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.

Montana's ND Aagenes Admits "Natural" is Meaningless, and Labels Vitalism Science

here, I cite from an ND regarding the label "natural" [see 001., below]; then from her practice's explanation of 'the naturopathic', whereby the profoundly science-ejected is claimed as able to survive scientific scrutiny [see 002., below]:

001. Aagenes, N. (ND Bastyr) states in "Hormone Replacement" [vsc 2011-03-27]:

"'natural' is so poorly defined in medicine that it is virtually meaningless [hear, hear...e.g.] the term 'bioidentical' refers not to plant hormone in the raw [...but to] those taken from plants [...] and acted on with enzymes until they are indistinguishable from human hormone.  The result is a 'natural' hormone, but the process does not occur in nature."

Note: it's somewhat interesting to hear this moment of lucidity, 'in their own words' no less.  Naturopathy trades on this idea of the "natural" / 'the naturopathic' as being distinct, and yet here an ND is quite right in stating that naturopathy truly doesn't limit itself to just the 'distinctly natural' [whatever that means].  Of course, she dares not directly utter what she is actually speaking of: the artificial [whatever THAT means].

002. do I now trust ND Aagenes though?

a big NO, pan-naturopathically speaking.  On the page "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-03-27] she and her ND partner collectively state:

'"the practice of naturopathy 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. For the naturopathic physician, abiding by these principles forms the basis of all treatment [...#1] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae [...] nature heals through the response of the life force. The physician's role is to facilitate and augment this process."

Note: ah, the overarching nonsense of labeling the science-ejected as able to survive scientific scrutiny -- as a worldview.  There ain't no life force, and there's no need for it to explain any phenomena.  Such is a medically irrelevant article of faith.  I argue that part of naturopathy's principles is such 'institutionalized falsehood' via knowledge mislabeling, a requisite 'epistemic conflation' that drones out any moments of naturopathic lucidity.  Naturopathy, at its core, destroys knowledge meaningfulness since, essentially, for naturopathy something-is-what-it-is-not.

The 'Nonscience Labeled Science' of ND Monette

here, I cite from the web pages of Connecticut's ND Monette, who labels naturopathy "science" [see 001., below]; while detailing the nonscience basis of its therapies [see  002., below]:

001. Monette, A. (ND SCNM) states in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-03-20]:

"naturopathic physicians are educated and trained at accredited naturopathic medical schools in the art and science of natural healthcare [...] all NDs graduating from nationally accredited naturopathic medical programs have fulfilled the following criteria [...] two-step licensing exams administered nationally by NABNE: basic science exams in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology and microbiology."

Note: science, science, science.  That same exam labels homeopathy "clinical science."

002. ND Monette states:

002.a. in "Services > Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine" [vsc 2011-03-20]:

"naturopaths are trained in this ancient form of medicine, which includes diagnosis and acupuncture [...] the basis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the concept of qi flowing along invisible meridians in the body. Qi is the energy within that controls our organ functions and helps to prevent illness."

Note: vitalism / the science-ejected.

002.b. in "Services > Homeopathy" [vsc 2011-03-20]:

"based on the principle that like cures like, homeopathic medicines are diluted thousands of times in order to create a compound that, when matched to the symptoms of the patient, can stimulate the body to heal itself.  This form of medicine has been used for centuries in order to stimulate the body to increase its vital force."

Note: vitalism / the science-ejected.

HSNP, Vega Diagnostics, and Naturopathy's Supernatural Physiology

here, I cite from web pages of the Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians [HSNP] regarding naturopathy's primary context, supernatural physiology [see 001.a., below] and a member they promote who uses Vega diagnostically [see 001.b., below]; then, I cite from that ND's own web pages [see 002., below]; then, some words on the nonsense of placing supernaturalism / vitalism within science / physiology, and the use of Vega diagnostically [see 003., below]:

001. HSNP states:

001.a. in "About Us" [vsc 2011-03-18]:

"naturopathic medicine [...] practice us guided by the following principles: [#1] use the healing power of nature [HPN]: the body has the ability to maintain and restore health. Healing occurs as a result of the revival of our 'vital force' [VF] - qi [Q], prana [P], spirit [S]."

Note: so, HPN = VF = Q = P = S.  All those terms, equated, I'll express as vitalism / supernaturalism  -- that is quite ironic for an area claiming to be natural and science based.  So, where is the natural and the supernatural the same thing, the scientific and nonscientific?  The naturopaTHICK.  Therein, naturopathy supernaturalizes physiology with some sort of spiritism -- THAT is a sectarian belief, if even of a nebulous kind.

001.b. in "Dr. Ian Cholewa" [vsc 2011-3-18]:

"Dr. Cholewa provides high quality, consistent electrodiagnostic [Vega] assessments based on the system of German bioenergetic medicine [BM]. He utilized electronic methods of diagnosis [Vega] to identify the underlying causes of ill health and help individuals and families achieve and maintain optimal health."

Note: Vega BM pseudodiagnostics galore!

002. Cholewa, I. (ND Bastyr) [whose web page link is on the above HSNP page] states:

002.a. in "Dr Ian Cholewa" [vsc 2011-03-18]:

"Dr. Ian Cholewa received his bachelor's degree from University of British Columbia and his doctorate of naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle [...] Ian Cholewa, ND has been practicing as a naturopathic physician since 2000 specializing in German bioenergetic medicine. He integrates naturopathic medicine with non-invasive and painless electronic method of diagnosis [Vega] based on the German system of bioenergetic medicine [BM]. Dr. Cholewa finds this method extremely useful in identifying the underlying cause of ill health and optimizing your health and well being."

Note: BM again. The claim is that this Vega stuff is "extremely useful." I don't get his listing when I search Bastry's alumni registry.

002.b. in "What is an ND" [vsc 2011-03-18]:

"naturopathic physicians are educated in all basic medical sciences [...and have] medical science education [...] modern naturopathic medicine applies [gram., 'the'] latest scientific methods [...and are] specialists in natural medicine [...using] natural therapies and treatments [...] to support the body's natural healing ability [coded vitalism...offering] safe and effective alternatives [...] naturopathic physicians adhere to rigorous educational and professional standards [...with] rigorous professional board exams [...] rigorous professional board exams administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) [...] the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education and the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners set naturopathic education and examination standards. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) sets professional standards to assure public health and safety [...] AANP works to develop and preserve professional standards [...] ensuring public health and safety by developing national education and examination standardized for naturopathic medical colleges [...it's] a distinct health care profession "

Note: science, science, science.  Natural, natural, natural.  Coded vitalism, a claim of safety and efficacy, rigor, professionalism, rigorous professionalism, a claim that health and safety benefit from the essentially naturopathic!

002.c. in "The Practice" [vsc 2011-03-18]:

"Dr. Cholewa's practice incorporates both naturopathic and German bioenergetic medicine approaches with the goal of identifying the underlying causes of ill health. He uses the German VEGA assessment instrument during most visits. This method assesses the body’s autonomic nervous system responses [BANSR] to standardized frequencies that have known relationships to organs, hormones, toxins and allergens [...] performing comprehensive electro-diagnostic assessments [...] German bioenergetic medicine: Dr. Cholewa tests all dispensed medicines and supplements for maximum effectiveness and optimal tolerance using the German bioenergetic medicine Vega Test instrument. This approach helps him to decide what medications to treat with and what proper dose should be used for each individual patient [...] Vega electro-diagnostic assessment [...] accurate diagnosis is Dr. Cholewa’s primary concern. He utilizes the Vega electro-diagnostic method coupled with standard laboratory tests to uncover the underlying causes of your condition. The results of the electro-diagnostic assessment serve as a baseline to monitor your treatment progress [...] his eight-year experience using the German bioenergetic system of electro-diagnosis enabled him to achieve high success rate in helping people uncover and treat the root causes of their conditions. His skill in providing high quality, consistent electrodiagnostic assessments is what makes him excel not only in treating disease but also in helping people build health reserves by finding weaknesses in and optimizing the condition of the key organ systems: digestive, hormonal, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, nervous and genitourinary [...] 'naturopathic medicine coupled with German electro diagnosis offer a new and unique approach to health care. They provide an efficient way to reveal the underlying imbalances and offer effective health building solutions. My goal is to increase the regulatory and self-healing capacity of the body [coded vitalism] to restore optimal health'."

Note: Vega, BANSR and frequencies, and quite a lot of claims of its accuracy and efficacy.

002.d. in "Frequently Asked Questions" [vsc 2011-03-18]:

"Dr. Cholewa specializes in German bioenergetic medicine and electro-diagnosis. He uses the Vega Test instrument  [...] German electro-diagnosis [...] is a non-invasive, safe and painless electro-diagnostic assessment method that is performed during most first office visits. The instrument measures micro-current electronic changes in the body and provides valuable insights into the most common root causes of ill health such as food and environmental allergies, toxicities and functional organ imbalances. During testing a probe is used to measure the electrical resistance at points on the hand, points similar to acupuncture points [...] during a standard first office visit, Dr. Cholewa will [...] perform appropriate physical exam, and carry out a comprehensive electro-diagnostic assessment [...] some of the conditions Dr. Cholewa treats include: fatigue, digestive and intestinal problems, food and inhalant allergies, mercury and other heavy metal toxicities, yeast/mold related illness, sleep disturbances, depression, headaches, blood glucose imbalance, diabetes, high blood pressure, various skin conditions including eczema, osteoporosis, arthritis, immune dysfunctions including recurrent sinus and respiratory infections, menopause, fibromyalgia, elevated cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, heart disease and more [...] a standard first office visit lasts 60-90 minutes and consists of a naturopathic consultation and a comprehensive electro-diagnostic assessment [...] the following are some of our basic fees: First office visit: $165-245, depending on case complexity and visit length. Return office visit: $75; extended return office visit: $95."

Note: that's quite a lot of treasure. And that's quite a lot of the use of "electro-diagnostic" on one web page.

003. on vitalism, supernaturalism, Vega, and science:

003.a. vitalism is science-ejected:

I've talked about that to death. Check with the national science organizations.

003.b. supernaturalism is science-exterior:

I've talked about that to death.  Check with the national science organizations.

003.c. Vega testing is bunk:

the real energies of science are measurable physical quantities: electricity and skin impedance, in the case of what Vega really is measuring.  It's a parlor trick. We know that there isn't a distinct bioenergy / vital force / spirit running physiology because all the evidence preponderantly points to physio-chemical explanations.  We know there aren't places on the skin where such a bioenergy can be accessed. And we know there aren't routes from those supposed points connecting to organs and whatnot.  That's all fantasy.

004. overall warning:

the homepage of HSNP states [saved 2011-03-18]:

"naturopathic physicians base their medical practice on six proven principles: [#1] the healing power of nature [coded vitalism and supernaturalism...] the Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians (HSNP) is the professional association representing licensed naturopathic physicians in the State of Hawaii [...with] your best interest at heart."

the inaccuracy and irony is killing me.  Naturopathy truly is the reversal of all values: when what's claimed as proven and extremely useful medically is actually what is science-ejected pseudomedical belief / fantasy nonsense.

the buzzer in my head goes off: "Danger, Will Robinson, danger...unethical sectarian pseudoscience."

Ontario's ND Long Says Naturopathy is Rooted in Science and is Sound Reasoning

here, I cite from a blog post of Ontario's ND Long who labels naturopathy science and professional, and claims critics are merely uninformed and thoughtless [see 001., below]; then I cite from the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctor's [CAND] publication that defines naturopathy [see 002., below]; I'll also cite from AANMC schools in 003.  and the web pages of ND Long and partner ND McKeown in 004.:

001. Long, M. (ND BINM 2010) states in "What Is[n't] Naturopathic Medicine?" [vsc 2011-03-16; my comments are in bold]:

Note: the title of the post says a lot about naturopathy's M.O.  Naturopathy wants to have it both ways, be what it is and what it isn't: pose itself as distinct, transparent, objective and be held to high scientific standards [what it isn't / epistemically demarcated], and yet remain undefined, vague, opaque and relative / subjective to maintain its contents [what it is / epistemically conflated].  That knowledge-type duality-posed-as-unity is the slime marinade that naturopathy wallows in.

"in actuality, we are rooted in science, requiring bachelor of science degrees as a prerequisite for entry in to naturopathic doctor programs [...we] use the latest natural evidence-based medicine with our patients.  Natural medicine is not stagnant, grasping on the whim of historical findings -- just like all branches of medicine, trusted therapies of old are refined continually as the evidence evolves -- out with the old, in with the new [...and speaks of the] available evidence [...] the actual evidence [...about] the profession [...] real naturopathic doctors [...of] the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges [variety...] we are deeply trained in clinical sciences [...] our education is not a joke [...I] only use interventions strongly supported by the peer reviewed evidence [...] most of naturopathic medicine is of sound reasoning [...]";

science, evidence, science, evidence, science, reasoning. Hmmmm.  In actuality, such is NOT rooted in science or even what's rational, but I'll get back to the central Canadian naturopathy textbook of "real" naturopathy [in 002., below].  There's talk of evidence and being progressive but that CAND textbook -- which summarizes naturopathic thought -- indicates naturopathy is quite preponderantly OTHERWISE, really.  As this blog states, 'in their own words': science is a garnish for a bunch of science-ejected and science-unsupported sectarian beliefs and methods unsoundly / falsely labeled science-based objective fact.  That is the ACTUAL evidence: the false / unsound position of labeling as science that which HUGELY is not.  This precludes naturopathy from using the label "profession" because professions are not based on falsehood and manipulative opacity.

"prereflective judgment is the most rudimentary type of thinking where a person merely assumes, as they are either unable to differentiate fact from belief [...] reflective judgment is considered the most advanced form of rational thinking [...where] opinions are critical assessments, formulated by weighing all available evidence before reaching a conclusion [...]";

I prereflectively TRUSTED the naturopathy apparatus to be telling the truth when I financially engaged with the AANMC school I attended as a career path.  The AANP Alliance had termed naturopathy "science based" and "not a belief system".  Later, with MORE EVIDENCE accumulating as I went through ND school, I found that the area is at its core -- upon a DECADE plus of REFLECTION -- nonsense.  I prereflectively assumed, I'll admit, that a University that was fully regionally accredited and State sanctioned wouldn't be based on nonsense and that '.gov' type oversight wouldn't be either.  Now, reflectively, I can parse naturopathy's deceptive M.O. using ALL the evidence I've acquired over more than 15 years of study of naturopathy.  The "fact from belief" mention has my irony meter destroyed: it is precisely naturopathy's labeling of belief [no science] as fact [scientific] that IS its knowledge-type muddle.  As a proponent of "science based medicine" and not merely "evidence based medicine", I do appreciate the ethos of looking at "all available evidence."  I have, particularly plausibility.  I know more than most NDs / NMDs about naturopathy, actually, and naturopathy's relation to science and the science-ejected.

"we cannot easily define naturopathic medicine based on what it is [...] I am going to define it based on what it isn’t [...] we are not witch doctors, quacks, hippies, or miracle curers.  We do not have voodoo dolls, cauldrons, or potions [...]";

you will have to do better than that, if you are going to use the labels "science" and "profession"!  Part of the purpose of this blog is to do better than that.  Here's an example: when I was in ND school, an ND instructor diagnosed patients with a pendulum and applied kinesiology, and treated people with homeopathy, UNDA numbers, and acupuncture.  Sounds a lot like what's done in the later part of the citation directly above.  So, therein I just described part of what naturopathy IS.  Since ND Long doesn't have the ability [or perhaps desire] to pin-down 'the essentially naturopathic', I will, in part, below.

002. CAND's textbook (ISBN 9781552787786 2009, by ND Lloyd):

I highly recommend this book as a 'key' to the contents of naturopathy, from the Canadian side.  You can buy it directly from CAND for not very much money.  It's also at Amazon. Here's some of it:

"vitalism and holism represents the philosophy of naturopathic medicine [p.029...] 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.030...] modern day science recognizes that the concepts of vitalism and holism are as integral to understanding health and disease as the concepts of reductionism and mechanism. The true picture, and hence the answer to health promotion and disease prevention, lies in the blending of all the knowledge."

Note: so, there you go.  Vitalism, which is hugely science-ejected actually, claimed as science. And science, which is a knowledge-type demarcation, blended with the nonscientific and then falsely labeled science --  overall a knowledge-type conflation,  the 'we must blend knowledge' yet claim that as unblended science naturopathic M.O.  When is knowledge demarcation equated with knowledge conflation -- naturopathy.  When is science nonscience -- naturopathy.  So, I don't see the accuracy of ND Long's claim of being "rooted in science", "out with the old", "rational thinking", "all available evidence", and "profession".

03. AANMC schools:

003.a. NCNM:

ah, the mother ship.  Wherein the hugely science-exterior vitalistic and supernatural is claimed to survive scientific scrutiny.   Blogged this so often it's mundane.

003.b. BINM, ND Long's alma mater:

on the other hand, is cryptic / opaque / manipulative / incomplete about the essentially naturopathic.   Their definition page of naturopathy, "Naturopathic Medical Training" [vsc 2011-03-16] states:

"naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession founded on the time honored belief in vis medicatrix naturae, 'the healing power of nature' [...] the body's inherent healing abilities [...] it is a holistic [coded vitalism, supernaturalism and kind and meaningless vagarity...] the following is a list of treatments commonly provided or prescribed by naturopathic physicians [...] homeopathy: the use of minute amounts of natural substances to stimulate the body's self-healing abilities [coded vitalism]."

Note: oh, how opaque.  I wish I could be told the full picture: that naturopathy is based on vitalism and kind, and that vitalism and kind is science-ejected AND naturopathy falsely labels the science-exterior science and trades on that irrationality.  But, that's asking too much!  So, the supposedly rooted-in-science cannot do what science must do always: be transparent, use only that which is based upon evidence, not include the science-exterior and science-ejected [like vitalism and kind in all its guises] and such science-ejected bunk as homeopathy.

004. ND Long and McKeown, K. (ND BINM)'s practice [linkedin.com says they are co-owners of the practice]:

004.a. describe naturopathy in "Optimum Integrative Philosophy" [vsc 2011-03-16]:

"at Optimum Integrative we [...use] the latest in evidence-based medicine."

Note: so you'd think the context of naturopathy is scientific and evidence-based as a FOUNDATION or ROOT.

004.b. in "Naturopathic Philosophy" [vsc 2011-03-16]:

"the principles of naturopathic medicine are the foundation for naturopathic practice [...including #2] vis mediatrix [sp., 'medicatrix'] naturae - the healing power of nature [...] naturopathic doctors are compelled to act morally, ethically, and professionally in accordance with the Naturopathic Physicians Oath: I dedicate myself to the service of humanity as a practitioner of the art and science of naturopathic medicine [...] I will honor the principles of naturopathic medicine [...including] to cooperate with the healing powers of nature [...and] to heal the whole person  [...] I pledge to remain true to this oath."

Note: ah, the foundation that dare not speak its vitalistic science-ejected context clearly and instead falsely labels it science.  That is the ROOT / foundation of naturopathy: an irrational knowledge-type muddle.  How can you engage in a professional relationship with such opacity / falseness / irrationality?  Naturopathy's supposed 'oath-bound' ethical posture is hilarious, in that light: by oath, I'd argue, they are committed to the context of the science-ejected vitalistic, supernatural and kind, and then by that oath's example / mode also to a mannerism of manipulative opacity that doesn't transparently state 'the essentially naturopathic is the science-ejected falsely and irrationally claimed as science'.

Overall note:

and that is my reflective judgment: naturopathy is QUITE an absurdity.  This is from someone STEEPED:  who went to an AANMC school for four years, and has continually studied this junk thought.

Another FTC Submission

here, I cite from part of a complaint I've recently filed with the Federal Trade Commission [FTC] regarding misrepresentations of naturopathy within their USPS-mailed admissions material:

001. after receiving an admissions packet from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences last month, I submitted this to the FTC:

"I'd like to bring your attention to a categorical misrepresentation that I've discovered as a consumer who is knowledgeable about what is & isn’t categorically science.

Recently, I requested & received admissions materials from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences, a doctoral program that costs approximately $164,000 to complete, according to their figures.

The USPS-mailed paper-based admissions packet states:

'[SCNM is] a school of medicine and health sciences grounded in naturopathic principles […] the principles of naturopathic medicine are based upon the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually re-examined in light of scientific advances [...including] vis medicatrix naturae [VMN, that’s Latin for their quite science-ejected idea of vitalism...] the curriculum at SCNM, as in most medical programs, includes a strong foundation in biomedical sciences […] a licensed naturopathic doctor attends a four-year professional level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an MD.'

I’ve been studying naturopathy for 15 years, and I consider these labels of science upon the naturopathic nonscientific to be, as they obviously must be if we are not to evaporate into absurdity, FALSE.

I’m concerned that education consumers are being exploited.  Citizens engage with schools like SCNM in good faith & such education consumers will be miseducated along the lines of what naturopathy falsely and irrationally claims:  that science supports what is truly science-ejected, that what is science-based is the same thing as what is science-exterior.  I’m also concerned that graduates will, by way of the example of their own alma mater, then feel that it is ethically and commercially acceptable to engage with the public using such false science labels.

Also, being quite familiar with the naturopathy scene, I know that SCNM has been making this false “science” claim [along with their mother organization and fellow schools] for quite some time (see http://web.archive.org/web/19990221212454/http://www.teleport.com/~aanp/alliance/main.html ).

Disclosure:

I’m bothered by this situation because I’ve personally gone through a similar situation – 4 years in attendance from 1998-2002 at a different naturopathy doctoral program in Connecticut -- that categorically labels itself science (see http://www.bridgeport.edu/admissions/healthSciences/ ) yet is essentially based upon the truly science-exterior (see http://web.archive.org/web/20040405090645/http://www.bridgeport.edu/ub/nm/Six_Prihtm.htm )."

Note: but, this is nothing special.  I've done it before, and I'll do it again.

Career Misguidance: American Dental Education Association, Their ExploreHealthCareers.org, and a Misrepresentation of 'the Essentially Naturopathic'

here, I show how the American Dental Education Association [ADEA] promotes naturopathy's false claim of "scientific":

001. ADEA states:

001.a.  in "Our Mission" (saved 2011-01-23):

"ExploreHealthCareers.org is [...] designed to explain the array of health professions and provide easy access to students seeking information about health careers [...] helping more of today's students become the health professionals of tomorrow [...] ExploreHealthCareers.org gives students a reliable, and comprehensive source of accurate, up-to-date information about the health professions."

Note: oh boy.  So, ADEA's claim is that their content is for professional career guidance, and is reliable, up-to-date and comprehensive.  I disagree, specifically regarding ADEA's representation of naturopathy.

001.b. in "Management Team" [saved 2011-01-23]:

"American Dental Education Association [...] Sue Sandmeyer [...] co-principal investigator [...] Jeanne Sinkford [...] co-principal investigator [...] Henryne Green Tobias [...] project director."

Note: their page "Partners" does not list any naturopathic organizations.

001.c. in "Naturopathic Doctor" [vsc 2011-01-23]:

"naturopathic medicine is based upon six fundamental principles: [#1] the healing power of nature - trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself [coded vitalism...#5] treat the whole person - view the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions [supernaturalism...] naturopathic physicians collaborate with all other branches of medical science [...] you can download, save and print a PDF of this career profile [ ...] source: www.naturopathic.org."

Note: there's your trouble, the source!  The SOLE and SINGLE source for this description is the AANP. So much for being comprehensive, or even accurate. It is a fact that naturopathy is based on the science-ejected and science-exterior [the vitalistic, the supernatural, and kind].  Since when is a branch of science not even on the tree?  Naturopathy. This is very sad career misguidance.  An educational entity miseducating.

Addendum [2011-01-29]: the AANMC -- the North American AANP-type school consortia  -- is so pleased with this description that they also have the entry up on their site, and they've added links.

State of Kansas BHA-NAC Members' Naturopathic Absurdity: Homeopathy As "Science"

here, I cite from documents of the State of Kansas that absurdly labels homeopathy -- by way of naturopathy -- "science" in this here year 2010 [see 001., below]; then, I cite from the pages of the Kansas ND board who oversee -- yes, you guessed it -- their homeopathic selves and who would be the arbiters regarding any complaints of their blatantly false labelings about naturopathy-homeopathy as science [see 002. through 004., below]:

001. the State of Kansas states:

001.a. in "Naturopathic Advisory Council" [saved 2010-12-29]:

"[that NAC's current members are] Andrew E. Hefner, N.D. [NCNM 1968...] Medhi Khosh, N.D. [ND Bastyr 1998...] Peter Kimble, N.D. [NCNM 1999...] Ronald N. Whitmer, D.O."

Note: that's NDs Hefner, Khosh, and Kimble.

001.b. in "Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, Kansas Statutes Annotated and Kansas Administrative Regulations Relating to the Practice of Naturopathy, Revised July 2010" [vsc 2010-12-29]:

"the board shall issue a registration as a naturopathic doctor to an individual who [...] passed an examination approved by the board covering appropriate naturopathic subjects including basic and clinical sciences [...] each applicant for registration under this act shall be examined by a written examination or examinations chosen by the board to test the applicant’s knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences relating to naturopathy [x2...] basic sciences, including the following: anatomy; biochemistry; microbiology; pathology; and physiology; and clinical sciences, including the following: emergency medicine and public health; laboratory diagnosis and diagnostic imaging; botanical medicine; clinical nutrition; physical and clinical diagnosis; physical medicine; psychology; counseling; ethics; and homeopathy."

Note: yes, that's homeopathy falsely labeled by the State of Kansas as "science."  How do I know such?  Because a 2010 Evidence Check was done.

002. the practice associated with Hefner, A.E. (ND NCNM 1968) states:

002.a. in "Services" [vsc 2010-12-29]:

"naturopathy: we have a working relationship with a naturopathic physician (Dr. Andy Hefner) who specializes in homeopathy among other modalities [...and we're told too that] reflexology [is] a scientific technique [...and] chiropractic: many illnesses are the result of improper nerve supply."

002.b. in "Staff" [vsc 2010-12-29]:

"Andrew Hefner, N.D. (naturopath and consultant to the Center): National College of Naturopathic Medicine, ND, Portland, OR 1968;  Hahnemann Memorial Institute, Bradenton, FL, HMD 1980;  Extensive Post Graduate Studies, including the study of cardiology at the University of Vienna, Austria; Served as Preceptor for Preceptorship program at Bastyr University, Seattle, WA."

Note: so, homeopathy galore for ND Hefner and some very weird ideas at that practice.

002. the practice of Khosh, M.L. (ND Bastyr 1998) states:

002.a. that naturopathy is "science" in "Lectures by Dr. Mehdi Khosh Posted on September 9th, 2010" [vsc 2010-12-29]:

"naturopathic doctors (NDs) [...] are educated in the conventional medical sciences [...] naturopathic doctors treat disease and restore health using therapies form the sciences of clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, exercise therapy, counseling, acupuncture and hydrotherapy [...] naturopathic doctors cooperate with all other branches of medical science."

Note: so there you go, science subset naturopathy subset homeopathy.  That's false.

003. Kimble, P. (ND NCNM 1999) states:

003.a. in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2010-12-29]:

"homeopathy is a medical science."

Note: no it's not.

003.b. as reported by Baker, J. (? ?) in "Naturopaths Offer Alternatives to Western Medicine" (Lawrence Journal-World, 2001-04-06)[see news.google.com's archive]:

"[regarding naturopathy overall] 'it's just a matter of people becoming educated and learning that it does work' [...and the article coincidentally states] naturopathic doctors treat disease and restore health using therapies from the sciences [...including] homeopathy [...and we're also told] they study the same basic and clinical sciences as other medical students [Khosh and Khosh are pictured]."

 Note: not true.  How are the science's the same when science is equal to what's not science?  Homeopathy DOESN'T work, we know that explicitly.

004. so, WOW:

aren't the foxes watching over the hen house!  I can't imagine that a complaint to NAC about Kansas NDs' fraud regarding homeopathy particularly and naturopathy overall would be taken seriously.  They're the one's committing it!  How cozy.

Ye Olde 'Naturopathy is Science' Claim - UBCNM 2010-10

hey, back to basics -- "science" falsely used upon the naturopathic as an overall academic category / marketing label when what is essentially naturopathy is QUITE exterior to science:

Wherein CNME Falsely Credentials Me "ND" and Asks Me For Money [ISYN]

here, I cite from some recent snail mail I received from the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education [CNME]:

001. CNME states in this 2010-09 letter:

"CNME [is] the accrediting agency for naturopathic medical programs in the U.S. and Canada [...] I want to see naturopathic medicine gain its rightful place as a licensed medical profession [...] I'm writing to ask you to join me in supporting the Council my making a generous financial donation [...] CNME sets high standards for naturopathic medical programs and ensures that colleges in our field meet these standards [...it is] quality education [...and] extensive professional education [...] financial support provided by naturopathic doctors like you is essential to the CNME [...] Nancy Scarlett, N.D. Member CNME Board of Directors, Faculty Member, NCNM."

Note: well, I'm not an ND.  I merely went to UB's ND program for four years and left it IN DISGUST because of its absurd crap and the fact that based upon the number of patients I was seeing and the needed quota to graduate, I would have had to be there for some ten years worth of tuition.  So, I'd practice crap medicine after being hugely gouged.

002. some criticism of the above language:

-naturopathy is essentially based upon absurdity and deception, therefore it is not and can't be a profession;

-I wouldn't ever give naturopathy money to continue such an agenda;

-"high standards"? "Quality"? No.  I don't see that at all.

003. an example of CNME-naturopathy's low quality & absurdity, direct from NCNM, ND Scarlett's institution [and the trunk of the North American naturopathy tree] from NCNM's own web page "Principles of Healing" [vsc 2010-09-27]:

"[we are told that] the practice of naturopathic medicine emerges from six principles of healing [...which] are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease and are examined continually in light of scientific analysis [...including #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 [vitalism, which is science-ejected]. The physician’s role is to facilitate and augment this process [...#3] first do no harm, primum no nocere: the process of healing includes the generation of symptoms, which are, in fact, expressions of the life force [again, vitalism, claimed as scientifically in-fact when in-fact science-ejected] attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complementary to and synergistic with this healing process [...aka] the practice of promoting health through stimulation of the vital force [more vitalism...] the physician must strive to inspire hope as well as understanding. The physician must also make a commitment to her/his personal and spiritual development [some kind of supernaturalism-religiosity, also science-ejected...] causes may occur on many levels, including physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual [more science-ejected supernaturalism...] health and disease are conditions of the whole organism, involving a complex interaction of physical, spiritual [and more supernaturalism], mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors [...and] homeopathic medicine is based on the principle of 'like cures like.' Clinical observation indicates that it works on a subtle, yet powerful, energetic level [bullshit], gently acting to promote healing on the physical, mental, and spiritual levels [again, more supernaturalism-religiosity]."

Note: so, we have a claim that the science-ejected vitalistic, supernatural, and homeopathic survive scientific scrutiny.  That is fundamentally irrational.  The overall absurdity: science no longer requires evidence, it is merely a marketing label that can be placed falsely upon 'that which hugely isn't science supported.'   Or, to put it another way, that that which is scientific is the same thing as that which isn't and it's all good.  Such quality! That is not legally or morally tenable.  I'm all for freedom of conscience, wherein a person is allowed to believe or not believe what they please.  But, this is commerce, this is a postured professionalism, wherein money is taken for something falsely labeled and trust is abused.

As Moynihan once stated, "everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts."

Hello SANP's 'Naturopathy is Science' Claim!

here, I welcome the 'naturopathy is science' claim of the Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Practitioners [SANP] to the Naturocrit fold:

SANP states in "What is Naturopathic Medicine?" [vsc 2010-05-10]:

"naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science [...] licensed naturopathic physicians have attended four-year professional-level programs at accredited institutions where they have been educated in the same basic sciences as allopathic physicians [...] during their first two years of study, the curriculum focuses on basic and clinical sciences [...] students of naturopathic medicine use the Western medical sciences as a foundation."

Note: oh, goody! What a treat.  There's that 'professions-level science foundation' [false] claim upon what is clearly not within science [that is, the essentially naturopathic!].  And there's that great mislabeling of modern medicine as "allopathy," what I call 'the reverse sectarian accusation.' This SANP false-categorization has been added to my extensive Appendix I. / Exhibit A, which is a collection of naturopathy's science claim.