here, I excerpt from a recent blog post by NDs Gignac and Sonnenburg regarding the supposed dangers of the 'toxins' from dental mercury amalgam fillings [see 001., below]; then, I cite their 'science claim' and colon hydrotherapy crap [see 002., below]; then, some actual expertise via NCAHF and Wikipedia [see 003., below]; finally, I remind you of 'the essentially naturopathic' figmentatious [see 004., below]:
001. the blog page of Gignac, T. (ND CCNM) and Sonnenburg, L. (ND CCNM) states in "Mercury Amalgams: How Safe are Tooth Fillings?" [vsc 2011-01-14]:
"dental amalgams deliver a daily dose of mercury to the body [...and] are the single largest source of mercury exposure for the average Canadian. The link between mercury from tooth fillings and actual health problems, though, has been the subject of much debate [hmmm, really?...] in 2009, the FDA ruled mercury wasn’t harmful, but last month an FDA advisory panel urged them to reconsider. It would appear that the tide is slowly turning [hmmm, really?...] if you’re concerned about your fillings, we recommend a three step process: test for elevated levels of mercury in the body [testing! $$$; maybe by the 'provocation method' known to create false positive results]; help remove the mercury through IV chelation, supplementation, and inhalation treatments [treatment!$$$]; referral to a specialist for safe amalgam removal and replacement [treatment! $$$]. To learn more about testing for mercury and other toxins, contact the office [...for] a complimentary appointment."
Note: so, they're quite willing to entertain 'concerns', test -- and I'm going to hazard that the testing method is the quite deceptive 'provocation method' -- and treat. Such a detoxification regime may be so lucrative that the initial visit is free. But, what do experts say, as opposed to ideologues, about supposed dental amalgam mercury [see below]?
002. the NDs also state in "Frequently Asked Questions" [vsc 2011-01-14]:
"is naturopathy scientific? There is an enormous body of evidence supporting naturopathic medicine, [...] you’ll be surprised to discover just how practical and scientific our work at the clinic is. We rely a great deal on lab testing and logical, scientific analysis."
Note: so, we're led to believe that this is science, overall -- enormously!!!
Yes, their clinic is so ENORMOUSLY scientific that they do colonic cleanses on site, about which we're told:
"colon hydrotherapy (also called colonics, colon cleanses, or colonic irrigation) is a hygienic cleansing of the colon (large intestine) with filtered, temperature regulated water [...] it is a painless, safe and effective method of removing dried fecal matter and restoring the colon to optimal health and function, bringing with it a sense of well being [...] the therapy is useful for many different reasons, including restoring and/or regulating bowel functions and routines, reducing toxins built up in the colon and helping to detoxify the liver and lymphatic system [...] an ineffective digestive system makes it difficult for your kidneys and liver to properly flush toxins, which in turn can lead to a variety of health complaints [...their] state-of-the-art colon hydrotherapy suite in our Collingwood Naturopathic clinic offers regular treatment times."
But, these claims are bunk in terms of medical science. Even Wikipedia's article states:
"the rationale for colon cleansing is the concept of 'auto-intoxication', the idea that food enters the intestine and rots. The ancient Egyptians believed that toxins formed as a result of decomposition within the intestines, and moved from there into the circulatory system causing fever and the development of pus. The ancient Greeks adopted and expanded the idea, applying their belief in the four humours [...] auto-intoxication enjoyed some favor in the medical community from the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century, but was discarded as advances in science failed to support its claims [...] despite this, 'auto-intoxication' persists in the public imagination. The practice of colon cleansing has undergone a resurgence in the alternative medical community, supported by testimonials and anecdotal evidence and promoted by manufacturers of colon cleansing products."
003. the National Council Against Health Fraud states in "Consumer Health Digest #10-52: False Dental Amalgam Toxicity Claims Slammed Again" (2010-12-30):
"a study of 56 patients who claimed to have symptoms caused by mercury in their amalgam fillings has found that none of the patients had significant levels of mercury in their blood or urine [...] 20 of the patients has previously been previously diagnosed with mercury toxicity by 'commercial practitioners using unconventional testing panels' [likely provocative testing...] a recent review by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs concluded: 'studies continue to support the position that dental amalgam is a safe restorative option for both children and adults' [...] during the past few weeks, unjustified scare headlines have been generated by an anti-amalgam campaign that involved testimony at an FDA hearing [...] Robert S. Baratz, M.D., D.D.S., Ph.D. noted: 'the simple truth is that there is no significant risk because amalgam fillings are safe [...] the promotion of anti-amalgamism is regularly linked with fringe practitioners, people with financial interests in promoting something else [like naturopathy!], and pseudoscience [like naturopathy!...] the anti-amalgamists resemble more a religious cult [like naturopathy!] than a group of serious, objective scientists searching for the truth.'"
Note: oh snap! Yes, it's a bunch of crap.
004. 'the essentially naturopathic' context and science:
[to get to this, since these Ontario NDs don't apparently explain the naturopathic context on their web site in any manner, we need to go to the OAND, the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors]:
004.a. OAND on vitalism-supernaturalism, the primary figmentatious context of naturopathy:
004.a1. in their publication Natural Path (Winter 2002) [vsc 2011-01-14]:
"Homeopathy: An ND's Perspective [by] Zorana Rose, BA in OT, ND [...] the remedy then stimulates the body to heal itself. It does this by supporting the 'vital force' of the person. Hanhemann described this vital force as the energy that animates all living things [...] when an imbalance occurs (Hahnemann refers to this as a disturbance in the person's vital force), symptoms, signs or susceptibilities appear. A homeopath will prescribe a remedy that will help the body return to balance [...] Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician and chemist, discovered and developed Homeopathy into a science [...] has homeopathy been scientifically proven? The short answer is yes."
Note: so, there is the vitalism context of naturopathy, there as it relates to their homeopathy. Yes, that's an overarching label of science placed upon homeopathy, that is truly FALSE.
004.a2. in their publication The Pulse (Summer-2008) [vsc 2011-01-14]:
"Where's the Healing? by Paul Epstein, ND [...] being 'holistic' can go beyond finding the right supplement, botanical extract, homeopathic remedy or [acupuncture] point. It is being able to contact the deeper essence of a person, whether you call it the spirit, soul or vital force. In contacting this deeper essence, the holistic physician is to tap the person’s true source of healing."
Note: it's rare to get naturopathy's overall context of vitalistic supernaturalism so transparently communicated, as the above two definitions from OAND do, when amalgamated [a ha ha ha!].
For instance, OAND does say, quite opaquely otherwheres:
"the strategic approach to augment our body’s own innate defenses against metastasis is fully in line with our philosophy and the vis medicatrix naturae."
004.b. in all this, remember, "Danger, Will Robinson!":
because, believe it or not, OAND is not averse to falsely labeling naturopathy overall "science based."
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