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naturocrit

(a whistle-blower's skeptical musings upon the absurdity known as naturopathy / naturopathic medicine / natural medicine -- 'from the inside')

Friday, August 12, 2011

Vitalism: Naturopathy's Falsely Labeled Science-Ejected Context Currently, According to THE FOUNDER (NDNR 2011-08)

here, I quote from the current NDNR which talks about naturopathy's contextual hub / central premise / requisite obligation [see 001., below]:

001. in "Early NDs Understood the Power of Mother Nature" (NDNR 2011-08, pp. 027-028), Czeranko, S. (ND CCNM 1994) [vsc 2011-08-12] states:

"Lust [the founder of naturopathy] states poignantly 'naturopathy is a philosophy founded upon the simple theorum that vital-force is in all living matter which gives expression in health and disease' (1923, p. 136) [...and we're also told this] 'nature cure [aka naturopathy...] is the art and science of supplying Nature [coded vitalism] with the conditions necessary to a cure and is constructive (1923, p. 186)'."

Note: so there you go, science claimed upon nonscience ['mother nature' aka 'vital force' aka 'nature' -- vitalism, in sum] -- naturopathy's MO to this day but seen even almost 100 years ago.  In my view, NDNR stands for 'not a doctor, not rational'.   Meanwhile, though based on the science-ejected vitalistic, this ND's alma mater falsely labels naturopathy with such claims as "a rigorous scientific foundation" and "science- based" (for my collection of such claims from this naturopathy school, click here).  Yet, simultaneously, CCNM claims vitalism as the basis of naturopathy (click here).  So, TO THIS DAY and throughout the last say 100 years, naturopathy has FALSELY claimed that the hugely vitalistic / science-ejected is indeed science while profoundly science-ejected.  But don't worry, it's here to stay as they've written such irrationality / absurdity into .gov statutes such as in Oregon, the trunk of the naturopathy tree [which serves as a Rosetta Stone of sorts for interpretation of all other state's ND / NMD usually incomplete 'naturopathy principles' iterations].

Sunday, August 7, 2011

"The Run", Naturopathic, Homeopathic - A Search Surrounding a Publicity Stunt and an Absurd "Natural" Pseudotherapeutic

here, I do a Google.com web search with the parameters "naturopathic "the run" homeopathic" [without the outside quotes] and report on the results [see 001., below]:

001. the top three first-page hits include:

001.a. the naturopathic practice page of Krudowski, J. (NMD SCNM) who specializes in homeopathy and asks on her home page that "The Run" be supported and on her page "FAQs" [vsc 2011-08-07] states:

"naturopaths experience the same four years of basic bio-medical science training as that of allopathic practice [...] homeopathy is a science."

Note: that's rich.   But homeopathy is truly science-demolished.  So when is something the same when it is not: naturopathyland.

001.b. the naturopathy proponentry / endorsement page of the American Medical Student Association "Naturopathic Medicine" [vsc 2011-08-07] which states:

"naturopathic physicians (NDs) attend 4 year full-time residential medical schools and are primary care providers trained in conventional medical sciences [...and] homeopathy [...one school being] National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL [...] all licensed NDs must complete four years of graduate medical education at a school accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) and pass a two-step board examination (similar to USMLE Steps 1 and 2) [called the NPLEX]."

Note: so, I think the obvious claim here is science subset naturopathy subset homeopathy, which is QUITE FALSE.  The NPLEX exam mentioned is claimed to be "science" in title on both parts, with the second part including homeopathy -- nonsense on stilts wearing a tuxedo.

001.c. the practice page of Godby, D. (NMD NCNM 2004) and Caban, P. (N NCNM 2005):

NMD Godby is one of the runners for "The Run", which is explained as "moving natural medicine forward."

Note: if you go to the alma mater of these two naturopaths, the school itself clearly states in their 2010-2011 catalog the science-ejected premises that naturopathy is based on WHILE falsely labeling the whole thing objective scientific fact.  Forward, these days, is not the progressive advancement of knowledge, apparently, that it used to be.  Science has already moved forward, and in the dust, on the trash-heap of the discarded sectarian and whackaloon, lies homeopathy.  And naturopathy, in falsely labeling what is HUGELY science-ejected as science -- in a stubborn, absurd, pig-headed manner common to sectarian systems of pseudomedicine -- is actually quite regressive.

this is science by publicity stunt, truly, and nonsense on stilts wearing a tuxedo....running....away from scientific consensus and into its own private Idaho of pseudotherapeutic absurdity.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Colon Cleansing and Detox Gets Dumped On By Science in the JFP 2011

here, I cite from a summary of a Journal of Family Practice article on colon cleansing bunk [see 001., below]:

001. at medpagetoday.com Nancy Walsh reports in "Colon Detox Not Backed by Science"(2011-08-01):

"Ranit Mishori, MD of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and colleagues, in the August Journal of Family Practice [...in the article] Mishori R, et al 'The Dangers of Colon Cleansing' J Family Pract 2011; 60: 454-457 [...wrote] 'a search of the literature using the terms colon cleansing, herbal colon cleanse, colon detoxification,  and colon irrigation yielded no scientifically robust studies in support of this practice' [...] colon cleansing has been practiced since antiquity as a means of enhancing health through ridding the body of [supposed] toxins [...] users can perform the procedure themselves, but many visit hydrotherapists or colon hygienists [...] Mishori and colleagues outlined three cases of colon cleansing sessions that led to adverse outcomes [...and there have been reports of] air embolism, septicemia, and fatal parasitic infections [...] serious infections and heart failure [...] colon cleansing has no evidence to support its use, and can lead to pain, vomiting, and fatal infections [...specific advice is that] colon cleansing is not medically advisable [...] the devices are not FDA approved and if sanitary precautions are inadequate, infections can result [...] organizations of these practitioners, and the training they receive, are not scientifically regulated."

Note: it is rather ironic that JFP would publish this, being that colon hydrotherapy is an article of faith for naturopathy [they did a crap load of them in ND school during my time there!], and JFP has been quite generous to naturopathy.

[if ever something resembled a feces transplant, it is an infection acquired by use of one of these machines].

ND Bethune: Homeopathy, Vitalism, Applied Kinesiology, Detox, Reiki

here, I cite from the web pages of a Connecticut ND who's into typical naturopathy stuff [see 001., below]:

001. Bethune, S. (ND SCNM) states:

001.a. in "Stephanie Bethune, Naturopathic Doctor" [vsc 2011-08-01]:

"Dr. Stephanie Bethune is [...] integrating scientific research with the healing powers of nature [coded vitalism].  She specializes in homeopathy, nutrition, herbal medicine, applied kinesiology [AK], detoxification programs [detox], and stress and weight management.  She is also a reiki master teacher [...] NDs are educated in all the same fundamental sciences as MDs and are qualified to diagnose and treat disease, just as any licensed physician.  Naturopathic doctors are preventive medicine specialists and are able to provide you with safe, effective, affordable health care [...] Dr. Bethune received her ND degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona [...] Dr. Bethune is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians [...] call now to set up your appointments with Dr. Bethune.  See how you can be encouraged, educated, and empowered to take charge of your healthcare and your life [...] please also visit http://drstephaniebethune.com."

Note: yes, blending science with HPN, which is, coded here, naturopathy's essential vitalistic context. She's got homeopathy, AK, detox and reiki all under one roof.  A claim of "fundamental sciences", and supposed efficacy. Appointments, plural!  I shall be educated?  Empowered? That, of course, would be predicated on the practitioner actually being rigorously knowledgeable.

001.b. at http://drstephaniebethune.com we're told by ND Bethune:

"our mission is to provide you with primary holistic healthcare that is personalized, safe, and effective."

Note: again, a claim of efficacy.  The homeopathy alone belies this!  But wait, there's more!

001.c. in "Homeopathic Appointment" [vsc 2011-08-01]:

"homeopathy is a gentle and effective system of healing [...that will] re-establish balance [...] homeopathy is a gentle and effective system of healing which views all disease as a disturbance or untunement in a person's life force or vital force.  This particular disturbance produces particular symptoms [...] your case will then be studied and the most appropriate remedy will be prescribed to you.  Homeopathic remedies [...] are prepared in a very unique way so that the final product used in treatment is highly dilute and, therefore, very safe and non-toxic."

Note: effective, effective effective!  Supposedly.  There simply isn't a life force or vital force, scientifically speaking.  Such is science-ejected.  Why aren't we told that?  Why aren't we told that there's nothing in a homeopathic remedy and it lacks, preponderantly, scientific support?

001.d. in "Applied Kinesiology" [vsc 2011-08-01]:

"applied kinesiology (AK) is a form of diagnosis that uses muscle testing as a primary feedback mechanism to examine how a person's body is functioning.  AK encompasses many forms of natural therapies and is an amazing way to experience integrative medicine.  Using AK, Dr. Bethune is able to detect improper function in the organs or within the structure of the body.  This includes emotions, muscles, skeletal alignment and acupuncture meridians.  It is an accurate way to determine the best method of therapy for you.  AK can be used to assess nutrients, foods, and supplements and is also excellent for any kind of pain [...] applied kinesiology (AK) uses muscle testing to examine how your body is functioning. AK detects: improper organ function, skeletal misalignment, sources of pain.  AK assesses: structure of the body, emotions, muscles, acupuncture meridians, nutrients, foods, supplements."

Note: the amazing pseudodiagnostic known as AK.  These claims simply aren't scientifically true.

001.e. in "Why Detox" [saved 2011-08-01]:

"detoxification describes a method of assisting the body to heal by removing some of the toxic burden.  We accumulate toxins from our food, air, water, cleaning products, beauty aides, and numerous other daily contacts [...] detoxification programs should only be done under the supervision of an experienced health care practitioner. Dr. Stephanie Bethune is an expert in detoxification methods.  This is a perfect opportunity to give your body a fresh start for the New Year.  Now is the time to rid yourself of toxins!"

Note: ah, toxin paranoia.

001.f. in "Detox Program: Ohm Cleanse Program" [saved 2011-08-01]:

"a detox is a system of 'cleaning' your body on a cellular level by reducing the toxins that have been stored deep in your tissues.  Detoxing, or cleansing, works by unburdening an overloaded system.  The digestive organs are often overloaded by large or unhealthy meals.  Although these organs will continue to digest the food it is presented with, it is done less and less efficiently unless we 'take out the garbage.'  By giving your body less, or healthier, foods to digest, it is able to devote more attention to the process of healing.   You will also be taking herbs to support your liver.  These herbs will help to keep elimination active to prevent re-absorption of the toxins being released [...] mini boost: 3 weeks, $300, all supplements + weekly naturopathic visits [...] big boost: 6 weeks, $600, all supplements + weekly naturopathic visits."

Note: expensive especially considering how bunk detox is.

001.g. in "Reiki" [saved 2011-08-01]:

"reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing [...it] involves the placing of the therapist’s hands at various positions over your fully clothed body to unblock energy flow and promote healing [...] reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit [...] many have reported miraculous results [...] it has been effective in helping almost every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect."

Note: that's quite a claim of efficacy for what is known historically as 'the laying on of hands'.  The energy is imaginary, here, of course and the effects, quite -- to put it politely -- exaggerated.

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**********Tá mé in amhras (Gaelic, 'I am skeptical'). [Dr. Bob Ironic was my ND school nickname -- an absurd doctorate I ceased after 4 years due to its unethical, sectarian, pseudoscientific NATURE {wink-wink}. I am not a doctor, of any kind!]. I will gladly testify against any ND / NMD: practitioner, school, State .gov entity, accreditation body, accessory and such.