Naturopathic Irrationality Microcosm: New York State's ND Lisanti and the Qi-eesy 'Nature' of Naturopathy...and Scientific Consensus

here, I cite from the web pages of New York State ND Lisanti, wherein science as a commerce-label is placed upon the science-ejected [see 001., below]; then, I cite from a recent source regarding that science-ejected and essential-to-naturopathy vitalistic concept [see 002., below]:

001. Lisanti, F. (ND NCNM) states [for his youtube site, click here]:

001.a. the claim that naturopathy is science in:

001.a.i. in "Definition of Naturopathic Medicine" [needs vsc]:

"naturopathic medicine is a [...] science [...] naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles upon which its practice is based. These principles are continually re-examined in the light of scientific advances. The techniques of naturopathic medicine include [...the] scientific and empirical [...NDs are] comprehensively trained in the science of natural healthcare."

Note: science, science, science, science.

001.a.ii. in "Naturopathic Medicine Clinic in Westchester, NY" [vsc 2010-07-30]:

"[in the video] naturopathic doctors cooperate with all other branches of medical science [...in the description] naturopathic medicine is distinguished by the principles upon which its practice is based. These principles are continually re-examined in the light of scientific advances."

Note: yes, that overarching claim that naturopathy is within medical science and filters its contents through scientific scrutiny!

001.a.iii. in "About Classical Chinese Medicine" [vsc 2010-07-30]:

"the time-honored science of classical Chinese medicine (CCM) [...] CCM remains firmly committed to its ancient roots. CCM is a science in its own right."

Note: science, science.

001.a.iv. in "IMS Frequently Asked Questions" [vsc 2010-07-30]:

"naturopathic medicine [...] incorporates scientific advances from medical disciplines throughout the world. Many of the individual therapies used in naturopathic medical practice have been scientifically validated [...] the academic training in medical sciences of naturopathic and conventional physicians is similar."

Note: science, science, science.

001.a.v. in "Does Naturopathic Medicine Work?" [vsc 2010-08-01]:

"does naturopathic medicine work effectively? Naturopathic medicine has its own unique body of knowledge [...] it also incorporates scientific advances [...] many of the individual therapies used in naturopathic medical practice have been scientifically validated especially in the areas of [etc....including] homeopathy, acupuncture [...] the trend is that those naturopathic methods which are tested in well-designed studies are validated."

Note:

001.a.vi. in "The History of Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2010-08-01]:

"the naturopathic profession is committed to ongoing scientific research and development [...per] modern scientific methods."

Note:

001.a.vii. in "Natural Allergy Relief" [vsc 2011-05-11],  "No Need to Be Sad When You Struggle With SAD" [vsc 2011-05-11],  "Stop Acne: Water + Diet + CCM + De-Stress = Naturopathic Remedy" [vsc 2011-05-11], "Trials of the Spine: Naturopathic Relief for Minor to Major Back Pain" [vsc 2011-05-10], "Preventing Prostate Pain" [vsc 2011-05-10], in "Infertility: Naturopathic and Acupuncture Approaches" [vsc 2011-05-11], "Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture for Headaches" [vsc 2011-05-10], "Experience 21st Century Healthcare, Integrating Cutting Edge Natural Science with Ageless Healing Arts" [vsc 2011-05-10], "Mind Your Metals: Natural Heavy Metal Detoxification" [vsc 2011-05-11]:

"[the following smarmy language] it's with the intention of inspiration and integrity that our highly trained doctor creates customized health plans that synergize the best of healing arts with contemporary natural medical science."

Note: many pages states this smarmyness.

001.a.viii. in "Growing by Knowing: Wheat Grass – WOW!" [vsc 2011-05-11]:

"a scientist named Charles Schnabel who was looking to perfect chicken’s health first discovered the nutritive powers of wheat grass in the 1930s."

Note: science

001.a.ix. in "Organic Foods and Children: Why Organic Matters the Most for Kids" [vsc 2011-05-11]:

"modern organic farming methods that include a wide basis of scientific knowledge and thousands of years of history and experience."

Note: science.

001.a.x. in "Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia" [vsc 2011-05-11]:

"scientific research indicates that tui na, Chinese massage, and movement therapies like qigong and yoga can reduce pain and improve symptoms in fibromyalgia patients."

Note: science.

001.a.xi. in "Therapies" [vsc 2011-05-11]:

"naturopathic treatments [...] this practice is the science, philosophy and art of disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness, using natural therapies and medicines [...] the naturopathic approach to diet and nutrition has been validated in many scientifically based professional journals on nutrition and dietary sciences [...] scientific research is demonstrating that some plant substances have comparable effects to synthetic drugs in clinical situations [...] naturopathic doctors are extensively trained in the art and science of botanical medicine."

Note: more science, science, science, science.

001.a.xii. in "Natural Health and Healing and Your Child" [vsc 2011-05-11]:

"perhaps you are among this group, or maybe you are among the growing number of parents who are look to ancient and modern systems for natural healing as they are backed by scientific research."

Note: science.

001.b. the reality that naturopathy is based on the vitalistic / science-ejected:

001.b.i. in "Naturopathic Doctors" [vsc 2011-05-11]:

"in short, naturopathic doctors or NDs design treatments that work with your vital force [VF]."

Note: VF.  In short.

001.b.ii. in "Spring Liver Cleansing: The Basics" [vsc 2010-07-31, 2011-05-11]:

"a clean liver is advantageous for healthy regulation of your vital life force (qi) [VLF, Q] and blood as they flow through your body."

Note: VLF = Q.

001.b.iii. in "Cleansing the Liver for Spring" [vsc 2010-07-31]:

"a healthy liver is like a tree swaying in the wind. The tree is flexible because proper nutrients are flowing to all areas of its trunk and branches. If the tree is unhealthy, a strong wind will snap off the branches cut-off from the plant’s life force [LF]."

Note: LF.

001.b.iv. in "Acupuncture as an Alternative Therapy for Pain Management" [vsc 2010-07-31]:

"acupuncture was developed in China 3000 years ago to manage the flow of life force or qi [LF, Q] throughout the body."

Note: LF = Q

001.b.v. in "The History of Acupuncture" [vsc 2011-05-11]:

"acupuncture was and still is a major mode of treatment for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners. A direct translation from this early text describes acupuncture as putting holes in the body to regulate qi [Q...] what is qi? The literal translation of qi from Chinese means 'breath' just as our English word 'spirit' comes from the Latin 'spiritus' or 'breath.' Qi can be understood as your life force or vital energy [LF, VE]. You can imagine pathways of qi flowing through your body [...] qi operates like [...] water ways [...] the pathways where qi flows are called meridians [...] if qi cannot take its normal course, excess qi will accumulate at the impasse and other areas of your body will not receive the vitality needed to be well. Improper flow manifests as pain or sickness, be it a tummy ache or insomnia [...] acupuncture is used to regulate the flow of qi by inserting thin metal needles at specific points along the meridians where qi flows [...] information gathered during the diagnostic process will inform your acupuncturist where qi is imbalanced. Then, he or she will work along meridians where qi flows to problem area [...e.g.] placement strengthens the flow of qi to the kidney if it is deficient or to drains qi if there is excess [...] to remove blockages of energy [E] and to promote free flow [...] some patients say that they feel a pleasurable sensation when a desired point is located. We call this 'the arrival of the qi'."

Note: Q = LF = VE = E.  Kind of like the arrival of the Tooth Fairy.

 

001.c. tracing it back -- Lisanti has both an ND and an LAc from NCNM -- we can see that his alma mater, NCNM, is the source for this at-odds irrationality of the science-based science-ejected:

 

001.c.1. regarding naturopathy, science, and vitalism, NCNM states:

 

that naturopathy is science and contains nonscience, so: science subset naturopathy subset nonscience.  Wacko.

 

001.c.2. regarding TCM, science, and vitalism [spiritism] NCNM states:

 

is a kind of supernatural science per "the School of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) at NCNM [...is] committed to training clinicians capable of tapping the true power of this ancient yet timeless system, which is both a highly sophisticated medical science and a deeply spiritual art form."

 

002. what science says, outright regarding vitalism / supernaturalism:

 

002.a. first, a crowd-sourced product, Wikipedia's article "Supernatural":

 

"the supernatural or supranatural [...] is anything above or beyond what one holds to be natural or exists outside natural law and the observable universe. Science limits its explanations for phenomena to natural explanations, a process known as methodological naturalism, and cannot consider supernatural explanations, as they cannot be investigated empirically. To explain something using natural causes and excluding supernatural causes is to naturalize it. To explain something as resulting from supernatural causes is to supernaturalize it.  Supernatural themes are often associated with paranormal and occult ideas, suggesting the possibility of interaction with the supernatural by means of summoning or trance. In secular societies, religious miracles are typically perceived as supernatural claims, as are spells and curses, divination, and the afterlife. Characteristics for phenomena claimed as supernatural are anomaly, uniqueness, and uncontrollability. Thus, the conditions in which such phenomena are thought to manifest may not be reproducible for scientific examination. Supernatural phenomena are sometimes referred to as paranormal. The field of study dealing with the supernatural is sometimes called metaphysics or the occult."

Note: a nice home for naturopathy and TCM ideas.

002.b. Dawkins, R. (PhD{evolutionary biology} UO) states in "The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing" (2008; ISBN 0199216800):

 

"what neither Mendel nor anyone else before 1953 knew was that genes themselves are digital, within themselves [...] life is the execution of programs written using a small digital alphabet in a single, universal machine language. This realization was the hammer blow that knocked the last nail in the coffin of vitalism and, by extension, of dualism. The hammer was wielded, with undisguised youthful relish, by James Watson and Francis Crick [p.030...] for me, the greatest achievement of Watson and Crick was to turn genetics from a branch of wet and squishy physiology into a branch of information technology, in the process slaying, as I suggested above, the ghost of vitalism [p.226]."

003. meanwhile:

 

naturopathy and TCM, particularly by way of NCNM, are stuck in the the archaic / premodern nontypification of knowledge that I 've termed "epistemic conflation."  

 

but, we know better -- we're better than such dunderheadedness.

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.

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.

ND Roush on Homeopathy - "Science Based" [not!]

here, I cite from a recent article gushing over naturopathy [see 001., below]; that then led me to the web site of the ND in that article [see 002., below]; whose claim that homeopathy is science-based -- as well as vitalism -- is bunk [see 003., below]:

001. Montana's Independent Record states in "Naturopaths Look Beyond the Symptoms" (2011-01-19) [vsc 2011-01-19]::

"[written by Sara Groves] over the course of the last several months, I’ve learned a lot about taking care of myself [...] to see for myself what naturopathic medicine is all about, I visited Dr. Jeff Roush [ND Bastyr] with Natural Medicine Plus here in Helena [...] an N.D. [...] a naturopathic doctor receives education that is, in many ways, similar to what a conventional M.D. receives. In fact, the first two years of a naturopath's education are nearly identical to the coursework that an aspiring M.D. takes, such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, histology, biochemistry and immunology [as in science!...] 'naturopathic physicians should be every person's front line defense to guard their health,' said Roush. And I agree."

Note: wow, gushing endorsement.

002. Roush, J. (ND Bastyr) states:

002.a. along with Aagenes, N. (ND Bastyr) -- a former AANP President and Physician of the Year -- in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-01-19]:

"the practice of Naturopathy emerges from six underlying principles of healing [...]  based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in light of scientific analysis [...] these principles forms the basis of all treatment. They are [#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. The physician's role is to facilitate and augment this process."

Note: wow, that's vitalism claimed as able to survive scientific scrutiny.  Not true.

002.b. in "Family Medicine for Every Body" [vsc 2011-01-19]:

"Dr. Roush offers healthcare for the whole family.   As a primary care physician, he evaluates, treats, and manages a variety of acute and chronic conditions using the least toxic therapy and science based naturopathic medicines.  Some of the therapies Dr. Roush may use include: clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, and pharmacology."

Note: ah, so homeo. is science-based?

003. I don't think so:

if that's science, all is suspect in naturopathyland!  I disagree with the above endorsement of naturopathy.  The first line of defense of one's health shouldn't be pseudoscience.

ND Purcell - Naturopathy "Makes Sense, It's Logical", 'Vitalism is the Future' [aka Naturopathy's Reversal of Values!]

here, I've cited ND Purcell first from a Youtube.com video that claims naturopathy "makes sense", is "logical" and is of the "future" [see 001.a., below]; then, from another Youtube video wherein she explicitly states naturopathy's vitalistic context and that naturopathy is "the medicine of the future" [see 001.b., below]; then, I cite her homeopathy proponentry and coded vitalism from her web pages [see other parts of 001., below]; finally, I reflect on naturopathy's HUGELY absurd context [see 002., below]:

001. Purcell, A. (ND SCNM) states [from either Youtube or her own web pages]:

001.a. in "Meet Dr. Andrea Purcell" [vsc 2011-01-15]:

"naturopathic medicine makes sense.  It's logical.  The concept that we are regenerative instead of falling apart [coded vitalism], the philosophy that naturopathic medicine stands upon.  Such as: doctor as teacher, treat the cause, do no harm. These are all incredibly important components of health care. Now and for the future."

Note: so, sense and logic and coded vitalism!  It's very interesting that "life force" / vis medicatrix naturae isn't explicitly communicated here.  We'll get some of that old time, science-ejected, naturopathy-overarching vitalism from ND Purcell in the next video, below.  And, obviously overall, naturopathy's context is claimed by the ND in this video as "the future".

001.b. in "Ask Dr. Purcell - Integrative Natural Medicine" [vsc 2011-01-15]:

"[description] naturopathic health care provider Dr. Andrea Purcell explains integrative natural medicine [naturo.'s more recent marketing label!] and why she believes it is the health care approach of the future [...video] integrative natural medicine is the medicine of the future.  This is where science meets the art of good medicine [...] as medicine evolves, it's going to be much more important to look at the person as a whole.  And not just the parts, or a mechanistic view.  Is really going out of style and a vitalistic, whole-body perspective is coming into style.  And for good reason."

Note: ah, so the "vitalistic" which is hugely science-ejected.  So, naturopathy isn't science of the future, it's stuff from the past that is science-ejected.

This is an example of naturopathy's reversal of values:

science is nonscience,
the past is the future,
what's important is the discarded unimportant,
good medicine is sectarian illogical nonsense,
a scientific fact is also an article of faith! 

001.c. in "Dr Andrea Purcell Lecture series - Boosting Immunities" [vsc 2011-01-15]:

"I'm an ND, naturopathic doctor [...] I specialize in natural and alternative medicine [...] natural medicine often has the other side of the story [I'll say QUITE A STORY...] there's just so many more options when it comes to natural medicine [...since] nature provides for us."

Note: I'd think that when science equals nonscience as it does in naturopathy, yes, there is quite a vast selection of junk to call nonjunk.  You can make whatever you wish up and call it macaroni.  But, there can be made reasonable distinctions in spite of naturopathy's desire to integrate / blend / conflate all things into a meaninglessness of knowledge type.

001.d. in "What Is a Naturopathic Doctor?" [vsc 2011-01-15]:

"naturopathic doctors in North America [...are] trained in conventional medical sciences, diagnosis and treatment [...they] blend the best of modern medical science and traditional natural medical approaches [...such as] homeopathy [...]

naturopathic medicine explained.  Naturopathic medicine is defined by its own philosophy. The philosophy is based upon these six principles: [...]

2. doctor as teacher [...] we believe that it is our role as naturopathic doctors to educate our patients about their health and the steps necessary to stimulate the natural recuperative processes within them [coded vitalism...] naturopathic doctors are committed to educating you [...]

5. the healing power of nature [HPN]: nature acts powerfully through healing mechanisms in the body and mind to maintain and restore health [coded vitalism]. Everyone has within them the power to heal [coded vitalism]. Naturopathic physicians work to restore and support these inherent healing systems [coded vitalism...] naturopathic medicine is based on the belief [I'll say] that the human body has an innate healing ability [coded vitalism]. Naturopathic physicians teach their patients to [...] enhance the body's ability to ward off and combat disease."

Note: so they love homeopathy, in fact labeling it [falsely] a clinical science on their board exams [more homeopathy in the next section].  But, in this supposed explanation of the basis of naturopathy above, notice that they don't love to be transparent about HPN.  Though the ND has stated the vitalistic explicitly in the second video I mentioned, it's not on her web pages -- though it is EXPLICITLY at her alma mater.

I for one don't feel very educated / taught when I'm not given the 'actually science-ejected essential to naturopathy context' in a transparent manner by an ND.  How can I engage in informed consent and a fiduciary relation -- an ethical / professional relationship -- when NDs hide their premises?  I can't even engage in honest commerce when things are so opaque, never mind the higher standard of professionalism!

001.e. in "What is Homeopathy?" [vsc 2011-01-15]:

"homeopathy is a system of therapy in which very small non-toxic doses of natural medicines are given to stimulate a healing reaction in a person [...] I use homeopathy with each person [!!!] because it is very effective in stimulating your body’s own healing mechanism [coded vitalism] allowing your body to overcome the disease state naturally [...] patients of all ages and a wide variety of problems can benefit from this form of natural medicine.  Conditions homeopathy is effective [!!!] at treating include but are not limited to: acute and chronic pain, ADD / ADHD, anxiety, arthritis, behavior disorders, chronic ear infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disorders, migraine headaches, PMS/Menopause."

Note: so there's the claim of  homeopathy's broad efficacy, and its use by ND Purcell on every patient.  Again, as often is the case, the vitalistic context is coded and never stated as 'science-ejected but lets do things -- like take homeopathy's empty pills -- in that figmentatious context anyway'.

002. some reflections concerning naturopathy's absurdity and reversal of values:

where else can you find such JUNK THOUGHT? 

E.g.: wherein, science is falsely used in supposed professional commerce as a label upon the hugely nonscientific?

If you were a physicist, you'd have to put a minus sign in front of so much said by NDs to arrive at the truth.

ND Lawrence - Naturopathy's "Core Value", Supernatural-Vitalism

here, I cite from the web pages of a Kansas ND who specifically equates naturopathy's "healing power of nature" with the supernatural and vitalistic [see 001., below]; then, I reiterate the AANP's false labels upon naturopathy that got me involved with this racket so many years ago [see 002., below]; finally, I reiterate your basic human right to believe in that which you so choose, in terms of matters of 'freedom of conscience' [see 003., below]:

001. Lawrence, V. (ND CCNH) states:

001.a. in "What is a Naturopath?" [vsc 2010-12-01]:

"the practice of naturopathy is based on the premise that the body is self-healing [BISH]. There is a belief in a spirit, vital energy or life force [S=VE=LF] beyond the physical realm, although modern medicine has not found a way to measure this energy [TE]. When there is an illness or disease, the life force has become blocked in its ability to self-heal. The task of the naturopath is to discover what may be the obstacles to healing. The obstacles are of a physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual nature [...] the foundation of naturopathy follows these core values: [#1] vis medicatrix naturae [VMN]: nature possesses the power to heal illness [...] the body has an inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent [teleological!], nature heals through the response of the life force. The naturopath’s role is to facilitate this process [TP...#2] primum non nocere, first do no harm [...] illness is a purposeful 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. Therapeutic actions should be complementary to and synergistic with this healing process [THP]. The physician's actions can support or antagonize the actions of the vis mediatrix [sp., 'medicatrix'] naturae, the healing power of nature [VMN=HPN]."

Note: so, for naturopathy, there's this obvious equation:

BISH = S=VE=LF = TE = VMN = TP = VMN=HPN.

Naturopathy's core values encompass: a belief amalgam that is all-at-once supernatural, vitalistic, and teleological.

001.b. in "Why Naturopathy?" [vsc 2010-12-01]:

"the foundation of naturopathy follows these core values: [#1] vis medicatrix naturae, nature possesses the power to heal illness [VMN-NPTPTHI...] the healing process is ordered and intelligent [teleological!], nature heals through the response of the life force [LF]. The naturopath’s role is to facilitate this process [TP...#2] primum non nocere, first do no harm [...] illness is a purposeful process of the organism. The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms which are, in fact, an expression of the life force [LF] attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complementary to and synergistic with this healing process [THP]. The physician's actions can support or antagonize the actions of the vis mediatrix [sp., 'medicatrix'] naturae -- the healing power of nature [VMN-HPN]."

Note: so, the vitalistic equation / naturopathy's "core value" context is expressed as:

VMN-NPTPTHI = LF = TP = THP = VMN=HPN.

002. the AANP-Alliance false promise / label:

A long time ago I was bamboozled into naturopathy -- in part -- by that pseudoprofession's at-large false self-labeling.

The consortia, known as the AANP-Alliance, then comprised of the "AANP, Bastyr University, National College of Naturopathic Medicine and the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences", stated in "The Alliance Legislative Workbook" (1997) (I've uploaded my original copy to scribd.com) (archived here):

"naturopathic physician's are the modern day science based primary care doctor [...] it is not a belief system."

Note:  when, actually [!!!], the discretely naturopathic is HUGELY science-ejected and 'of belief', as ND Lawrence has demonstrated.

Thanks, AANP Alliance and your component schools.  As a person of integrity, I shall "Never Forget" this racket.

003. basic human rights:

What does it mean to be falsely induced in terms of commerce?  To be a victim of unfair trade and kind?  With the State a huge accomplice in the matter!  This particularly relates to naturopathy's and States', such as Oregon's, wrongful mislabeling of naturopathy in term of science.

But, there is an even more profound issue, apart from science.  It has to do with what one can choose or not choose to hold as a belief / matter of conscience.  What naturopathy is doing is disguising such voluntary matters falsely as objective fact.  But, things which are 'faithy' are not such.  So, you are being denied a basic human right, if you accept the world as naturopathy would like you to [their way]: a specific kind of voluntary supernaturalism is being superimposed as involuntary fact.

ND Swanz - A Favorite Example of the Science-Ejected Naturopathic

here, I cite from the web pages of ND Swanz, who not only describes naturopathy's essential science-ejected vitalism context but he has also named his practice after it [see 001., below];

001. Swanz, P.V. (ND SCNM) states:

001.a. in "Homeopathy" [psc 2010-11-29]: 

"homeopathy utilizes dilute plant, animal, or mineral remedies to stimulate the vital force [VF...] the inherent self healing ability [ISHA] that acts to restore balance in the body [...] Dr. Peter Swanz is an expert in homeopathy [...] he is a fellow of the Homeopathic Association of Naturopathic Physicians."

Note: so, VF=ISHA.  Homeopathy, of course, is so diluted that its pills or liquids are inert.

001.b. in "Naturopathy" [psc 2010-11-29]:

"naturopathic medicine answers how we can live, become, and maintain health [...it has] two foundations, a science base and a philosophical base [...] there are six underlying premises on which the philosophy is based [...#2] support the healing power of nature, 'the vital force' - vis medicatrix naturae [HPN, VF, VMN respectively...] naturopathic principles apply across both acute and chronic illness, for young and old, male and female alike."

Note: so, HPN=VF=VMN.  So, there are many aliases for the vitalistic context that defines naturopathy.  Their base is Janus-faced / contradictory: of science and of 'philosophy' [the science-ejected, actually].

You can find this 'essential naturopathic contradictory irrationality' at ND Swanz's alma mater, SCNM, as it describes naturopathy in "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2010-11-29]:

"naturopathic doctors  [...] philosophy is derived in part from [...] vis mediatrix [sp., medicatrix] naturae - nature is the healer of all diseases [NHAD...] the six principles that guide the therapeutic methods and modalities of naturopathic medicine include [...#2] the healing power of nature, vis medicatrix naturae. The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health [IARH]. The physician’s role is to facilitate this process [TP...] naturopathic doctors cooperate with all other branches of medical science [...] their practice is based on the same basic bio-medical science foundation that allopathic [!] practice is."

Yes, SCNM can't spell medicatrix [happens a lot].  Anyway, now, in terms of naturopathy's vitalism, here we see VMN=NHAD=HPN=IARH=TP.  And overarching all of this is the claim that such is "science" and of a "science foundation" [not!].  I would think that if you are 'of a science base yet defined by the science-ejected', you've go problems -- especially if you don't see a problem therein.

001.c. in 'homepage' [psc 2010-11-29]:

"Vital Force Naturopathy is a holistic healing practice [...] Dr. Swanz  [...] has advance training in homeopathy."

Note: so, vitalism is so important to ND Swanz that he named the practice "vital force."  And regarding "holistic", well if I've learned anything over time it is that "holistic" and "bone-headed" are quite synonymous.  After all, homeopathy is touted here galore and it is considered, in these here times, an unethical placebo therapy.

001.d. in "SCENAR Therapy at VFN" [psc 2010-11-29]:

"SCENAR is an abbreviation for the Self Controlled Energy Neuro Adaptive Regulator [...] the EMF impulses from the SCENAR device are a dynamic energy directed to help guide the body in its own healing process [BIIOHP...] supporting our body’s own healing ability [BOHA...] it is a signal that the body recognizes as its own [...] the impulse is constantly changing supporting an activation of the body’s adaptive mechanisms [BAM...] the SCENAR device does not heal the body.  It supports and helps to reactivate the body’s own healing mechanisms [BOHM...and is used for] shock, trauma, intoxication, pain [...problems of the] digestive system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, muscular-skeletal system, urinary system, reproductive system, nervous system, circulatory system, immune system, endocrine system [...] ear, nose, and throat complaints; eye complaints; skin complaints; and dental complaints [...] burns, fractures, insect bites and stings, allergic reactions, stress and accompanying complaints."

Note: wow, panacea alert!!! It is not a stretch to assume this being done, as all naturopathy is, within a vitalistic context, so we can further extend the aliases of that to BIIOHP, BOHA, BAM, and BOHM.

Lets say "I'm skeptical."

On Facebook, the page "Scenar Therapy" states: "scenar therapy is one of the most advanced forms of  'energy medicine' in the world today."

Oh, that explains it - a pseudodiagnostic-pseudotherapeutic, like Vega and Reich machines. See Quackwatch's "Signs of a Quack Device" and "Index of Questionable Devices".  At the latter, we're informed:

"the devices listed on this page are either inherently bogus or are approved for one use but improperly used for other purposes [...] for example, some bogus devices have been approved as 'biofeedback' instruments even though their actual intended use is to diagnose and/or treat disease [...and includes the] SCENAR."

002. of vitalism and 'energy medicine' overall:

002.a. vitalism [in all its naturopathic guises] is science ejected:

I've been collecting citations for years about this indisputable fact.  To base a medical system on such and usually falsely label the whole thing as science -- as is naturopathy's M.O. -- is nuts.

002.b. 'energy medicine' is without scientific support. Wikipedia states in "Energy Medicine":

"a 2007 investigation by the Seattle Times found that thousands of devices claiming to utilize energy medicine -- many of them illegal or dangerous -- were used in hundreds of venues across the United States. The newspaper described energy medicine as modern-day snake oil, pointing to a lack of regulation and the widespread use of false or unproven marketing claims."

Note: oh snap!

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.

NDs Snider and Turner: NDNR-FNM-NCNM and BNJ-TLDP Citations Round-up

here, I cite from a recent NDNR article by NDs Snider and Turner which labels naturopathy "scientific" and a "profession" [see 001., below]; then, from NCNM which is home to the FNM project, which labels nonscience as science [see 002., below]; then from ND Turner's 1990 British Naturopathic Journal article which details naturopathy's science-unsupported foundations [see 003., below]; and finally two TLDP articles concerning ND Snider and a false science claim upon the hugely nonscientific / naturopathic [see 004., below]:

001. NDs Snider, P. (ND Bastyr 1982) and Turner, R.N. (ND BCNO 1963) write in "Nature Cure in Europe - The Transatlantic Journey From Pragmatism to Principles" (NDNR 2010-10, p.008-009):

"the Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine Project [FNM] aims, for the first time in almost 100 years, to produce a [naturopathic] textbook [...] by bringing together the wisdom and experience of the leaders of the profession from around the world, the FNM hopes to make that essential connection between the practical application of nature’s healing resources, as used pragmatically by the early nature doctors, naturopathic principles, and their integration into the evolving world of modern, scientific naturopathic medicine [...the FNM is] an international textbook of naturopathic medicine project working to codify the 'heart of naturopathic medicine' [...] the text is in development through Elsevier. The FNM is based at the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM) in Portland, Oregon [...] its academic home [...donations are through] Friends of the FNM: Charter Corporate Sponsors [...and the second tier is named] Vital Force ($250,000) [...and the heading within NDNR for the article is] vis medicatrix naturae."

Note: yes, those are the labels "modern scientific" and "profession" upon naturopathy.  And yes, mention of their "vital force" and "vis medicatrix naturae" [vitalism].

002. NCNM, mentioned by Snider and Turner above, explains naturopathy's principles in "Principles of Healing" [vsc 2010-10-01]:

"these principles stand as the distinguishing marks of 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 [(vitalism, in full regalia)...this is] in fact [...and] health and disease are conditions of the whole organism, involving a complex interaction of physical, spiritual [(supernaturalism etc., in full regalia)...with these ideas] based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease and [...] examined continually in light of scientific analysis [(a 'survives scientific scrutiny' claim, in full regalia)]."

Note: yes, that is the HUGELY nonscientific ["life force" etc., "spirit" etc.] falsely labeled as able to survive science's filter.  This is, supposedly, the behaviors and knowledge claims of a "profession."

003. ND Turner states in "Naturopathy - The Identity Crisis" (British Naturopathic Journal, 1990 Jan/Mar vol.13 no.1)[saved 2008-08-10; link seems to be dead]:

"there is much ignorance about naturopathy [...] as to what exactly it is or does [...there are] basic principles of naturopathy [...] fundamental naturopathic theories [...] central to all these is the concept of a life force, or energy, which is the basis for all living matter [p.003...aka] vitalism [...and also there's] the reverse order of cure [...] as defined by the homeopath Hering [...] 'all cure comes from within out, from above down, and in the reverse order in which the symptoms have appeared' [p.004]."

Note: there is no life force, and pathological process and recovery do not happen according to Hering's model.  The fundamentals of naturopathy are BOGUS.  Of course, once you've laid a groundwork of nonsense, you can then use pseudodiagnostics like "iridology" and "radionics."

004. ND Snider states in "Naturopathic Physician on Her Career Choice: 'No Regrets'" (TLDP, 2005 Feb/Mar) [vsc 2010-10-11]:

"naturopathic medicine relies on the vital life force within human beings [...] you need to be an independent, critical, and scientific thinker."

Note: ah ha ha ha.  Science ejected vitalism decades and decades and decades ago.  An "independent, critical, and scientific thinker" has no choice, if in true possession of those qualities, but to find naturopathy absurd and irrational.

Of course, in 1992-04, TLDP also published the article "1991 AANP Convention: Into the Light" which stated [I have an actual paper edition of this]:

"[Snider] 'we believe in the vital force which has inherent organization, is intelligent and intelligible. Chiropractors have adjustments, acupuncturists have needles, we have vis medicatrix naturae. Our way is to research the mystery and beauty of the life force, in which we have faith. Our power and our responsibility is to bring the life force into the light' [...Kane, the ND student and article author] take note of a few good, solid 'sound bytes' from Dr. Rick Kirschner [...] 'we prevent illness and restore health through scientifically validated natural medicines'."

Again, that science label upon the profoundly science-ejected.

005. summary:

So, what is there here?  There are the incorrect claims of professionalism and science upon naturopathy [whose foundation is essentially science-ejected].  There are 'articles of faith' conflated with 'the scientifically supported.'

  There's naturopathic nonsense upon nonsense as a FOUNDATION.  Quite an irrational project.