The Naturocrit Podcast - Episode 015a2 [s02e05a2] Script and Annotations

this is the script and annotations for the multi-part Naturocrit Podcast Episode 015, aka s02e05, titled “The JACM 2019 Special Issue on Naturopathy”. 

in this second third of Episode 015 Part 1, I begin a traipse concerning 'fake integration' versus 'true integration' particularly as relates to hacking and ignoring evidence as seen through naturopathy’s knowledge-type coining, fake labeling, camouflaging, and recalcitrance.

this Subpart 2 includes: 

two example Canadian ND practices:

001. Episode 015b 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, and 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 015, also known as Season 02 Episode 05, titled “The JACM 2019 Special Issue on Naturopathy”, aka SIN, I’ll be primarily looking at a collection -- as published [2019 archived] in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine and sponsored by the University of Technology Sydney, Australia -- of around 15 articles specifically about naturopathy from contributors largely located in Australia and North America.

I will also look at some of the issue’s contributors’ various publications, some of the issue’s referenced sources, the Journal’s other naturopathy and kind articles, associated institutions, mentioned individuals, and provide, at times, example naturopaths and their practices.

One cautionary statement I’ll make before I delve down deeply into the naturopathic muck and such is:

just because one has a doctorate or is a ‘doctor’ and is doing research and publishing it, that doesn’t mean one is necessarily doing science.

And it doesn't mean that one has properly prioritized 'what must be communicated effectively for the public good.'

In other words:

just because an ISSUE is about naturopathy, that doesn’t guarantee that it deals with naturopathy’s ISSUES; and just because ‘doctors’ of various kinds are publishing ‘research’, that research could be crap.

Ultimately, it gets really interesting when the UTS research project, this SIN, explicitly states that scientific rigors must be loosened to allow for the area in question to fall within such a knowledge and methodology domain – as in science done without distinctions, without controlled variables, without clarity, as in science done naturopathillogically – while simultaneously claiming, particularly for commerce outcomes, to be of normal science boundaries.

[aka for the former Schloss et al. writes “begs adoption of other types of research methods appropriate for generating different types of evidence”, and for the latter the PR stating naturopathy is a “scientifically advancing form of practice“].

Some may term that a masquerade, an hypocrisy, or even -- as I have done in the past -- a mindfucking grift.

Overall, regarding naturopathy’s supposed INSTITUTIONAL 'of science and of evidence' posture, as compared to naturopathy’s 'for-decades historical preponderance and core or what's essentially naturopathic', what I can say is, as evidenced by this special issue and its associations:

the ruses continue, the delusions continue, the junk thoughts continue, the denials and aversions of gaze from the big glaring issues continue…

And therefore ‘naturopathillogical mindfucking grifting and voluntary sectarian self-delusion’ marches on.

Along the way in this delve, you’ll see that so many institutions – of education, government, and commerce – are tarnished and even incriminated in the process of supporting and promoting the continuing irrational illness which is ‘this unethical sectarian pseudoscience falsely posing as rational, legitimate, scientific medicine’.

Subpart II:

Canadian ND IM Examples:

  There are actually two Ontario, Canada naturopathy practices I’ll employ here as examples of ‘the typical naturopathic’.

Now, I have no personal animosity towards Canada, by the way, but these examples move me usefully towards international naturopathy.

And I’ll admit this episode is quite a kind of trek or traipse.

Of note is that Ontario, Canada is the headquarters of the World Naturopathic Federation, too, and the major North American and Australian naturopathy institutions are members of that consortia [checked].

Ontario, by the way, allows for FULL naturopathy practice, including acupuncture and homeopathy, without need to take the NPLEX add-on acupuncture and homeopathy exams, according to NABNE, as near as I can tell [2019 archived].

Canadian Practice #1:

 First, there’s abatonim.com – the IM stands for integrative medicine since the full practice name is Abaton Integrative Medicine – which is the practice of CCNM ND graduates Handscomb, Vanier, and Zelembaba.

Handscomb's practice bio. [2019 archived] speaks of:

“how valuable naturopathic medicine is for one’s health […and that she’s] certified in facial rejuvenation acupuncture.”

The bio. for Zelembaba [2019 archived] states she has a:

“bachelor of science in applied health science […and her] passion is to empower families and individuals to take charge of their health.”

And we see the ND in a white lab coat with a stethoscope.

And the bio. for Vanier [2019 archived] states:

“Dr. Dominique graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, where she obtained a four-year post-graduate doctor of naturopathy (N.D.), during which she completed a 12-month clinical internship at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic […and that she is] currently serving a three-year term as a director on the OAND Board of Directors, and [she] brings a perspective and understanding of policy and government to naturopathic medicine in Ontario [checked at OAND; 2019 archived]."

So, broadly: 

a claim of valuableness, acupuncture, science, empowerment, and Ontario’s naturopathy apparatus.

We’re told about IM on the abatonim.com page “Frequently Asked Questions” [2019 archived]:

“what does integrative medicine mean? Integrative means that we are able to work with, and refer to, a network of other trusted healthcare professionals. Having a diverse group of medical professionals under one roof is quite rare and something that is so important when it comes to your health. We are able to collaborate and work together on patient cases and create the most compressive [sic., comprehensive] plan for each individual patient.”

So, they claim IM means:

to be trustworthy, medical, comprehensive, and diverse.

That sounds integrative, truly integrative.

But operationally, epistemically, essentially, is such true?

Can this example practice be ‘trusted, medical, and comprehensive’ – and from the bio.s summary ‘valuable and empowering’ -- if we’re told unreliable, antimedical, narrow things, from the same page, such as:

“naturopathic medicine differs from conventional medicine in treatment principles, philosophies and therapies [I’ll say]. Naturopathic medicine looks to the root cause of disease and focuses on prevention whereas conventional medicine mainly deals with presenting symptoms and disease management […] it is our goal that conventional medicine and naturopathic medicine be used in conjunction with one another to provide the most comprehensive patient care.”

The naturopathic is posed as different “medicine”, with particularly an accusation that conventional medicine is basically negligent.

The not too subtle intimation is that:

modern medicine as conventional medicine is not able or willing to get at the root and be preventative;

instead, such is merely being shallow and palliative;

that such is NOT ENOUGH whereas naturopathy is thorough, and that to do both, “in conjunction” as IM, is best.

Isn’t that rich:

to claim that the ‘narrow-minded ignorant stuck hokey’ will improve things, is valuable and empowering, and of course BETTER if mixed with the mainstream and highly vetted.

Because isn’t what’s ‘narrow-minded ignorant unreliable antimedical dogmatic stuck hokey’ what naturopathy’s “treatment principles, philosophies, and therapies” add up to?

I mean, how dogmatic is it to claim:

that there’s a vital energy or force like qi that controls physiology and such STILL one-hundred years after, historically speaking, such was basically scientifically discarded;

and yet wrap oneself in the cloak of science?

Or should I more specifically say, the lab coat of science?

More on that vitalism in a moment.

And we’re also told on this Abaton FAQ page:

“how are naturopathic doctors trained? Before attending an accredited naturopathic medical school, you must have completed three years of pre-medical sciences at a University. Naturopathic doctors have successfully completed a 4-year full-time program at an accredited school of naturopathic medicine that includes more than 4,500 hours of classroom training and 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience. Upon graduation, students write their second NPLEX board Exam [and of course in Canada we have the Briticism of ‘write’ meaning ‘take and pass an exam]. The first NPLEX board exam is written after the second year of study at an accredited naturopathic medical school [And for the sake of transparency, I will state that I took and passed that NPLEX 1]. NPLEX is the standard examination used by all licensing jurisdictions for naturopathic doctors in North America. To stay licensed as a naturopathic doctor (ND), NDs must meet the continuing medical education (CME) credits as required by the provincial regulatory boards on an ongoing basis. In Canada, the naturopathic medical profession’s infrastructure includes accredited educational institutions, professional licensing, national standards of practice, participation in many federal health committee initiatives and a commitment to state-of-the-art scientific research.”

Ah, ‘science’ – anyway! -- as PRE-required and as commitment…

Even with the NPLEX II falsely labeling homeopathy a clinical science [checked; 2019 archived]?

 Standardized pseudoscience, really, at its core.

Now, DON’T assume that such “continuing medical education (CME) credits as required by the provincial regulatory boards“ aren’t themselves NONSENSE-containing, in very obvious ways.

I mean, they’re there to support the initially instilled naturopathy school nonsenses and oath obligations!

This is that continuous ‘why would nonsense have a problem with itself’ naturopathic phenomenon.

For instance, specifically in Ontario where this practice is, there’s the aforementioned OAND and there’s the CNO, the College of Naturopaths -- college here meaning regulatory body or agency or entity not educational institution.

CNO, incidentally, presently online, does not produce ANY hits when site-searched for:

“vitalism […or] vitalistic […] life force […or] vital force […or even] medicatrix” [screen captured]. 

That’s their fucking regulator in Ontario.

Doesn’t that speak volumes:

that silence, that opacity, that manipulation.

Manipulative opacity.

  The provincial association OAND has regulator-approved CME credits which include -- and I love the incidental intersections one finds -- a course by ND Pizzorno:

  ‘Good Old Coining-Science-Based Joe’.

  OAND has a brochure for the “Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors Annual Convention and Tradeshow. November 16-18, 2012, Toronto,Ontario, Canada”  [2019 archived].

 There’s a Pizzorno bio. there which states:

“Joseph E. Pizzorno, ND. Joseph Pizzorno is one of the world’s leading authorities on science-based natural medicine, a term he coined in 1978. A physician, educator, researcher and expert spokesman, he is the founding president of Bastyr University, Editor-in-Chief of Integrative Medicine, A Clinician’s Journal, Vice-chair of the Board of Directors of the Institute for Functional Medicine, co-founder and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and Chair of the Science Board of Bioclinic Naturals. He is author or co-author of 8 books, including the widely acclaimed Textbook of Natural Medicine and Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine."

So, typical for an ND Pizzorno bio.:

a claim of science-based AUTHORITY, coined, expert, acclaimed.

The brochure then tells us, for the Pizzorno presentation:

“[title] Foundations of Health […] CE credits: 1.5 nutritional medicine, 1.0 botanical medicine, 1.0 lifestyle modification and counseling […] this course helps the doctor help their patients in 12 healing systems […and I won’t list them all, but they are not the typical systems of biomedicine, and they do include such nonsense promises as] ageless neurological system […and the oddity] flowing cardiovascular system [well that’s always good, thanks for that…and also] toxin avoidance and effective detoxification [naturopathy’s Toxin Bogeyman…and importantly, one of those 12 systems is] living in harmony with the spirit / life-force.”

So, the claim is that, foundationally in Naturopathyland, from this naturopathy luminary, the “science-based” includes the supernatural-vitalistic as “spirit / life force”.

It goes on:

“upon completion, the attendee will better understand the true underlying causes of disease, why they occur and the strategies for physiological normalization and disease reversal.”

As if what’s a better understanding, as if what’s “true”, is the falsehood of ‘science subset not science’. 

Concurrently, at oand.org, in “About Naturopathic Medicine” [2019 archived] we’re told:

 “naturopathic medicine involves a functional medicine approach to healthcare, identifying the biochemical and physiological imbalances within the individual, and using natural, scientifically-proven solutions to rectify these imbalances. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) focus on naturally occurring substances, minimally invasive methods, and the promotion of natural healing. They also emphasize illness prevention and a healthy diet and lifestyle. Naturopathic doctors focus not only on the symptoms but also the underlying conditions causing the symptoms. Naturopathic doctors treat the root causes of disease and address preventable risk factors, using a wide range of science- and evidence- based, natural and conventional therapies […] naturopathic assessment, diagnosis and treatment draws from a number of modalities ([or] therapies) and is tailored to the individual. Treatments may include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, physical treatments, acupuncture and Asian medicine, and lifestyle counseling. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct form of primary health care. There are seven accredited schools of naturopathic medicine in North America. naturopathic medicine is based on the following principles […including] the healing power of nature […] naturopathic medicine focuses on an understanding of the origins of acute and chronic disease and working to support and assist the body’s natural ability to heal.”

That was:

“scientifically-proven […] science-based […] evidence-based […] distinct […] root […and] underlying […and then, for instance] homeopathic […and coded vitalism as] healing power of nature […and] the body’s ability to heal.”

So, again, does not compute:

CMEs that instill ‘nonsense posed as science-based / scientifically-proven / in-evidence, like the supernatural-vitalistic whether explicit or coded, like the homeopathic and acupuncture’.

Chalk that up to ‘coining’ instead of being, aka ignorance posed as understanding:

e.g., the OAND brochure has 16 instances of homeop in it, 3 of acupuncture, and 5 of detox [checked].

And we’re also told regarding the clinic name:

“what does abaton mean? Rooted in Greek mythology, Abaton is the healing temple to the ancient Greek god of medicine, Asclepius. As the name suggests, we at Abaton, have created a space where various health care professionals can collaborate to provide optimal and individualized care.”

Again, that claim of integrative as best, by way of “optimal”.

And the irony of putting a mythical name upon the ‘naturopathic figmentatious’, upon the ‘prescientific discarded medieval’. 

The next few quoted pages I’ll summarize at their end.

  The Abaton page “Naturopathic Medicine” [2019 archived] tells us:

  “naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) take a holistic approach to treatment and complete a thorough assessment of each individual case. Understanding the various body systems and how they influence one another is the foundation of how we practice medicine. Our philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body. We do not just treat the presenting symptom[s]; we search for the cause and perform comprehensive assessments in order to deliver optimal patient care. This often requires us to requisition additional laboratory testing [ka-ching, ka-ching; and we’ll look at some of those unique testings]. At Abaton Integrative Medicine, once we establish the root cause of symptoms, we utilize a host of therapies based on the individual patient’s physiological, structural, psychological, social, spiritual, environmental and lifestyle factors. Our therapies include acupuncture, botanical medicine, nutrition, diet and lifestyle counseling, supplementation and homeopathy to support your body as it begins to heal and recover [and notice again how all those are presented equally]. We are an integrative clinic. This means that we are able to refer within a network of trusted healthcare professionals. We are home to a diverse group of practitioners, each with their own specialty. This allows us to take a comprehensive approach to your health. With your permission, we are able to discuss your case and create an optimal plan that incorporates all aspects of well-being – mind, body and spirit […] our goal for you is optimal wellness.”

Abaton also has the page “Services” [2019 archived] which states such things as:

“naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine […] bioenergetic intolerance elimination [BIE] is a non-invasive therapy that restores balance within individuals with environmental and food sensitivities or intolerances […and from their dedicated page to this {2019 archived}{also here, 2019 archived} we’re told] bioenergetic intolerance elimination is a non-invasive therapy that restores balance within individuals with environmental and food sensitivities or intolerances. Every substance has its own vibrational signature and this therapy reintroduces the signature of intolerant substances to the body so it recognizes them and doesn’t mount an immune response causing a variety of symptoms. The therapy involves applying a low electronic frequency to acupuncture points (without the use of needles) that clears blockages in the meridian channels of the body. While this is occurring, the patient is exposed to the frequency of the substance they are sensitive or intolerant to. As the energy blockages are cleared, the body learns to recognize the frequency of the sensitive or intolerant substance and no longer treats it as foreign […as] the treatment series is completed, the body will not see these substances as a threat and the patient will see a positive change in symptoms […and back to the main Services page] live cell microscopy can detect imbalances that may not show up on traditional lab blood tests, and many years before a disease process shows physical symptoms […] acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Qi is the core of Chinese medicine. Qi, when translated, is energy, or the circulating life force within the body. In Chinese medicine it is this qi that we want to make sure is able to flow freely within the body […] reflexology is a therapeutic foot massage involving a focused pressure approach. It is a natural, non-invasive gentle massage method based on the idea that there are areas, […and their dedicated reflexology page continues] pressure points and reflexes on [y]our feet which correspond to and are relative to all parts, glands and organs of our entire body. When those reflexes are stimulated by massaging or applying pressure on a particular spot on the foot, the body’s natural healing energy works along with the nervous system and electrical energy to clear blockages in the corresponding areas of the body. This process returns our body to a state of homeostasis. Homeostasis is a form of equilibrium; the ability to maintain internal stability within the body regardless of outside environmental stressors. In addition to clearing blockages, reflexology treatments, through manipulation of specific reflexes, have many benefits, including but not limited to: removing stress and enhancing relaxation, improving circulation and metabolism, bringing clarity to the mind-body connection, increasing elimination of toxic bi-products through breaking up deposits, increasing energy levels and optimizing endorphin release, and more! From Dominika's over 10 years of experience in reflexology, she has observed benefits to many stress related ailments, such as: migraines, tension and sinus headaches, allergies and sensitivities, resilience, back and joint pain, tiredness and fatigue, digestive problems (including heart burn, IBS, constipation), sleeplessness, anxiety and depression, menstrual irregularities, infertility, pregnancy-related symptoms, insufficient lactation, [and] post-partum health. What can you expect in a session? You will rest comfortably on your back, with only the feet and lower calves exposed to the reflexologist. There is continuous communication between the reflexologist and the client to allow for observations of your response and to answer any questions that may come up during the session. Reflexology is safe and beneficial for all ages and individuals, from infancy to elderly.”

Abaton's reflexologist tells us too, on her bio. page [2019 archived]:

“I acquired my reflexology certification through the Ontario College of Reflexology […] I have gained knowledge about human anatomy [really], physiology and the functioning of various body systems [really again?]. Through practical studies I have learned to recognize different ailments and how this manifests itself through our feet […] at this point of my journey, I decided to go beyond the physical and take my reiki level one course. This has broadened my knowledge and improved my ability to heal […and then added in an] aromatherapy course, which allowed me to enhance my therapeutic foot massages with the use of essential oils, as well as create an antiseptic solution for cleansing my clients’ feet […and then] in 2012 I attended an aura workshop to deepen my understanding of the workings of energy and chakras. In 2018 I complete an 8-week certification course on intuitive energy healing.”

So, in summary, for those last few Abaton pages, for that first page:

blended knowledge that is somehow distinct, holistic, coded vitalism, getting to the root uniquely, homeopathy and kind, trusted, comprehensive, supernaturalism and optimal.

And then on the following pages:

abject vitalism and so much nonsense, like reflexology and BIE, reiki, auras, and intuitive energy healing.

Remember, this clinic claims ‘medical’ as their categorical label.

This is QUITE a typical naturopathic example:

wherein, anything goes.

That does not sound medical to me.

And if you can’t be transparent particularly while calling yourself medical, if you include PATENT junk and call it optimal…

If you blend and call it distinct…

If science is falsely posed as ANYTHING…

How are you truly integrative?

How are you truly medical?

How are you also truly able to embody “a commitment to state-of-the-art scientific research”?

The CME process that Abaton and CNO mentioned is supposed to be a kind of continuing education that ‘casts off the old bad in favor of the new good’, not a support system for ‘naturopathic static miseducation and falsehood obligation dogmas’!

So, let me just support that WIDELY.

There’s actually a web site naturopathicce.com, and they offer North American regulator-approved CE courses [2019 archived].

This includes Ontario approval.

And there at naturopathicce.com we have about 15 homeopathy courses listed [saved].

Bastyr.edu, the kingdom of the ‘coined science-based supernatural-vitalistic and kind’, itself, has a page of scheduled CE courses [2019 archived] where currently there are 3 craniosacral therapy courses listed, with lots of such listed since 2012.

Ah yeah, ‘continually reexamined in light of science’…

There’s actually an Abaton YouTube channel  [saved 2019-11-27] with a few videos.

One video “Supporting Women's Health at Abaton Integrative Medicine” [saved 2019-11-27] tells us:

“so many women come to our office frustrated with their health because they’re not finding the answers they need […] we help women discover the root cause of their concerns […] many symptoms are explained away as being normal but just because something is common does not mean that it is normal or healthy for that individual  […] we are your family’s healthcare resource.”

Another video has a title that makes me cringe:

“Prenatal, Pregnancy and Postpartum Care at Abaton Integrative Medicine” [saved 2019-11-27].

Because ‘naturopath as obstetrician’ makes me cringe.

Similarly, so does their video “Pediatric Care at Abaton Integrative Medicine” [saved 2019-11-27], which is ‘naturopath as pediatrician’, telling us:

“we take a comprehensive approach to your child’s care […helping parents make] informed decisions that are best suited for their family […] we are your family’s healthcare resource.”

And a video speaks of their “10 Chair IV Lounge.”

Perhaps we could say ‘a family that IV lounges together, integrative medicines together.’

A final Abaton video I’ll mention is from November 2019, “The Naturopathic Doctors at Abaton Integrative Medicine” [saved 2019-11-07].

And there we’re told:

“as naturopathic doctors, we are trained as primary care practitioners […] we are your family’s healthcare resource […and you see their practice from the outside, from a street view] Abaton Integrative Medicine [is their signage…and also the window sign] open […and we’re told] we act as detectives, gathering clues to solve the case […we’ll] investigate further […and they speak of] a detailed history.”

Oh, the ironies, the ironies.

So, ‘a GREAT comprehensive resource’ when you want root causes explained that include science-ejected figmentations and intuitions, like qi flow and rebalancing, like reflexology and kind.

I’d argue that, to use the practice’s words “just because something is common does not mean that it is normal or healthy for that individual”, that:

just because the common person thinks outside of what science knows to be real and true, such as via figmentations and superstitions in part, that does not mean that such is good for the individual and permissible for a healthcare provider particularly when that provider is ‘falsely presenting such as science and evidence’.

As of best and optimal.

The crime is falsehood, the clues and admissions are all over the place, and the victim is knowledge and the signification of words:

if you know naturopathy’s contents and history, if you know how values are being reversed, such as a posed and offered “healthcare resource” that is the product of a miseducation and regulation racket.

Abaton IM's homepage states:

“the Abaton team is medically trained and naturally focused. We are a group of trusted healthcare professionals all located under one roof. It is our goal to provide you with quality comprehensive care.”

Welcome to the ‘trusted medical quality’ of Abaton IM!

Canadian Practice #2:

In this ‘examples second section’, I’ll reinforce similar ‘typical naturopathy’ integrative medicine contents like what is at the Abaton IM practice.

This is in the vein of building a ‘living preponderance’ concerning naturopathy, IM, and claimed medical expertise and specialization.

Then I’ll get to the promised ‘Australian ND critical thinking subpart 3’.

There, I’ll also be throwing in an unannounced American example.

There will be more emphasis on naturopaths practicing oncology in what follows, as well as acupuncture.

I do this because, before the end of this Episode 015 Part 1, I will quote from some interesting criticism of acupuncture particularly from the perspective of science, and that criticism includes the interference of such CAM / IM in terms of survivable cancers [checked] which is a study from JAMA Oncology.

So, onto the Cornwall, Ontario, Canada practice of 3 other CCNM ND graduates called “Cornwall Naturopathic Clinic” at cornwallnaturopathicclinic.com [2019 archived] where the NDs listed are Esposito, D'Annibale and Grant.

I will summarize these following CNC-related quotes at their end.

ND Esposito tells us on her bio. page [2019 archived]:

“she obtained her bachelor of science degree in biology and psychology […and is] thrilled to offer alternative medicine to the communities of S.D. & G [that is the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry in Ontario] using the most current scientific evidence in conventional medical and naturopathic therapies […she’s] licensed and registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) and is a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP).”

Then there’s ND D'Annibale's bio. [2019 archived] that states she has a:

“bachelor of health sciences honors degree from Western University.” 

ND Grant [2019 archived] tells us she has:

“traveled to India to receive additional training in homeopathy.”

At Esposito's own web site, dresposito.ca, she also tells us in “Naturopathic Medicine” [2019 archived]:

“naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession built on a patient-centered approach that emphasizes prevention and evidence-based treatments […] naturopathic medicine plays an important role in integrative health care […] naturopathic medicine supports the body’s own healing ability by using treatments that include acupuncture/Asian medicine, botanical medicine, physical medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, lifestyle counseling, injection and intravenous therapies and certain bioidentical hormone treatments […] principles are based on the concept of health and disease and are continually shifting in light of evolving scientific knowledge. The following fundamentals distinguish naturopathic medicine from other medical approaches […#2] act in cooperation with the healing power of nature […] naturopathic doctors are required to complete a four-year university undergraduate degree in pre-medical sciences followed by four years of naturopathic medical training at an accredited naturopathic college. Naturopathic doctors complete 4500 hours of training in both biomedical sciences (anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, clinical diagnosis) and natural science (clinical nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, acupuncture/Asian medicine and intravenous therapy) […] NPLEX [...] and complete yearly continuing medical education (CME) courses to maintain their license in active status. In Ontario NDs are licensed and regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO). Make sure you are seeing a regulated naturopathic doctor.”

Esposito’s practice page has up too “Acupuncture and Asian Medicine” [2019 archived], and there she states:

“Chinese medicine has been used for many centuries to restore harmony within the body. Practitioners design a treatment plan for patients based on a thorough health history. Acupuncture helps to restore vital energy flow in the body, increase circulation to the treatment area and stimulate the central nervous system to release chemicals such as endorphins into the body. Acupuncture is beneficial for many conditions including, but not limited to, pain management, headaches, stress and anxiety, digestion problems, fertility concerns and others.”

The ND has the page “Natural Therapies” [2019 archived] wherein we’re told:

“homeopathy is a form of energetic medicine using the theory that ‘like cures like.’ This medicine has been used to treat physical and mental conditions effectively for over 200 years.”

And finally for Esposito, she has a page “Cancer Care” [2019 archived] wherein she states:

“getting a frightening cancer diagnosis puts you on a life-changing journey. It is therefore important that you build your team of health care practitioners to help guide you to the best in cutting-edge treatments. Dr. Esposito has the training and expertise to effectively incorporate complementary and alternative medicine into your treatment plan […] Dr. Esposito has a special interest in naturopathic oncology and is a member of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians. She is trained in the special use of botanical medicine, homeopathy, specialized diets, targeted nutritional supplementation, orthomolecular medicine and intravenous therapies and mistletoe therapy in cancer care.”

Back at the Cornwall Naturopathic Clinic page “Treatments” [2019 archived], the 3 NDs write:

“naturopathic treatments are individualized and may include the following […]  traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture: naturopathic doctors use eastern herbs and acupuncture to re-balance the body. During acupuncture, thin needles are inserted to stimulate the body’s vital force (qi). Acupuncture has been proven extremely effective for pain relief and chronic illness […] by stimulating energy (what the Chinese call qi) flow and blood circulation […] homeopathic medicine: homeopathy is a form of energetic medicine using the theory that ‘like cures like.’ This medicine has been used to treat physical and mental conditions effectively for over 200 years.”

While they tell us in “About Naturopathic Medicine” [2019 archived]:

“naturopathic medicine incorporates the science of nature and human function. It is a system of natural healing that sees the body as a whole and each person as an individual. Naturopathic medicine integrates the latest discoveries in biochemistry, physiology and diagnostic advancements to understand ‘why’ the body is sick. Naturopathic doctors prescribe natural treatments to help overcome disease and restore health. The goal of an ND is to use scientifically based therapies that support and promote the body’s natural healing process. It is this healing power of nature combined with up-to-date scientific knowledge that makes naturopathic medicine the most important system of medicine to prevent and treat disease in today’s health care. Principles of naturopathic medicine. These principles are based on the concept of health and disease and are continually shifting in light of evolving scientific knowledge. It is these principles that distinguish naturopathic medicine from other medical approaches […#2] act in cooperation with the healing power of nature […] naturopathic doctors are required to complete a four year ‘pre-medical’ university undergraduate degree followed by four years of naturopathic medical training at an accredited naturopathic college. The program includes an in-depth study of the medical sciences, botanical medicine, homeopathy, joint manipulation, acupuncture, lab analysis and nutrition.”

And on the Cornwall Naturopathic Clinic page “FAQs” [2019 archived] we’re told:

“is naturopathic medicine backed by scientific research and evidence? Natural medicine is supported by strong evidence-based research. Clinical nutrition is backed up by clinical trials and the link between diet, stress, and disease is well documented in scientific journals.  Botanical medicine also has a long history of traditional use that is supported by current medical research. The evidence supporting natural therapies continues to grow and there are many journals of naturopathic research […] is naturopathy the same as homeopathy? Homeopathic medicine is one of the therapies that naturopathic doctors may integrate into a comprehensive treatment program. Homeopathy was developed in Germany in the 1700s and is based on the principle of ‘like cures like’ using minute amounts of natural substances to stimulate the body’s self-healing abilities.  Naturopathic doctors are trained in homeopathy and other natural medicine modalities as part of their educational program.”

Collectively and broadly, the practice’s homepage [2019 archived] states:

“the Cornwall Naturopathic Clinic […] work[s] collaboratively with other health professionals to provide excellent patient care […] we strive to provide quality holistic family medicine […] our goal is to provide you with the tools to take charge of your own health and feel confident in the choices you make about your health care. We provide outstanding and compassionate care to our patients, looking beyond the obvious symptoms to identify and treat the underlying cause of a health issue. We take the time to work with you and collaboratively with other health care professionals to provide high quality integrative health care. Very importantly, we provide education so you not only get healthy, you stay healthy!”

To  summarize the contents of those just-quoted pages:

science as background and operationally, evidence operationally, the naturopathy regulatory apparatus, oncology, homeopathy, distinct, acupuncture, coded and explicit vitalism, broad claims of efficacy, excellence, quality, holistic, empowerment, outstanding, thoroughness, high quality integrative, and educating.

This adds up to, for me, through these two ‘very typically naturopathic’ Ontario practices, an all-encompassing irrationalism that basically has such low intellectual standards that it states ‘whatever’ in terms of overall integrity:

so much of what I’ll term ‘an artificial or fake science and evidence label placed ironically upon what is termed natural or authentic.’

So much fake integration…

Oh, how they COIN…

This is the end of the second subsection of the first part of the Naturocrit Podcast’s Episode 015.

Thank you for boldly listening.