Note: so, VF=ISHA.  Homeopathy, of course, is so diluted that its pills or liquids are inert.

001.b. in "Naturopathy" [psc 2010-11-29]:

"naturopathic medicine answers how we can live, become, and maintain health [...it has] two foundations, a science base and a philosophical base [...] there are six underlying premises on which the philosophy is based [...#2] support the healing power of nature, 'the vital force' - vis medicatrix naturae [HPN, VF, VMN respectively...] naturopathic principles apply across both acute and chronic illness, for young and old, male and female alike."

Note: so, HPN=VF=VMN.  So, there are many aliases for the vitalistic context that defines naturopathy.  Their base is Janus-faced / contradictory: of science and of 'philosophy' [the science-ejected, actually].

You can find this 'essential naturopathic contradictory irrationality' at ND Swanz's alma mater, SCNM, as it describes naturopathy in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2010-11-29]:

"naturopathic doctors  [...] philosophy is derived in part from [...] vis mediatrix [sp., medicatrix] naturae - nature is the healer of all diseases [NHAD...] the six principles that guide the therapeutic methods and modalities of naturopathic medicine include [...#2] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae. The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health [IARH]. The physician’s role is to facilitate this process [TP...] naturopathic doctors cooperate with all other branches of medical science [...] their practice is based on the same basic bio-medical science foundation that allopathic [!] practice is."

Yes, SCNM can't spell medicatrix [happens a lot].  Anyway, now, in terms of naturopathy's vitalism, here we see VMN=NHAD=HPN=IARH=TP.  And overarching all of this is the claim that such is "science" and of a "science foundation" [not!].  I would think that if you are 'of a science base yet defined by the science-ejected', you've go problems -- especially if you don't see a problem therein.

001.c. in 'homepage' [psc 2010-11-29]:

"Vital Force Naturopathy is a holistic healing practice [...] Dr. Swanz  [...] has advance training in homeopathy."

Note: so, vitalism is so important to ND Swanz that he named the practice "vital force."  And regarding "holistic", well if I've learned anything over time it is that "holistic" and "bone-headed" are quite synonymous.  After all, homeopathy is touted here galore and it is considered, in these here times, an unethical placebo therapy.

001.d. in "SCENAR Therapy at VFN" [psc 2010-11-29]:

"SCENAR is an abbreviation for the Self Controlled Energy Neuro Adaptive Regulator [...] the EMF impulses from the SCENAR device are a dynamic energy directed to help guide the body in its own healing process [BIIOHP...] supporting our body’s own healing ability [BOHA...] it is a signal that the body recognizes as its own [...] the impulse is constantly changing supporting an activation of the body’s adaptive mechanisms [BAM...] the SCENAR device does not heal the body.  It supports and helps to reactivate the body’s own healing mechanisms [BOHM...and is used for] shock, trauma, intoxication, pain [...problems of the] digestive system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, muscular-skeletal system, urinary system, reproductive system, nervous system, circulatory system, immune system, endocrine system [...] ear, nose, and throat complaints; eye complaints; skin complaints; and dental complaints [...] burns, fractures, insect bites and stings, allergic reactions, stress and accompanying complaints."

Note: wow, panacea alert!!! It is not a stretch to assume this being done, as all naturopathy is, within a vitalistic context, so we can further extend the aliases of that to BIIOHP, BOHA, BAM, and BOHM.

Lets say "I'm skeptical."

On Facebook, the page "Scenar Therapy" states: "scenar therapy is one of the most advanced forms of  'energy medicine' in the world today."

Oh, that explains it - a pseudodiagnostic-pseudotherapeutic, like Vega and Reich machines. See Quackwatch's "Signs of a Quack Device" and "Index of Questionable Devices".  At the latter, we're informed:

"the devices listed on this page are either inherently bogus or are approved for one use but improperly used for other purposes [...] for example, some bogus devices have been approved as 'biofeedback' instruments even though their actual intended use is to diagnose and/or treat disease [...and includes the] SCENAR."

002. of vitalism and 'energy medicine' overall:

002.a. vitalism [in all its naturopathic guises] is science ejected:

I've been collecting citations for years about this indisputable fact.  To base a medical system on such and usually falsely label the whole thing as science -- as is naturopathy's M.O. -- is nuts.

002.b. 'energy medicine' is without scientific support. Wikipedia states in "Energy Medicine":

"a 2007 investigation by the Seattle Times found that thousands of devices claiming to utilize energy medicine -- many of them illegal or dangerous -- were used in hundreds of venues across the United States. The newspaper described energy medicine as modern-day snake oil, pointing to a lack of regulation and the widespread use of false or unproven marketing claims."

Note: oh snap!

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