ND Gagliardi's Ancient Chinese Prescientific Vitalistic Diagnostic Nonsense

here, I cite from a recent article by a Bastyr naturopath that tells us that "qi" and 'yin yang' problems are why we can be ill, while that ND's practice tells us naturopathy is largely 'of rigorous science expertise' [see 001., below]; yet, the vitalism that qi and 'yin yang' essentially are of is hugely 'of science-exterior figmentation' [see 002., below]:

001. Gagliardi, C. (ND Bastyr 2004) of Colorado states:

001.a. in "Revive Your 'Get Up and Go' Using Traditional Chinese Medicine" [vsc 2012-07-09; my comments are in unquoted bold]:

"if you experience fatigue, here are tips that lead to vibrant energy [...] from a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective [...] are you 'wired and tired,' or 'passive and pooped?' [...such determines] the difference between a fatigue caused by an 'excess' condition versus one caused by a 'deficient' condition [...]";

so, we have a vague condition, a specifically posed 'mechanism', and promises of relief.  Naturopathy loves to market itself toward very subjectively determined, chronic, mild to moderate discomforts.

 "in TCM, a balance is always desired between qi (energy), blood (lubrication, warming, nurturing), yin (cooling, moistening, stillness) and yang (warming, drying and movement) [...] when a person’s qi, blood, yin and yang are in balance, she has abundant health and energy.  When any one of these is lacking or imbalanced, it can show up as physical, mental or emotional symptoms. The excess condition: qi stagnation. When discussing excess conditions causing fatigue, the most common pattern is 'qi stagnation' [...] deficient conditions: qi deficiency. A second common pattern relating to fatigue is 'qi deficiency' [...] yang deficiency. 'yang deficiency' fatigue may occur as we age [...] yin deficiency. 'yin deficiency' is another fatigue pattern [...]";

qi itself is not energy at all, in the modern sense of this-here-scientific-age because energy is a measurable property.  Yin and yang, like qi, are mere placeholders from the middle ages for actual knowledge.  You cannot measure qi, yin, or yang because they are metaphysical figmentations.

Note: and we are told "Dr. Gagliardi received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington, and her master’s degree in traditional Chinese medicine from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Denver [...] Dr. Colleen Gagliardi is a licensed acupuncturist and naturopathic doctor at Whole Health Center in Highlands Ranch [...] Dr. Gagliardi uses natural modalities to address health issues, including: acupuncture, Western and Chinese herbal therapy, homeopathy, nutritional supplements, clinical nutrition, diet and lifestyle counseling and craniosacral therapy [CST]."  Lets go there.

002. at:

002.a. her place of practice, we're told in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2012-07-09]:

"naturopathic doctors (NDs) are the nation's leading experts in natural medicine and natural health care. A clinically-trained naturopathic doctor attends a rigorous, accredited, four-year post-graduate naturopathic medical school and is educated in all the basic and clinical sciences. [...]";

so, there's the promise of SCIENCE, RIGOR, EXPERTISE subset naturopathy.

"naturopathic training includes the following diagnostic and treatment modalities [...] detoxification [...] homeopathy [...]";

two things that are quite bunk, along with the CST.  So, now we're in the absurd position of science, rigor, expertise subset naturopathy subset nonsense.

002.b. the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, unbelievably, all the TCM degrees that they grant are titled "master's of science." 

Note: we are told on their financial aid page, "CSTCM is certified by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the Title IV Student Aid Programs."  The government at hard work allowing students loans for quite absurd claims.

003. meanwhile, regarding TCM's claims, UK-Skeptics states:

003.a. in "Yin and Yang":

"the universal life force qi is believed to be composed of yin and yang; a system of opposites that must always be in balance [...] yin represents everything about the world that is dark, hidden, passive, receptive, yielding, cool, soft, and feminine. Yang represents everything about the world that is illuminated, evident, active, aggressive, controlling, hot, hard, and masculine [...] naturally, the masculine yin has to be present in a greater quantity than the feminine yang for perfectly-balanced harmony to be achieved. Masculine superiority is written into the life-force of the universe it seems. At least it is according to the men who most likely thought of the idea."

Note: bravo, because, inevitably, these ideas are ARCHAIC.

003.b. in "Qi, Chi, Ch'i":

"meaning: universal life force or energy. Qi is a metaphysical belief. It is meant to be the life force of the universe which permeates all matter. It is also believed to be the source of life. It has its roots in vitalism; the belief that life, the soul, or the spirit is separate from the physical form [dualism...] harmonizing the flow of qi, by balancing yin and yang, that is the theoretical basis of healing used in acupuncture in the body [...] qi has never been measured or shown to exist."

Note: but, being quite identical to the "vis medicatrix naturae" vitalistic figmentation of naturopathy [see page 114 of Bastyr's 2012 catalog which states "NM9118: Energetics of Natural Medicine [...] this course presents an analysis of the vital force, the emergence of shape, a redefinition of disease and a discussion of specific disorders"], it is understandable why qi / yin / yang too are similarly falsely labeled 'clinically useful', and even, scientifically vetted [Bastyr in fact states on page 004 "Bastyr University has played a key part in establishing the credibility of science-based natural medicine"].  Bastyr, too, has TCM degrees labeled "science."  In fact, the word 'Chinese' shows up in that catalog 174 times!

and nonsense marches on.