001. Steve Novella, the [take a deep breath] "James Randi Educational Foundation's Senior Fellow and Director of the JREF's Science-Based Medicine Project", writes in "Licensing Nonsense" [vsc 2013-02-11; my comments are in unquoted bold]:
"in case any readers are unfamiliar with naturopathy, its practitioners have their own take on medicine which, as far as I can tell, boils down to using any treatment, diagnostic method, or health product as long as it is not based on science and evidence [...]";
oh, snap! Now, that's not something I'll disagree with, but I will augment. It's not guerrilla enough for me! I would add 'and then such absurdities are falsely labeled science-based academically and commercially / clinically', which to me is abusive and fraudulent. And because naturopaths say they have a 'true' way which regular medicine does not have, a way that 'truly cures' instead of 'masking the symptoms', which is a fake problem solved by their and only their care, I label naturopathy's mode 'racketeering' too. Here's a page [vsc 2013-02-10] by two Colorado NDs that state that naturopathy is a branch of medical science and truly cures, with homeopathy labeled "powerful" of course.
"often I am met with disbelief that naturopathic practice can be that bad [...] they are simply anti-consumer [...] they favor unscientific methods like homeopathy, iridology, acupuncture,
useless supplements, dietary changes, and other forms of medical
nonsense [...possessing] a shocking ignorance of basic physiology [...] it is all based
on nonsense from top to bottom [...]";
but Steve, naturopathy is housed within Divisions of Health Science [UBCNM] and schools of Health Science [NUHS]! Colleges and Universities don't lie! That's criminal! While the list of nonsense that they use could be made SO MUCH LONGER. One new EGREGIOUS false science label that has come up on my radar is Bastyr University's new Master of Science degree in Ayurvedic Sciences. Ayurveda, historically, is as scientific as alchemy or astrology. Bastyr, originally a naturopathy college only, PRIZES itself on its so-naturopathic conflation mission of "the healing power of nature [vitalism] and recognizing that body, mind and spirit [supernaturalism] are intrinsically inseparable" falsely labeling the whole thing "firmly science-based". Break out the Nobels, folks, BU has scientifically established the science-exterior. That, therein, is why I call their thought 'naturopathillogical.' By their own definition, science is now anything, yet, of course, wink-wink, it's posed necessarily 'the same science as the science that is what scientists internationally do' because if, like Dr. Spaceman, we were told that "science is whatever we want it to be" honestly, we'd at least be getting reliable information albeit absurd and FALSE. So, I would argue that naturopaths have a shocking ignorance of honesty and logic, uttermost.
"once states license a profession, well then they are a licensed
profession, and subsequent regulation of standards will be in the hands
of licensed professionals [...they'll supposedly be] effectively
regulated, thereby increasing quality control [...but really] as soon as the profession is
licensed, the wolves are in charge of the hen house from that point
forward [...because] if the entire profession lacks a culture and basis in science,
there is no mechanism for quality control [...licensure truly creates] areas that are exempt from the science-based standard of care [...] to legitimize and legalize health fraud, quackery, and dubious practices [...]";
hear, hear. When is the last time an ND was sanctioned for practicing homeopathy, or applied kinesiology, or iridology by fellow NDs? Obviously, science is not their baseline, it is their camouflage. And one thing I'll add: no profession is based upon falsehood, deception, and absurdity because they can't fulfill a fiduciary duty from such a position.
"licensure of nonsense represents a betrayal of the public trust [...] the public will interpret licensure as government certification of legitimacy and even endorsement [...but we are reminded by way of Edzard Ernst, M.D., PhD] 'the most meticulous regulation of nonsense must still result in nonsense' [...licensure] remove[s] basic protections so that fraud and pseudoscience may thrive".
hear, hear.
Overall note: SN is being wise in that he has not mentioned any organizations, institutions, schools, or people by name. Without such specificity, you cannot be sued for defamation. That's good for SN and the JREF. Me, well, it's too late! I've mentioned an awful lot of particulars, yet still haven't been sued. This will be Naturocrit's 714th post. A civil lawsuit would be GOOD for my mission, because I cannot get my State of Connecticut or any other State for that matter into consumer protection mode. They've permitted fraud and racketeering, IMHO, and they'd have to prosecute themselves along the way!
002. naturopathy's 'EAV-homeopathy orgasmatronic nonsense':
Tonskamper, G. (ND NCNM 1983) of White Rock Acupuncture and Natural Health Clinic states:
002.a. in "Naturopathic Medicine / Naturopathy" [vsc 2013-02-11]:
"naturopathic medicine is founded on the principle vis medicatrix naturae, the healing power of nature. Naturopathic medicine uses natural methods and substances to support and stimulate the body's inherent self-healing process [...]";
it is convenient that ND Tonskamper is an NCNM graduate because, at NCNM, you can find a web page that decodes what VMN-HPN-BISHP is: the science-ejected idea known as vitalism falsely labeled by NCNM as able to survive scientific scrutiny. Why aren't we told what these terms really are by the ND? And why at NCNM is something so science-ejected deceptively posed as scientifically vetted? Why the camouflage? Why the deceit?
"a recognized college of naturopathic medicine [...] includes extensive training in botanical
medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture and clinical nutrition [...] the resulting treatment reaches beyond easing symptoms, but
through natural methods, discovers their actual cause. Treating the
source produces a curative effect."
so, we're promised that what is offered, 'the naturopathic', is better than regular medicine which doesn't really fix things, with such naturopathic fantasies as homeopathy, acupuncture, and supplements-as-alternative-drugs.
002.b. in 'homepage' [vsc 2013-02-11]:
that she offers "EAV-electro-dermal screening, acupuncture, homeopathy, and clinical nutrition."
oh, and that other fantasy, EAV.
002.b. in "Homeopathy, Homeopathic Medicine" [vsc 2013-02-11]:
"this powerful system of medicine is based on the law of similars (like cures like)."
Note: except, of course, empty remedies are not powerful and the law of similars is a form of sympathetic magic.
"definition: EAV electrodermal screening (EDS) represents the result of more than 50 years of intensive medical research in the field of 'electroacupuncture'. EDS utilizes the body's energy field to determine energetic causes of physical problems [...] EAV combines the wisdom
of 3000 years of traditional Chinese medicine with the art of homeopathy [...]";
this is pseudoscience. EAV simply measures the electrical conductivity at its point of contacts based upon pressure, moisture, salinity and the like. There is no energy field causing physical disorders.
"it was discovered that there are multiple factors and toxins that cause chronic disease. EDS is able to identify these [...]";
bull.
"EAV will identify any type of problem in the body [...]";
bull.
"EAV pinpoints exactly where the problem is located and what caused it in the first place. EAV will indicate which nutritional or homeopathic remedies should be used for treatment [...] it will pick the optimal medicine with absolute certainty [...] electrodermal
screening takes the guesswork out of medicine [...]";
bull and fantasy.
002.e. in "Acupuncture" [vsc 2013-02-11]:
"traditional Chinese Medicine believes that there are more than 2000 acupuncture points on the human body which are connected by energy pathways, called meridians. These meridians conduct energy, or 'qi', throughout the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance the flow of qi, thus helping the body to achieve and maintain health [...]";
this is complete and total fantasy. Qi, by the the way, is a form of vitalism, the heart of naturopathy's therapeutic rationale.
002.f. in "Acupuncture, EAV, Homeopathy & Naturopathy FAQs [vsc 2013-02-11]:
"a first assessment consists of a consultation, EAV electro-diagnostic screening (EDS) and evaluation of test. We will be assessing the energetic state of all organ systems and find out where the major problem is located, what causes the problem, and identify the best homeopathic remedies for this particular situation [...] what kind of medicines will I be receiving? All medicines will be homeopathic. EDS will suggest a selection of medicines which are specifically tailored to each individual [...] homeopathic medicines."
again, bull and fantasy.
003. yet British Columbia Naturopathic Association (of which the ND above is a listed member) and NCNM tell us, respectively:
"naturopathic medicine is science based natural medicine" (here)
and
"these principles are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease and are examined continually in light of scientific analysis" (here).
hilarious, if it wasn't so scary and absurd. And licensed falsehood marches on [aka licensed anticonsumer nonsense].
No comments:
Post a Comment