Our Age of Quackery | Alberta Doctors' Digest
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Homeopathy and Psychological Therapies
Entry Homeopathy and Psychological Therapies Davide Donelli * and Michele Antonelli AUSL-IRCCS Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Definition: Homeopathy is a popular, although highly debated, medicinal practice based on the administration of remedies in which active substances are so diluted that no detectable trace of them remains in the final product. This hypothesis paper aims to outline a possible reinterpreta- tion of homeopathy in the light of psychological therapies in order to improve its clinical safety and sustainability. Keywords: homeopathy; psychology; reinterpretation; hypothesis 1. Introduction Homeopathy is a popular, although highly debated, medicinal practice. In Italy, for ex- ample, it is estimated that, even if with a slightly declining trend, around 4.1% of the entire population (almost 2.5 million people) occasionally or regularly seeks homeopathic care, and these data, collected in 2013, suggest that homeopathy is the most used Complemen- tary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by Italians [1]. Epidemiological studies aimed to assess the worldwide prevalence of homeopathy use have reported similar data for other high-income countries [2]. Homeopathy was first invented by the German doctor Samuel Hahnemann (1755–1843), and it is based on the administration of remedies in which active substances are so diluted that no detectable trace of them remains in the final product [3]. In his empirical studies, Citation: Donelli, D.; Antonelli, M. Hahnemann reported that the self-administration of a common antimalarial medicinal Homeopathy and Psychological Ther- plant (Cinchona) resulted in the occurrence of the same symptoms of malaria, but to a Encyclopedia 2021 1 apies. -
'Frozen 2' Gives Homeopathic Quackery a Warm
Technology & Ideas ‘Frozen 2’ Gives Homeopathic Quackery a Warm Embrace Disney's film appears to support a debunked, but increasingly popular, form of alternative medicine. By Ariel Procaccia December 24, 2019, 5:30 AM EST No memory whatsoever. Photographer: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images Like millions of other parents, I dutifully took my kids to see Disney’s “Frozen 2” last month, thinking nothing of it. But a few weeks later, not only am I still humming “Into the Unknown.” I am also pondering whether the company that created Donald Duck has embraced quack medicine. Let me explain. The recurring theme in “Frozen 2” is that water has memory. This idea appears time and again throughout the movie, from the very first song — the haunting lullaby “All Is Found” (“where the Northwind meets the sea, there’s a river full of memory”) — to the predictably sentimental ending. At first glance that doesn’t seem unusual; after all, this is a movie whose main characters are an ice witch, a talking snowman and a guy who can basically read his reindeer’s mind. What I found suspicious, however, is a scene where Olaf (the snowman) entertains his friends with scientific trivia: Water has memory, turtles breathe through their butts, men are six times more likely to be struck by lightning than women, and wombats poop in squares. These claims are reasonably accurate, 1 except for water memory. To make matters worse, Olaf actually insists that “it’s disputed by many, but it’s true.” Olaf’s lecture seems to support homeopathy, a system of alternative medicine that relies on the idea that water “remembers” the effects of substances that were previously dissolved in it. -
And Folk Medicine in Dutch Historiography
Medical History, 1999, 43: 359-375 Shaping the Medical Market: On the Construction of Quackery and Folk Medicine in Dutch Historiography FRANK HUISMAN* It has been stated many times: traditionally, medical history was written by, for and about doctors, telling the story of unilinear scientific progress. Positivism tended to look at the history of medicine as a process of linear progress from religion through metaphysics to science, in which mankind was liberated from superstition and irrationality. This view was confirmed by the Weberian notion of a "disenchantment" of the world: in the course of the last few centuries, the influence of magic and animism was seen as having declined. In the field of medical thinking and medical practice, man was thought to have freed himself from the chains of superstition. Gradually, he had learned to relate to the world in rational terms; in the event of illness, academic doctors were the logical engineers of his body. However, the times of the grand stories are over, in general as well as in medical history. With non-physicians moving into the field, there has been a growing awareness of the constructed nature of medicine.1 Medical knowledge has come to be seen as functioning within a specific cultural context from which it derives its meaning.2 Today, illness is no longer considered to be a universal, ontological unit. Instead, the meaning of illness-as well as the response to it-is thought to be determined by factors of a social, economic, political and religious nature.3 The attraction of the old historical image lay in its simplicity. -
Please, Let Not Western Quackery Replace Traditional Medicine in Africa
Tropical Medicine and International Health doi:10.1111/tmi.12037 volume 18 no 2 pp 242–244 february 2013 Editorial Please, let not Western quackery replace traditional medicine in Africa Cees N. M. Renckens1 and Thomas P. C. Dorlo1,2,3 1 Dutch Society against Quackery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2 Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands 3 Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Slotervaart Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands keywords quackery, CAM, traditional medicine, WHO, homeopathy In May 2012, the first gathering of homeopaths was speaking of a universally valid medicine, an open system organised on African soil (National Center for Homeop- that absorbs effective ways of treatment independently athy 2012). Despite the lack of evidence for the efficacy from their origin. Nowadays, acceptance and recognition of homeopathy in any disease and its blatant incompati- of treatments are judged by the rules of evidence-based bility with scientific medicine (see Box 1), the use and medicine, which demand a sound, rational scientific base, popularity of this Western quackery appears to be on preferably reinforced by convincing randomised clinical the rise in Africa, whereas its popularity in Europe is trials. One may regret it, but from this point of view the slowly waning. Western homeopaths who have set up future of TM is bleak. shop in Africa even impertinently suggest the potential This is particularly unfortunate because WHO data of homeopathy in the treatment of HIV and malaria, from 2006 indicate that access to regular medicine in inevitably with fatal consequences. These homeopaths sub-Saharan Africa is far from adequate; while there is like to compare their underdog position with that of one TM practitioner per 500 heads of population, there traditional medicine (TM) and thereby hope to gain is only one regular medicine practitioner per 40 000 undeserved respect in Africa. -
Chiropractic Origins, Controversies, and Contributions
REVIEW ARTICLE Chiropractic Origins, Controversies, and Contributions Ted J. Kaptchuk, OMD; David M. Eisenberg, MD hiropractic is an important component of the US health care system and the largest al- ternative medical profession. In this overview of chiropractic, we examine its history, theory, and development; its scientific evidence; and its approach to the art of medicine. Chiropractic’s position in society is contradictory, and we reveal a complex dynamic of conflictC and diversity. Internally, chiropractic has a dramatic legacy of strife and factionalism. Exter- nally, it has defended itself from vigorous opposition by conventional medicine. Despite such ten- sions, chiropractors have maintained a unified profession with an uninterrupted commitment to clini- cal care. While the core chiropractic belief that the correction of spinal abnormality is a critical health care intervention is open to debate, chiropractic’s most important contribution may have to do with the patient-physician relationship. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158:2215-2224 Chiropractic, the medical profession that (whereas the number of physicians is ex- specializes in manual therapy and espe- pected to increase by only 16%).6 cially spinal manipulation, is the most im- Despite such impressive creden- portant example of alternative medicine tials, academic medicine regards chiro- in the United States and alternative medi- practic theory as speculative at best and cine’s greatest anomaly. its claims of clinical success, at least out- Even to call chiropractic “alterna- side of low back pain, as unsubstanti- tive” is problematic; in many ways, it is ated. Only a few small hospitals permit chi- distinctly mainstream. Facts such as the ropractors to treat inpatients, and to our following attest to its status and success: knowledge, university-affiliated teaching Chiropractic is licensed in all 50 states. -
Keeping Track of the Quacks: Drug and Device Enforcement in the COVID-19 Era by Beth Weinman, Josh Oyster, and Meighan Parker
Join our Author Happy Hour Discussion on November 10 Register Here Keeping Track of the Quacks: Drug and Device Enforcement in the COVID-19 Era by Beth Weinman, Josh Oyster, and Meighan Parker Introduction Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) or federal In February 2020, the Secretary of the Department of Health mail and wire fraud statutes where “quackery” may be a par- and Human Services (HHS) declared a public health emergen- ticularly apt description of the alleged conduct. However, we cy involving the virus that causes COVID-19.1 Unfortunately, expect that at some point the government will pivot towards the public health emergency has provided seemingly fertile cases involving subtler theories of potential deception or ground for nefarious characters to prey upon mass uncertainty failures to comply with applicable regulatory requirements. and consumer fear for their own personal gain. To protect This article reviews key COVID-19-related DOJ and FDA en- consumers from fraudulent medical products during the forcement actions to date, makes predictions regarding what COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Food and Drug Administra- the next wave of federal government enforcement may look tion (FDA) launched “Operation Quack Hack.”2 Similarly, the like, and recommends best practices for ensuring compliance Department of Justice (DOJ) has prioritized the investigation with FDA requirements for the duration of the pandemic and and prosecution of fraudulent or otherwise unfair practices re- beyond. 3 lated to COVID-19. DOJ has established hotlines for reporting Overview of DOJ and FDA Enforcement 4 COVID-19 fraud as well as hoarding and price-gouging. -
Qanon • 75 Years of the Bomb • Vaccine History • Raising
SQANON • K75 YEARS OF ETHE BOMB P• VACCINE HISTORYT • RAISINGI CTHE DEAD? Extraordinary Claims, Revolutionary Ideas & the Promotion of Science—Vol.25Science—Vol.25 No.4No.4 2020 $6.95 USA and Canada www.skeptic.com • WHAT IS QANON? • HOW QANON RECYCLES CENTURIES-OLD CONSPIRACY BELIEFS • HOW QANON HURTS THEIR OWN CAUSE • QANON IN CONSPIRATORIAL CONTEXT watch or listen for free Hear leading scientists, scholars, and thinkers discuss the most important issues of our time. Hosted by Michael Shermer. #146 Dr. DonalD Prothero— # 130 Dr. DeBra Soh—the end # 113 Dave ruBIn— # 106 Dr. DanIel ChIrot— Weird earth: Debunking Strange of Gender: Debunking the Myths Don’t Burn this Book: you Say you Want a revolution? Ideas about our Planet about Sex & Identity in our Society thinking for yourself in an radical Idealism and its tragic age of unreason Consequences #145 GreG lukIanoff—Mighty # 129 Dr. Mona Sue WeISSMark Ira: the aClu’s controversial involve- —the Science of Diversity # 112 ann Druyan—Cosmos: # 105 Dr. DIana PaSulka— ment in the Skokie case of 1977. Possible Worlds. how science and american Cosmic: ufos, # 128 MIChael ShellenBerGer civilization grew up together religion, and technology #144 Dr. aGuStIn fuenteS— —apocalypse never: Why environ- Why We Believe: evolution and the mental alarmism hurts us all human Way of Being # 127 Dr. WIllIaM Perry and #143 Dr. nICholaS ChrIStakIS— toM CollIna—the Button: the apollo’s arrow: the Profound and new nuclear arms race and Presi- enduring Impact of Coronavirus on dential Power from truman to trump the Way We live # 126 Sarah SColeS—they are #142 Dr. -
Parapsychological Treatment Folk Beliefs
1 Revista Dilemas Contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valores. http://www.dilemascontemporaneoseducacionpoliticayvalores.com/ Año: VII Número: Edición Especial Artículo no.:95 Período: Noviembre, 2019. TÍTULO: Creencias populares en el tratamiento parapsicológico. AUTOR: 1. Cand. Ph.D. Nubar Hakimova. RESUMEN: La investigación de la profesión de curandero y algunos de sus componentes, como la profesión de colocación de huesos, la dislocación de ciertas partes del cuerpo ("sinigchilig"), es considerado como un producto de las primeras etapas del desarrollo de la vida social del ser humano. La historia, que compara sistemáticamente la medicina de pueblos turcos y orientales, adquiere una importancia especial en la comprensión de la profesión médica, que es de importancia científica y práctica. PALABRAS CLAVES: gente, creencias, parapsicología, tratamiento. TITLE: Folk beliefs in parapsychological treatment AUTHOR: 1. Cand. Ph.D. Nubar Hakimova. ABSTRACT: The research on the profession of healer and some of its components, such as the profession of bone placement, the dislocation of certain parts of the body ("sinigchilig"), is considered to be a product of the early stages of the development of the social life of the human being. History, which systematically compares the medicine of Turkish and Eastern peoples, 2 acquires special importance in the understanding of the medical profession, which is of scientific and practical importance. KEY WORDS: Folk, beliefs, parapsychology, treatment. INTRODUCTION. The profession of a quack doctor formed in ancient times, as well as the profession of physician being the product of the after Islamic art period, no doubt, the role of rich materials collected during the scientific expeditions of folklore and ethnography is very valuable. -
A Histopathological Study of Psychic Surgery
Published at: The Journal of Shamanic Practice Volume 2, Issue 1 March 2009 Page 21-31 A Study of the Mediumistic Surgery of John of God Alexander Moreira-Almeida, MD, PhD1 Tatiana Moreira de Almeida, MD2 Angela Maria Gollner, MD, PhD3 Stanley Krippner, PhD4 1 – Professor of Psychiatry at the School of Medicine of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), and Director of the Research Center in Spirituality and Health at UFJF, Juiz de Fora, Brazil. 2 – Ophthalmologist in private practice in São Paulo, Brazil. 3 – Professor of Pathology at the School of Medicine of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Brazil. 4 – Professor of Psychology at Saybrook Graduate School in San Francisco, USA. He is the co-editor of Varieties of Anomalous Experience. Address correspondence to: Alexander Moreira-Almeida e-mail: [email protected] Abstract “Mediumistic surgery” is a popular form of complementary medicine that faces chal- lenges regarding its authenticity, although it has received little scientific evaluation. We conducted a preliminary investigation into the veracity of mediumistic surgeries per- formed by the healer “John of God” in Brazil, as well as the specific procedures in- volved in his practice. Thirty surgeries were observed and videotaped; tissues were re- moved and analyzed in 10 of them. Aspects related to antisepsis and analgesia also were investigated. John of God actually made incisions in the skin, as well as occasion- ally scraping the cornea, usually without pain and without the apparent use of anesthet- ics or antiseptics. In the three days of follow-up we failed to identify infection in any of the surgical sites. -
REIKI Higher Courses Brochure.Pdf
R . H . F (TrUST) World Class Higher Level REIKI COURSES (With World Renowned Spiritual Masters) Dr. N. K. Sharma & Dr. Savita Sharma (Founder Trustees) 56-A, ED - Block, Madhuban Chowk, Pitampura, Delhi - 110 034 Ph. :- +91-11-27311456, +91-9811179047, +91-9818570079 E-mail : [email protected] Website : www.reikihealingfoundation.net REIKI HEALING FOUNDATION REIKI IIIrd LEVEL COURSE (Reiki Master Healer) Complete Course Material 1. IIIrd Level Main Book 2. Amazing Secrets of Psychic Surgery 3. Science of Crystal Healing Tibetan Bell & Dorje 4. Book of Other Symbols Reiki Illrd Level - The Master Healer Course is a combination of all the powerful advanced healing techniques of Reiki Healing. Every subject & healing technique that you learn is a complete independent science in itself. One can choose and specialize in any healing technique & can become master of it. The Reiki Healing Foundation (RHF) feels proud to present a world class, unique & scientific course. First of its kind in the world continuously updated, enriched through latest researches, discoveries & developments. Hence, creating a true, successful, spiritual & psychic healer. Empower yourself with the powerful Reiki healing tools of Illrd Level to fight all incurable health ailments, problems of life, psychic attacks, fears, blind belief, help self & others to achieve everything that we desire like health, wealth, peace, power, love & spiritual heights. RHF is a pioneer world body in the field of Reiki and the other energy sciences. Its contributions to the field is unparallel in the world, keeping in view the research, experiment and innovative techniques adopted by it. Dr. N. K. Sharma & Dr. Savita Sharma are the Torch bearers and driving force behind the RHF. -
Cancer Quackery: the Persistent Popularity of Useless, Irrational 'Alternative' Treatments Review Article | August 20, 2012 | In
Cancer Quackery: The Persistent Popularity of Useless, Irrational 'Alternative' Treatments Review Article | August 20, 2012 | Integrative Oncology, Oncology Journal By Barrie R. Cassileth, MS, PhD At a time when many readily believe that vaccines cause autism, or that government scientists created AIDS as a weapon of black genocide, it is not surprising that medical quackery, especially cancer quackery, remains a flourishing and lucrative business throughout the developed world. This review provides a brief recap of its history and an overview of the various types of unproven or disproved cancer therapies popular now in the United States and elsewhere. One of the earliest papers published by one of us (BRC) was entitled “After Laetrile, What?”[1] On looking it over again, it is apparent that this 1982 article could have been written today, except that laetrile proved not transient, but rather a seemingly permanent addition to a very large field. Known also as amygdalin and “vitamin B17” (and not an actual vitamin), laetrile was subjected to 20 years of animal studies, followed by a national clinical trial of 175 patients. Results indicated that the agent had no anticancer effects.[2] Although banned decades ago by the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) and quiescent for a while, laetrile resurfaced as public Internet use became increasingly common. Today, in addition to multiple websites that sell the product, Amazon.com has 209 entries for laetrile in every conceivable form, including vitamin B17 500-mg tablets, organic raw apricot kernels, amygdalin cream, as well as 182 book entries, such as the recent title World Without Cancer: The Story of Vitamin B17 Intravenous laetrile also is available via the Internet and across the Southern US border, in both cases bypassing legal injunctions. -
A Model Explaining Brazilian Spiritist Surgeries and Other Unusual, Religious-Based Healingsi
Report A MODEL EXPLAINING BRAZILIAN SPIRITIST SURGERIES AND OTHER UNUSUAL, RELIGIOUS-BASED HEALINGSI Sidney M. Greenfield, Ph.D. ABSTRACT This paper seeks to explain unusual surgeries performed withour antisepsis or anesthesia in which patients bleed but minimally when cut. experience little if any pain, do nor develop infections or other post-surgical complications and furthermore, recover. Operations performed by three Brazilian Spiritists healer-mediums are described. The explanation of the Kardecist-Spiritists, whose belief system informs the surgeries and other healings, is presented and examined. The author then seeks an objective, scientific explanation for the phenomena in recent developments in new fields within biomedicine and in psychosomatic healing. Ernest. L. Rossi's model (as developed in The Psychology oJlvfind-Body Healing) which focuses on information flow as a way to resolve the mind-body problem, is taken as a point of departure. Rossi proposes that hypnosis can be used therapeutically to introduce information ar the level of the psyche that is then transduced ro the endocrine system, the immune system, etc., activating them ro contribute to the healing process. Observing that hypnosis, as undersrood and used in the individualistic west, usually requires someone to induce a patient so that healing and therapy may be initiated (by suggestion), the aurhor then turns to the comparative record of anthropology to show that individuals regularly enter into trance states during religious rituals where they also are exposed to alternative real ities in which there are forces and beings believed able to both cause and cure illness. This information, it is hypothesized, is transmitted symbolically to the psyches of individuals in both words and images.