The Quackometer on UK Homeopathy Opacity, and My Extension onto the NA Naturopathy Apparatus

here, it cite from a recent post by Andy Lewis at the Quackometer [see 001., below]; then, I extend those observations onto North America's naturopathy apparatus [NANA, see 002., below]:

001.  the Quackometer writes in "The Media Code for Homeopaths" (2011-02-06):

"in December, various homeopathy groups from the UK have held a conference [...] one of the results of that conference was a 'Media Code', a set of rules designed to help homeopaths present their views to the media [...] a version of that Media Code has leaked out, and I am sure they will not be happy about it as it shows how they intend to be less than straightforward about their beliefs [...] this media code is amateurish, deceptive and will be ultimately inconsequential."

Note: so say we all.  So, overall there is opacity -- a lack of transparency / truthfulness -- concerning BELIEFS.

002. parallels with NANA:

002.a. NANA's TRUE belief set:

This can easily be found at the '.gov' site of the source of it all, pretty-much, the State of Oregon [SoO].  I won't go through the rigors of directly citing [as I've done this all too often on this blog], instead I'll summarize.  On this web page, naturopathy claims that the hugely science-ejected is able to survive scientific scrutiny.  It's a decree; not a finding that has made its way through any kind of scientific community process.  Claiming, de novo, that something is what it is not is quite a contraction and irrationality -- and all this has '.gov' sanction.

The ejected ideas / claims are best categorized as prescientific sectarian belief, such as vitalism and supernaturalism: that physiology is run by / imbued with a 'purposeful life spirit' which can be manipulated to cure disease.  Overall, then, we're told that current science-fact is current nonscience-figmentation.  This leads me to the conclusion that, within this belief system, a 'physician' and a 'metaphysician' are the same thing, and that it is deemed rational to visit a so-called physician who's overall worldview conflates science with nonscience, belief with objective fact, and the archiac science-ejected with that which actually survives scientific scrutiny.  My well-being is more important to me, I suggest you too avoid such medievalism.

But there you go, etched in marble at the Oregon state capital [sort of].  Having the whole thing on a '.gov' site is, by the way, a data-forensics wet dream.

002.b. then there's the more typical obfuscation / opacity, as you'd be hard-pressed to find that same SoO language at either:

002.b1. the State of Connecticut [SoC] site for naturopaths, the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association [CNPA], who state in "About Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-02-06]:

"naturopathic medicine is a licensed medical profession [professions claim...] individualized therapy may include [...] homeopathy [empty pills, essentially, claimed as medicinal...] in an effort to stimulate natural healing forces within the body [coded vitalism...NDs] possess an in depth understanding of human and plant biochemistry and physiology [...] empowering the patient in the process."

Note: and that's really ALL you get there.  This CNPA page doesn't contextualize either, merely briefly mentioning: "according to my best ability and judgment, I will use methods of treatment that follow the principles of naturopathic medicine [...#1] vis medicatrix naturae - to act in cooperation with the healing power of nature [...while claiming naturopathy is] science."

What kind of profession is based upon deception's like homeopathy, and false claims about physiology?  What kind of profession codes its premises and therein does not provide enough information to be truly informed in a decision about whether to engage with it?  Who exactly is empowered by such?  CNPA claims that its primary principal is "first do no harm", truly the reversal of all values in the sense that now harm / manipulation and benefit / transparency are the same thing.

Most of the board at CNPA went to the Oregon school that wrote that Oregon description!  At least with the Oregon site we get some details of the whole absurdity-irrationality.

CNPA also states at their homepage [vsc 2011-02-06]:

"a millennium of experience, decades of scientific research the ancient new medicine that works for everyone."

Wow.  A huge science claim, and that great "ancient new" contradiction in terms like 'science-based naturopathy' or 'the naturalistic supernatural'.

I'd love to know how homeopathy works for ANYONE: Randi has a million dollar challenge that NOBODY at CNPA, I'll guess, will participate in.

In fact, not even SoC's '.gov' site transparently communicates naturopathy's actual contents / context [that I can find].  The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health [vsc 2011-02-06; the propaganda arm of CNPA!?] is actually falsely claiming that naturopathy's contents are SCIENCE.  So, I'd say: don't expect enforcement action in the State of Connecticut regarding naturopathy's commerce-illegality [clinical, educational and such].  SoC would have to prosecute itself [its DPH, its DHE], and I doubt that's going to happen.  Better to call in the Feds?

002.b2. at the Province of New Brunswick, Canada site for naturopaths, the New Brunswick Association of Naturopathic Doctors [NBAND] states in "About Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-02-06]:

NOTHING about naturopathy's science-ejected vitalistic basis, instead coding it as: "to cooperate with the healing powers of nature - we cannot have healthy people on a sick planet, so we must take care of our environment and use the gifts of the earth in a respectful manner."  Really, wow, how INACCURATE   No wonder David Suzuki supports them, and speaks at their meetings.  There is a touch of naturopathy's supernaturalism there, per "we take into account the physical, psychological and spiritual health of each patient."  And there's a lot of talk of science.  But, nowhere are you transparently informed that naturopathy is a belief system comprised of science-ejected ideas.  You are instead manipulated with opacity and false science claims placed upon the profoundly science-ejected.

Perhaps NBAND's statement "naturopathic treatments can be used effectively on their own [...like] homeopathy" says enough about all this naturopathic nonsense.

Ironically, we're told: "an ND emphasizes patient education with the intention of empowering individuals towards self responsibility and control over their own health care decisions.  We are also eager to share our knowledge."

The irony is killing me.

Now, they are not licensed / regulation yet by the province, but I am eager to see what language ends up there.

Oregon ND Law: Their AG's Enforcement of the Patently Irrational and False

here, I cite from a 2010 Oregon Attorney General enforcement of the Oregon ND practice law [see 001., below]; then, I detail the inherently false and irrational composition of the '.gov' State of Oregon naturopathy definition itself [see 002., below]:

001. Keith Loria reports in "Oregon AG Shuts Down Unlicensed Naturopath" for Legalnewsline.com [2010-11-19][saved 2010-12-05]:

"Oregon Attorney General John Kroger announced on Thursday that [...formerly licensed ND] Paul Shandor Weiss [...was caught practicing] naturopathic medicine in the state without a license [...Weiss] allegedly misrepresented his [naturopathic] licensing status in violation of state law [...] 'Oregonians must be able to rely on the credibility of health care providers,' Kroger said. 'We will not permit unlicensed practitioners to put our personal safety at risk by misrepresenting their qualifications' [...] the Oregon Department of Justice learned of his actions from the state Board of Naturopathic Medicine, which is responsible for licensing and regulating naturopathic physicians in Oregon [...] 'I want to thank the Board of Naturopathic Medicine for their assistance on this case,' Kroger said."

Note: the irony is killing me.  Overall, how do you enforce the inherently false and irrational [see 002., below]?

002. that State of Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine states in "Naturopathy" [vsc 2010-11-16]:

"naturopathic physicians (N.D.) are primary care practitioners trained as specialist[s] in natural medicine [(a.k.a naturopathy / naturopathic medicine)..NDs are] educated in conventional medical sciences [(a science claim)...with] a four-year graduate level naturopathic medical college [(a claim of some kind of intellectuality)...naturopathy is] a unique and distinct system of health care [(I think not)...] naturopathic medicine is heir to the vitalistic tradition of medicine in the Western world [(vitalism: the science-ejected)], emphasizing the treatment of disease through the stimulation, enhancement, and support of the inherent healing capacity of the person [(coded vitalism)]. Methods of treatments are chosen to work with the patient’s vital force [(vitalism)], respecting the intelligence of the natural healing process [(coded vitalism)]. The practice of naturopathic medicine emerges from six underlying principles of healing. These principles are based on the objective observation [(as opposed to sectarian figmentation -- which is what this crap really is)] of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in light of scientific analysis [(so, we're being told that the science-ejected survives scientific scrutiny -- me arse)...] these principles [...] distinguish the profession [(a claim of credat emptor etc.)] from other medical approaches: [#1] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae [(coded vitalism)...] the healing process is ordered and intelligent [(physiological teleology: the science-ejected)]; nature heals through the response of the life force [(vitalism: the science-ejected)]. The physician’s role is to facilitate and augment this process [(coded vitalism)...#2] identify and treat the cause, tolle causam [...] causes may occur on many levels including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual [(sectarian supernaturalism: the science-ejected)]. The physician must evaluate fundamental underlying causes on all levels [...#3] first do no harm, primum no nocere. Illness is a purposeful [(teleological)] 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 [(a science-ejected sectarian figmentation falsely labeled 'scientific fact')]. Therapeutic actions should be complimentary to and synergistic with this healing process [(naturopathy's coded, science-ejected, vitalistic, spiritistic, teleological context)].  The physician’s actions can support or antagonize the actions of the vis medicatrix naturae [(coded vitalism)...#4] treat the whole person [...] health and disease are conditions of the whole organism, a whole involving a complex interaction of physical, spiritual [(sectarian supernaturalism)], mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors. The physician must treat the whole person [...#5] the physician must also make a commitment to his/her personal and spiritual development [(a certain kind of sectarian supernaturalism)] in order to be a good teacher [...this] naturopathic philosophy serves as the basis for naturopathic practice [(like the 'must's from above, this is obligatory -- by law and ND must pose the science-ejected as scientific etc.!)...] the current scope of naturopathic practice includes [...] homeopathic medicine [(a therapy known to be inert and implausible)] 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 [(coded vitalism)]."

Note: so, here's the deal:

OBNM falsely labels the science-ejected -- the vitalistic, the supernatural, the teleological -- as able to survive scientific scrutiny, and then mandates this position onto its ND / NMD members.

This HUGE falsehood is fully sanctioned by the State of Oregon, a full-fledged accomplice to this naturopathic racket -- they position it, they legitimize.

Yet, somehow, in all of this, it is possible to violate the irrational and deceptive pseudostandards of Oregon naturopathy.

Enforcing a misrepresentation of a credential that is inherently a misrepresentation / 'that which lacks credibility' [the essentially naturopathic] defies reason.

That is patently crazy.

Enshrining 'The-Big-Stupid-Absurdity': The State of Oregon Board of Naturopathic Examiners @library.state.or.us

here, I reiterate the fundamental explanation of 'what naturopathy is' as provided by the State of Oregon Board of Naturopathic Examiners [SOBNE; see 001., below]; then, I illustrate the 'big stupid absurdity' that Oregon shows naturopathy to be [see 002., below]:

001. SOBNE states in "Naturopathy" [vsc 2010-07-19]:

001.a. first SOBNE's overarching science claim:

"naturopathic physicians (N.D.) are primary care practitioners trained as specialist in natural medicine. They are educated in conventional medical sciences [...] 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 [...] a growing body of scientific knowledge validates the naturopathic approach [...] scientific research in Europe and Asia is demonstrating [etc.]."

Note: science, science, science.

001.b. and now for what's within that 'science' label, 'the naturopathic':

"naturopathic medicine is heir to the vitalistic [vitalism!] tradition of medicine in the Western world, emphasizing the treatment of disease through the stimulation, enhancement, and support of the inherent healing capacity of the person [coded vitalism]. Methods of treatments are chosen to work with the patient’s vital force [vitalism!], respecting the intelligence of the natural healing process [coded vitalism and teleology!...] it is these principles that distinguish the profession [!!!] from other medical approaches: [#1] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae [coded vitalism!]: the body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health [coded vitalism!]. The healing process [coded vitalism!] is ordered and intelligent [teleology!]; nature heals through the response of the life force [vitalism!]. The physician’s role is to facilitate and augment this process [coded vitalism!...] first, do no harm, primum no nocere: illness is a purposeful process [teleology!] of the organism. The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms, which are, in fact, an expression of the life force [vitalism!] attempting to heal itself [coded teleology!]. Therapeutic actions should be complimentary to and synergistic with this healing process [coded vitalism and teleology!]. The physician’s actions can support or antagonize the actions of the vis medicatrix naturae [coded vitalism!]. Therefore, methods designed to suppress symptoms without removing underlying causes [coded vitalism and teleology!] are considered harmful and are avoided or minimized [...#2] causes may occur on many levels including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual [supernaturalism!...#4] health and disease are conditions of the whole organism, a whole involving a complex interaction of physical, spiritual [supernaturalism!], mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors [...#5] the physician must also make a commitment to his/her personal and spiritual [supernaturalism!] development in order to be a good teacher."

Note: so, lets be clear here.  We are being told, in sum by the State of Oregon, that these three discrete ideas survive scientific scrutiny and therein are science-supported: vitalism, supernaturalism-spiritism, and teleology.  Now, SOBNE has been replaced by the State of Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine [SOBNM], which hosts the same web page and labeling [vsc 2010-07-19].  So, these labelings go on.

002. well, vitalism is science-EJECTED, supernaturalisms of all kind are science-EJECTED, and vitalism's companion teleology is also science-EJECTED.  These ideas are neither science-supported or within science.  So, in sum, SOBNE is telling us -- without any warning of any kind regarding this absurdity and in fact uses instead a label of 'professionalism-trustworthiness' -- that something is what it hugely isn't.  Specifically, through SOBNE and SOBNM, we're being falsely informed that the science-exterior is equal to the science-interior.  That is absurd, that is stupid, and at this scale, that is big.

Note: I propose that there be set up, with the liability distributed amongst the entire North American naturopathy apparatus, a "Naturopathy Career Damage Fund" [NCDF].  Minimally, it would cover victims of 'naturopathic academic fraud.'  If Oregon wishes to engage in fraud like this, I think those sucked down 'the rabbit-hole of naturopathic dumb-assedness' / 'victimized by false naturopathic labels to pursue this absurd naturopathy thing', should get restitution the way victims of many other kinds of frauds do.

I will detail that NCDF in my next post [actually, I held this off until post #300 here].

The reason I've used the term 'enshrined' is because Oregon seems to now be archiving its retired web pages -- even the absurd, falsehood promoting ones -- at library.state.or.us.

Overall, I call naturopathy's science claim "exhibit A", naturopathy's vitalism "exhibit B", and the preponderant scientific rejection of vitalism "exhibit C".

Dana Ullman Recommends Naturopathy and Homeopathy, HP 2010-04-20:

here, I cite from a recent Huffington Post [HP] article by absurdity/homeopathy proponent Dana Ullman [see 001., below]; then, I REALLY discuss naturopathy and homeopathy [see 002., below]:

001 Ullman, D. (MPH ?) states in "How Scientific Is Modern Medicine Really?":

"I have previously made clear that my own point of view on this subject is that we must develop a more 'integrative model' of medicine and healing and that we should utilize various naturopathic and homeopathic methods as a way to honor the Hippocratic tradition of 'first, do no harm.'"

Note: first, the "really" from the title. This is a really half-assed really but don't take my word on it: Orac does a quite thorough debunking of this fallacious tack. The criticisms against regular medicine are no more supportive of naturopathy and homeopathy [absurdities] as the criticisms against jet plane travel are no more supportive of using flying carpets [absurdity] instead [I borrow that from Dr. Atwood, 2004].  It's a false dichotomy to structure an argument as 'this or that' when the choices are by no means equal. 

Overall, knowing what I know about naturopathy and homeopathy, the "harm" that Ullman is likely concerned about relates to that hugely debunked sectarian figmentation known as 'the vital force.'  For instance, when the State of Oregon discusses "Naturopathy" and "do no harm," it states:

"[naturopathy's principle #3] first, do no harm. Primum no nocere. Illness is a purposeful [teleological] process of the organism. The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms, which are, in fact, an expression of the life force [vitalism] attempting to heal itself [...] the physician’s actions can support or antagonize the actions of the vis medicatrix naturae [vital force...per principle #1] the healing power of nature. Vis medicatrix naturae [...] healing process is ordered and intelligent [teleological]; nature heals through the response of the life force [vitalism...] therefore, methods designed to suppress symptoms without removing underlying causes [what's primarily harming the VMN] are considered harmful and are avoided or minimized [...because] methods of treatments are chosen to work with the patient’s vital force [vitalism], respecting the intelligence [teleology] of the natural healing process."

Note: vitalism, teleology and that other naturopathic belief in 'spirit' that I'm not even discussing here are all external to science, as either science-ejected or fundamentally unsupportable by science.

002. really:

002.a. naturopathy:

is, clearly, the nonscientific [vitalistic, teleological, supernaturalistic] falsely labeled as scientific, violating the basic principles of commerce and the more stringent principles of professionalism [and you get the added value of the State of Oregon on that B.N.M. page falsely labeling the scientifically-ejected as 'able to surivive scientific scrutiny'].

002.b. homeopathy:

clearly doesn't work.

003. a note on integrative:

so, what is "integrative" really?  It is the lowering of standards to such an extreme that that which is profoundly, preponderantly nonscience is then labeled science and fraudulently traded upon.  This is what the State of Oregon endorses.  So,  I don't rely on Dana Ullman to inform me about what is "really." His rhetorical skills are quite formidable, but, when you peel back all that ornate manipulation, you get to the essentially sectarian-absurd that he [along with Oregon] is promoting.