The Naturocrit Podcast - s02e02c2.1 [Episode 012c2.1] - Script & Annotations

here, I provide an annotated script for the first part of the second half of the third part of Season 02 Episode 02 of The Naturocrit Podcast:

 

001. the Episode 012c2.1 script and annotations:

 

Standard Introduction:

 

Welcome to, as that robot voice says, The Naturocrit Podcast, and thank you for boldly listening.

 

What ARE we even talking about?

 

Well, this podcast series is my take on naturopathic medicine, an area I've been studying for about twenty years, including my time in so-called 'scientific nonsectarian naturopathic medical school'.

My approach is a pairing of scientific skepticism and a deep knowledge of naturopathy's intimate details.

In previous episodes of this series, I established that naturopathy is, essentially, a kind of knowledge blending, misrepresentation, and irrationality.

I have termed naturopathy both 'an epistemic conflation falsely posing itself as an epistemic delineation' and 'the naturopathillogical':

the science-exterior is mixed with what is scientific, then that whole muddle is absurdly claimed to be science as an entire category, while particular sectarian science-ejected oath-obligations and -requirements are coded or camouflaged, therein effectively disguising naturopathy's system of beliefs in public view.

Naturopathy's ultimate achievement is a profound erosion of scientific integrity and freedom of belief packaged in the marketing veneers "natural, holistic, integrative and alternative" and improperly embedded in the academic category "science".

Episode Synopsis:

In this Episode 012c2.1, which is the first part of the second half of the third part of Season 02 Episode 02 -- again, you'll have to forgive me for my structural preferences sometimes -- I cover:

an email I sent to the publisher of the 'naturopathy-proponentry paper' that this Episode is centered around,

an email I sent to the Hawaii Medical Association regarding their members' ethical commitments,

and I look at the practice pages of the Board of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Main Text:

First, I have to let you know that I’ve sent a request by email for comment to the Medical Clinics of North America publisher Elsevier regarding the pro-naturopathy MCNA piece “Naturopathy” that this Episode concerns by CCNM NDs Smith and Logan, which I have yet to detail.

In that request, I point out that the authors categorically situate naturopathy “with all other branches of medical science” [that's Pubmed.gov] while it is abundantly clear that what DEFINES naturopathy is actually science-ejected and science-exterior.

This is a logical inconsistency that I cannot let rest.

I emphasize that:

this categorical claim of 'science subset naturopathy' is false,

it pollutes the MEDLINE database,

and it is an example of 'a degradation of scientific integrity'.

A response may occur, but I won't hold my breath or bet on it.

Second, I became curious regarding the Hawaii Medical Association, as in Hawaii medical doctors, since I'd spent so much episode time covering the mimicking Hawaii naturopaths.

That medical doctor association, the Hawaii Medical Association, is at hawaiimedicalassociation.org.

Now, I can only be brief with HMA because they don't have a Code of Ethics page that I can find.

Therefore, I emailed them this question:

“are members of the HMA obligated to the AMA Code of Ethics?”

Again, a response may occur, but I won't hold my breath or bet on it.

The HMA does state:

“all applicants must join both the Hawaii Medical Association and their respective County Medical Society" [2016 archived].

One such County Medical Society is that of Honolulu, at hcmsonline.org, who state in “Hawaii Medical Association” [2016 archived] from the link “Download a HCMS Membership Application” [2016 archived]:

“compliance with the Principles of Medical Ethics as interpreted in the Code of Medical Ethics, the Bylaws of the American Medical Association, and the Rules of the AMA Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs are conditions of applying for AMA / HMA membership.“

So, I'm thinking that HMA members ARE obligated to the AMA Ethical Code.

Third, let’s now look at the 'Board, Officers and Staff' of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians in terms of the activity ‘communication’, as I’d stated I’d do at the end of Episode 012c1.2 which was immediately previous to this current episode part.

Certainly, I'm regarding naturopaths’ communication, by way of their web sites especially, as ‘ethically judgeable’ as an activity, and so are naturopaths.

Communication is a major component of the AANP Code of Ethics, as I've illustrated.

Now, I will reiterate this point:

it is not intolerant to point out 'the falsely categorized as science sectarian science-ejected and science-exterior claims of certain practitioners posing as medical professionals who are engaged in commerce'.

I cannot NOT end up dealing with 'belief things', because, as naturopaths' own words indicate, their activities are situated centrally around such 'belief things.'

As regards that area known as 'belief', I quite understand the usual ‘hands-off taboo or charity or respect’ we as an American society give to ‘the personally-held views of others / preferred items of conscience of others’, being that we are a society composed of myriad backgrounds founded on an idea of tolerance.

I hope.

But tolerance and 'educational, commercial and clinical falsehood' are different things:

a profession or supposed profession and its members must be treated differently from 'private individuals engaged in their own personal whatever, particularly if medicine or posed-as-medicine, since medicine has so much power over the laity'.

'Professional communication' is a deliberate activity, a DOING that happens 'in the objective world’, often for both commercial and political purposes.

And when a supposed profession 'cooks into science specific often disguised sectarian beliefs and activities falsely claimed as science and nonsectarian', well, I'm quite sure hands-off is not the 'good thing to do in terms of honesty and transparency, integrity and fairness'.

I'll be honest:

I'm quite lucky I have found such a juicy topic that fits me so well.

To quote Sartre, sort of:

'may you get the war you deserve'.

Or the Irish, perhaps:

'there's nothing like a good enemy.'

My central question here, in looking at the AANP Board is:

what do AANP Board Members communicate regarding naturopathy, as compared to their own Code of Ethics and Standard of Care contents?

I will consider what AANP Board Members chose to include and EXCLUDE in their communication over the Internet in terms of 'the naturopathic'.

As a reminder, the AANP's naturopathic.org hosts:

that 2012 dated Code of Ethics as the PDF “American Association of Naturopathic Physicians: Code of Ethics” [2016 archived];

and, that Standard of Care, is buried within their 2012 dated PDF “Naturopathic Medicine A Comprehensive Review of the Naturopathic Profession” [2016 archived].

Naturopathic.org, Its Board Members, and Their Linked-To Pages:

Now, on the AANP page “Board and Staff” [2016 archived] we’re shown that the current Board members and officers of the AANP include about 13 NDs.

I'll cover them from the page's top left to bottom right.

Each board member has graciously linked to their own practice page, or in at least one instance, a naturopathic political and professional entity, and in at least another instance, an ND-granting school.

Wonderful.

If a link was broken, I then found the ND's practice through a web search.

Many practice with other NDs, and in at least one instance, even a medical doctor.

Let's take a look.

Now, I'm particularly interested in mention or omission of, in no particular order:

homeopathy;

science, evidence and efficacy;

coded, overt or omitted vitalism and supernaturalism;

and oddities that catch my eye.

Speaking of homeopathy and science,

the new web site naturofaqs.com

-- who tell us in their "Overview" page "NaturoFAQs bases its answers on the highest-quality scientific evidence currently available" --

has the page up "Homeopathy" [2016 archived],

which states:

"does it work? No. There is no reliable evidence that homeopathy is effective for the treatment of any health condition."

So if you are looking for references regarding homeopathy, that page is a good place to start as it is footnoted.

I’ll also look for acupuncture, which is 'baked into' naturopathy degrees the same way homeopathy is, in light of this issue.

Australia’s Friends of Science in Medicine just published the document "Is There Any Place for Acupuncture in 21st Century Medical Practice?" [saved 2016-07-25] which states:

"acupuncture has been studied for decades […] there is no longer any justification for more studies. There is already enough evidence to confidently conclude that acupuncture doesn’t work. It is merely a theatrical placebo based on pre-scientific myths. All health care providers who accept that they should base their treatments on scientific evidence whenever credible evidence is available, but who still include acupuncture as part of their health interventions, should seriously revise their practice. There is no place for acupuncture in medicine."

Specifically, regarding acupuncture’s "theory", which as we've seen is analogous to naturopathy's essential premise in naturopaths' own words, we’re told by FSM:

“TCM involves imaginary structures and undemonstrable ‘vitalistic’ forces [...that] undetectable, immaterial life force: qi […] said to flow through channels [...aka] meridians […] 12 bilaterally distributed channels [...] in the body [...the] circulating […] hypothetical qi which regulates bodily function […] disease is said to occur when the flow of qi becomes blocked […] to correct such blockage […] TCM uses several approaches […] including acupuncture, moxibustion and multiple herbal and animal extracts.”

Like I said, in terms of compatibility, how naturopathic!

Such as this naturopathic example of 'acupuncture proponentry'.

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine recently posted on Facebook an entry to their YouTube video “Acupuncture Treatments Allow Naturopathic Patient to Walk Again!” [vsc 2016-08-03] which stated:

“for Erlene and others in our community clinics through our Sage Foundation, hope is restored along with health!”

Right!

As a reminder, I must mention that when I was in ND school, 'TCM theory with acupuncture' was a mandatory course, and NDs in Ontario, and likely otherwheres, have it within their ND scope of practice.

Apparently here, in CT, an ND doesn’t have to get a separate LAc credential to practice acupuncture, or at least, there seems to be a tacit agreement not to bother NDs practicing acupuncture with only an ND licensure and ND scope.

For these 13 or so NDs and other sources that I'll now run through, I'll be tabulating the results in terms of my particular parameters for easier digestion.

ND Pournadeali:

This is the "immediate past AANP President".

A luminary!

The ND’s practice web page is ncoh.net. 

His bio. there [2016 archived] tells us he's a Bastyr ND graduate [1998] and the practice's mission, as stated on that bio. page, informs:

“the Mission of the Northwest Center for Optimal Health: providing patients and their families safe, effective care in a comforting and welcoming environment, using physicians expert in combining natural and conventional medicine, and who focus on patient education and prevention.”

So, claims of:

efficacy, expertise, and patient education.

Sure.

He practices with three other NDs who are also Bastyr ND graduates:

ND Dirks [2016 archived], ND Apfelbaum [2016 archived], and ND Wells [2016 archived].

The practice’s homepage [2016 archived] states:

“the Northwest Center for Optimal Health is a holistic medical center in [...the State of] Washington, staffed by physicians and other health care providers, specializing in natural medicine.”

There's that nebulous term “holistic”, and a claim of 'naturopaths as physicians', and that fallacious label “natural medicine.”

But, since centered upon 'supernatural figmentation, since centered upon science-exterior figmentation', aren't naturopaths better labeled metaphysicians?

I know so.

Their mission language is repeated, and we're told:

“our goal is to not just help you overcome disease, but to maximize your health and vitality using the best that natural medicine can offer.“

Now, according to our 'World Naturopathy Federation Rosetta Stone Equation', in that WNF document "Naturopathic Root's Report"  [2016 archived] from 2016, “vitality” is a stand-in for:

“vital force [...aka] vis vitalis.”

The practice goes on:

“our commitment is to provide sound medical advice, and integrate natural and mainstream medicine […] our services [...] we provide general, outpatient, medical care including naturopathic medicine, ayurvedic medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, physical medicine [...] chelation therapy, women's care, detoxification, prevention and reversal of osteoporosis, and natural hormone therapy. These methods are particularly effective in addressing acute and difficult-to-treat chronic conditions.”

You've got to be kidding me:

blending or integrating nonsense like homeopathy and ayurveda and detoxification with sense as in actually science-supported medicine, claimed as “particularly effective”, is NOT SOUND, it's not effective, it's contamination.

It's CRAZY.

And as I've often pointed out, with homeopathy listed as pretty-much an equal amongst all these other "effective" therapies, and knowing that homeopath is a complete placebo, what does that say about all the other therapies that are listed there.

The NDs go on:

“we are additionally dedicated to educating our patients, the public, and other health care providers on the limits and benefits of natural medicine […] education: we provide professional speakers and authorship services on multiple topics in natural medicine, locally and nationally. Please see the related links for more information, then contact us by phone or email if you have additional questions, or are in need of our services.”

How good can their 'educating' be when their own education, as Bastyr ND graduates, is a kind of 2+2=5 illogic?

So the home page had:

covert vitalism, no mention of supernaturalism, claims of efficacy and expertise, and weird treatments science has destroyed in terms of their legitimacy.

In terms of overtly stating naturopathy's vitalism, and acupuncture, there's the practice's page “Natural Medicine Q and A Ask Dr. P” [2016 archived], P as in Pournadeali, which states:

“acupuncture’s is based on the idea that diseases are disruptions in the body’s energy flow or ‘vital force,’ and, through treatment, these disruptions can be reversed, weak tissues can be tonified, and overactive systems can be calmed, restoring balance.”

There’s also another page similarly titled “Natural Medicine Q and A Ask Dr. P” [2016 archived] where we’re told:

“a homeopath [...] uses remedies believed to work on the ‘vital force’.”

I’ve searched the site for other parameters:

there is no “medicatrix”, “qi”, or “spirit” at the site that I can find.

There isn’t even a list of naturopathy’s principles at the practice, and that’s really really fucked up since this guy is a former President of the AANP and the casual public visitor does deserve to know.

Speaking of fucked up, the practice has a dedicated page “Homeopathy” [2016 archived], which states:

“homeopathy is a method used by medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, and other health care providers [...] homeopathy is actually one method of treatment used by naturopathic doctors, whereas naturopathy is all that naturopathic physicians do [...] homeopathy uses an evaluation of symptoms to identify a particular remedy for a person [...it’s] a method of treatment with a highly diluted substance based on a premise of ‘like treats like’ [...] the idea that a substance that would create certain symptoms in high doses will relieve those same symptoms when used as a dilution [...] how does homeopathy work? Although modern science has not been able to identify the exact mechanism of how homeopathy works [homeopathy doesn't work, so there's no point in figuring out its mechanism, but anyway...] the technique dates back to Hippocrates in 400BC, and has been used worldwide for over 200 years. Remedies are prepared by specialist pharmacies using a process of dilution and succussion [...] homeopathic medicines are regulated by the FDA, and available over-the-counter and by prescription depending on potency [potent nothing!...] is there research supporting homeopathy?  A particular meta-analysis research study published in 1997 was performed by German professor Dr. Klaude Linde and Dr. Wayne Jonas [...it] compared 186 studies of homeopathic trials to placebo trials. The investigators concluded homeopathy was more-effective [...] who can benefit from homeopathy? Many people can benefit from homeopathy, which is why we use it in our patient care. Children particularly benefit from homeopathy. Homeopathy works well for people who have emotionally-based symptoms, or an emotional stressor that has led to physical symptoms. Homeopathy can also benefit chronic conditions that have not improved with other treatment. How can I find out if homeopathy is right for me? You can schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, who will help you find out what is right for you. To do so, call us.”

So that was:

claims of evidence and efficacy, for homeopathy.

Homeopathy commerce:

taking money for 'unicorn tears, magic beans, and flying carpets'.

Notice the research cherry-picking, a hallmark of pseudoscience, because much more rigorous and damning metaanalyses have been done within the last few years, exiling homeopathy from reality.

So if this guy was a former AANP President, and this is how his communication is, what does that say about what naturopaths generally regard as 'information and accuracy, integrity and informed consent'?

Again, I must say, how can you have ANY rules, when you behave this way?

You could not be paying attention to your own rules.

There are merely a veneer:

pseudo.

AANP President ND Chasse:

The next ND is ND Chasse, the AANP’s current 2016 President.

Her listed practice page is at northeastintegrative.com, which is in New Hampshire.

The practice’s practitioner page doesn’t list ND Chasse as one of its current NDs, but a 2014 curated page does.

I'll guess that her AANP President duties are full-time, and she's on a break from practicing or at least has curtailed her patient load.

That curated page tells us she is a Bastyr ND graduate, and according to Bastyr's alumni reference she graduated in 2007 [verified].

Around that time of 2014, it also tells us she was then:

“President of the New Hampshire Association of Naturopathic Doctors and has been an active member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians since 2003” [years checked].

The other practitioners currently listed [2016 archived] are:

DC Lavalliere an NYCC DC, ND Chojnowski a Bastyr ND, ND Lawson a CCNM ND, and LAc Kramer.

The page “For Physicians” [2016 archived] states:

“[they are] evidence-based integrative care […] our providers are thoroughly trained in the evidence-based use of dietary supplements.”

Regarding supernaturalism, the homepage states:

“when you are healthy, you are living at your optimal level physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually […] we respect that you are a whole person: body, mind, and spirit.”

Well that makes sense since Bastyr NDs are taught:

"the natural health sciences with an emphasis on integrating mind, body, spirit and nature" [2016 archived],

 which is a Bastyr mantra of 'science subset supernaturalism'.

But if you truly respect someone's 'belief stuff', you wouldn't call such 'objective fact' as in 'within science' because you'd be misleading them and taking away choices from them regarding what to believe.

Instead, you'd do what you SHOULD do:

you tell them that 'naturopathy is centered upon a certain set of beliefs', just out of simple respect for any potential kind of 'collision of beliefs'.

Along those lines, the practice does NOT list naturopathy's principles, a near as I can tell, and this is the practice of the current AANP president.

No...why do that, disclose?

All that is bad for business.

There are also no hits for medicatrix, or life or vital force.

But, there is CODED vitalism.

In "FAQ" [2016 archived] we're told:

"naturopathic doctors believe that your body has the instinct and ability to heal itself, and so the therapies we use are to stimulate your body’s own healing processes [...] the naturopathic doctors at NEIM are all licensed by the State of New Hampshire, which means that they each have completed a rigorous, 4-year medical program at one of the naturopathic medical schools accredited by the U.S. Department of Education."

So, not only coded vitalism but an assurance via accreditation.

Incidentally, Natural Medicine Journal's account has the YouTube video "Jaclyn Chasse, ND, Elected the Next President of the AANP" (2014) [vsc 2016-08-07] which states:

"[from the description] Jaclyn Chasse, ND, talks with Natural Medicine Journal about her goals and priorities as President-Elect of the Association of Naturopathic Physicians [...and she tells us] our medicine is so desired around the country."

So is heroin.

Would naturopathy be so desired if its nuts and bolts were clearly communicated?

Therein, is 'irrationality and lunacy' desirable when properly labeled so one can make an informed decision?

There's also an ND Chasse bio. page [2016 archived] at the supplement company Emerson Ecologics, which sells homeopathics, herbs and supplements and such, and where she’s worked since 2010.

It states that her AANP President position began January 2016 and that she is:

“Emerson Ecologics’ Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs.”

Emerson, amongst so many other supplement makers, is listed at naturopathic.org as an AANP “corporate partner” [2016 archived].

Her practice’s definition of naturopathic medicine, from the time she was listed there as an ND, on the page “Naturopathic Medicine” from 2014 states:

“naturopathic medicine describes a system of medicine that emphasizes treating the whole person, finding and treating the root cause, and using the least force necessary to achieve health. Naturopathic doctors also put a greater focus on preventive medicine, and spend time teaching patients how to live a healthy lifestyle including diet, movement, and stress management. Naturopathic doctors are licensed primary care providers in New Hampshire. They can run lab tests, order imaging, administer vaccinations, injections, and IVs and prescribe medications as necessary. Much of what they do is just like a conventional physician; however, their expertise in integrative medicine allows them to safely recommend dietary supplements, nutrients, and herbal medicines in combination with conventional medicines to help you reach a better state of health. Our team of naturopathic doctors provide primary care for many of our patients including routine check-ups for children and adults, well-woman exams, and more. In addition, many patients choose to retain another primary care provider and see our naturopathic doctors as specialists, to help in managing a specific condition or complaint. Either way, the naturopathic approach to care allows you to have an ‘old fashioned’ relationship with your doctor while receiving the most cutting edge care available in New England.”

So, no forthright stuff like:

'we’re based on science-ejected ideas that determine our activities, which are essentially falsely-posed as science'.

Instead they tell us "cutting edge".

This is supposedly a definition of naturopathic medicine.

A communication FAIL:

the public doesn't deserve to know, apparently, so the public can then understand, and then decide.

The practice has an acupuncture page [2016 archived], with no mention of qi [or chi], where we're told:

"it can be used to treat both acute and chronic ailments, strengthen the immune system as well as to relieve pain […] the insertion of the needles signals the body to correct imbalances, and restore health and well-being […] common conditions treated: back, neck and chronic pain, women’s health and infertility, headaches and migraines, digestive disorders, insomnia anxiety and depression, fatigue and stress, common cold and flu."

And is it any surprise that the practice uses [2016 archived] the Emerson Ecologic's online dispensary?

There’s a YouTube video titled “Natural Fertility Management with Dr. Jaclyn Chasse” [vsc 2016-06-29] that is a lecture to ND students, which is, of course, the naturalness fallacy in full swing there, as a categorical title.

The AANMC has a video up at YouTube titled “A Journey into Naturopathic Medicine - Jaclyn Chasse” [vsc 2016-06-30] which tells us:

“so my background is actually in science.”

Was, I’d interject, because ‘what's past is MERELY prologue.’

While I don't see any science credential of significance that ND Chasse possesses besides a basic B.S.

And that's not a pun.

ND Simon:

The next AANP ND Board member is the current AANP Treasurer ND Simon.

Her web practice page listed at naturopathic.org is drmichellesimon.com, and that page forwards us to her page healthwiseim.com of Washington State [2016 archived].

There, according to her “About Us” [2016 archived] page, we're told she is a Bastyr ND graduate.

Bastyr's alumni database states that she is a 2002 ND graduate.

The sidebar on that bio. page invites us to:

“read more about the philosophy behind our holistic approach to care.”

And when you click on that link, you're brought to the ND Simon page “Naturopathic Medicine” [2016 archived], which tells us:

“naturopathic medicine is a unique system of health care, promoting natural healing and prevention of disease. Doctors of naturopathic medicine are trained as primary care general practitioners who use a variety of non-invasive natural therapeutics to holistically treat both acute and chronic health conditions […] naturopathic doctors are trained at accredited, four-year, post-graduate naturopathic medical schools. The comprehensive medical training includes studies in basic medical sciences, clinical and physical diagnosis, laboratory and diagnostic imaging studies, clinical medical sciences, naturopathic philosophy, pharmacology, and a wide variety of natural therapeutics. In order to become licensed practitioners, naturopathic doctors are required to successfully pass national board exams in the basic and clinical medical sciences as well as all of the naturopathic therapeutics […] a principle objective of naturopathic medicine is to educate the patient with current scientifically-proven information and clinically-valid therapeutics to promote self-responsibility for health and well-being […] doctors of naturopathic medicine are guided by six principles of naturopathy […] the principles of naturopathic medicine include […] the healing power of nature: naturopathic medicine respects the innate intelligence of the human body to heal. The vital force stimulates the physiological systems of the body to bring the organism into balance and equilibrium moving towards a state of optimal health [...this is] a holistic and natural approach to patient care, diagnosis, management, and treatment of medical conditions […] naturopathic medicine goes to the source of disease and promotes the true treatment of illness.”

So:

patent sectarian pseudoscience claimed as “true”, aka an imaginary “vital force” running physiology, aka 'the holistic.'

ND Simon's “vital force” language describing naturopathy's premise goes back, in archive.org, to 2007 when it was first curated at her drmichellesimon.com web address.

Now, a “vital force” has no evidence to base it and is in fact science-ejected, yet it is naturopathy's primary concern in terms of 'what makes physiology tick'.

So, isn't it interesting that her homepage [2016 archived] states:

“here at Healthwise Integrative Medicine we practice patient-centered medicine with an emphasis on evidence-based care to achieve optimum wellness.”

When is evidence-based care concerned with a basis in a non-parsimonious idea or claim aka that which has no evidence?

Naturopathy.

The illogic is most amusing.

That “vital force” is termed, on that homepage, merely, in coded fashion:

“we acknowledge that each of us has an inherent restorative ability and we aim to catalyze this ability and empower your body to heal itself […] restoring your vitality.”

That's quite opaque, but, as I'd said earlier, when you know their lingo, “vitality”, according the World Naturopathy Federation, is a synonym for vitalism.

On her pages, the ND does not use the term “medicatrix” and there are no hits for homeopathy or homeopathic, as far as I can tell.

There isn't any 'acupuncture or spirit or effective', directly mentioned, also, as far as I can tell.

But I'll take her “clinically-valid” language choice as an efficacy claim.

She speaks of “toxins” on her “Services” page [2016 archived], and she teaches a $250 detox class [2016 archived] [also here; 2016 archived].

That's a lot of treasure to spend on 'The Toxin Bogeyman.'

Even her 2006 curated newsletter speaks of detox classes.

And ND Simon has an online supplement dispensary [2016 archived] through....wait for it....Emerson Ecologics.

One aspect of the pages I'll comment upon is from her “Naturopathic Medicine” page.

ND Simon writes:

“the principles of naturopathic medicine include […] doctor as teacher: docere, the Latin root for doctor means 'to teach'.  A principle objective of naturopathic medicine is to educate the patient with current scientifically-proven information and clinically-valid therapeutics to promote self-responsibility for health and well-being.”

Now, ND Simon's “scientifically-proven [label...and also] basic and clinical medical sciences” label are on the SAME page as “vital force.”

The sectarian inanity delights me.

ND Cronin:

The next AANP ND Board member is ND Cronin, who practices at naturopathicgroup.com.

Now, I've actually heard ND Cronin speak live, in the mid-1990s in Stamford, CT.

I believe he was then the President of SCNM, and he was pitching that school's naturopathy program.

How naive I was back then:

thinking naturopathy was truthful, accurate, of integrity!

Now I know it's untruthful, inaccurate, batshit crazy.

ND Cronin is part of a three-ND practice in Arizona.

He's allowed in Arizona to credential himself 'NMD' and not merely ND, but for the sake of simplicity and to not create confusion, I'll term him and anyone else at his practicing using 'NMD' as ND here.

ND Cronin is a 1980 NCNM ND graduate.

He has a long CV at nasalspecific.com [2016 archived], which tells us he was the AANP's Physician of the Year in 1993, and other such luminous stuff.

“Nasal specific” is a bogus therapy that inflates a balloon in a person's nasal cavity and nasopharynx to supposedly move what are actually fused facial or cranial bones.

ND Cronin's practice actually has the page “Allergies, Sinus and Immune System” [2016 archived] which states:

“some patients require naturopathic methods to improve the structure of the nose and sinuses using endonasal manipulation.”

Meanwhile, the blog Science-based Medicine has the page “Chiropractic Nose Balloons” [2016 archived] by MD Crislip which states, regarding 'this utter nonsense full of potential harm without any potential benefit':

“no surprise, the only reports on Pubmed I could find [regarding this supposed therapy] are complications: fracture and bleeding.”

Duh...don't inflate balloons in a fixed osseous cavity!

Or, should I say, OUCH!

ND Cronin's practice’s homepage [2016 archived] labels what they do:

“a common-sense approach to health [...it's] high-quality health care […] using full scope naturopathic and natural medicine [...] therapies in harmony with the principles of naturopathic medicine […] health care that educates and empowers [...] in keeping with the naturopathic principles of education and empowerment, you will find a lot of information on this web site and various explanations of what we do […] through exploration and education, naturopathic medicine will [...] teach you […] through naturopathic principles you can begin to understand your body's unique needs.”

Principles, principles, principles.

But, the practice 'never lists never mind details' those principles.

And there is no “vital force” on their web pages clearly communicated.

Why do all that?

That would be “high-quality” communication concerning “the principles of naturopathic medicine” that would be what “educates and empowers”, that teaches.

That would be a “explanation” so one could then “understand.”

'NOT clearing and transparently explaining naturopathy', as this practice does, actually CONTRADICTS all the qualities the practice's page poses.

So what you get is:

low-quality, noneducating, disempowering, noninformation, nonexplanation, nonteaching, nonunderstanding.

My “body's unique needs” also includes 'my brain's need for naturopathic transparency'.

But you don't get that.

We're also told:

"we prescribe natural food diets, nutrients, botanicals, homeopathic medicines, and a variety of natural therapies [...including] nutrition, spinal traction, whole-health counseling, testosterone replacement, botanical medicine, acupuncture, intravenous nutrient therapy, brain wave optimization, prolotherapy, cranial treatments, platelet-rich plasma therapy [...and] hydrotherapy."

There's some really weird stuff there, beyond the usual naturopathic-weird like homeopathy and acupuncture.

Welcome to the grand experiment, without ethical protections.

We're told, with the NDs' guidance at this practice:

“you will come to know when to detoxify” while detoxification regimes, as they say, are designed to principally detoxify your wallet.

Yet the practice really REALLY promotes detoxification in a blog post [2016 archived] and a web page [2016 archived].

Partner ND Katz speaks of using acupuncture on his bio. page [2016 archived], and ND Cronin lists it on his bio. page too [2016 archived], and it is listed on their procedures page [2016 archived].

There is NO strong science label at the practice, that I can find.

And I get no hits for “evidence”, “medicatrix”, or “healing power” and nothing for “life force” or “vital force”, or “spirit”.

And, as I'd said, there was NO naturopathic principles explanation anywhere.

In “Why Naturopathic Physician's Group” [2016 archived] we're told:

“what we need is a system of medicine that, leaving no stone unturned, finds effective therapies for those who have not responded to conventional medical practices. This is where naturopathy comes in […] proven effective treatments.”

I love the posture of thoroughness, “leaving no stone unturned”, while the practice couldn't even DEFINE naturopathy's principles for us.

"Proven effective treatments”?

How about 'proven effective manipulative omission.'

ND Daenell:

The next ND listed is ND Daenell, whose practice at drdaenell.com is in Colorado.

According to her bio. there (2016 archived), she is a Bastyr ND graduate.

Bastyr tells us ND Daenell obtained her ND in 1998.

That bio. tells us:

“I am a naturopathic doctor. I am driven to share the power and freedom of a healthier life, with those that value that power and freedom […] my patients consistently enjoy dramatic results […] understanding gives us the power to make informed choices, and it is the first step toward owning a better life […she'll help you] deeply understand the steps in your healing process as they unfold […and she offers a sample] incredible and free journey of empowering information […] health [as] energy, vitality, freedom from disease and pain […] I am all about those possibilities for everyone that I encounter […] I am also results-obsessed […] people get better here […] together we review their medical and personal history and create a targeted plan out of the most effective and specific tools available, focusing on what caused the problem.  Restoring life to their lives […] throughout my career I have also worked on the 'raw-materials' side of the nutritional supplement industry. This gives me and my patients the advantage of knowing what works and, more importantly, what doesn’t. Our work is targeted, specific and dramatically effective […] getting the right form of nutrient or herbal support is critical for normalizing the underlying imbalances [… ] cut to the chase, get the right stuff and get better.”

Lots of promises there!

You'll get:

“power [...] freedom [...] dramatic results […because] people get better here […stuff that is] specific and dramatically effective [...with] informed choices by way of understanding, 'deeply' [..through] empowering information […what's] most effective […] what works."

ND Daenell's term “vitality” I'll take as coded vitalism.

And better living through supplements!

She does have an online dispensary:

the ND's name is PRINTED on the supplement bottles.

In other words, she has privately labeled supplements.

A google.com web search reveals that “private label supplements” is quite the market.

We're told in her bio.:

“if you want to access a select set of the nutritional supplements my patients are using to achieve results, you can find them here in the shop for supplements area of this site.”

Her web pages' general header menu has the link “Shop for Supplements” (2016 archived) which tells us:

“I use my career-long raw-materials and formulation expertise to our advantage when I developed my personal line of supplements. Those most targeted to each condition featured here on my website are in my online store. They come from my office. I use them every day in my practice. Manufacturers for all of the nutritional supplements in my line adhere to either GMP manufacturing standards (put forth by the FDA) or they are FDA drug-registered manufacturing facilities. Click here to order the products I use in my practice!”

 Talk about locking in your customers.

Clicking takes us to the page (2016 archived) which states:

“supplements that really work for conditions you really care about.”

Supplements work?

ND Daenell's bio. page links to a YouTube video “Meet Dr. Carrie Louis Daenell - Naturopathic Doctor in Denver, CO” [sic.] [vsc 2016-07-24], which is about 5 and a half minutes long.

She's asked:

“what is a naturopathic doctor?”

The ND tells us:

“a naturopathic doctor is a licensed primary care physician [...and] an expert in natural medicine […] we do premedical study like any other doctor and then we go off and get our doctorate in the subject of naturopathic medicine [...a] legitimate field […] medical school.”

So, there's a lot of equation by the ND, but:

is a field based on 'figmentations falsely posed as objective science-vetted fact' legitimate?

I don't think so.

And she speaks of their licensure exam, the NPLEX as:

“five eight-hour days of exams by the Department of Health.”

But she doesn't mention how NPLEX falsely labels such things as homeopathy “clinical science.”

And a DOH doesn't run NPLEX, though in licensed states it is usually a DOH which enforces a requirement for NPLEX.

And she speaks of:

“expert level […in such things as] homeopathy.”

There's also the short YouTube video “About My Practice“  [vsc 2016-07-24], through her “LiveWellCenter” account, which states:

“as a licensed naturopathic doctor, I'm able to recommend physician-quality nutritional supplementation and empower you […] the very best that the industry has to offer […as] a raw materials and formulation expert […and she does mention] vitality [...and] dramatic results […] a huge difference […] resolve your health challenges [...for] ideal health [...and] the science of evidence-based natural medicine.”

So, coded vitalism, a science label, and promises.

In “Become a Patient” [2016 archived] we're told:

“the cost of your initial consultation is $350, and is due at the time of our consultation […] the tools we use will be primarily in the form of targeted physician-quality nutritional supplements […] the investment you will make in the nutritional supplements that support your plan will be in addition to your consultation charge and will vary with every individual, of course. It has ranged from less than $100 per month, all the way through to more than $1,000, as everyone is different and I have worked with some very involved cases […] I use my raw-materials and formulation expertise to our advantage when choosing the supplements most targeted to your case. They come from my office. Some of them are physician-quality brands and some of them are from my own line – a line I have developed through my expertise with raw materials and clinical experience.”

That a lot of treasure.

And quite a dispensary income.

Meanwhile, keep in mind, nutritional supplementation posed as a panacea for a wide range of issues is quite suspect.

The ND has her own pro Vimeo account, “Carrie Louise Daenell, ND”.

The video that interests me most is the one titled “What is a Naturopathic Doctor?” [vsc 2016-09-25], which is about 1 minute long.

It mentions that she's at the AANP convention, which is the filming location.

ND Daenell states:

“one of the questions I get asked most is 'what is a naturopathic doctor'? […] I love that question […] I think we're the best of both worlds […] one of the most beautiful resources that a patient would ever dream of […] we're probably the best kept secret […] we are educated and licensed to be primary care physicians and also experts in the use of natural medicine.”

So, she loves the question, loves hyperbole, but she sure as hell doesn't care for details.

“Best kept secret” is quite ironic as in 'naturopathic manipulative omission'.

There are no web results for, as far as I can tell:

“acupuncture […] homeopathy or homeopathic […] vital force or life force […] principles […] evidence […] medicatrix or healing power […or] spirit.”

“Science” also shows up on the practice page “Channel 9 Denver TV - When the Fat is Not Your Fault“ [2016 archived]:

“there is no substitute for the science of health.”

No, there isn't.

Overall, her site -- though we were promised “empowering information”, in terms of what's essentially naturopathic -- is an explanatory wasteland.

non-ND Farr:

This non-ND's AANP Board page link sends us to the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians, OANP, at oanp.org, her employer.

The oanp.org page “OANP Board Members” [2016 archived] tells us:

“Laura Culberson Farr has served as Executive Director of the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OANP) since 2005 [...she is] a political organizer by training […and] married to a naturopathic physician and is passionately committed to integrating naturopathic medicine into primary care systems across the country.”

Well, I don't think “integrating” 'nonsense with sense' is a good idea, obviously.

Merely along the lines of naturopathic belief, what gives naturopathy 'the right to inject science-erosive articles of faith falsely posed in their epistemic category' upon “primary care systems across the country?”

What kind of nutty activities would that allow?

So, for Ms. Farr, there isn't an ND practice to reference but there is the OANP itself, the Oregon NDs' collective, because she seems 'all-in' in terms of OANP's agenda.

Now, I've often termed the State of Oregon the 'mother-ship' of naturopathy in the U.S., since it has [North American] naturopathy's oldest ND school whose graduates then seeded the other later-founded ND schools.

We're actually told at the oanp.org site [at the following link]:

“the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians was founded in 1909, and is the oldest association representing naturopathic doctors in North America.”

How does the Oregon State ND collective communicate naturopathy?

It has had 107 years or so to practice the message.

There's the oanp.org page "History" [2016 archived] which labels naturopathy:

“a distinct health care profession [...while simultaneously an] eclectic practice of 'nature doctors'.”

Ah, back to that 'blended distinction ND illogic':

the naturopathillogical.

It hurts my head:

to be distinct is not to be eclectic, if you take eclectic to mean a blend from “various” and distinct to mean “distinguished” and “separate”, which I think are quite reasonable as definitions.

Ever get the feeling naturopathy is just one big gaslighting?

And using the nebulous term “nature” does not make a blend all of sudden distinct, because you obviously can put whatever you want in your bag called “nature” since nature as a term is so varied in usage and meaning and context.

We're also told there:

“[by] 1901 […] naturopathy embraced all known means of natural therapeutics, including diet, herbs, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, exercise, and manipulative therapies, as well as psychological and spiritual counseling.”

Ah, that the 'naturalness fallacy nebulosity':

wherein anything goes in the sack, because “embraced all” doesn't, again, sound very distinct to me when the filter is “natural”.

For instance and obviously, we have within naturopathy's category “natural” the supernatural as “spiritual”, which is not science-testable and is science-exterior.

If nature as the categorical filter contains both what science CAN support and what is antithetical to science, well, it's not much of a filter at all as it's not able to make a distinction.

As I say, contradictions – and I'm being polite here -- ABOUND within naturopathy.

And mentioned there was homeopathy, baked into naturopathy's DNA, which is science-ejected, distinctly.

And we have such stand-alone science-based areas such as “exercise” and “diet” falsely subsumed by naturopathy as if somehow unable to be distinct or stand-alone.

In that sense, “distinct” is really quite the abused word here to describe naturopathy.

'A junky careless mess', in terms of intellectual integrity, is my preferred label for naturopathic thoughtlessness wherein:

overall, we get medicine and science contents, and religious and faith-contents, 'fused and then in denial of their distinctness', yet 'categorically labeled and therefore distinguished', yet 'eclectic simultaneously' as some kind of 'synthetic monolith'.

This is a needless muddling.

There's the page “Overview” [2016 archived] which states:

“naturopathic medicine blends centuries-old natural, nontoxic therapies with advances in the science of health and human systems, covering all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care.”

So, there's that 'conflation of science with the other-than-science archaic', grossly admitted.

My biggest question:

WHY is this epistemic blend considered a virtue?

Is holding 3+3 equals 6 and 3+3 equals 7 virtuous?

Such conflation and discord stands in huge contrast to naturopathy's “distinct” label that even the AANP uses on their page “Definition of Naturopathic Medicine” [2016 archived], which I'll detail later when I'm done with all these AANP Board members.

OANP writes on that “Overview” page:

“naturopathic physicians are guided by principles that are based on the premise that healing is intrinsic to the nature of all living organisms. Those principles include: [#1] the power of nature: support the body's innate ability to heal and remove obstacles to healing and recovery to support this inherent self-healing ability.”

Really, coded vitalism:

but, you said you were distinct!

And “power of nature” is a little different from the usual “healing power of nature”.

It actually opens up the idea of 'nature as a general vitalistic healing force' as opposed to 'a body-contained vitalistic healing force', IMHO.

We're told, too:

“homeopathy [...is a] system of medicine is based on the 'law of similars' (like cures like) and uses highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body's innate ability to heal.”

Well, that's a false efficacy claim and coded vitalism again.

We're told, also:

“Chinese medicine: many naturopathic physicians also have a specialty in Chinese medicine, and may use pulse diagnosis, acupuncture, acupressure and Chinese botanical medicine.”

So there's that baked-in acupuncture and company.

And we're told about naturopathy overall:

“it is effective in treating most health problems, both acute and chronic.”

Promises, promises:

such an efficacy claim is false overall categorically speaking because naturopathy contains many placebos like homeopathy and acupuncture, and many pseudodiagnostics like pulse diagnosis.

There's the oanp.org page “Physician Training” [2016 archived] which states:

“a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) attends a 4-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school. These schools have rigorous admissions requirements that are comparable to other conventional medical schools. They are accredited by the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), which is a programmatic accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.”

That's an ASSURANCE:

of rigor, of mainstream preponderance in terms of “education.”

We're told:

“NDs are also trained in specialized naturopathic techniques that can include therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, natural childbirth, acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, physiotherapy, naturopathic manipulative therapy, and counseling.”

So, there's homeopathy and acupuncture again.

We're told:

“there are seven accredited schools of naturopathic medicine across North America. These include […] National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) in Chicago, IL […] NDs are trained in the same medical sciences as a medical doctor (MD); including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, physical and clinical diagnosis, cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, urology, gynecology, dermatology, neurology, radiology, minor surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, psychology, and pharmacology.”

So much -ology.

I absolutely LOVE IT when NUHS is listed in terms of naturopathy programs because that's a VERY CATEGORICAL science subset naturopathy claim -- National University of Health SCIENCES -- that is patently false categorically speaking.

We're told:

“in order to be licensed, naturopathic doctors must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX), which is a national exam that covers Part I for biomedical sciences between the 2nd and 3rd year of education and Part II for clinical sciences after the 4th year of education. Upon successful completion of the NPLEX, naturopathic doctors in Oregon must be licensed by the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine (OBNM) which monitors and regulates the profession. OBNM further requires that Oregon licensees complete 50 hours of continuing education each year.”

Now, what's interesting is that homeopathy is within that “part II for clinical sciences” [2016 archived], which is the height of epistemic bogosity.

HOW can these NDs be trained in the "same medical sciences" when their definition of science is so LAX as to allow for the labeling of patent nonscience as science?

While they assured “rigorous”!

What a racket.

In terms of overt vitalism, oanp.org has the page “Traditional Medicine Is But One Approach to Wellness” [2016 archived], written by ND Elliot – with “traditional medicine” here meaning conventional medicine – who tells us:

“our attempts at scientific method can also be inadequate to the phenomena we seek to understand. The standard methods are not well suited to investigate the 'qi,' or life force, of Chinese medicine, or the vital force of homeopathy. If we begin with a belief that life is biochemical only, we will naturally seek our answers using the tools of biochemistry. If we see life as a harmonious interplay of the physical and the biochemical as well as energy, soul and spirit, we will begin to open up to a much broader universe of possibilities. In the case of the latter, science must not restrict what we are open to discovering, but rather illuminate it.”

Can you see the sectarian assumptions!

The false posing of science as just another belief system, too!

This is an admission that naturopathy's science is deviant and serves a priori / sectarian beliefs, first and foremost.

Naturopathy is not what is directly derived from rigorously acquired evidence explained in a stringent manner:

science's boundaries are instead 'opened-up' to the supernatural, for instance, which is quite NOT science at all.

For this obvious reduction in rigor and loosening of boundary, it makes no sense then to say “same science.”

So much for that assurance:

naturopathy is, assuredly, bullshit.

Regarding evidence, we're told in “NCNM [which is now NUNM, the Oregon ND school] Clinic Recognized as Top-Tier Patient-Centered Primary Care Home” [2016 archived]:

“[at NUNM] we continue to focus on disease prevention and health maintenance, and provide quality, evidence-based care.”

Yet, NUNM is the place that falsely states “life force” survives scientific scrutiny [2016 archived].

I don't make this illogical mindfucking up:

it's all over the place at the naturopathy mother-ship, Oregon.

When I visit with AANP at the end of this list, I'll also visit with OBNM:

bring your sewer waders and a clothespin.

ND Fitzpatrick:

The next ND is ND Fitzpatrick.

Her link at AANP takes us to her practice pacificpearllajolla.com.

According to her bio. page [2016 archived] there, ND Fitzpatrick is a Bastyr ND graduate [2006].

She practices in California with two other Bastyr ND graduates, ND Oberg and ND Bradley, and at least 3 medical doctors:

Guarneri, Kalina, and Maywood [2016 archived].

ND Fitzpatrick tells us on that bio. page:

“she practices from an integrative systems perspective and incorporates mind, body, emotions and spirit […] she has spent considerable time working with individuals diagnosed with cancer.”

So, there is supernaturalism by way of “integrative”, and ONCOLOGY support.

She is a clinical psychologist as well as an ND, and I have to ask:

with Bastyr University claiming that within science is supernaturalism [2016 archived], which is basically a sectarian mindfuck, SHOULD someone with such a science-erosive perspective be ALLOWED around people with such serious diseases as cancer?

On the practice's “Frequently Asked Questions” page, [2016 archived] we're told:

“naturopathic physicians (ND) combine the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science [...they are] steeped in traditional healing methods, principles and practices […] naturopathic medicine focuses on [the] holistic […] naturopathic physicians help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health […] NDs practice throughout the United States and Canada. Qualified naturopathic physicians undergo rigorous training before they become licensed health-care practitioners […] naturopathic physicians keep themselves up-to-date on the latest scientific research and incorporate this evidence into their treatments […] they bring to the patient a whole new arsenal of treatments and insights. Instead of waiting for a disease to emerge, NDs work to head it off before it happens.”

So there was:

blending, coded vitalism, science and “latest scientific”, an admission of being “steeped” in what is archaic as “holistic”, that claim of “rigorous”, and a claim of better-than-medicine with some kind of diagnostic augury that MDs don't possess.

The practice has the page “The Science Of Natural Healing” [2016 archived], a Great Courses course by practice partner MD Guarneri that is ridiculously priced at $215 for download at thegreatcourses.com, which states:

“in the 21st century, the Western paradigm for healthcare is changing. Notwithstanding the great strengths of medical science, many people now have concerns about key features of our health-care system […] traditional Western medicine is not the only healing system rooted in science.”

Oh, really!

She then goes on to list such bogosity as:

“biofield' or energy therapies [...which] show ample evidence of a positive impact on health. Study the principles of acupuncture, tai chi, homeopathy, and healing touch, as well as clinical data on their use in treating a spectrum of conditions, including pain, stress, and cardiac disease.”

What BULLSHIT.

So that was:

a claim of science and evidence and efficacy for such CRAP as acupuncture, homeopathy, and healing touch.

The page speaks of:

“caring for the body, mind, and spirit”, categorized as science, as in the course's title “The Science of Natural Healing.”

What epistemic malpractice:

or else the Nobel Committee has her on their short list.

On the practice's very woo filled page “Treatments and Services” [2016 archived] we're told:

“detox treatment: at Pacific Pearl, we understand that every person has something different in mind when they ask about 'detox' and we offer options ranging from 7, 14, or 21 day guided cleanses to the most rigorous, science-based testing available to accurately measure your bio-burden of toxicants such as heavy metals. We also look at genetic factors that can affect your body’s ability to metabolize and clear toxicants. We help you weigh the short and long term health risks and benefits of detox options and provide medically-supervised oral and IV chelation therapy when appropriate. Individualized natural product recommendations and nutrition advice to optimize your body’s own detoxification are always part of our approach. A 21 day cleanse is offered several times per year through our group visit program. Join with a friend and make new ones as you learn about your body and support each other although a transformative cleansing process that will revive your mind, body, and spirit.”

Hmmm:

a “science-based […] revival” of “spirit”.

Perfectly epistemically conflated.

And when I search the site globally, I find no hits for “force”, “qi”, or “medicatrix.”

So, there is no overt vitalism.

And this is another one of those AANP Board Members who does not, as far as I can tell:

LIST NATUROPATHY'S PRINCIPLES.

ND Guiltinan:

The link provided by AANP for this Board member sends us to Bastyr University, where the ND is the Dean of the School of Naturopathic Medicine [2016 archived].

Bastyr's alumni verification tools informs that she's a 1986 Bastyr ND graduate.

Her [current] bio. there tells us she's:

“Dean of the School of Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University, Clinical supervisor at Bastyr Center for Natural Health, Member National Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine [...] President of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC).“

How luminous!

Though I'll add that AANMC states currently that ND Henriksen, the current "Dean, National University of Natural Medicine", is AANMC's President [2016 archived].

Also, we're told:

“Dr. Guiltinan is the past president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP). In 1995, AANP honored Dr. Guiltinan with the Physician of the Year award […] Dr. Guiltinan emphasizes the concepts of treating the cause of a problem, supporting the body's own healing process and encouraging patients to create their own wellness even in the face of serious illness. Dr. Guiltinan uses nutrition, plant medicine and homeopathy in her practice and believes that air, water, food, touch, love and laughter are some of the most powerful healing agents.”

So, that's coded vitalism and homeopathy.

So, I'll look at Bastyr here and AANMC at the end of this list.

It's actually quite easy to find what I need from such a huge site as bastyr.edu.

'The science claim that frames all' at Bastyr University is this statement from the page “Who We Are” [2016 archived]:

“Bastyr's international faculty teaches the natural health sciences with an emphasis on integrating mind, body, spirit and nature […] a multidisciplinary curriculum in science-based natural medicine.”

So that's:

science subset supernaturalism, and I'd argue “nature” is a code for vitalism as in their “healing power of nature”.

Regarding efficacy, there's the page “Safe and Effective Ways to 'Spring' into Detoxification” [2016 archived] by ND Born, which states:

“here are three safe and effective ways to take your health back”,

via, of course, the bogosity known as detox.

Regarding coded vitalism, there's the Bastyr University naturopathy principles page “Principles of Naturopathic Medicine” [2016 archived] which states:

“the underpinnings of naturopathic medical practice are in six principles [...#2] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae […and we're directed to a supposedly more detailed description which states...#1] the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae): naturopathic medicine recognizes the body's inherent ability to heal itself. Naturopathic physicians identify and remove obstacles to recovery to facilitate this healing ability in patients.”

So NOT EVEN IN DETAIL is the vitalistic aspect of this central principle detailed.

Regarding acupuncture, there's the page “About Naturopathic Medicine: The Basics” [2016 archived] which states:

“most NDs provide primary care through office-based private practice. Many receive additional training in areas such as midwifery and acupuncture and Oriental medicine.”

Regarding evidence, there's the page “Naturopathic Doctors Adopt Evidence-Based Medicine, Study Finds” [2016 archived],

but if that were true then why did the World Naturopathy Federation this 2016 just publish a survey stating that vitalism is the backbone of naturopathy [2016 archived]

and that study had, as a responding participant, Bastyr University?

And as regards overt vitalism, there's the bastyr.edu page “Singer-Songwriter-Naturopathic Student: Debbie Miller’s Double Act” [2016 archived] which states:

“naturopathic medicine seeks to release the body’s healing life force, the vis medicatrix naturae.”

And of course Bastyr University ASSURES us in “Accreditation and Compliance” [2016 archived]:

“higher education accreditation involves both private accrediting associations and regional authorities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education […] in order to demonstrate that they meet rigorous educational standards, U.S. colleges and universities voluntarily seek federally recognized accreditation. Bastyr University's regional accrediting body is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) […] the regional authority on educational quality and institutional effectiveness of 162 higher education institutions in the seven-state Northwest region of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington […] the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education […] as a long-standing regionally accredited, degree-granting institution in Washington state, Bastyr University is 'continuously exempt' from state authorization and review […] student complaint process […] current students must first exhaust the complaint process established by Bastyr University […] if you are a Washington student and are unable to resolve your concern internally with Bastyr University, you may also contact the Washington State Achievement Council (WSAC)” [2016 archived].

WSAC's address online is wsac.wa.gov.

So that was:

higher education assurance, Federal permission, rigorous, quality and effectiveness, State review exemption, and routes of complaint.

Here's my complaint:

naturopathy sucks.

ND Ingels:

This AANP Board member practices at dariningelsnd.com.

We're directed there from the AANP link ingelsfamilyhealth.com [archived].

His earlier we address was nefha.com and that has been curated between 2002 and 2012, roughly.

The practice has locations in Connecticut, New York, and California.

The ND's bio. page  [2016 archived] tells us he's a Bastyr ND graduate [1999] and that he practices with two other NDs, one a Bastyr graduate and one an NUNM graduate.

Now, the homepage [2016 archived] of what I'll call 'these delusional' assholes states:

“our healthcare team utilize therapies that are well rooted in medical science […] we utilize therapies that are well rooted in medical science [...including] craniosacral therapy, homeopathy and more. We only use professional lines of nutritional and herbal supplements to ensure that each patient gets the highest quality supplement available […] our aim is to provide the least invasive, most effective form of treatment for you or your child’s specific health conditions.”

So, that was efficacy, and “well rooted in medical science” subset homeopathy subset craniosacral.

What?

How fucking stupid.

But the stupid gets even weirder.

I'm talking about electrodermal pseudodiagnostics.

Bet you didn't see that coming:

because we were told “well rooted in medical science.”

At the practice, there's the page “Dr. Ingels chapter from “Cutting Edge Therapies for Autism2011-2012” [2016 archived] which states:

“Allergy Desensitization: An Effective Alternative Treatment for Autism By Darin Ingels, ND [… ] electrodermal screening (EDS) is an effective method of determining a child’s sensitivities […] an invaluable tool in identifying hidden sensitivities […] a noninvasive technology that allows the practitioner to measure energy patterns in the body [...] we have a way of measuring how the energy of different allergens affects the energy of our own bodies. EDS has the capacity to assess for sensitivities to foods, molds, pollen, animal dander, and even more subtle triggers, such as chemicals, hormones, and neurotransmitters [...] EDS looks at the broader scope of immune reactions, particularly delayed reactions […] EDS is an effective means to measure delayed or subtle sensitivities that are often missed through conventional allergy testing […] the combination of EDS and SLIT […] sublingual immunotherapy […] has enabled our practice to successfully treat children with autism for their various allergies and sensitivities.”

Oh, my.

That was:

effective, invaluable, technology, energy, measuring and assessment, and treatment.

It's really really sad to see autistic children being so taken advantage of.

Meanwhile, the blog sciencebasedmedicine.org has the article up “Electrodermal Testing Part I: Fooling Patients with a Computerized Magic Eight Ball” which tells us:

“electrodermal testing makes no sense and is not supported by any credible evidence. It is not based on science or grounded in reality.”

The curated practice page “Non-invasive Allergy Assessment”, from 2003 at the nefha.com ND Ingels site, indicates at that time that the EDS device was apparently an Orion machine.

The page “Fairfield, CT” [2016 archived] informs:

“homeopathy is a system of medicine that has been in use for more than 200 years. Although the philosophy of homeopathy extends back to the days of Paracelsus in the sixteenth century, modern homeopathy has been credited to Samuel Hahnemann, MD. Homeopathy is based on the principles of like-cures-like. Highly diluted substances are given orally to treat symptoms that would normally be caused by giving the same substance at pharmacological amounts (i.e. giving homeopathic poison ivy to treat someone who has a skin condition that mimics a poison ivy rash). The exact mechanism of how homeopathy works remains unknown [again I must say it doesn't work so there is no mechanism beyond placebo, nonspecific effects and regression to the mean, and all that kind of stuff...] there are few studies reported in medical journals, but decades of clinical observation have found it to be beneficial. The substances given may be derived from plant, animal, mineral or food sources. Specific dilutions (called potencies) are prescribed depending on the nature of the condition. Traditionally, low potencies are prescribed for acute conditions and high potencies are prescribed for more chronic diseases. This form of treatment is preferred for children due to effectiveness, gentleness, ease of administration, and safety.”

So, an efficacy claim for homeopathy nonsense.

The practice goes on:

“craniosacral therapy refers to the connection between the cranium or head and sacrum, the bone at the base of your spine. For decades (since the early 1900′s) various forms of cranial manipulation have been used to treat a wide range of conditions, from headaches and ear infections to stroke, spinal cord injury, nervous system disorders, and musculoskeletal issues […] what can craniosacral therapy do for my health? Patients often experience freedom and relief from their physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, light touch bodywork that utilizes the natural energy and intention of the practitioner to activate a patient’s self healing mechanisms and self-regulating capabilities. Common conditions helped by craniosacral therapy in adults: acute / chronic injury, chronic pain, post traumatic stress disorder, neck / back pain, neurological diseases, headaches / migraines, vision / eye disorders, chronic sinus issues, TMJ, insomnia, anxiety / depression, shock / trauma [...] in children: ADD / ADHD, autism, headaches, behavioral issues, ear infections, failure to thrive, growing pains. Most conditions can improve from this therapy since your innate healing mechanisms are being reawaken […] our full service dispensary offers a broad range of professional grade herbs and supplements to meet your health needs. To ensure that the products you receive are of the highest quality, we purchase only from companies who participate in stringent third-party testing […] you can call our office […] or e-mail us [...] to refill dispensary orders and we will be happy to ship your order to you or have it available for pick up. Please note that dispensary orders are by prescription and will only be filled for current patients of Ingels Family Health.”

So, huge efficacy claims for for the nonsense of craniosacral, and 'dispensing dispensing dispensing'.

Meanwhile, regarding CST, we're told at Quackwatch in “Why Cranial Therapy Is Silly”:

“I believe that most practitioners of craniosacral therapy have such poor judgment that they should be delicensed.”

Oh snap.

As far as I can tell, there are no hits at the site for:

force whether life or vital, medicatrix, acupuncture, evidence, the naturopathy principles or spirit.

ND Kachko:

The next ND is ND Kachko.

The ND's practice page is innersourcehealth.com, in New York State and Connecticut [2016 archived].

His bio. there [2016 archived] tells us he's a UBCNM ND graduate.

He practices with two other listed NDs:

ND LoGiudice and ND Bongiorno who are both Bastyr ND graduates [2016 archived].

All three also carry LAc credentials in addition to their NDs

Their “About Us” page [immediate links above] also tells us:

“[ND Kachko] has completed an additional 2 year course of study in classical homeopathy at the New England School of Homeopathy [...and] he proudly serves on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).”

And we're also told:

“as your health care partner, I will help you navigate the expanse of medical information available and select the best options for your unique journey to wellness. Good medicine takes time, and as we build our relationship, we will address your needs on all levels of your being: body, mind, and spirit. We'll find and eliminate the underlying cause of your symptoms as well as support your body's innate healing capacity so that you can get well and stay well […] I use the following tools to support you on your journey back to sustainable wellness […and he includes] acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine [...and] homeopathy […] I combine the latest advances in modern medicine with traditional methods backed by thousands of years of proven efficacy to address a wide spectrum of disorders.”

So, in sum so far, there's:

homeopathy, supernaturalism, coded vitalism, acupuncture and efficacy.

And if you notice the fallacy there, it is the argument from antiquity.

There's a dedicated page “Homeopathy” [2016 archived] which states:

“homeopathy is a form of medicine that utilizes dilute, potentized remedies made from plant, animal and mineral substances. It is based on two fundamental principles: The greater the dilution of a remedy the more powerful is its medicinal effects. 'Like cures like', which means a dilute, potentized substance will produce the same symptoms as the disease when given to a healthy person. Homeopathy [...] works on the body/mind system as a whole, aiming to promote physical and mental well-being. Looking beyond labels that are traditionally given to disorders, homeopathy seeks to strengthen the underlying imbalance or disorder that lies within the person [...] Dr. Kachko is the InnerSource NYC expert in classical homeopathy. In addition to his foundational training in homeopathy in naturopathic medical school, he completed a 2 year course of study at the world renowned New England School of Homeopathy [...] to schedule a free 10 minute consult, please call.”

So, that affirmation that homeopathy is within an ND degree, and further specialization.

And though it's only a ten minute homeopathy consult, it will of course feel like a much longer time:

because that's how homeopathy works, wink-wink, a little goes a long way.

There's the page “Naturopathic Services” [2016 archived] which states:

“founded upon a holistic philosophy, naturopathic medicine combines safe and effective traditional therapies with the most current advances in modern medicine. Naturopathic medicine is appropriate for the management of a broad range of health conditions affecting people of all ages.”

So, there is a claim of efficacy.

A holistic philosophy, IMHO, leads to such stupid things as 'homeopathy is worthwhile', by the way, because the term, holistic, is dangerously nebulous.

We're also told:

“a naturopathic doctor (ND) attends a four-year medical school and is educated in all of the same basic and clinical sciences as a medical doctor and also studies holistic nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness.”

So, there's a 'same sciences basis and application' claim, while implementing the holistic such as homeopathy.

We're also told:

“a naturopathic doctor takes rigorous professional basic science and clinical board exams.”

That's NPLEX and its 'homeopathy is science falsehood.'

And there's a lot of “vital force” at the practice.

In “Naturopathic Medicine: A New York Natural State of Mind” by partner ND Bongiorno [2016 archived] we're told:

“the term 'naturopathic' refers to the healing power of nature that allows the patient to cure one’s own illness by stimulating the body’s vital force.”

And in the same document, regarding naturopathy's principles, we're told:

“the foundation of naturopathy rests in seven principles shared by all naturopathic doctors:

[#1] access nature’s vital healing energy using the safest methods.”

And as far as I can tell, I don't see a strong “evidence” claim, but I do see a large online dispensary [2016 archived].

ND Niesley:

The next ND's practice page is clinicofnaturalmedicine.com, in Oregon, where she practices with four other NDs.

Her bio. page [2016 archived] tells us she is a Bastyr graduate [2001], and the practice sells supplements through Emerson's online dispensary [2016 archived].

They have a page “What Makes Us Experts” [2016 archived] which states:

“we are experts in natural medicine […] we are uniquely trained physicians with natural medicine infused throughout our formal medical education [...that included] nutrition, homeopathy, nutraceuticals and herbal medicine alongside pharmacology, physiology, clinical diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis, etc.”

So, that's homeopathy mentioned.

As far as I can tell, there are no results for “spirit”, “force”, “medicatrix”, “acupuncture”, “principles” or  “power”.

I don't see a direct “evidence” label, or a broad / categorical science claim.

Their link “What is Naturopathic Medicine?” takes us to the AANP web page at naturopathic.org “Professional Education” which I'll get to a little later.

 

ND Patterson:

The second-to-last ND listed is ND Patterson. 

On her bio. page [2016 archived] at drjaquel.com [2016 archived] we're told she is a UBCNM graduate who practices in New Jersey and Connecticut, and that:

“she currently serves her second term as a Board member for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) [...and has] a focus on clinical nutrition, nutritional supplementation, acupuncture, botanical medicine, homeopathy, counseling, and physical medicine […] Dr. Patterson has received additional training in European homeopathic medicine and has studied with […] a world's leading physician in biotherapeutic drainage [a form of homeopathy...] her training in European homeopathic medicine provides her with a larger scope of experience and understanding in homeopathy and constitutional assessment.”

So there was:

acupuncture and homeopathy.

We're told in “Naturopathic Services” [2016 archived]:

“naturopathic care by Doctor Jaquel seeks to comprehensively address your health care needs and partner in your journey towards optimal wellness. We use natural medicine therapies to treat the underlying cause of disease. All of our clients are provided their own personal dietary regimen, nutritional supplementation, and homeopathic analysis. Dr. Jaquel Patterson has a unique, specialized training in biotherapeutic drainage that is used for all cases. Biotherapeutic drainage is a system of cellular detoxification, which removes physiological and environmental toxins to heal the pathology of your disease […] biotherapeutic drainage will be utilized which is a combination of individually suited homeopathic remedies that promote cellular detoxification bringing your body back into balance.“

So, even more homeopathy, and the Toxin Boogeyman.

He hangs, out, I've heard, with Bigfoot.

And on her homepage [2016 archived], we're briefly told:

"naturopathic doctors use non-invasive techniques utilizing five principles [...including] the healing power of nature."

So, pseudopharmacy, coded vitalism, and that claim that naturopathy's get to the “UNDERLYING”.

But claiming homeopathic efficacy is false, so:

file that under LYING, epistemically speaking.

I've holding that pun within me for too long.

In “FAQ's” [2016 archived] we're told:

“Dr. Jaquel wants you to achieve your health goals safely and effectively [...] do I need to see you in person for an appointment? It is generally recommended to have the first office visit in person. It will be challenging to assess your homeopathic constitution and makeup without an initial in-person visit […] the new client intake will include a full nutritional analysis, homeopathic assessment, including environment exposures and toxicity. General supplement recommendations will be provided and recommendations for follow up visit will be made […] common methods used by ND's include herbal medicine, homeopathy, dietary counseling, nutritional supplementation, manipulative therapy, acupuncture, and counseling. These methods are generally safer, and are less toxic […] naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care - an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness. Naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles, which underlie and determine its practice. Methods used are consistent with these principles and are chosen upon the basis of client individuality. Naturopathic physicians are primary health care practitioners, whose diverse techniques include modern and traditional, scientific and empirical methods (AANP). We utilize natural, non-toxic therapies and attempt to remove the cause of disease.”

So:

efficacy, homeopathy, supplements of course, toxins, science, that claim of distinct and distinguished while diverse and blended, and not much detail regarding 'them principles'.

In “Order Products” [2016 archived] we're told:

“Dr. Jaquel Patterson suggests an array of nutritional, botanical, and homeopathic supplements that pass the highest standards of quality and assurance for your health care needs. These products are only accessible to trained health care professionals and will produce more optimal results for clients. If you are a client of Dr. Jaquel, you are able to order products directly through our 'virtual dispensary' by clicking on the Emerson Ecologics link. You will be asked for the access code, which will be provided to you after your initial visit. Products are shipped directly to your house arriving in only 2-3 days. You also have the ability to have overnight shipping at an additional cost, if interested.”

That's a dispensary ARRAY, and to say "homeopathic" and then to say "quality" just cracks me up.

The ND also has a “Homeopathic Intake Form” [2016 archived] with lots of questions about one's sexual activity and psychology.

Is it advisable to allow an unethical sectarian pseudoscience access to this information?

Not in my view.

Overall, a search of her site yields no results for “spirit”, “force”, “vital”, “evidence”, or “medicatrix”.

ND Behling:

The last ND is ND Behling.

The ND currently practices at holisticcareapproach.com in Michigan, which I discovered by way of a google.com search, because her AANP practice link is to 'an older not live but curated' page naturespathmedical.com.

A medical doctor, Robert Grafton M.D.  [2016 archived], University of Saskatchewan educated, is apparently the principal for this collective [2016 archived].

The practice has QUITE a number of interesting web pages.

QUITE.

WACKY.

QUITE.

QUACKY.

ND Behling's bio. page “Dr. AnnAlisa Behling, N.D.” [2016 archived] tells us she is a NUNM ND graduate.

The ND actually states that her alma mater:

“is the premier institution of the five accredited naturopathic medical schools in the country.”

That's the place that says the hugely science ejected survives scientific scrutiny.

So:

premier pseudoscience, IMHO.

Additionally, we're told:

“she is clinically trained and experienced in nutritional medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, oriental medicine, naturopathic manipulation, low level laser therapy, physical medicine, botanical medicine, as well as psychological and lifestyle counseling.”

So that's a mention of:

homeopathy.

We're also told she's:

“vice-president of the Michigan Association of Naturopathic Physicians (MANP) [MANP verified position].”

So, ND Behling is prominent nationally in terms of the AANP, and locally in terms of the Michigan satellite.

The practice has the dedicated page “Naturopathy” [2016 archived] which lists naturopathy's principles.

It explains naturopathy's core concept as:

“the healing power of nature: the belief that the human body possesses within it, the inherent wisdom needed to achieve complete health.”

But that's all you get.

On “Natural Family Healthcare and Education” [2016 archived] we're told:

“the foundation of naturopathic medicine is based on six principles formulated from the observation of health and disease. Following are the six principles that distinguish naturopathic medicine from other medical philosophies: [#1] the healing power of nature: the body has the natural ability to maintain and restore health. This natural healing process occurs in response to the body’s life force and the mind’s regulation of the body; creating a balance between mind, body, and spirit.”

So that's overt vitalism and supernaturalism.

We're also told there:

“naturopathic medicine is effective in treating patients with acute and chronic diseases as well as many common health problems.”

So that's efficacy.

And we're told:

“naturopaths also learn and can specialize in […] acupuncture.”

So there's acupuncture.

And finally we're told:

“the doctorate degree requires extensive study and training in basic and clinical medical sciences […] N.M.D.’s treat patients and their disease to restore health utilizing therapies from the sciences of clinical nutrition, botanical (herbal) medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine and manipulation, Oriental medicine, psychological medicine and counseling, minor surgery and hydrotherapy.”

So that's a very bogus 'science subset homeopathy' claim, minimally, while I don't see a broad “evidence” claim at the practice.

And now for a partial list of woo.

I'll use their page “Natural Medicine” [2016 archived] which lists such things as:

“Nambudripad's allergy elimination therapy […] homeopathy […] healing touch, reiki, spiritual healing, vibrational healing […all listed under] energy work […] ear candling […] ionic footbath.”

And each of those topics has their own dedicated page.

Oh my.

And those are the pages, and the language, of the Board of the AANP.

Finally, let me look at 'head-on' at the pages of the naturopathic organizations:

AANP, OBNM and AANMC in terms of my parameters of interest.

AANP:

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians is at naturopathic.org.

Let's find a science claim.

A search >site:naturopathic.org "same sciences"< gets us three very telling pages.

These are the top three results, currently speaking.

First, there's the page "Professional Education" [2016 archived] which tells us:

"a licensed naturopathic physician (ND) attends a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an MD [...] AANMC Member Schools [...they're] accredited and recognized schools of naturopathic medicine [...include] National University of Health Sciences [...in] Lombard, IL [...] University of Bridgeport - College of Naturopathic Medicine [...within UB's] Health Science Center."

So, there's an ASSURANCE of science, as if 'same science', as U.S. rigorous graduate-level national science standards.

Second, there's "What is a Naturopathic Doctor?" [2016 archived] which states: 

"naturopathic physicians combine the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science [...] naturopathic physicians keep themselves up-to-date on the latest scientific research and incorporate this evidence into their treatments."

So, now there's a blend as "combine" and not "same" at all:

and that blend includes vitalism and supernaturalism, the science-ejected and the science-exterior, grossly speaking.

And there was talk of evidence.

And notice the second part which categorically says 'we keep up' the scientific advancement.

But, then why is all that junk within naturopathy that I've detailed by way of the AANP Board members?

Third, there's "Zicam is NOT Homeopathy!" [2016 archived] which states:

"homeopathy is a 200 year-old medicinal science."

Which is utter bullshit.

I'll add a forth science label, the PDF "House of Delegates Position Paper Definition of Naturopathic Medicine" [2016 archived], which has the root "scien" in there at least 8 times, and states:

"naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles upon which its practice is based. These principles are continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances."

So, a broad posture of science, most definitely, upon such retardednesses as homeopathy, and also vitalism and supernaturalism, aka upon the science-ejected and the science-exterior, grossly speaking.

In sum:

sectarian madness.

In that same document, a "definition" supposedly, we're told:

"principles: the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae): naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in the person which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process."

And nowhere in the document is there "life force" or "vital force."

That's coded vitalism.

"Spiritual" is in there at least 4 times, so that's supernaturalism.

In "'Safe, Effective, and Affordable' Says the U.S.Senate" [2016 archived], we've obviously got a claim of gross or categorical efficacy.

A search for "vitalism" gets the PDF slideshow "Back To The Future: Why Vitalism is the 'New' Medicine" [2016 archived] by ND Sensenig.

So that's vitalism, very overtly stated.

ND Sensenig was my instructor the first semester of my four-years studying for my ND that I ceased in the fourth year.

He's the one who said that "the god power within you" is what runs your physiology, which I've termed autoentheism.

One slide tells us:

"science has recently begun to prove what ancient myth and religion have always espoused: there may be such a thing as a life force."

What an admission, 'this idea life force is of myth and religion', when actually also, the Next Generation Science Standards use vitalism and such dualism as an epitome of the science-ejected.

Dumb.

In AANP's "Including Naturopathic Physicians in Medicare Naturopathic Approaches to High-Cost Diseases" [2016 archived] we're told:

"naturopathic care for osteoarthritis includes lifestyle and social modifications, exercise, dietary and environmental considerations, nutritional supplementation, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture."

So, there's acupuncture and homeopathy.

In "Professional Competency Profile" [2016 archived] we're told:

"the naturopathic doctor will [...] critically evaluate medical information: understand and value evidence-based medicine, critically appraise evidence to address clinical questions, appropriately integrate new information into clinical reasoning, systematically evaluate and reflect on patient outcomes."

So, there's a claim of evidence.

My favorite page is "Principles Of Naturopathic Medicine" [2016 archived], a "press kit", wherein no vitalism is mentioned overtly.

It's all coded.

We're told:

"the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae): naturopathic medicine recognizes the body’s inherent self-healing ability, which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic doctors identify and remove obstacles to recovery and facilitate and augment this healing ability."

So slimy they are!

OBNM:

Now, here are tax dollars at work in the service of 'an unethical sectarian pseudoscience'.

The Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine, OBNM, is a ".gov" web page.

In "About Us" [2016 archived], 'oregon.gov/obnm' tells us:

"the mission of the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine is to protect the public by improving upon standards of care offered by licensed practitioners through ensuring competency in education, and enhancing communication with the profession and the public [...] the State Board of Naturopathic Medicine, established by the 1927 Legislature, is empowered to protect the public by licensing and regulating naturopathic physicians in Oregon. The Board of Naturopathic Medicine consists of seven members appointed by the governor for three-year terms. Membership consists of five licensed naturopathic physicians and two public members. Each member serves a three year term and is eligible for reappointment [...] the Board is authorized by law to examine, register and license naturopathic physicians. The board enforces compliance with the naturopathic statute."

Licensed falsehood.

So that was supposed:

protection, by way of examining, registering, licensing and regulating; "improving upon standards of care offered by licensed practitioners through ensuring competency in education", and "enhancing communication" with the public.

So, here we have people miseducated, who then are enforcing the same stuff.

Do you feel protected by this racket made up of:

"five licensed Naturopathic physicians and two public members."

Nonsense and unethicality doesn't usually have a problem with itself...

Now, after these assurances, OBNM tells us in "Naturopathy" [2016 archived]:

"naturopathic physicians (N.D.) are primary care practitioners trained as specialist in natural medicine They are educated in conventional medical sciences [...] the practice of Naturopathic Medicine emerges from six underlying principles of healing. These principles are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in light of scientific analysis."

So, there's the science claim:

a posture of naturopathy supposedly being continually, rigorously, science-vetted.

Then we're told:

"methods of treatments are chosen to work with the patient’s vital force, respecting the intelligence of the natural healing process [...] the healing power of nature --vis medicatrix naturae: the body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force. The physician’s role is to facilitate and augment this process [this figmentation], to act to identify and remove obstacles to health and recovery, and to support the creation of a healthy internal and external environment [...] first, do no harm -- primum no nocere: illness is a purposeful process of the organism. The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms, which are, in fact, an expression of the life force attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complimentary to and synergistic with this healing process.  The Physician’s actions can support or antagonize the actions of the vis medicatrix naturae. Therefore, methods designed to suppress symptoms without removing underlying causes are considered harmful and are avoided or minimized."

Because you could harm that figmentation.

And we've got:

"homeopathic medicine is based on the principle of 'like cures like.' It works on a subtle yet powerful electromagnetic level, gently acting to strengthen the body’s healing and immune response [...] this powerful system of medicine [which is complete bullshit] is more than 200 years old. Homeopathic medicines act to strengthen the body’s innate healing response [...] Oriental medicine is a complimentary healing philosophy to naturopathic medicine. Meridian theory offers an important understanding of the unity of the body and mind, and adds to the Western understanding of physiology."

So, vitalism both overt and coded, and junk therapies after an assurance of science.

We're also told:

"causes may occur on many levels including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual [...] the physician must also make a commitment to his/her personal and spiritual development in order to be a good teacher."

That's supernaturalism, and for the practicing ND, forced supernaturalism:

the physician as cleric.

That's a religious test by a .gov that claims supernaturalism survives scientific scrutiny.

At OBNM, I don't see a claim of expressed "effective" or "evidence".

And I'm always gobsmacked by oregon.gov's stupidity, fraudulent epistemic position, trampling of rights, and cooperation with ND fraudsters.

What I really really despise is the posing of articles of faith, and what science has discarded, as objective facts science supposedly supports.

Add to that the political power of '.gov', and I'm nauseated.

Oregon naturopathy disgusts me.

AANMC:

The is the North American school consortia, the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges.

I get one hit for "life force", the page "Naturopathic Doctors Can Be a Key Part in Providing Top-Notch Sports Medicine and Treatment" [2016 archived] which states:

"'as someone who works with athletes, I want to help them harness their life force, their will, and desire to reach the greatest expression of that potential.' Dr. Aaron Wong (BINM)."

And there's one result for "vital force".

In "Clare Garcia, Naturopathic Doctor" [2016 archived] we're told:

"she enjoys working with all types of patients to develop personalized treatment plans that stimulate the body’s inner vital force of healing."

There's the page "Principles" [2016 archived], wherein that vitalism is coded.

There we're told:

"naturopathic medicine is defined by principles [...] the six fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine [...#1] the healing power of nature: trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself [...] naturopathic medicine celebrates the healing power of nature [...] above all, it honors the body’s innate wisdom to heal [...] naturopathic medicine is dedicated to the study and celebration of nature’s healing powers [...and #5] treat the whole person: view the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions."

So, "defined" but without transparent definition.

And supernaturalism.

In "FAQ" [2016 archived] we're told:

"naturopathic medicine combines many methodologies, such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractic adjustment, homeopathy and herbal cures, along with sensible concepts such as good nutrition, exercise and relaxation techniques."

So there's homeopathy and acupuncture.

And there are a lot of categorical science claims on that same page.

My favorite, of course, is:

"for complete information on application processes and deadlines, feel free to request information directly or contact the individual institutions [that provide ND degrees...including] National University of Health Sciences."

As regards evidence, we're told there:

"their diagnoses and therapeutics are increasingly supported by scientific evidence."

And I don't see a expressed "effective" claim through a web site search.

Preponderantly, Regarding the AANP Board:

So, those were 16 sources directly related to the AANP Board that I've casually perused.

I'll embed a screen-capture of the spreadsheet where I've itemized the presence or absence of each of the parameters I was interested in:

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.

Without getting numerical, I can easily say, with little exception regarding these paragons of naturopathy who've served as primary sources for the information presented:

what's grossly science-exterior is falsely presented as science-supported.

That's how the money gets made:

e.g., naturopathy contains the ideas and activities of homeopathy and acupuncture and supernaturalism, with a categorical or broad claim of it all being able to survive a science filter and having clinical justification.

Now, I've done this assessment in order to see if the AANP Board conforms to their AANP Ethical Code.

After all, this Episode 012 is concerned with 'codes of ethics and values', and the behaviors that then branch from such.

Let me briefly revisit that Code.

In the document "Code of Ethics" [2016 archived], AANP tells us:

"to provide protection to the general public, a naturopathic physician shall abide by the following code of ethics [...] honesty: a naturopathic physician shall conduct himself or herself in an honest manner; shall not represent him or herself to patients or the public in an untruthful, misleading, or deceptive manner; and shall not engage in advertising that is false or deceptive."

Now, AANP's marketing of 'acupuncture, homeopathy, vitalism and supernaturalism as science', for example, is quite:

dishonest, untruthful, misleading, deceptive, and false.

That's not arguable, and it is inexcusable.

We're also told:

"obligation: the fundamental and primary obligation of a naturopathic physician is to the patient."

That is fiduciary duty.

I don't see how what's inexcusable can fulfill this duty.

Also, we're told:

"competence: a naturopathic physician shall maintain proficiency and competence, and be diligent in the provision and administration of patient care."

But, I don't see how naturopathy's epistemic malpractice can be regarded as competent.

And finally, and centrally, since I did use NDs' web-based communication for my data, we're told:

"communication: a naturopathic physician has a duty to not only communicate effectively with a patient, but also to educate the patient and convey relevant information."

So, broadly, that was 'communicating effectively, educating, and conveying what's relevant.'

But, the sixteen sources I've employed hugely FAIL in terms of such kind of communication.

We should be told, and none of them tell us, point-blank, that naturopathy is first and foremost 'pseudoscience, omission, and manipulation'.

We should be told point-blank that in engaging with naturopathy as either a patient, or education consumer, or lawmaker:

violations will occur in so many ways, including within the areas of knowledge, belief, and logic.

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.

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