Craniosacral Therapy, Homeopathy and a Claim of "Enormous" Naturopathic Efficacy: ND Marinaro

here, I cite from the descriptions of two supposed therapeutic methods used by Massachusetts ND Marinaro, craniosacral therapy and homeopathy [see 001., below]; then, I quote from her web page that claims that naturopathy is hugely effective for some very serious pathologies [see 002., below]:

001. Marinaro, C.A. (ND Bastyr 2009) states:

001.a.  in "Craniosacral Therapy" [saved 2011-04-17]:

"craniosacral therapy: this gentle form of bodywork focuses on the nervous system and the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, known as cerebrospinal fluid.  This fluid, much like blood, circulates through the body and distributes nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the nervous system.  Also like the circulation of blood, the cerebrospinal fluid can become stagnant, resulting in migraine and tension headaches, brain fog, fatigue, body aches, mood swings and other mood disorders. Craniosacral therapy helps to restore the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid and the well-being of the nervous system."

Note: these claims lack scientific support or even plausibility.  The therapist holds the patient's head on their hands.  That's it.  How does this change CSF circulation?  How is such measured before and after?  An elaborate parlor trick / placebo therapy...

001.b. in "Homeopathy" [saved 2011-04-17]:

"Dr. Corrie has studied constitutional homeopathy extensively [...] the selection of a remedy intended to correct imbalance in the patient’s constitution, including physical, mental and emotional levels of health [...] and often uses it to resolve issues on the mental and emotional planes that prevent the physical body from healing. Homeopathy is a very gentle form of medicine that generally has no side effects but can promote profound healing.  Its gentle nature and delivery in sugar pills make it ideal for use in pediatric patients.  Children also tend to respond more quickly and efficiently to homeopathy as their immune systems are stronger than those of adult [...] homeopathy is one of oldest forms of medicine and was the cornerstone of the practice of medical doctors prior to the invention of pharmaceutical medicines [...they] are diluted quantities of plant, mineral or animal substances delivered in sugar pills.  These remedies can be given for acute complaints such as rashes, food poisoning, muscle sprains, cough and numerous other every-day ailments."

Note: except there's nothing active in the pills, and science has discarded this archaicism.

002. ND Marinaro states in "What Kinds of Conditions can Benefit from Naturopathic Medicine?" [saved 2011-04-17]:

"because naturopathic medicine treats the individual person and not their disease, there is always something to be done for any and all patients. Some specific conditions with which Dr. Corrie has experience and which are known to benefit enormously from naturopathic therapeutics are listed below [...]

fatigue, back pain, headaches/migraines, recurrent infections, allergies, asthma, obesity, flu/colds, depression, anxiety [...] infertility, post-menopausal symptoms, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, urinary incontinence, recurrent yeast infections, recurrent urinary tract Infections, human papilloma virus/abnormal pap smear, polycystic ovarian syndrome, pre-menstrual syndrome, painful/heavy menstruation, endometriosis, acne and other skin conditions, decreased libido, irregular menstruation, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis/osteopenia [...] coronary artery disease/atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes/pre-diabetes, high cholesterol/high triglycerides, metabolic syndrome, transient ischemic attacks [...] allergies, asthma, eczema, autism, ADD/ADHD, recurrent ear infections/colds, diarrhea, constipation [...] rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Grave’s hyperthyroidism, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson’s disease [...] muscle pain, osteoarthritis, temporal mandibular joint pain disorder [...] benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), erctile dysfunction, hernias [...] food allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), ulcers, hernias, loose stools/constipation, excessive gas, malabsorption, maldigestion."

Note: wow!  I doubt that empty remedies and holding someone's head in your hands can cause patients "enormous benefit".  What's her SECRET?  When will the Nobel committee visit?

Licensed Falsehood: Naturopathy's Craniosacral Nonsense via ND Lee

here, I do a Google.com web search of naturopathy's craniosacral therapy [CST; see 001., below]; then, a word on such nonsense from the Nightingale Collaboration [see 002., below]:

001. a Google.com web search with the parameters "naturopathic craniosacral", without the quotes, leads this weekend to this first-page result:

001.a. Seattle's Lee, D.Y.C. (ND Bastyr 2009) who states in "Craniosacral Therapy at Seattle Naturopathic Center" [vsc 2011-04-11]:

"craniosacral therapy started in the osteopathic community in the early 1990's as a way to free restrictions in the cranial bones and fascia. By freeing the cranial bones and fascia, the practitioner is able to assist the body in regaining normal function in the nervous, lymph, hormonal, myofascial, and gastrointestinal system [really!]. Craniosacral therapy is a whole person therapy focusing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Craniosacral therapy is founded on the belief that the body knows exactly how to heal [coded vitalism, actually...] the primary goal in a cranialsacral session is to not only treat the condition, but maximize your overall health [really!]."

Note: nonsense premised on nonsense. Of course, we're told by ND Lee in "Welcome to Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-04-11]:

"as an organized profession, naturopathic medicine is committed to on-going research and development of its science and incorporates elements of scientific modern medicine [...] the following principles are the foundation upon which naturopathic medical practice is built: the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae [HPN-VMN]: naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent ordered and intelligent self-healing process [coded vitalism] in the person. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacle to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process [coded vitalism]."

so, a science and professional claim. Yet, I cannot help but notice that there is naturopathy's central premise, HPN-VMN, and it is not being transparently communicated as the science-ejected vitalism-spiritism that it truly is.  Such opacity is not professional, and is antithetical to the transparency that science requires. 

but, in that same document, have no fear because vitalism gets mentioned.  We're told:

"homeopathic medicine [...is a] powerful system of medicine [...] homeopathic medicines, when properly prescribed, effect the body’s 'vital force' and strengthen its innate ability to heal."

wow, empty remedies are claimed as powerful though inert, and vitalistic figmentations are claimed as in command of physiology and healing.

see, nonsense therapies require nonsensical premises.

002. meanwhile:

the Nightingale Collaboration throws craniosacral therapy under the bus this month, where it belongs actually, and did the same last month with homeopathy.  Coincidentally, they both are huge nonsense therapies touted by North American naturopathy as "science-based".

so what does licensure of naturopathy do?  It creates a state of licensed falsehood, protecting the hucksters while undermining the public's understanding of science, professionalism and ethical medical practice.

the Nightingale Collaboration's April 2011 Focus: Craniosacral Therapy Nonsense

here, I cite from the Nightingale Collaboration [TNC] in the UK which is focusing this month on craniosacral therapy nonsense [see 001., below]:

001. TNC writes:

001.a. in "April 2011: Craniosacral Therapy(CST)":

"our first Focus of the Month has been a remarkable success and thanks to everyone who has supported our focus on homeopathy by submitting complaints to the ASA and particularly to those who've let us know about the complaints they submitted [now CST]."

001.b in "Craniosacral Therapy (CST)":

"craniosacral therapy (CST) was invented in the early 1900s by American osteopath  William Sutherland [...] the Craniosacral Therapy Association of the UK [...calls it] 'a subtle and profound healing form' [...] CST practitioners believe that they can 'listen with their hands' to up to three separate cranial rhythms (the alleged movement of cerebrospinal fluid [...] around the brain and spinal column) and by doing so, diagnose a wide range of conditions — both physical and emotional and many of a serious medical nature [...then they treat] by [supposedly] gently manipulating the bones that make up the skull and sometimes the spine [...] to help to heal these conditions [...] the Craniosacral Therapy Association of the UK (CSTA) [...] has a code of ethics and state[s] that all registered members are bound by this code. In relation to advertising, it states 'all advertising in any medium must be legal, decent, honest and truthful and must conform to the guidelines such as the British Code of Advertising Practice' [...] what's the evidence? [...it] is primarily anecdotal in nature [...] the mechanism by which CST practitioners claim they can detect the rhythms of cerebrospinal fluid and by which they claim to influence the body into healing itself are biologically implausible [...and] no robust evidence has been produced that would validate these claimed mechanisms [...] there is no good evidence that CST is effective for any condition [...] there is little doubt that many CST practitioners use gentle techniques that are unlikely to cause any direct harm [...] there may be indirect harm caused by someone visiting a CST practitioner instead of consulting a registered medical practitioner, which may delay or dissuade someone with serious medical conditions from seeking proper and possibly urgently needed medical advice and treatment [..see] The Skeptic's Dictionary [entry...] Quackwatch: Why Cranial Therapy Is Silly."

Note: "subtle and profound" recalls naturopathy's description of homeopathy.  Coincidentally, I'd posted about CST  recently.

The Panacea-like Craniosacral Claims of Milwaukee's ND Saxe

here, I cite extravagant claims from the web page of ND Saxe regarding craniosacral therapy luncacy:

001. Saxe, K. (ND NCNM) states in "Craniosacral Therapy" [vsc 2011-03-30]:

"'craniosacral therapy is a gentle method of detection and correction that encourages your own natural healing mechanisms to dissipate these negative effects of stress on your central nervous system. You also benefit from better overall health and resistance to disease' - the Upledger Institute [quite a claim].  Craniosacral therapy was developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger [...who supposedly] witnessed the rhythmic movement of the craniosacral system during a spinal surgery [...who] went on to research and document the influence of therapy on the craniosacral system [...] in 1985, Dr. Upledger established the Upledger Institute to teach this and other therapies. Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, light-touch method of evaluating and enhancing the craniosacral system [...] an imbalance or dysfunction in the craniosacral system can cause sensory, motor or neurological disabilities. These problems may include chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments and learning disabilities, as well as other physical and psychological problems [really]. What conditions does craniosacral therapy address: 

migraines and headaches, chronic neck and back pain, motor-coordination impairments, stress and tension-related problems, infantile disorders, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, scoliosis, central nervous system disorders, emotional difficulties, temporomandibular joint syndrome, learning disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder, orthopedic problems, and many other conditions.

In my practice, craniosacral therapy may be incorporated as part of comprehensive naturopathic medical care  [...] please contact me to find out if this therapy or naturopathic medicine could be beneficial for you."

Note: wow!  When I was in ND school, at the end of my first year I believe, a naturopathic conference was held on campus and for the first time ever I got to see this so-called therapy.  After laying down on an exam table and having someone hold me head in my hands and perform the therapy, THAT is when I began to realize that I was accidentally now immersed in a cult.

002. some criticism of CST:

here.

Craniosacral Naturopathic Nonsense & the ASA Judgment 2010

here, I cite the five first-page pro-craniosacral therapy [CST] naturopathic hits that google.com yields [see 001., below]; then, I summarize a recent ASA [UK] dismissal of this pseudotherapy [see 002., below]:

001. a 2010-09-19 google.com web search with the parameters >naturopathic craniosacral< results in such top results as:

001.a. Wiener, J.M. (ND Bastyr 1998) of Massachusetts who states in "Additional Services" [vsc 2010-09-19]:

"craniosacral therapy: this hands-on method enhances the craniosacral system, which is comprised of fluids that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch, this method releases pressure and improves the functions of the central nervous system. This therapy is increasingly used as a preventative measure against disease and a variety of medical problems."

Note: Wiener tells us in her bio., as NDs are apt to do: "[she] received her doctor of naturopathic medicine degree from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington, one of the country's four medical schools specializing in science based natural medicine and research."

001.b. Skinner, D.A. (ND Bastyr 2002) of California who states in "Craniosacral Therapy" [vsc 2010-09-19]:

"craniosacral therapy gently stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities [...] for decades (since the early 1900’s) various forms of cranial manipulation have been used to treat a range of conditions, from headaches and ear infections to stroke, spinal cord injury and nervous system disorders [...it] encourage[s] and enhance[s] the body’s own self-healing and self-regulating capabilities, even in the most acute pathologies [...it] uses very light touch and is suitable for people of all ages, including babies, children and the elderly, and can be effective in acute or chronic cases [and a host of diseases are listed]."

Note: Skinner's bio. states: "[she is a] licensed naturopathic doctor / certified craniosacral therapist [...] she has further focused her education in craniosacral technique [...and] is a certified craniosacral instructor."  Also of note, the NDs Skinner, who practice together, have stated in "Constitutional Hydrotherapy for Home Application" [vsc 2010-08-06]: "constitutional hydrotherapy [...] the purpose of this treatment is to stimulate a more rapid improvement in health [...] it is tonifying to the digestive system, helps to normalize circulation, soothes the nervous system, and stimulates the eliminative processes and the 'vital force' [which is a figmentation]."

001.c. Shah, S. (ND CCNM) of Canada states in "Craniosacral Therapy" [vsc 2010-09-19]:

"craniosacral (osteopathic) therapy (or cranial therapy) is a gentle non-invasive therapy [...] American osteopathic physician, Dr. William Garner Sutherland, discovered that there was a movement of the bones of the head (cranium) [which are actually FUSED in an adult...] at birth it is possible that some distortion or warping pattern of the cranial bones can result in possible misalignment of the spinal bones.  This misalignment of the spine almost always follows on from the cranial area, to which the spine is joined [...] this discovery and the osteopathic therapeutics to be able to correct this problem has undoubtedly been [a] great contribution to health restoration [...] it is therefore probably one of the most significant advances in healthcare delivery to have taken place in many years."

Note: really!  And we're told on her page "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2010-09-19]: "naturopathic medicine is 'vitalistic' in approach [that is, again, based upon figmentation]."

001.d. Montague, G. (ND ICNHS 1988) states in "Services":

"craniosacral therapy is an extremely gentle and subtle form of hands-on bodywork in which a highly trained practitioner is able to sense the innate rhythmicity of the central nervous system through all the body tissues. This movement is known as the craniosacral rhythmic impulse, and can be felt anywhere on the body, although the head (cranium) and the base of the spine (sacrum) are usually key areas of attention by the practitioner. Because craniosacral therapy is a hands-on approach to energy work, it is a useful method of integrating the hysical/ biomechanical and the energetic/emotional aspects of the whole person."

Note: really!  I love the coding of vitalism / supernaturalism per "energetic" and then its conflation with emotion.  WTF is "hystical" anyway?

001.e. Abrin, T. (ND NCNM) states in "Naturopathic Treatments":

"craniosacral therapy is a gentle bodywork technique [...per] the rhythmic movement of the craniosacral system [...] craniosacral therapy is performed on a person fully clothed. Using a light touch, the practitioner monitors the rhythm of the craniosacral system to detect potential restrictions and imbalances. The practitioner then uses delicate manual techniques to release those problem areas and relieve undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord. Craniosacral therapy can help alleviate a range of illness, pain and dysfunction."

Note: I should add something about my own experience with CST.  In 1999, while in ND school in CT, the school had a 'conference' and CST was part of the workshop set.  So, I'd never heard of it before, and did that workshop, and lay as a patient while someone held my head in their hands and was told what to look for etc.  I came away from that experience with the sinking feeling that I was now in a cult.

002. the National Council Against Health Fraud's "Consumer Health Digest #10-37" (2010-09-16) states:

"[the UK's] ASA Nixes Craniosacral Therapy Claims [complaint reference #125766]: the Advertising Standards Authority has concluded that a Craniosacral Therapy Association (CTA) leaflet was misleading because it contained claims that could not be substantiated [...] craniosacral therapy (also called cranial therapy) is based on the notion that a rhythm exists in the flow of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and that diseases can be diagnosed by detecting aberrations in this rhythm and corrected by manipulating or lightly touching the skull [...] there is no logical reason why pressing the skull should influence the course of ailments throughout the body [...not-in-evidence] claims included [...that CST] assists the body's natural capacity for self-repair [...] is often beneficial for fragile or acutely painful conditions, as well as during pregnancy, after an operation, accident, fall or injury, and for young babies [...that it] aid[s] people with almost any condition [...that it is] helpful for 40 different conditions [...] the ASA determined that 'a body of robust scientific evidence, such as clinical trials, would be required' [...and that] even if craniosacral therapy could relieve symptoms, the ad could discourage readers from seeking essential treatment for serious medical conditions from a qualified medical practitioner."

Note: ouch!

003. so, there is quite a contrast:

NDs love CST [better to call it CSPT -- craniosacral pseudotherapy] and it lacks any kind of substantive evidence or even that most important kind of initial evidence to even warrent further consideration: plausibility.  

Like so much within naturopathy, that falsely labels itself a "branch of medical science", there simply isn't any substance to the 'science-supported' claim.