here, I cite from a recent interview by ND Hirji, who debunks some diet & exercise myths [see 001., below]; then, I mention a CORE naturopathic myth, homeopathy, which is apparently OK for an ND to accept and not debunk since it is so CORE to naturopathy [see 002., below]:
001. Hirji, R. (ND CCNM) states in "The Five Biggest Weight Loss Myths Debunked" (2012-05-14) [vsc 2012-05-14]:
"[as reported textually, from] Toronto [...] it's that time of year again [...] shedding a few pounds in preparation for beach weather is a common practice in spring [...] Global News debunks five weight loss myths that may derail your goals [...with] doctor of naturopathic medicine Dr. Rahima Hirji ND [...on] the Morning Show [...and they talk of] myth #1 [...then] myth #2 [...] myth #3 [...] myth #4 [...and] myth #5."
Note: roughly speaking, these five points are from the realm of physiological thermodynamics and exercise physiology. I have a degree in physical education and have been an personal trainer and medical exercise specialist, and I don't see much of anything to quibble with grossly. The advice is rather reasonable and mainstream, and there's nothing naturopathic to it. You could argue though that this piece sends traffic her way, to her naturopathic practice: from the mundane mainstream foot in the door you are led down the rabbit hole.
002. ND Hirji's naturopathic practice [the rabbit hole], Sage Naturopathic Clinic, which includes Cressman, C. (ND CCNM) states:
002.a. in 'homepage' [vsc 2012-05-14]:
"naturopathy in Kitchener-Waterloo & Cambridge [...with] Rahima Hirji, ND. Founder, Sage Naturopathic Clinic [...] learn more about our clinic, our services, our team [...]";
OK, that's one of the purposes of this blog.
"providing quality healthcare [...in a market of] decreasing access to quality healthcare [...]";
there's a promise.
"we strive to empower our patients [...]";
another promise.
002.b. in "Heal With Homeopathy" [vsc 2012-05-14]:
"homeopathic medicine is a system of natural
medicine [...] homeopathic treatment addresses
disease at the root level [...] homeopathic medicines are
prepared from tiny amounts of proven healing substances [...] it can help to heal both acute and chronic
health issues [...] it is beneficial in acute and first-aid situations [...] homeopathic remedies have the ability to ameliorate and often
resolve long standing chronic conditions [...] homeopathic remedies gently activate
and boost the body’s own self-healing mechanisms and defenses [...] homeopathy helps build resistance [...it is] safely used to treat the health concerns of infants, children,
adults, and the elderly [...] homeopathy is effective. Homeopathic prescribing is effective in both
acute and chronic conditions. In many cases homeopathy is fast acting,
restoring optimal health [...disease] examples include but are not limited
to [...] acne, eczema and psoriasis, asthma and allergies, chronic pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia, Crohn's, colitis, IBS and GERD, depression
and anxiety, female issues and infertility, ADD / ADHD and autism, headaches and migraines, hypertension and diabetes, low energy and chronic fatigue, mental illness and emotional problems [...] colds, flu, fever and infections, injuries, strains, sprains and breaks, food poisoning, nausea and travel sickness, shock, grief and trauma [...]";
there go a few claims of efficacy! But, victimizing ill people with empty potions is not empowering, in my ethical system.
"homeopathy is a scientific and natural medicine [...] the most popular holistic therapy worldwide [...]";
ah, there's the BIG one. The big falsehood. It so reminds me that "natural medicine" is the place where people market falsehood with impunity. And that "holistic" is such a junkyard.
"homeopathy can address
any family member’s mental-emotional or physical health concerns.
Homeopathy can act curatively, preventatively or as a palliative
therapy [...]";
more efficacy claims. I'm wondering if this ND supported homeopathic vaccination as opposed to real vaccination.
"homeopathic medicines stimulate the body’s
vital energy into action [...]";
ah, so. The science subset homeopathy subset science-ejected absurdity that is SO naturopathic. Mythical. Absurd. Debunked.
regarding the video itself, the fawning TV personalities acting as journalists are quite amusing, in this context -- except for the ethically disturbing fact that they are indirectly a part of the promotion of nonsense.
and that's not empowering. At an institutional, level even I think it violates human rights.
