in this multi-part Naturocrit Podcast Episode 015, aka s02e05, retitled from “The JACM 2019 Special Issue on Naturopathy” to “A Qualitative Content Analysis of Curated World Naturopathic Federation Publications and Reports Employing the Online Misinformation Engagement Framework Within a Paradigm of Methodological Naturalism,” I'll be sharing a study I've recently written in an semi-scholarly manner.
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In this first part of Episode 015 Part C, I'll cover the context of that conversion in terms of the study or project, what I've termed naturopathy's methodological con-fabulation, and naturopathy's vitalistic / supernaturalistic oncology through the institutional structures of healthcare publishing, the law, and academics.
[The Naturocrit Podcast - Episode 015c1 [s02e05c1] Script and Annotations post 2 of 4]
[00.32.24]
The Law.
On misinformation, recently in his farewell Oval Office speech of January 2025, President Biden is reported as having stated from the article “Biden Warns of Dangers of Oligarchy Taking Shape in US” at bbc.com that:
"Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, enabling the abuse of power."
You said it brother.
Meanwhile, speaking of power, in the statute “Chapter 373 Naturopathy” at cga.ct.gov the State of Connecticut claims:
“the practice of naturopathy means the science, art and practice of healing by natural methods as recognized by the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education […] that comprises diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease and health optimization by stimulation and support of the body's natural healing processes, as approved by the State Board of Naturopathic Examiners, with the consent of the Commissioner of Public Health.”
That’s coded vitalism, as the term “the body’s natural healing processes.”
‘Science’ is on the page at least 6 times, particularly in terms of defining naturopathy as “the practice of the mechanical and material sciences of healing.”
While science is never coded, it is transparent; While science is never the science-ejected.
We’re told in the statute, additionally:
“no person shall engage in the practice of naturopathy in this state until he has obtained a license. No person shall receive a license until he has passed an examination prescribed by the department.”
So, a google.com web search of licensed NDs in Connecticut yielded some interesting results, recently.
There’s the practice of ND Carney at nenaturalmedicine.com.
His bio. there tells us he’s a UBCNM ND graduate, a school within the state that once existed, and that he is:
“board certified […and] Dr. Carney employs herbs, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, homeopathy, lifestyle medicine and low-level laser therapy in his approach to optimizing health” according to his page ‘our providers.’
The AANP web page for him states he graduated in 2009.
And just for clarity, for naturopaths “board certified” is an alternate for being basically licensed.
Medical doctors do not to use that term if they are merely basically licensed.
On his page "Northeast Natural Medicine Naturopathic Care in CT and Beyond Naturopathic Medicine" we’re told:
“naturopathic medicine is defined by the State of Connecticut as ‘the science, art, and practice of healing by natural methods’ and combines modern medical research and interventions with traditional therapies used for centuries from different parts of the world. The approach of naturopathic medicine considers both material and mechanical sciences while striving to support the body's natural ability to heal physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually [...] naturopathic medical colleges require a four-year commitment, with the first two years being the same basic sciences as expected of a conventional medical doctor."
So, imprimatur of the State, CT statute language in terms of science, a claim of ‘same science’, blended knowledge and methods, coded vitalism, and supernaturalism.
Yet, I think there is a big difference concerning the statute language of ‘is’ naturopathic medicine is “the practice of the mechanical and material sciences of healing” and the ND’s stated “the approach of naturopathic medicine considers both material and mechanical sciences.”
Now, within this broad swathe, there is vitalism at the practice.
In "Acupuncture" we’re told:
"acupuncture is based on the ancient Chinese theories of the flow of qi (a fine, essential substance which nourishes and constructs the body) through distinct channels that exist in and around us. Imbalance and obstruction to this flow correlates with disease; acupuncture is a tool used for millennia to correct health problems by regulating this flow properly."
In “Naturopathic Medicine"we’re told the coded goal of:
"striving to support the body's natural ability to heal."
I thought it was interesting that ND Carney, on the page “Lyme Disease, MSIDS and Natural Lyme Treatments” [Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome] invokes the WNF in a sort of once-removed sense with the reference “Snider, Pamela, and Jared Zeff. Unifying Principles of Naturopathic Medicine Origins and Definitions. Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.) vol. 18,4 (2019): 36-39” in order to support his statement:
“one of the principles of this medicine, vis medicatrix naturae, which translates to 'the healing power of nature' advances that ‘[i]t is the naturopathic physician’s role to support, facilitate and augment this process by identifying and removing obstacles to health and recovery, and by supporting the creation of a healthy internal and external environment’.”
[00.38.28]
Now, that article by Snider and Zeff codes vitalism similar to that naturopathic medicine page.
Snider and Zeff state in that article:
“the following are the definitions of the unifying principles of naturopathic medicine […] the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae). The healing power of nature is the inherent self-organizing and healing process of living systems which establishes, maintains and restores health. Naturopathic medicine recognizes this healing process to be ordered and intelligent. It is the naturopathic physician's role to support, facilitate and augment this process by identifying and removing obstacles to health and recovery, and by supporting the creation of a healthy internal and external environment.”
Therein, in that Integrative Medicine 2019 article, there is no ‘qi’ or ‘vital’ mentioned at all.
Yet, there, “Chart 3” within the article, is from “World Naturopathic Federation Report” which states that healing power of nature or vis medicatrix naturae is at 100% in this context:
“as shown in the chart, the naturopathic principles codified in 1989 are very consistent across all countries that practice naturopathy / naturopathic medicine.”
The WNF document cited is, specifically, “Lloyd, I., Wardle, J., Parker, T., Hausser, T., Cottingham,T. World Naturopathic Federation Report. June 2015. Pg. 14.”
In that 2015 Report, HPN-VMN is not directed equated with vitalism, though vitalism is expressed as “vital force (vis vitalis), theory of vitality” and is termed a “naturopathic theory.”
More recently in WNF material, and that’s used in my study, from 2019 there’s the document “WNF – Terminology Document” wherein we’re told:
“the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae) is a central naturopathic principle and it is related to the naturopathic philosophy vitalism […] vital force. Definition: an individual’s vitality is a measure of the vital force that they possess at any specific stage of life or disease. Vitalism describes an individual’s inherent capacity to live, grow, develop and heal. Vital force is interrelated with the naturopathic philosophy vitalism and associated with the naturopathic principles healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae) and health promotion and the theory of constitution.”
Another result from a google.com search for Connecticut practices results in the multi-ND practice of NDs Bender, Clark, De Simone, DiNello, and Stagg at wholehealthllc.com which is a great example of a collective contradiction in terms.
Regarding science at that practice, in "Naturopathic Medicine" we’re told:
“naturopathic medicine is science-based.”
That exact web page has been up at Archive.org since 2013, so about 12 years, and an earlier one is saved from 2008 with the same language.
There is also, in fact, what I call ‘the super-science claim’, too, at the practice.
In "What is Naturopathic Medicine?" we’re told:
"naturopathic physicians (NDs) are the highest trained practitioners in the broadest scope of naturopathic medical modalities. In addition to the basic medical sciences and conventional diagnostics, naturopathic education includes therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, natural childbirth, classical Chinese medicine [including acupuncture], hydrotherapy, naturopathic manipulative therapy, pharmacology and minor surgery. Definition of naturopathic medicine. 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. These principles are based upon the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances. Methods used are consistent with these principles and are chosen upon the basis of patient individuality. Naturopathic physicians are primary health care practitioners, whose diverse techniques include modern and traditional, scientific and empirical methods [...] 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 [...] naturopathic medical education. Comparative curricula. Comparing curricula: naturopathic med schools with conventional med schools. Key: NCNM = National College of Naturopathic Medicine, BASTYR = Bastyr University (Naturopathic Medicine), SWC = Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, JH = Johns Hopkins, YL = Yale, ST = Stanford [...] basic and clinical sciences [...] NCNM 1548, Bastyr 1639, SWC 1419, YL 1420, ST 1383 [...] naturopathic medicine, sometimes called ‘naturopathy,’ is as old as healing itself and as new as the latest discoveries in biochemical sciences. In the United States, the naturopathic medical profession’s infrastructure is based on accredited educational institutions, professional licensing by a growing number of states, national standards of practice and care, peer review, and an ongoing commitment to state-of-the-art scientific research."
Regarding vitalism, the very same practice tells us in "About Acupuncture":
"the driving force behind acupuncture is the belief that the body is a bustling network of information and energy with the tools to heal and rejuvenate itself. Acupuncture seeks to aid the body in this healing by promoting the healthy flow of energy throughout that network. Central to this effort is the concept of qi. Qi is a life force and represents air. It is flowing throughout the body, providing energy, nourishment, and information. Qi is created by the body’s organs and flows along highways called meridians. The ability of qi to flow along these meridians as required, is important to the natural healing capabilities of the body, and it is along these meridians that the flow of qi can be manipulated with the stimulation of specific points on the body."
Also, in "About Naturopathic Medicine" we’re told:
"Hippocrates, a physician who lived 2,400 years ago, is often considered the earliest predecessor of naturopathic physicians, particularly in terms of his teaching that ‘nature is healer of all diseases’ and his formulation of the concept vis medicatrix naturae – ‘the healing power of nature.’ This concept has long been at the core of indigenous medicine in many cultures around the world and remains one of the central themes of naturopathic philosophy to this day. The earliest doctors and healers worked with herbs, foods, water, fasting, and tissue manipulation – gentle treatments that do not obscure the body’s own healing powers [...] naturopathic principles. The healing power of nature – vis medicatrix naturae. Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent ability in the body which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to recovery and to facilitate and augment this healing ability [...] therapeutic order [...#2] stimulate the healing power of nature. Support the bodies [sic.] natural healing mechanisms [...] therapeutic modalities [...] 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 [...] naturopathic model of disease [...] naturopathic physicians focus on supporting the body’s innate vital force.”
Red in sectarian tooth and claw…
All legally sanctioned, with Connecticut Commissioner of Public Health consent.
This is all the while the Mission Statement Fact Sheet of the Joint Commission at jointcommission.org – an organization of broad healthcare standards, certification, and accreditation – states that it aims for “the highest standards of healthcare quality and patient safety for all” within the core values of integrity, trust, innovation, and courage.
But, how is falsehood at the most fundamental level integrity or, inevitably, safety and trust?
And how is it that a state’s public health division is an advocate for what is against those such Joint Commission values in terms of supporting, directly without even an inch of warning, naturopathy and its shenanigans?
The thing ‘that ain’t the thing it says it is’ is legally allowed ‘to not be such and be false’.
What a luxury.
Speaking of luxuries, inducements by way of a state’s imprimatur and aegis, public health, and swank partnerships – much of which is still going on to this day, by the way, across the continent – my alma mater the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut was fully state sanctioned to operate as a naturopathy school within a “division of health sciences” while requiring an obligation to a “life force.”
Yet, at archive.org, perpetually, there’s the 1998 archived page “Questions” [unspoken: at bridgeport.edu] which states:
“what is naturopathic medicine? It treats disease and restores health using therapies from the sciences […including] homeopathy (stimulating the immune system) […and] acupuncture.”
Oddly enough, my public health course within that curriculum while I was there from 1998 until 2002 working on an ND – naturopathic doctor degree – was at Yale Medical School in New Haven, CT since there was a partnership of some kind.
The professor was David Katz.
Naturopathy, historically, has a very interesting list of stakeholders and supporters.
There is, presently by the way, a national naturopathic student association, the Naturopathic Medical Student Organization at naturopathicstudent.org.
I don’t find any explanation of naturopathy there this Spring 2025.
There are no hits for ‘medicatrix’ and while there are two hits for “healing power” when I do a global search with google.com.
One page is a profile for “Hailey Heishman” who tells us:
“Hailey is a fourth-year naturopathic medical student
currently pursuing her education at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington.
Her journey in the field of naturopathic medicine is fueled by a deep passion
for the foundations of health and a desire to help others reconnect to the
healing power of nature and their own vitality […] she loves to barefoot hike.”
Another is that of “Mathew Richards” who states:
"I am enjoying working as an intern at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic while in my 4th and final year at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine […] I was guided to find naturopathic medicine while praying and meditating about my career and future goals in health and medicine. I have been amazed at what I have learned about the healing power of nature and how to support the body’s own healing mechanisms."
So, typical coding.
And their “Chapter Presidents 2024-2025” page lists students from NUNM, SUHS, UWS, CCNM, Bastyr, NUHS, and AGMU.
That’s the AANP-CAND-AANMC type ND schools in the contiguous U.S, Canada, and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.
And amazingly, the American Medical Student Association – the medical doctor osteopathic doctor student association -- actually supports naturopathy’s broad scheme of what could be termed standardized nonsense.
In the section titled "Principles Regarding Naturopathic Medicine” of the document strangely titled “PPP” – perhaps for ‘Preamble, Purposes, Principles’ – of the PDF FY2021_22_PPP.pdf at amsa.org, the AMSA states:
"the American Medical Student Association […] strongly supports the standardization of licensure requirements in all USA states and territories for naturopathic physicians who have attended four-year naturopathic medical schools accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) to specialize in naturopathic medicine and who have passed all parts of the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX). To this end, AMSA strongly supports regulation via licensure regarding the practice of naturopathic medicine and naturopathy."
This is while the document states:
“the Purposes of the American Medical Student Association are […] to promote improvements in health sciences education […and AMSA] believes physicians and physicians-in-training must always strive to provide care that is based on the best scientific evidence and founded on solid basic science, clinical and social knowledge […and AMSA] recognizes patients’ right to have accurate, unbiased information […] and strongly urges all physicians to provide evidence-based, scientifically accurate information.”
Really:
‘Therefore, we support naturopathy, which ain’t.’
Vitalistic Oncology.
The just mentioned CNME oversees accreditation of such qualifying schools as AANP Alliance member Sonoran University of Health Science and National University of Health Sciences.
Now, to this day, this 2025, Sonoran's live publicly accessible catalog for 2024-2025 at catalog.sonoran.edu states, broadly regarding naturopathy’s epistemic basis, sectarian obligations, activities, and regulation:
"naturopathic doctors cooperate with all other branches of medical science [...while obligated to] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae [... that] their practice is based on the same basic bio-medical science foundation as that of allopathic practice [that’s their sectarian name for regular medicine, which comes from homeopathy actually which is fused into naturopathy...and that naturopathy is] patient-centered care [...which is] being realistic [...that NDs] educate, empower [...as] specialists [...who] harmonize life force [...with such things as] homeopathy [...and that all such is] licensed [...through the exam] NPLEX."
Unbelievable, as opposed to realistic.
Yet, in the SUHS faculty handbook of 2024-2025, we’re told:
“Sonoran University vision statement. A world that embraces the healing power of nature. Sonoran University mission statement. Sonoran University of Health Sciences shapes a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, by enhancing the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and by discovering effective treatments for humanity grounded in the healing power of nature.”
And that’s at my.sonoran.edu.
So, that’s a world that embraces the science-ejected vitalistic, coded, as a basis for health science – that’s nonsense -- which overall is within sentiments that such is wellbeing, healthier, excels, and determines then what’s effective:
an institutionally emanating authoritarian declaration which demands that nobody think and have values.
Truly a vision that is broadly upside-down in terms of values, and a mission that is specifically one of an inversion of healthcare's and commerce’s concepts of ‘good’.
Additionally, on the SUHS page “Vision and Mission” at catalog.sonoran.edu they tell us:
“we shape the future […by] educating the next generation of evidence-based healers and leaders […] by expanding knowledge […] through evidence-based principles […] we achieve excellence […] setting the bar high […] through continuous improvement […and they speak of] kindness, respect, and understanding […] inquiry […] wellness […and] self-awareness […of] serving individuals, communities, and humanity […that] we do the right thing by being principle-driven […] guiding our actions through honesty and integrity […and] through honoring commitments: saying what we do and doing what we say […] by accepting responsibility: holding ourselves and others accountable […] by following the golden rule: treating others as we want to be treated.”
So, SCNM become Sonoran or SUHS.
The AANP tells us in a 2022 press release titled “Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine Announces New Name and Offerings” at naturopathic.org:
“our vision is a world that embraces the healing power of nature.”
Truly, as is said, Orwellian:
wherein war is peace, science is sectarian science-ejected fixation disguised in a tuxedo of virtue wherein the pathological – the naturopathillogical – is deemed healing.
Now, to the oncology.
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