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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Note: so, here's the deal:

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

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

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

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

That is patently crazy.

NMD Marturano - "Certainly True" There's No Scientific Evidence For Life Force / Vis [which defines naturopathy!]

here, I quote from a naturopath who explicitly states that "life force" (a.k.a. The Vis, in naturopathy lingo) is not scientific and that [apparently] science is 'a convenient mentionable' [see 001., below]; then, I point out '.gov' naturopathy claims that "life force" / vitalism survives scientific scrutiny WHILE ACTUALLY hugely science-ejected [see 002., below]; then, I show that that 'life force concept claimed as science' IS a primary item of the naturopathy oath [see 003., below]; finally, I muse [see 004., below]:

001. Marturano, M. (SCNM NMD), in "Discerning Health Disinformation on the Web" [vsc 2010-11-16], speaks of:

"trying to find solid health information [...with so much out there apparently] very authoritative and credible on the surface [...yet ultimately of] a hidden agenda [...] insufficient evidence

[...and warns of] disinformation tactics [which] work by making the truth appear false and the false appear true [...via statements apparently]  based in fact, but twisted [...offering] woo-woo [...from] hucksters and charlatans [...selling] snake oil to the unwitting public [(my irony meter is exploding)...]

[and he speaks of avoiding] the top three disinformation tactics out there [...] to protect yourself from these unscrupulous literary magicians [...with the #1 tactic being] lack of evidence equals evidence of lack [(I'm not kidding here)...and gives three examples concerning] no scientific evidence

[...and offers, as the fourth] let's take on a big one: there is no scientific evidence showing the existence [of] an invisible life force (spirit, qi, chi, prana, etc.) [vitalism, naturopathy's big one!] that supports living beings. The above statement is certainly true

[...and regarding science states] we should put scientific evidence in its rightful place as one of many useful ways to understand the world around us [(as in, 'not a priority')...] it is not necessary for science to support every little statement that a health professional makes [(as in 'not a priority)]."

Note: so, we get the admitted scientific dismissal of vitalism as a scientific theory, essentially.  And science, thought the best way to comprehend the world around us, is not much of a priority.  In 004., I'll comment on other things from the above.

001.b. 'science as a convenient mentionable':

With science not very prioritized, NMD Marturano yet isn't shy about lauding naturopathy's supposed science basis and science course hours [vsc 2010-11-16].

I sense a little hypocrisy here, as in 'my educational credentials claim a reasonable basis and priority of science, when convenient' [used for marketing legitimacy, ignored for the basis of 'the essentially naturopathic'].  And, naturopathy's principles are 'described' without actually much description / transparency:

"principles of naturopathic medicine [...#2] healing power of nature [coded vitalism], naturopathic medicine recognizes a self-healing process of the body [coded vitalism] that is ordered and intelligent. We do not purport to be the cause of cure, but simply a catalyst to effect that which would occur naturally, given the right conditions and resources."

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

"the practice of naturopathic medicine emerges from six underlying principles of healing. These principles are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in light of scientific analysis [...#1] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae [HPN-VMN a.k.a. 'The Vis'...] nature heals through the response of the life force [(vitalism)...#3] the process of healing includes the generation of symptoms, which are, in fact, an expression of the life force attempting to heal itself."

Note: so, vitalism a.k.a. HPN-VMN is claimed as able to survive scientific scrutiny.  But, this is hugely not true.

This is your government facilitating your exploitation: both as an education consumer and as a clinical consumer.

003. the ND / NMD obligation to vitalism / "The Vis":

Here, by way of a British Columbia, Canada BCNA ND homeopathy proponent, is the Naturopathy Oath [psc 2010-11-19]:

"I dedicate myself to the service of humanity as a practitioner of the art and science of Naturopathic Medicine

[...]

I will continually endeavor to improve my abilities.

I will conduct my life and practice of Naturopathic Medicine with integrity and freedom from prejudice

[(my irony meter is again over-the-limit)...]

I will honor the principles of Naturopathic Medicine

[...]

to cooperate with the healing powers of nature [(HPN-VMN; coded vitalism)...]

with my whole heart, before these witnesses, as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, I pledge to remain true to this oath."

Note: so, the HPN-VMN is obviously a naturopath's by-oath obligation [vitalism camouflaged, falsely labeled as science].

004. musing:

So, what can be culled from all this?

Well, I've obviously found an ND/NMD who disavows THE primary REQUIRED naturopathy belief / tenet [a science-ejected / -unsupported sectarian concept (of many such in naturopathy)] that is usually FALSELY stated as scientific fact.

That is quite a find: a huge absurdity [the nonscientific falsely labeled science] piled upon another huge absurdity [a by-oath requirement then disavowed].

Regarding:

"solid health information" - I hope it's now obvious that naturopathy's claims, at their highest echelon, are no way 'solid', e.g. it irrationally labels something what it hugely isn't;

"authoritative and credible on the surface" - yes, camouflaged / coded, as naturopathy poses as legitimate yet when you analyze it, it falls apart;

"a hidden agenda" - can you say naturopathy's M.O., as we see with this NMD and the MANP that he's secretary of, e.g. the vitalism tenet, coded, with a false science label AS AN AGENDA?;

"disinformation tactics" - something naturopathy has obviously mastered;

"the truth appear false and the false appear true" and "based in fact, but twisted" - reminds me of naturopathy's 'reversal of values' M.O.;

"woo-woo" - a skeptical word, misappropriated [?];

"hucksters and charlatans", "[selling] snake oil to the unwitting public", "unscrupulous literary magicians" - sounds like sCAM that scamming scam scam;

"lack of evidence equals evidence of lack" - this is thoroughly illogical and practically straw-man.  It is this simple: science relies upon evidence, and to base medical decisions on 'a HUGE nonscience lack' is NUTS;

"no scientific evidence" - ah-hum, can anyone say naturopathy's vitalism and supernaturalism? [amongst other things naturopathic]];

"there is no scientific evidence showing the existence [of] an invisible life force (spirit, qi, chi, prana, etc.) [...] the above statement is certainly true" - yes it is CERTAIN [science-ejected, more specifically], and it's nice to hear this little bit of huge honesty yet naturopaths have a greatly absurd quandary here: claiming science while actually hugely essentially nonscientific, by oath;

science as "one of many useful ways to understand the world around us" "it is not necessary for science to support every little statement that a health professional makes" - since science is the BEST way to know about the world around us, other ways are not as useful for something as serious as medicine, and I would think that it IS NECESSARY for someone in commerce and the professions to properly label what hugely isn't science as not science, instead of what naturopathy is doing, which falsely labeling the nonscientific science and trading upon it.

How Naturopathy's Science Claims Violate Grade 8 Science Standards:

here, I deal with the absurdity of the science claim naturopathy places upon the hugely science-ejected.  First, there is what naturopathy falsely labels as science, and I take this from my alma mater UBCNM [see 001., below]; then, there is 'the preponderant national science standards for grade 8' [see 002., below]; then, I muse on naturopathy's violations of just a small part of these junior high school national science standards [see 003., below]:

001. well, to quote a line from the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica, "all this has happened before, and all this will happen again":

the University of Bridgeport labels as science the hugely science-ejected vitalistic and supernatural [vsc 2010-07-26].  This is at the doctoral level and it claims professions-level rigor.

002. the State of New Mexico states in "New Mexico Grade 8 Science Standards" [vsc 2010-07-26]:

"Strand I: Scientific Thinking and Practice.  Standard I: Understand the processes of scientific investigations and use inquiry and scientific ways of observing, experimenting, predicting, and validating to think critically [...] 5-8 Benchmark II: Understand the processes of scientific investigation and how scientific inquiry results in scientific knowledge. 1. Examine alternative explanations for observations. 2. Describe ways in which science differs from other ways of knowing and from other bodies of knowledge (e.g., experimentation, logical arguments, skepticism). 3. Know that scientific knowledge is built on questions posed as testable hypotheses, which are tested until the results are accepted by peers."

003. so, where are the violations? 

In my view, regarding UB's claims, NO SCIENCE has been done.  And what is preponderantly science has been ignored.  A bunch of words have been written, instead.  Clearly from the science standards for eighth graders, SCIENCE IS A SPECIFIC KIND OF ACTIVITY and it generates a specific kind of knowledge -- and all that has been ignored.

So, regarding:

"thinking", "practice", "processes", "ways", "observing, experimenting, predicting and validating", and "investigation" -- science is 'a verb';

"inquiry", "critically", "skepticism" -- invoke the need to analyze and not be gullible / credulous;

"alternative explanations", science is never stuck with one dogmatic assertation;

"ways in which science differs from other ways of knowing and from other bodies of knowledge", one should know when, for instance, we're dealing with a scientific fact versus an article of faith;

"testable hypotheses", science can only process what is scientifically processable;

"logical arguments" deal of course with careful reasoning.

Where has UBCNM gone wrong [perhaps]:

they have taken away the activity part of science, and instead deemed that it is enough to place -- via a posture of dogmatic authoritarianism -- the label of science onto pages that they then have filled up with whatever they wanted [e.g., "health science" pages which contain the science-ejected vitalistic and science-unsupported supernatural sectarian];

they have dogmatically / sectarianly taken that 'whatever' and not been critical, curious, or skeptical of it [e.g., the vitalistic page states that a "life force" is "in fact"; while it's not even 'in evidence'!];

from that position, they have not looked at alternatives to that dogmatic whatever, by definition because it is absolute / authoritarian / cultic;

they do not acknowledge that there are different kinds of knowledge, instead they epistemically conflate [they blend knowledge type] and they epistemically misrepresent [e.g., they're claiming that what's hugely science-exterior is within science];

they falsely position the supernatural and mystical-nebulous as scientifically processable / testable [e.g., the invisible immaterial thing that is immeasurable is in fact scientifically supported];

and all in all, their claim that science is whatever they write it to be, and that, in sum, science is the same as the science-ejected -- is illogical, absurd, irrational.

But, I've said this for ten years and more.  Yes, eternal recurrence.

Naturopathy's Essential Vitalism Irrationality – ND Kellerstein in NDNR 2010-01:

In “Why Waste Time?” (Naturopathic Doctor News and Review 2010-01, p.019), Kellerstein, J. (DC CMCC 1980, ND CCNM 1984), “the first Chairman of the Department of Homeopathy with the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine", states:

“[regarding] today's homeopathic education […student question] Hahnemann continues to expound that the vital force [blah blah blah...Kellerstein] the vital force can only be sustained [blah blah blah...Kellerstein directly quoting Hahnemann] aphorism 9: in the healthy human state, the spirit-like life force (autocracy) that enlivens the material organism [blah blah blah...Kellerstein] the mind (in-dwelling rational spirit) and the vital force are very different [...] Hahnemann's idea of the vital force was not spiritual but spirit-like. This means immaterial or invisible […] the footnote to the first aphorism is testimony to the view of Hahnemann. He wanted a practice of medicine founded only on the fully observable with no speculative filters in the way of pure observation.”

Note: such vitalistic-spiritism, as I call it, is profoundly science-ejected.  Science has rejected vitalism for several decades, and supernaturalism for a few hundred years.  The larger issue here, though, is the lack of sanity within naturopathy's calculus.   NDs apparently do not think cogently:

a) since when is the immaterial and invisible [immeasurable figmentation] also fully and purely observable [actual]?

b) but, then again, the school I went to in Connecticut is no less irrational / absurd [cultic], wherein the vitalistic and supernatural are falsely labeled science.

Dana Ullman is Disqualified: SBM 2009-01-27:

Dr. Harriet Hall, in response to homeopath Dana Ullman's ravings regarding homeopathy, wrote quiet concisely in commentary for the article "Historic College of Pharmacy to Honor Homeopathy Leader" (2009-01-26) by D.J. Kroll:

"Dana is not playing by the rules of science [...] he has disqualified himself from serious consideration by rational scientific thinkers, and has lost the right to participate in any discussion of science-based medicine. He is like a child butting into an adult discussion to say 'there really is a Tooth Fairy and I can prove it because here's the money she left me.' He is not even capable of understanding why his arguments fail to convince us, even though it has been explained to him many times in great detail. We should have compassion and be kind to the handicapped, but we shouldn’t have to pay any attention to their ravings."

Nice: reminds me of the NDs, who absurdly claim that the scientific and the profoundly science-ejected are the same thing.