Arizona's NMD Berkner Defines Naturopathy in the Typical Manner

here, I cite from an article written by NMD Berkner in the San Tan Valley Today describing naturopathy [see 001., below]; then, from her web pages detailing naturopathy's science-ejected homeopathy and vitalism [see 002., below]:

001. Berkner, K. (NMD SCNM 2009) states in "Naturopathic Medicine Defined" [vsc 2011-05-04]:

"naturopathic physicians [...] blend the best of modern medical science and traditional natural medical approaches [...they] base their practice on six timeless principles founded on medical tradition and scientific evidence [...] naturopathic medicine is based on the belief that the human body has an innate healing ability [...] their bodies’ ability to ward off and combat disease [coded vitalism...#1] let nature heal. Our bodies have a powerful, innate instinct for self-healing. By finding and removing, the barriers to this self-healing [...] naturopathic physicians can nurture this process [...] the body’s efforts to self-heal [coded vitalism...] they use [...amongst other things] homeopathy [...] naturopathic medicine believes that doctors must be educators [...] if you are ready to make a change for the best, call Dr. Berkner at 480-296-6173."

Note: oh the science claim, the vitalism that dare not speak its name, the posed 'educator' ethos.  That's the typical manner.

002. NMD Berkner states in:

002.a. "Modalities" [vsc 2011-05-04]:

"homeopathy is a form of therapy intended to stimulate an individual's internal healing process [coded vitalism] with the help of specially prepared and highly diluted substances from plants, minerals, and animals. Remedies match the physical, mental and emotional state of the patient.  We utilize homeopathics to treat acute (sudden) illnesses and longer standing chronic physical and mental illnesses [...] acupuncture is based on the belief that health is determined by the balanced flow of vital energy (qi) through the meridians of the body. By restoring proper flow of qi, we can restore balance to the system.  By utilizing small acupuncture needles or the use of our laser we can stimulate certain points on the body to optimize and support the flow."

Note: oh how they love homeopathy, acupuncture and vitalism -- magic beans and unicorn tears.

002.b. "Services" [vsc 2011-05-04]:

"my goal is to provide patients of all ages with unsurpassed naturopathic care through the use of nontoxic, natural and effective treatments without harmful side effects [...] I excel in treating: weight loss, back pain, headache, influenza/colds, allergies, digestive Problems, diabetes, post hospital burn recovery, infection, ear, nose, and throat ailments, hypertension/ hgh blood pressure, moking cessation, asthma, anemia."

Note: that's quite a claim of efficacy and what can be effected.  How magic beans and unicorn tears get you there, I've no clue.

CAND's New PR Push: ExploreYourHealth.ca

here, I cite from a Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctor's [CAND] recent press release about naturopathy's ExploreYourHealth.ca / Canadian Naturopathic Foundation [see 001., below]; then directly from that CNF site which claims naturopathy is scientific and highly efficacious [see 002., below]; and finally, from CAND's Youtube channel which claims naturopathy is science yet simultaneously is premised on the science-ejected [see 003., below]:

001. marketwire.com states in "The Canadian Naturopathic Foundation [2011-03-23]" [vsc 2011-03-23]:

"Toronto, Ontario [2011-03-23...] the Canadian Naturopathic Foundation (CNF) [more on them below...] a registered charitable organization (B/N118834712RR0001) that supports research and public education for the advancement of naturopathic medicine in Canada [...] is pleased to announce the launch of ExploreYourHealth.ca – Canada's only one-stop online source for naturopathic health information and guidance approved by the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) [...]  the national voice of the Canadian naturopathic profession since 1955 [...] CAND membership consists of over 1,900 Canadian naturopathic doctors and naturopathic medical students [...who] undergo training similar to medical doctors [...that] includes basic sciences, clinical sciences, naturopathic disciplines, and clinical experience [...ExploreYourHealth.ca  was] created to provide a reliable and trustworthy resource about the many benefits naturopathic medicine offers in achieving good health, preventing illness and treating disease [...] Dr. Jason Boxtart, ND, Chair of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, expressed his strong support for ExploreYourHealth.ca and the Canadian Naturopathic Foundation [...] 'with so much confusing information out there on natural and complementary approaches to health and medicine, we saw a strong need for a resource that was trustworthy and based on the knowledge of educated and accredited professionals' [...] the site's Ask an ND section allows visitors to submit specific questions to naturopathic doctors. Selected questions are then answered through a brief video segment like the one included in this release. Visitors requiring more in depth information and advice can use the Find an ND resource tool to find a naturopathic doctor in their area [...] naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine [...] for more information, please contact Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors: Shawn O'Reilly Executive Director, 416 496-8633, soreilly@cand.ca [...] editor's note: there is a video included with this release [see note below]."

Note: CAND says the new site is reliable.  Well, it's good that CAND -- professionally [wink-wink] -- approves, really.   But is CAND reliable to begin with?  Or nonsensical?  What are CAND standards? Oh, yes, naturopaths love to educate, in that narrow kind of manner that is known as indoctrination and opacity.  "The knowledge of educated and accredited professionals" -- ah, that complete reversal of values regarding knowledge and professionalism!  You could encapsulate naturopathy illogic in many ways, and "distinct primary health care system that blends" is one of my favorites: the delineated-conflated.  My irony meter is exploding.

Yes, there is an embedded / linked video, "Training and Education of a Naturopathic Doctor -- 'What's Up Doc?'" [vsc 2011-02-15] featuring Canada's ND Dempster who states:

"my name is Dr. John Dempster and I'm a licensed naturopathic doctor in Toronto, Ontario [...] what type of education goes into becoming a naturopathic doctor? [...] students enter into an undergraduate degree that is heavily weighted in medical sciences [...then go to a] naturopathic institution [...then take] a rigorous set of board exams [...so] visit www.cand.ca."

Those board exams are actually so rigorous that homeopathy is labeled a "clinical science" on them -- while profoundly considered science-ejected whackoness, truly.  Labeling homeopathy science is as scientifically rigorous as labeling flat-Earth-ism geography.  Sure, they require sciences to get into ND school but not the "medical sciences" that ND Dempster says.  What's needed specifically are prerequisites in the pre-medical sciences sense, duh!  Yet, requiring science as an entrance requirement doesn't make the naturopathic context science! Just like throwing some wine into a whole lot of mud doesn't magically make the whole thing wine.  Furthermore, even if naturopaths later in ND school study a huge amount of medical science, what's overlain / oathed-to truly, is a sectarian ideology / belief system as a required context / naturopathic standard of care that science IN FACT hugely rejects / does not support.  But, anyway...

002. CNF and ExploreYourHealth.ca:

002.a. CNF states:

a Google.com web search led to a CAND page that states: "Canadian Naturopathic Foundation (CNF): please visit ExploreYourHealth.ca for information on the Canadian Naturopathic Foundation".

Note: so we go there.

002.b. ExploreYourHealth.ca states in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-03-25; my comments are in bold]:

"naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine [...it's] a truly integrative form of health care [...]";

Again, that great oxymorony of 'the blended distinct'.  Illogic is not a virtue, until you cross the border into naturopathyland.

"naturopathic medicine is the art and science of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention using natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine / acupuncture, and lifestyle counseling [...these] safe and effective ways to restore health [...it's] very effective in improving quality of life for those with serious and life threatening illnesses [...] patients with chronic illness have found tremendous benefits [...]";

And here we go with the nonsense of a science label upon such bullshit therapeutics as homeopathy and TCM.  Those are some scary-ass efficacy claims on what is truly parlor pseudomedicine: e.g., even today at Science-Based Medicine, Brennen McKenzie writes in "How Popular is Acupuncture?" "a large majority of people who seek acupuncture therapy, regardless of ethnicity or nationality, do so for treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and pain. There is good evidence that the therapeutic ritual of acupuncture has some symptomatic benefit for such indications. This is almost certainly a non-specific treatment effect (aka 'placebo'). It does not seem to matter where needles are inserted or if they are inserted at all, and acupuncture therapy does not appear to measurably affect the course of any actual disease. (The Skeptic’s Dictionary has a clear and concise review)".

"a naturopathic doctor is a primary care practitioner that seeks to restore and maintain optimum health in their patients by emphasizing nature’s inherent self-healing process [...] the naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and to treat the root cause of disease [...]";

Coded vitalism.  What kind of profession codes its context and engages in commerce based on such opacity?  What kind of supposed science is, ultimately, founded on science-ejected ideas? This CNF 'naturopathy principles page' also hugely codes naturopathy's HPN-VMN premise.  And so does this one and this one.

"a naturopathic doctor views the individual as an integral whole including the physiological, structural, psychological, social, spiritual, environment and lifestyle factors affecting health [...]";

And presto, supernaturalism / spiritism is now within the category of science by naturopathic word magic.  Hand out the Nobels.

"naturopathic medicine emphasizes disease as a process rather than disease as an entity [...]";

This is a strawman, of sorts.  Pathophysiology is the study of disease processes in medical science.  Medical science does not believe disease is an entity either.  Isn't it ironic that it is naturopathy that conceives 'life' as a dualistic 'intelligent spirit force / energy' entity / geist but reversely accuses modern medicine of holding such a view.

"naturopathic doctors [...] cooperate with other branches of medical science [...]";

Wow, that HUGE science claim upon the naturopathic enterprise.

"in Canada, the naturopathic medical profession’s infrastructure includes accredited educational institutions, professional licensing, national standards of practice, participation in  federal health care initiatives, and a commitment to state-of-the-art scientific research [...]";

Ah, profession and science claims.  I'm not sure how standards of practice can exist if, in terms of knowledge, 'anything goes'.

"it is the approach, philosophy and training of naturopathic doctors that sets it apart from other forms of health care [...] a new perspective [...]";

I'll say.  Apart in the padded room kind of way.

"naturopathic medical care [...involves] a clear understanding of the factors that affect health and how to deal with them on a daily basis [...a] broad understanding of health and the relationship between health, life and the environment";

So, in all this muddle they claim that their understanding is clear.  They claim a broadness of knowledge.  I disagree.  I see muddle and quite undeveloped thinking.

003. CAND's overall false claim that naturopathy is science-based [because within that claim is the science-ejected]:

003.a. CAND on Youtube:

that ND Dempster supposed science-context reference reminded me that that CAND's Youtube channel has had up quite a strong 'naturopathic is science-based' claim for some time, three years now and counting [see these two Youtube videos, here and here; both vsc 2011-03-23].

Those two CAND videos describe naturopathy as "science-based natural medicine".

003.b. but, according to CAND's own publication "The History of Naturopathic Medicine: A Canadian Perspective" (ISBN 1552787788, 2009) [I own multiple copies], naturopathy is based on the science-ejected, essentially:

"[amongst many references to naturopathy's defining vitalism] the aim of naturopathic physicians is to treat the patient, not the disease, by directing the vital force and encouraging it with naturopathic therapeutics to stimulate the body’s own defenses [p.031]."

Note: also, CNF states in "Natural Therapies Used by NDs" [vsc 2011-03-25]:

"homeopathic medicine: this powerful system of medicine [...] homeopathic remedies[...] when carefully matched to the patient they are able to affect the body’s 'vital force' and to stimulate the body’s innate healing forces."

004. overall note:

have you ever read and heard such nonsense?

Representations of Naturopathy's Premise: Some NCNM Florida NDs

here, I cite from the web pages of some AANP-referred Florida naturopaths who are NCNM graduates regarding how they express the "healing power of nature" vitalistic premise essential to naturopathy [see 001., below]; then, I return to the alma mater of those NDs and show the Full Monty [see 002., below]:

001. NCNM's graduates:

001.a. Thompson, J. (ND NCNM):

does not define naturopathy on the linked page.

Note: quite disappointing.

001.b. Kalidas, K. (ND NCNM) defines naturopathy in "Naturopathy and Oath" stating:

"naturopathic medicine [...] is founded on the honored medical principal that nature heals [...from the oath] according to my best ability and judgment, I will use methods of treatment which follow the principles of naturopathic medicine [...including] to act in cooperation with the healing power of nature."

Note: that's all you get.  Quite opaque.  This is coded vitalism.

001.c. Rubiales, L. (ND NCNM) defines naturopathy in "Naturopathic Medicine" stating:

"naturopathic medicine  [...] the following are its basic principles: [#1] the healing power of nature: the human body has an innate intelligence that is constantly striving for health."

Note: and that's all you get.  Quite opaque / coded vitalism.

001.d. Lipham, J. (ND NCNM 2005) states in "Naturopathic Medicine":

"naturopathic medicine has a distinct philosophy of healing that sets it apart from other health care systems. This philosophy is based upon the following six basic principles of healing [...#2] harness the healing power of nature [...] these principles are not in themselves amazing nor profound, rather they are merely truths based on common sense and are essential for true healing [sure]."

Note: again, opacity! Coding!

001.e. Visconti, M. (ND NCNM) states in "Naturopathic Medicine":

"naturopathic medicine is a system of medicine whose primary goal is [...] stimulating the body's ability to heal itself [...] naturopathic medicine has 6 principles that guide the direction of the treatment and healing [#1] the healing power of nature [...] by using these principles the naturopathic physician will work to address the underlying causes of imbalance allowing the body to heal itself."

Note: again and again, opacity!  Coding.

002. let's go to their mother ship, NCNM, who states in "Principles of Healing":

"these principles stand as the distinguishing marks of the profession: [#1] 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."

Note: and there you go, science-ejected vitalism.  Why was it so HARD for the Florida NDs to transparently describe HPN?  Of course, NCNM has problems too.  On the same page it labels naturopathy's vitalism and supernaturalism as able to survive scientific scrutiny.  Such can't.

003. so:

no NCNM ND in Florida that I've cited accurately contextualizes naturopathy's science-ejected concept of HPN.  NCNM gets half way in mentioning it, and decodes it, but then undoes that honesty by falsely labeling it as able to survive scientific scrutiny.

Florida's AANP Bunch is In On It! Nonscience Coded and Falsely Labeled Science [Naturopathy's MO Continued]

here, I cite from the web pages of the Florida Naturopathic Physicians Association [FNPA] who claim that naturopathy is science [see 001.a., below] while they code naturopathy's science-ejected essential premise [see 001.b., below]; then, I direct you to a '.gov' page transparently detailing naturopathy's science-ejected contents while simultaneously incorrectly contextualizing same said as science too [see 002., below]: 

001. FNPA states:

001.a1. in "Naturopathic Education" [vsc 2011-03-23]:

"after completion of standard premedical undergraduate coursework, a naturopathic physician (N.D.) attends a four-year graduate level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an M.D. [...] Bastyr University offers a rigorous, naturopathic medical program emphasizing both the science base of medicine and its clinical application [...] their faculty's commitment to the art and science of healing has made SCNM a leader among the naturopathic medical schools [...] National's N.D. program provides you with a rigorous curriculum that blends thorough scientific foundation with comprehensive training in naturopathic treatments. As a student in the naturopathic physician program at National, you will study the same basic sciences as an M.D."

Note: science, science, science. The "same" science as science sciences by and founds itself by, supposedly.

001.a2. in "FNPA Membership Application 2010" (and here) [vsc 2011-03-23]:

"as per the FNPA by-laws, article III; the mission of the Florida Naturopathic Physicians Association, Inc., is [...] to advance, promote and protect the science of naturopathic medicine and the naturopathic medical profession."

Note: science again.  And a professions claim.

001.b1. on the same 001.a1. page:

"naturopathic physicians work to identify and eliminate the cause of disease, and are guided by six basic principles: do no harm, utilize the healing power of nature, identify and treat the causes, treat the whole person, focus on preventive medicine, practice doctor-as-teacher."

Note: and that's all you are told.  That is quite undetailed and opaque [where is the mention of the science-ejected vitalistic and spiritistic that is at the ROOT of naturopathy?].  Yes, somehow yet, they claim to teach.  Manipulate, more-like.

001.b2. on the page "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-03-23]:

"six fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine: [#1] the healing power of nature: naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent healing process in the person that is ordered and intelligent [hmmmm!]. The body is capable of healing itself. The role of the naturopathic doctor is to remove obstacles to healing and to stimulate this inherent natural tendency of the body [coded vitalism!]; [#2] identify and treat the cause: naturopathic doctors seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, not merely eliminate or suppress symptoms; [#3] first do no harm: naturopathic doctors seek to do no harm by using methods and substances that minimize risks of side effects, using the least force needed to diagnose and treat, avoiding the harmful suppression of symptoms and working with the self-healing process; [#4] doctor as teacher: naturopathic doctors recall that the origin of the word 'doctor' is the Latin word, 'to teach.' A fundamental emphasis in naturopathic medicine is patient education; [#5] treat the whole person: naturopathic doctors attempt to take into consideration all the factors that make up patients' lives and affect their health and well-being; [#6] prevention: naturopathic medicine emphasizes the prevention of disease, assesses risk factors, and makes appropriate interventions with patients to prevent illness."

Note: so, you get a little more detail.  But, I can REALLY get you the detail you need to be an informed consumer.

On Youtube, FNPA states in "Naturopathic Medicine in Florida" [vsc 2011-03-23]:

"[from the description] at the FNPA our goal is to educate the public as to the merits of naturopathic medicine and to create and maintain legislation that supports the qualified practice of naturopathic medicine in Florida. For more information, please visit www.fnpa.org [...from the video] vis medicatrix naturae, the healing power of nature [coded vitalism!...] naturopathic doctors are the physicians who are trained to listen [...] this is a doctor who is trained to use [...such things as] homeopathy [...and] acupuncture [(spelled wrong in the video)...] to restore optimal health [...] naturopathic doctors are your comprehensive physicians [...we are] working hard to educate, lobby, and reach out to make a difference."

knowing what I know, that teaching and that educating and that science are NOT being delivered.   Hell, their own video about naturopathy skirts an actual description of VMN-HPN!

002. I direct you to the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine, which states that naturopathy is based on the science-ejected and that such is somehow [in naturopathy-land, where science is a fiction] indeed science.

Note: is there a greater stupid?

002.b. AANP NDs in Florida:

002.b1. the AANP's "Find a Doctor" states:

"Find a Naturopathic Doctor ('Find a Doctor') is compiled and published by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians ('AANP') as a reference source of professional information on individual Naturopathic Doctor ('ND') members in the United States and abroad [...] professional and contact information for AANP member NDs."

Note: and then you type in a location and they list members.

002.b2. including:

Nguyen, K. (ND SCNM);

Thompson, J. (ND NCNM);

Swedrock, K. (ND SCNM);

Kalidas, K. (ND NCNM);

Rubiales, L. (ND NCNM);

Lipham, J. (ND NCNM 2005);

Visconti, M. (ND NCNM).

Note: in the next post, I'll look at whether these NDs individually express naturopathy accurately.

B.C. ND Claims B.C. MDs are Misleading While Naturopathy Stuff (like foot bath detox, homeopathy, vitalism) is Grounded in Scientific Rigor

here, I cite from a recent letter by an ND in British Columbia, Canada to the Vancouver Sun defending naturopathy on scientific grounds [see 001., below]; then, from that BC ND's own web pages [see 002., below]; and finally that ND's own BC organizations [see 003., below]:

001. the Vancouver Sun's "More Options for Patients Makes for a Healthier Population" (2011-03-14 and save):

"[regarding] License to Prescribe Still Rankles B.C.'s MDs [2011-03-07...states] Dr. Caleb Ng naturopathic physician [of] Surrey [...believes] the information and opinion of the medical doctors [...] Dr. Bob Vroom and Ian Gillespie [...regarding naturopaths] cited in this article are misleading [...] health professionals such as naturopathic physicians [...are] grounded in the scientific rigor they [the MDs] so boldly assert is theirs alone [...the MDs] do not seem to take into account the education, training and ability required for our registrants to be licensed by our government-recognized regulatory body, the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC [CNPBC]."

Note: oh, that huge, broad, overarching claim that naturopathy is SCIENCE.  Again, and again, and again.  Why is it up to me to illuminate how UNTRUE that science claim is?  Naturopathy is based on falsehood [one of the largest being an inappropriate use of the label science upon the science-exterior], and therein such annuls their professional claim too. But lets see if ND Ng, CNPBC, and BCNA are MISLEADING on their own web pages!

002. Ng, C. (ND CCNM)'s practice -- Mountainview Wellness Center, a partnership with Bogatch, G. (ND CCNM), Patton, A. (ND CCNM), Ram, S.M. (ND CCNM), Van Alstyne, T. (ND CCNM) -- collectively states:

002.a. on their page "About Us - The Mountainview Doctors" [vsc 2011-03-14]:

"naturopathic medicine is [...] based on 'vis medicatrix naturae,' a medical philosophy that utilizizes the healing power of nature [VMN-HPN, coded vitalism, because that's all they give you!...] naturopathic doctors trained in natural therapies and prevention, but are also trained in the art and science of diagnosis [...] the Platinum Energy Systems Detoxification Foot Spa is a non-invasive highly effective method of removing toxins from the body through the feet or hands. This system is scientifically proven [...] Dr. Ng is a member of the British Columbia Naturopathic Association and the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia.[...] we are registered and licensed with the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia [...] CCNM offers a four year accredited program including courses in [...] homeopathy."

Note: so, there's coded vitalism, which is ironically MISLEADING!  I think ND Ng protests too much to the Vancouver Sun.  There's the science claim again, on foot detox of all things.

Now, Quack Watch's Device Watch  states, regarding this type of thing: "the bottom line is very simple. All such devices should be considered medically worthless."  Ouch: when is the "scientifically proven [...] highly effective" actually bunk?  Naturopathy: whose science expertise claim has dissolved.

I'll look at the org.s in 003., below.

002.b. in "Services Offered" [vsc 2011-03-14]:

"acupuncture is based on the belief that health is determined by the balanced flow of vital energy (qi) through the meridians of the body. By restoring proper flow of qi, we can restore balance to the system."

Note: so, there's a glimpse of their vitalism belief, and this time it is transparently described, though not fully described as in fact a science-ejected and -unsupported belief.  You should BE TOLD BY THEM that naturopathy is based on in fact science-ejected or -unsupported beliefs, diagnostics, and therapies before you go to one!  I believe it would allow for informed consent.

003. CNPBC and BCNA:

003.a. CNPBC states in "Code of Conduct":

"the naturopathic physician [...] shall recognize, respect and promote the self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being (vis medicatrix naturae) [...] will practice the science and art of naturopathic medicine."

Note: again, the coded vitalism and a false science claim upon it.  What I argue is this: even the CNPBC Code of Conduct is a guideline for NDs showing how to engaged in misinformation, opacity and manipulation as opposed to accuracy, transparency, and informed consent.

Ironically, it emphasizes:

"[the ND] shall conduct her/his practice and professional activities with honesty, integrity and responsibility for individual judgment and action [...] shall respect all ethical, qualified health care practitioners and cooperate with other health professions to promote health for the individual, the public and the global community. [...] the naturopathic physician shall strive to exemplify personal well-being, ethical character and trustworthiness as a health care professional."

Truly naturopathy is the reversal of all values. I don't think this absurdity and irrationality aids population health.  If something is nonsense, is it really an option? Again, I think ND Ng protests too much to the Vancouver Sun.

003.b. BCNA states in "The Nature of Naturopathic Medicine":

"naturopathic medicine is science based natural medicine [...] the philosophy of naturopathic treatment [...includes] vis medicatrix naturae: the body has the inherent capacity to heal in the proper therapeutic environment. NDs believe in the recuperative power of the organism [coded vitalism...] embracing these tenets, on a science-based platform, is at the heart of naturopathic care."

Note: so, the heart of naturopathy is to not transparently label their sectarian vitalistic belief-based system as science-ejected and indeed to falsely label such science and ethical.

I can see the apples and the very-near tree they have fallen from.

Yet, I like B.C. in this sense: they've a lot going on up there and a lot gets printed to then blog about.

AANP Entails Naturopathy's Essential Vitalism: Their ISBN 0785319840, 1997

here, I cite from an American Association of Naturopathic Physicians' [AANP] endorsed book wherein naturopathy's science-ejected central premise known as vitalism is clearly-ish stated [see 001, below]:

001. in "A Guide to Alternative Medicine: Ancient and Modern Therapies to Expand Your Medical Horizons" (ISBN 0785319840, 1997), the AANP states [my comments are in bold]:

"this publication was reviewed by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians  [...specifically] Kathi Head, N.D., Rita Bettenburg, N.D., Tim Birdsall, N.D., and Lori Kimatan, N.D. [...] all members of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians [...] the AANP's mission [...is] to transform the health care system [...] by incorporating the principles of naturopathic medicine [imprint...]";

so, the principles are that-which-they-seek-to-superimpose, and the book seems to represent a preponderance of 'AANP naturopath approval';

"Eric S. Jones, N.D., Dean, Naturopathic Medical Program, Bastyr University [...says] the information [...here on] natural-health [...] is presented from an objective perspective [...] if your goal is to be an informed, educated consumer [recommendations page...]";

the irony is killing me, that great "objective" claim upon this hugely subjective / beliefy stuff that they claim to accurately represent and actually educate about;

 "the principles on which it's based and the methods it employs are much older, many dating to ancient times [...they're] time-tested [...] naturopathy operates on the basis of six principles of healing [...#1] the healing power of nature [HPN...] healing mechanisms in the body and mind [HMBM...] inherent healing systems [IHS...] the body's way to heal itself [BWHI...] the natural healing process [NHP...] the body's healing power [BHP...] naturopathic medicine is natural medicine [...using] a variety of treatments that are intended to work with the body's natural healing mechanisms [BNHM...p.294...]";

old / ancient doesn't mean correct, at all, and time-tested just means persistent, not scientific. So, there's HPN-HMBM-IHS-BWHI-NHP-BHP-BNHM, naturopathy's euphemisms for...

"[#5] naturopathic physicians share information with their patients [...] therapies used in naturopathy [p.295...include] homeopathy -- the science of homeopathy [...it] dovetails well with the naturopathic philosophy of the healing power of nature [see 260-264...] naturopathic medicine is, by no means, frozen in time [...] practitioners follow advances in science [...] as long as they are in keeping with the philosophy of naturopathy [p.297...] first two years  of training are in basic medical science [p.299...]";

I wish they'd share the scientific fact that homeopathy is not a science!  If science has ejected HPN and naturopathy is still there, then they ARE frozen in time.  Science is helpful, apparently, provided it doesn't get in the way of science-ejected principles.  I think it is obvious that science is subservient to their beliefs; 

"oriental medicine: naturopathy has a great deal in common with oriental healing philosophies [...] the oriental concept of life force, or qi, and the naturopathic concept of the healing power of nature are similar in theory if not language [..] traditional Chinese medicine places primary emphasis on the balance of qi [...] or vital energy [...] this vital energy comprises two parts: yin and yang [p.346...] diagnosis aims to detect patterns of disharmony or imbalance in vital energy [...] treatment seeks to help individuals re-balance this vital energy [p.347...] vital energy, or qi, flows through certain pathways in the body called meridians [p.169...] the Chinese believe qi [...] or vital energy, is responsible for health, and that imbalances of qi results in illness.  Acupuncture is used to correct the flow of qi [p.173...]"; 

and there it is, the science-ejected vitalistic that is the basis of the naturopathic.

002. so:

this book is a great 'Rosetta Stone' to get at that-which-naturopathy-so-often-codes.  This was published a year before I went to naturopathy school.  Naturopathy at this time was stating that it is "science-based" and "not a belief system."

NMD Stengler's ISBN 0735204446 2010 - Coded Vitalism, Huge Homeopathic Proponentry, the Erosion of Scientific Integrity

here, I cite from a recently updated book by California's NMD Stengler which opaquely states naturopathy's principles, and lauds homeopathy and its scientific basis [see 001., below]; then, I decode those principles using the NMD's alma mater and the State of Oregon [see 002., below]; and bust those homeopathic claims [see 003., below]:

001. Stengler, M. (NMD NCNM) states in "The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies" (ISBN 0735204446 and 9780735204447, 2010):

"I believe there are six principles of holistic health [these are naturopathy's principles...] they are [...#2] tap into the healing power of nature [coded vitalism...]  I want you to know that the natural remedies and therapies in this book are proven [efficacy claim...he's a] homeopathic doctor [...] the practice of homeopathy is based on the science of 'like cures like' [...] many scientists have been baffled by the healing effects of homeopathy [...] the power of homeopathy [...] homeopathy has produced results that seem to defy expectation [...] homeopathy is one of the most fascinating and effective healing therapies [...] the amount of scientific evidence for natural remedies is more than ample to convince the skeptical person of potential benefits [not me, once you know what has happened to science in the naturopathic worldview / ideology]."

Note: the fact that Stengler is an NCNM grad. comes in handy [see 002., below].  The book is available at books.google.com for limited preview, and I own it through Kindle.  It's basically a supplement-ailment index.  There's nothing of substance / transparent said about 'the naturopathic' in terms of its principles.  That is the typical opacity I find, though another naturopathic principle Stengler lists is, ironically, "your doctor is your teacher."

So, there's Stengler's equation of naturopathy with "holistic health", his coded vitalism, a claim of overall efficacy, homeopathy proponentry, and a science claim upon homeopathy and the like.

002. naturopathy according to NCNM and the State of Oregon:

 

002.a. NCNM, NMD Stengler's alma mater, states in "Principles of Healing":

 

"the practice of naturopathic medicine emerges from six principles of healing [...] the distinguishing marks of the profession [...] based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease and are examined continually in light of scientific analysis [...#1] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae [...] the healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force [science-ejected vitalism]. The physician’s role is to facilitate and augment this process [...] the practice of promoting health through stimulation of the vital force [...#3] the process of healing includes the generation of symptoms, which are, in fact, expressions of the life force [science-ejected vitalism] attempting to heal itself [...#5] the physician must also make a commitment to her/his personal and spiritual development [some kind of institutionalized supernaturalism]."

 

Note: so much for scientific integrity, rationality, human rights, and logic unless, of course, science and what is science-exterior is the same thing, unless of course a sectarian article of faith that science has ejected is the same thing as that which is indeed scientific.

 

002.b. OBNM, which oversees NCNM and Oregon NDs, states in "Naturopathy":

 

"naturopathic medicine is heir to the vitalistic 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. Methods of treatments are chosen to work with the patient’s vital force, respecting the intelligence of the natural healing process [...] these principles are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in light of scientific analysis. It is these principles that distinguish the profession [...] [...#1] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae [...] the healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force [...#3] the process of healing includes the generation of symptoms, which are, in fact, an expression of the life force attempting to heal itself [...#5] the physician must also make a commitment to his/her personal and spiritual development in order to be a good teacher."

Note: ditto. That "you should be CAREFUL" is an understatement.  What has happened to science!  Naturopathy, obviously, claims that that which is science-exterior -- the vitalistic, the supernatural and kind -- is in fact scientific.  That's nonsense; that's false.  Therein, a profession cannot be based on falsehood.  Naturopathy is the complete destruction of scientific and professional integrity.

 

003. the truth about homeopathy, specifically:

 

it's bunk.

Note: of course, NMD Stengler and his ND wife state "naturopathic medical education taught Dr. Stengler the same basic sciences studied by MD candidates".  But, I don't see how naturopathy's idea of science is what preponderantly is known as science unless, of course, now science and nonscience are the same thing.

The Vis at the AANP's Blog 2011-03-07 - Decoded.

here, I briefly cite from the AANP's blog [see 001., below]; then I decode their jargon [see 002., below]:

001. ND Alschuler writes in "Humility" on 2011-03-07 [saved 2011-03-07]:

"true humility - with each other, our patients and, yes, with disease, too – affords us the best opportunity to support the Vis and allow healing in."

Note: so, we're told nothing particular about "the Vis" in that post.  Therefore, I'll elucidate.

002. the Vis is:

according to the same blog, the science-ejected belief known as vitalism, e.g. "are we not supposed to be naturopaths and is not our goal supposed to be to stimulate the vital force or the vis medicatrix naturae?" [saved 2011-03-08].

Why Doesn't the Slimy NCCAM / Federal Government Transparently Contextualize Naturopathy?

here, I cite from the naturopathy web page of the National Center For Complementary and Alternative Medicine [NCCAM] which does not accurately contextualize the science-ejected basis of naturopathy, still [see 001., below]; then, I provide some clarity [see 002. and 003., below]:

001. NCCAM writes in "Naturopathy: An Introduction" [saved 2011-03-07]:

"naturopathy [...aka] naturopathic medicine [...is] guided by a philosophy that emphasizes the healing power of nature [the coded science-ejected...] a central belief in naturopathy is that nature has a healing power (a principle practitioners call vis medicatrix naturae) [the coded science-ejected...] practitioners view their role as supporting the body’s inherent ability to maintain and restore health [the coded science-ejected...] the practice of naturopathy is based on principles that are similar to and consistent with the principles of primary care medicine as practiced by conventional physicians [bullshit, truly unless for both 'science and non-science are the same thing'...#5 is] healing power of nature [the coded science-ejected]. Seek to identify and remove obstacles to the body’s natural processes for maintaining and restoring health [the coded science-ejected...] some beliefs and approaches of naturopathic practitioners are not consistent with conventional medicine [duh! Ya think?], and their safety may not be supported by scientific evidence [not merely that, their beliefs' EXISTENCE isn't...] the NCCAM-funded Naturopathic Medical Research Agenda [...] brought together representatives from a broad range of scientific and clinical backgrounds to develop priorities for scientific exploration of naturopathic medical practices and principles."

Note: oh how the SLIME oozes from NCCAM across all that they attempt to discuss.  I'd really like to be told THE TRUTH.  I'd like a TRANSPARENT definition of 'the essentially naturopathic'.  Because even the United Stated Federal Government won't provide such, I'll do so in 002., below.  The public deserves transparency.

002. VMN as the science-ejected concept of vitalism, which is at the heart of naturopathy:

read this blog's other posts, I've talked about this simple fact TOO OFTEN.  What essentially happens in the naturopathic mindset is that science is so loosely defined that it has lost any meaningfulness because with naturopathy, science is equated with the profoundly science-ejected.  Science is a false label placed upon the essentially naturopathic and is used for the purpose of their gaining commerce unfairly and positioning their pseudoprofessionalism.

003. overall comment:

yes, Federal agencies spend tax dollars ludicrously scientifically investigating the profoundly science-ejected.  It's akin to money being spent attempting to equate the number two with the number three.  Oh, I'd love to know how NCCAM seeks to scientifically gird the supernatural and the vitalistic, both of which are hugely science-exterior [and the gap is only growing; just as something is not what it is not].  I'd love for NCCAM to inform the public that VMN means "life force" or "vital force" and that such is a sectarian science-ejected belief that has no medical relevance.  I'd love to hear that naturopathy, as it is, is based on falsehood and that NCCAM has partnered with it.

Slime and further slime; the reversal of all values.

I Get Snailmail - SCNM's 2011 Viewbook Packet [Absurdity Marches On By USPS!]

here, I cite from paper-based Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine admissions material I recently received by United States Postal Service [see 001., below]; then, I muse on the false science-labeling and how to Federally complain about all this nonsense [see 002., below]:

001. in the packet I received, SCNM states that naturopathy is:

001.a. science, science, science [what's new]:

"Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences is a school of medicine and health sciences grounded in naturopathic principles [...] the principles of naturopathic medicine are based upon objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually re-examined in the light of scientific advances [...] the curriculum at SCNM, as in most medical programs, includes a strong foundation in biomedical sciences [...] SCNM, with institutional partners, is advancing the frontiers of medicine by turning scientific insights into treatments [...] the science of healing."

Note: so, there's the overarching claim of "science" basis / foundation and simultaneous "principles" basis / foundation.  "Sciences grounded in naturopathic principles" means, when you know the principles and where they sit in relation to science, "sciences grounded in the science-exterior".  Really.  If the principles were true, they'd actually be science and 'objectively observed'.  But, when you look at the primary principles -- vitalism and supernaturalism -- "in light of scientific advances", you see that the statement "sciences grounded in naturopathic principles" is absurd / irrational.  The details of the principles are in 001.b., below. 

001.b. couched within specific "naturopathic principles":

"what are the naturopathic principles? The six principles that guide the therapeutic methods and modalities of naturopathic medicine [...#2] the healing power of nature - vis medicatrix naturae [HPN-VMN...] vision: a world that embraces the healing power of nature."

Note: and that's all your are told about HPN-VMN.  The inherent supernaturalism within their principles isn't mentioned either.  SCNM does it here, though. So, in sum, SCNM has stated that naturopathy and its principles survive scientific scrutiny, and one of those principles is HPN-VMN.

002. absurdities galore:

being quite familiar with the coded / opaque / brief language naturopathy often uses as place-filler for their actual beliefs, I'm quite sure that naturopathy's principles / beliefs are not science-surviveable because, in fact, they are science-ejected.

HPN-VMN is the science-ejected idea known as vitalism.  You can find it stated transparently at SCNM, just not within this admissions packet.  I'll often summarize it as a belief in a 'purposeful life spirit' responsible for physiology and health / disease.

Also, SCNM claims in this packet that homeopathy is "deeply therapeutic."  We know, scientifically speaking, that homeopath is quite bunk.

So, where is nonscience falsely labeled science GALORE: naturopathy.

Note: I received these misrepresentations through the United States Postal Service, who I'm going to contact [again].

First, I've go to get my head around the specifics of mail fraud.

The USPS has a mail fraud complaint web page.  The Federal Trade Commission also has a complaint web-page.

British Columbia Naturopathy is Science vs. Not Science -- It's Not Science, Actually Overall

here, I cite from a recent Times Colonist article on British Columbia naturopathy [see 001, below; my comments are in bold]:

001. Katherine Dedyna reports in "B.C. Naturopaths the First in Canada to Prescribe Medications" [saved 2011-02-27]:

"B.C. naturopaths have sought prescription drug access since 1958 [...now] just about every day, Oak Bay naturopathic doctor Kristin Schnurr [ND CCNM] provides a paying patient with [...] a prescription [...] a move that medical doctors protested and still strongly oppose [...]";

So, for some strange reason, in Ontario, naturopathy is termed "drugless".  Wow, so much consistency - 'it must be natural and not a drug, until it doesn't have to be.' 

"'it's nice to have the backup of a prescription if necessary' she says. 'And for some infections, the sooner you get the medication in, the better the outcome for the patient [...] I think it makes a big difference on a number of levels - for patient safety, first and foremost' [...]";

Isn't what's really being admitted here is that "natural" remedies don't work and are dangerous for ACTUAL problems that need ACTUAL treatment!?  Is the irony just killing me?

"Dr. Bob Vroom, deputy registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons [...] and the 11,000-member B.C. Medical Association see a public safety risk, saying naturopaths do not have the training to make a medical diagnosis, never mind prescribe medical drugs to treat it [...]";

Hear, hear.

"'the training of naturopaths and the basis under which they operate [...] is not a scientific education - [and] is problematic when someone reaches for a pen and prescribes a substance' [they state...]";

I can testify to the nonscience sectarian "nature" [wink-wink] that literally couches 'the essentially naturopathic' -- the purposeful life spirit figmentation, the Vis, that they claim over-arches all things and that they falsely claim as scientific fact.

"the common-sense health and nutrition advice [which exists in-itself anyway], and rational use of some herbs by NDs [though so little of that junk is worth the trouble] is combined with 'a huge array of unscientific practices,' Vroom says [...e.g.] vega testing [...]";

Hear, hear.  How about homeopathy, too? 

"'naturopaths are not trained to make a medical diagnosis and prescribe medical treatment, so we can't support independent prescribing by naturopaths,' says Dr. Ian Gillespie, Victoria-based president of the BCMA [...]";

Hear, hear.

"naturopathic medicine is 'science-based natural medicine' [...] says the website of the B.C. [...]";

How is that true when naturopathy is based upon the science-ejected vitalistic and science-exterior supernatural falsely claimed as scientific?  The science label upon naturopathy is completely NOT TRUE because the context that is distinctly naturopathic is actually based upon the science-ejected.  How dense are people?

"a major tenet of naturopathy is that 'the body has the inherent capacity to heal in the proper therapeutic environment' the BCNA says [...]";

Ah, coded vitalism.  So much for professionalism and informed consent.

"naturopath Kristin Schnurr [...] takes into consideration 'biochemical, structural, energetic and mental/emotional aspects of health' her website notes";

If that's not coding I don't know what is.  How scientific is it to misuse the term "energy" when you are really talking about the vitalistic-spiritistic science-exterior?

Overall note:

the absurdity continues.  The essentially naturopathic is not science, but it postures so.  It contains some science, but it is not science at its core as its core is definitely not medical science.

It's a core that you'll rarely hear naturopaths transparently iterate -- they've been trained to obfuscate, or they simply aren't analytical thinkers --and it's a core that shallow reporting never gets at.

Notice the false balance of this article: science as a quality is bandied about as if it is an opinion.  There's ACTUALLY a solid answer as to what naturopathy is, essentially.

But, this article perpetuates the false balance of 'science as merely an opinion-laden label'.

President of NHAND on New Hampshire's HB 351 (2011-02-21)

here, I cite from a recent letter by the President of the New Hampshire Association of Naturopathic Doctors to the Concord Monitor [see 001., below]:

001. in "Bill Removes Obstacle For N.H. Patients" [saved 2011-02-26][my comments are in bold]:

"Jaclyn M. Chasse [ND Bastyr...] president of the New Hampshire Association of Naturopathic Doctors [...states in answer to Lorna Landry's] 'This Health Mandate Fails the Science-Geek Test' [...]";

"HB 351, an act providing insurance parity for licensed naturopathic doctors [...it will] decrease health care costs, improve access to primary care and support a free market [...]";

How does imaginary medicine like homeopathy treating imaginary figmentations like a vital force save money?  Primary whackaloon care access.  I'm not sure how happy all other people paying into the pot will be so a few can treat themselves with unicorn tears and magic beans.

"NDs attend four-year clinically-based medical schools [...it's] rigorous training [...they're] prescribing science-based diet and lifestyle changes and prescribing both evidence-based natural and pharmaceutical medicines [...] the most effective multidisciplinary medical care possible [...]";

Quite a science claim and efficacy claim.  How is falsely labeling the hugely science-exterior rigorous, science- and evidence-based?  Most effectively nuts.

"opposition to this bill is often rooted in lack of knowledge regarding the training NDs obtain and the care they provide [...]";

Oh, how much I know about naturopathy!  I know things like: what it is based on, essentially, is a bunch of science-exterior sectarian figmentations and habits.  So much is not being said by the president of the NHAND.  Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky.

Overall note:

It's NDs' explanations that are soooooo lacking and unwilling to let the public make an informed decision.

I find ND Chasse's own biography page interesting at NHAND. We're told naturopathy is "natural health science."  At NHAND's page "About Naturopathic Health" we're told NOTHING TRANSPARENT about the underlying science-ejected vitalism that their principle "healing power of nature" signifies:

"naturopathic doctors are guided by six principles [...#2] the healing power of nature [...] this set of principles, emphasized throughout a naturopathic doctor’s training, outlines the philosophy guiding the naturopathic approach to health and healing and forms the foundation of this distinct health care practice."

Their basis is the coded science ejected, and part of their spiel is to label it falsely as scientific and evidence based.

Lies of omission; you are being manipulated.  It is their M.O.

On Naturopathy, Opaquely - ND Lepisto in Colorado's Grand Junction Free Press (2011-02-25)

here, I cite from a recent article on an ND in Colorado's Grand Junction Free Press [see 001., below]; then, I cite from the-mentioned-ND's own web page pseudo-explanation of naturopathy [see 002., below]; finally, also from an interview of that ND on Youtube [see 003., below]:

001. Sharon Sullivan reports in "Naturopathic Medicine: People Healing Themselves" [saved 2011-02-25]:

"'removing obstacles to cure' is primarily what naturopathic doctor Christopher Lepisto [ND Bastyr 2002] does to help people heal. Lepisto is a naturopathic doctor, meaning he looks for root causes of people's illnesses, rather than focusing on treating symptoms [...] 'I support people's ability to heal themselves' [coded vitalism, so he also supports uniformed consent, in my view because this actually science-exterior vitalistic context is not fleshed-out...] 'while allopathic doctors generally treat symptoms, naturopaths tend to be preventive in nature. They try and find the cause' [...] naturopathic philosophy favors a holistic approach, according to the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges, and is defined more by principle than method [I'd love to clearly hear that vitalistic principle stated transparently...] homeopathy [...is one of the] tools of the trade for a naturopath [...] Lepisto graduated from Seattle's Bastyr University, an accredited school of naturopathic medicine in 2002."

Note: ah, the overarching promise of cure, from the root. Boy, I sure wish this so-called journalism would simply state this: naturopathy is based upon the science-ejected vitalistic spiritistic and codes this reality under a false label of 'science-legitimacy'.  Because that's how it is.  The false label of allopathy upon modern medicine could also have been mentioned as FALSE -- what I call 'the reverse sectarian accusation'.  Modern medicine is as allopathic as modern chemistry is alchemic.  Naturopathic philosophy could also have been mentioned as irrational.  Homeopathy could have been mentioned as inert.  Bastyr could have been mentioned as an institution that labels as science the science-exterior, as a worldview, and then trades falsely on that science label.

002. ND Lepisto's web page "Naturopathic Medicine" (see that tab, because his web page is some really whacked flash code)[psc 2011-02-25] states:

"your doctor as teacher.  For thousands of years, traditional healers have offered nature's own prescriptions [...like] homeopathy [...] and spiritual practice [...] Dr. Christopher blends this ancient healing wisdom with modern scientific knowledge to help his patients attain optimal health in mind, body and spirit [...] like allopathic doctors (MDs) [etc....] Dr. Christopher's clinical training focuses on preventing disease, promoting health and prescribing therapies designed to stimulate your body's natural healing processes [coded vitalism...] naturopathic philosophy stresses the individuality of each patient and the importance of treating the root cause of a condition, not just dealing with its symptoms."

Note: let's root-out naturopathy, because you betcha they blend.  Yet, for some reason, we're irrationally told that such is the truly unblended "science-based" at Bastyr. Boy, it would be nice to get some transparency regarding 'the truly naturopaTHICK' here.   Homeopathy, by the way, is only about 200 years old, Mr. ND.  And mentioning so much "spirit" supernaturalism is rather strange from someone whose alma mater labels naturopathy "science-based".  Show me the science-based science-exterior!  Coding vitalism doesn't aid in being taught much of anything, either, ND-as-teacher. Again, there's this whole idea of 'regular medicine only treats symptoms'.  Well, in naturopathyland, since physiology is a symptom / effect of the 'spiritual vital force' [SVF] that animates it / cause, I can see how such can be said -- but, that SVF is a figmentation, and the body's physiology is in-itself that-which-is, biological not spiritual.

003. on Youtube, ND Lepisto states in "Naturopathic Physicians" [vsc 2011-02-25]:

"I seek to treat the cause of the condition and support the body's own ability to heal itself [coded vitalism...] on a deeper level, what we're seeking to do is to treat the cause [...] the root cause [...] stimulating the body's own healing ability [coded vitalism...] the level 'what is the cause'."

Note: and, of course, "allopathic" is said.  But, again, boy there's no transparency concerning naturopathy's ACTUAL context, just a bunch of naturalistic coding.  If only they'd clearly explain the science-ejected context of the junk thought that their textbooks contain, people could make better-informed decisions, and actually be TAUGHT.

Manipulation, propaganda, culticness.