Posts
Sunday, 31 January 2010
*Scientology vs. SLW
After the 30th January 10:23 event in London, I had just enough time to nip over to Scientology's shop in Tottenham Court Road.
UPDATE, 24 Feb: ASA say that Scientology can continue to advertise personality and IQ tests; rest of my complaint is still under consideration
UPDATE, 3 Mar: ASA report "Based on the information you provided, it appears you have a valid point and, with a view to acting quickly, we have instructed the advertiser to remove the claim 'for a limited time'..." Epic win!
UPDATE, 18 Mar: ASA say "Further to my letter of 2 March, we have now received a response from the Church of Scientology. They have explained to us that the ad did not intend to refer to the OCA tests and noted that the ad did not mention the test specifically. They have told us that the ad was promoting a series of tests that are usually paid for but have been offered for free for a limited period. On that basis we do not consider the ad is likely to mislead and will take no further action. Because the test was offered for free for a limited period, they do not intend to use the phrase "limited time" in future material." (ASA Letter) Epic fail!
I was offered a handout which I think might breach the CAP code for advertising. I'll let the ASA decide...
"I write to complain about a promotional flyer that was handed out to passers-by outside the premises of the Church of Scientology in Tottenham Court Road, London, on 30th January.
The flyer was entitled "Personality and IQ Testing". I suspect it is in breach of two sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) Code.
I can provide a copy of the scan by email, or send an original copy of the flyer by post, if required.
1. The Church of Scientology maintains premises at 68 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 2EZ.
2. Outside this building, there is often a table-top display of books for sale. Especially at weekends, a member of staff can often be seen distributing flyers.
3. On 30th January I picked up one of the flyers. The text on the flyer reads
"PERSONALITY AND IQ TESTING
The Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Centre offers for a limited time, free intelligence and personality tests. Your IQ, personality and aptitude determine your future. Know them. No obligations."
4. The reverse side of the flyer identifies one of the tests as the "Oxford Capacity Analysis Test".
5. "The Oxford Capacity Analysis Test" (OCA) has been offered to the public, in the UK and abroad, continuously since at least 1960[1][2].
6. Section 2.1 of the CAP code states “All marketing communications should be legal, decent, honest and truthful.”
7. Given that the OCA has been offered continuously to the public since at least 1960, I challenge whether the claim that the test will be available for a "limited time" is truthful.
8. An official 1971 inquiry headed by Sir John Foster produced a report, "Enquiry into the Practice and Effects of Scientology".
(i) Chapter 5a of the report, "Recruitment", identifies the OCA as the first stage of a sales pitch for Scientology services, which are not free of charge. Innumerable sources[3] in print and in the media support this identification.
(ii) Section 131 of the report concludes "Taking the procedure as a whole, one is forced to the conclusion that the Oxford Capacity Analysis is not a genuine personality test; certainly the results as presented bear no relation to any known methods of assessing personality or of scaling test scores...."
(iii) Section 131 continues "No reputable psychologist would accept the procedure of pulling people off the street with a leaflet, giving them a 'personality test' and reporting back in terms that show the people to be 'inadequate', 'unacceptable' or in need of 'urgent' attention... To report back a man's inadequacies to him in an automatic, impersonal fashion is unthinkable in responsible professional practice. To do so is potentially harmful. It is especially likely to be harmful to the nervous introspective people who would be attracted by the leaflet in the first place. The prime aim of the procedure seems to be to convince these people of their need for the corrective courses run by the Scientology organisations." "
8. Section 3.1 of the CAP code states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."
9. In light of Sir John Foster's report, I challenge whether the Church of Scientology holds documentary evidence to prove whether:
(i) the tests it offers are capable of testing intelligence;
(ii) the tests it offers are capable of testing personality;
(iii) the tests it offers are capable of testing aptitude.
10. I confirm that I have never had any connections with the Church of Scientology or any of the groups traditionally associated with it. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the Church of Scientology or any of the groups traditionally associated with it.
11. I confirm that I am happy to be identified as the complainant.
Footnotes:
[1] L. Ron Hubbard, "New Testing Promotion Section", HCO Policy Letter of 28 October 1960
[2] L. Ron Hubbard, "Testing Promotion Revised", HCO Policy Letter of 24 November 1960
[3] "This test accurately measures the preclear's estimation of ten different personality traits. These rise markedly in auditing, reflecting the preclear's gains. Preclears report being calmer, more stable, more energetic and more outgoing as a direct result of auditing and scores on the OCA furnish corroborative data [...]
A vital tool in Expanded Dianetics is the Oxford Capacity Analysis. An important use of this profile is to inprove specific personality traits with Expanded Dianetics procedures. The OCA helps locate deep-seated pockets of aberration which can then be addressed and erased with these precise auditing techniques."
[What Is Scientology? (1992), pp. 163, 220] "
Friday, 29 January 2010
*Lee Crock - cancer sells
Lee Crock has a US patent for his miracle machine, but that might not save him from a potential breach of the UK's Cancer Act 1939.
UPDATE: The ASA have advised that a complaint under section 2.1 is not sustainable, so I have made a new complaint under other sections of the CAP code.
UPDATE, 10th April: ASA reply "...we have received a response from the advertisers... An agent for Lee's Fountain of Youth contacted us to explain that the ad would not be repeated and the 'energy cleaner' business dissolved with immediate effect." Result!
UPDATE, 10th April: The website promoted in the advert is no longer available, but can still be viewed in Google Cache and at archive.org. You can also find Lee at his MySpace page. I'm not sure if his US operations are continuing, but if you'd like to know for sure, give him a bell on 740-783-0021 (740-783-3315 evenings - US number) or write to him at 'Universal Energy Center [sic], 19425 Harl Weiller Rd, Caldwell, Ohio 43724'.
My speculative ASA complaint was this...
"I write to complain about an advert that appeared in Nexus Magazine, entitled "Cancer cells".
I suspect the advert is in breach of one sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) Code, and in breach of the Cancer Act 1939.
For your convenience, I have made a scan of the advert available on a popular image sharing website. [here]
I can provide a copy of the scan by email, or send an original copy of the leaflet by post, if required.
1. Nexus Magazine is published in the UK "under licence by Nexus Magazine (UK) Ltd". It is available in high street shops like WH Smiths.
2. The February-March 2010 issue (Vol. 17, No. 2, page 64) carried an advert entitled "Cancer cells".
3. Section 2.1 of the CAP code states “2.1 All marketing communications should be legal, decent, honest and truthful.”
4. The Cancer Act 1939 (amended) states "No person shall take any part in the publication of any advertisement... containing an offer to treat any person for cancer, or to prescribe any remedy therefor, or to give any advice in connection with the treatment thereof..."
5. I challenge whether the advert is "legal" (CAP code 2.1) under the Cancer Act 1939.
6. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, with Nexus Magazine, or with the publishing industry in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or Nexus Magazine.
7. I confirm that I am happy to be identified as the complainant."
*Henry T Laurency - successor to Pythagoras
UPDATE: ASA: Complaint rejected: "...we think that readers are likely to be aware that the ad is directing readers to a website by proposing a philosophical point of view which, by definition, is not capable of objective substantiation"
The new issue of Nexus Magazine is out, and as usual it doesn't disappoint.
First up is Hylozoics, which is apparently an esoteric school founded by that celebrated pseudoscientist, errr... Pythagoras.
ASA complaint is en route...
"I write to complain about an advert that appeared in Nexus Magazine, entitled "Hylozoics - A Tenable World View, A Positive Life View, A Path To Follow".
I believe the advert is in breach of two sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) Code.
For your convenience, I have made a scan of the advert available on a popular image sharing website. [here]
I can provide a copy of the scan by email, or send an original copy of the leaflet by post, if required.
1. Nexus Magazine is published in the UK "under licence by Nexus Magazine (UK) Ltd". It is available in high street shops like WH Smiths.
2. The February-March 2010 issue (Vol. 17, No. 2) carried an advert entitled "Hylozoics".
3. The advert promotes a website, www.laurency.com, which sells books.
4. No part of the advert attempts to paraphrase or references the contents of the related books (perhaps with some text like "...the book contains..." or "...read about how..."). Indeed, no book is mentioned in the advert.
5. The advert makes claims which are capable of objective substantion. I will proceed on the basis that the advert itself is in breach of the CAP code, without reference to the associated website or books.
6. Section 2.1 of the CAP code states “2.1 All marketing communications should be legal, decent, honest and truthful.”
7. Section 3.1 of the CAP code states “Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation.”
8. I challenge whether the following claims are honest and truthful, and I challenge whether the advertiser holds documentary evidence to prove them:
(i) Hylozoics is a 2700-old school
(ii) Hylozoics was founded by Pythagoras
(iii) All esoteric schools possess the same knowledge
(iv) Reality has three aspects, namely matter, consciousness and motion
(v) Everything is alive
(vi) The meaning of life is development of consciousness
(vii) There are laws of life directing the evolution of consciousness
(viii) By learning to apply universal laws people are able to live in harmony and balance
9. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, with Nexus Magazine, or with the publishing industry in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or Nexus Magazine.
10. I confirm that I am happy to be identified as the complainant.
Dr & Herbs - at last, a cure for hayfever!
UPDATE, 27th Feb: According to a sign posted on the front door of the Luton branch, Dr & Herbs has gone into compulsory liquidation. Good riddance.
UPDATE, 6th Apr: Dr & Herbs were back in business a few days later. Boo! Hiss!
"Dr & Herbs" is a chain of shops in the UK offering Chinese Traditional Medicine, acupuncture and other "alternative" treatments.
As a life-long sufferer of hay fever myself, I was particularly excited to discover that they claim to offer a cure. Unfortunately, the claim doesn't seem to stand up, as my complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority argues.
"I write to complain about the advertising leaflets produced by "Dr & Herbs", a Chinese medicine retail outlet, on 30th January 2010.
The leaflet is entitled "Hay Fever - Looked everywhere for a cure? Pre-season prevention plan from just 33p per day". I believe the leaflet is in breach of several sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) Code.
For your convenience, I have made a scan of the leaflet available on a popular image sharing website [here and here]. I can provide a copy of the scan by email, or send an original copy of the leaflet by post, if required.
1. "Dr & Herbs" is a chain of shops selling Traditional Chinese Medicine, courses of acupuncture and other treatments.
2. I obtained this leaflet from a stand at the entrance of the Luton branch of Dr & Herbs. Their full address is: Dr & Herbs, Unit 182, The Arndale Centre, Luton.
3. The leaflet makes four separate claims of a cure for hay fever based on a "Chinese Medicine Approach". In addition, the leaflets presents two testimonials attesting to the efficacy of the treatment.
4. (i) The first page of the leaflet states "Hay Fever. Looked everywhere for a cure? Pre-season prevention plan from just 33p per day"
(ii) Although the "prevention plan" is not explicitly claimed to be a cure, these three sentences together make a strong implied claim that the "prevention plan" is as effective as a cure might be.
5. (i) The third page of the leaflet states "Unlike antihistamines which are conventially used to lessen hay fever symptoms, chinese [sic] herbal medicine offers a preventative cure designed to stop hay fever before the peak season starts."
(ii) With the use of the word "cure", the leaflet makes an explicit claim of a cure for hay fever.
6. (i) The third page of the leaflet states "Dr & Herbs offer a two-month pre-season prevention plan of once-daily Chinese herbal medicine tablets which will benefit over 90% of sufferers."
(ii) With the use of the words "90%", the leaflet makes an explicit claim of a cure for hay fever.
7. (i) The third page of the leaflet states "We are so confident that our pre-season prevention plans will cure your hay fever, we offer a 100% refund if it isn't completely effective."
(ii) With the use of the word "cure", the leaflet makes an explicit claim of a cure for hay fever.
8. The leaflet includes two testimonials attesting to the efficacy of the treatment offered by Dr & Herbs.
9. (i) "L Penney - Watford" is reported to state "My hay fever symptoms have been nominal despite the high pollen counts we've experienced."
(ii) "M Crane - Bayswater" is reported to state "I had very bad hay fever and all other conventional tablets had failed... for me, this form of alternative therapy has really worked."
COMPLAINT
10. The CAP code, section 3.1, states “Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation.”
11. I have not been able to find any clinical studies attesting to the efficacy of Chinese Traditional Medicine in treating hay fever.
12. I challenge whether:
(i) Dr & Herbs hold documentary evidence to prove any of their three direct claims of a cure for hay fever;
(ii) Dr & Herbs hold documentary evidence to prove their implied claim of a cure for hay fever;
(iii) Dr & Herbs hold documentary evidence to prove that any of their "five treatment plans" might be more suitable for a given individual than any of the other "five treatment plans";
(iv) Dr & Herbs hold documentary evidence that anyone is capable of recognising the correct treatment plan (out of the five) for any given individual;
(v) Dr & Herbs hold documentary evidence that any of their staff is capable of recognising the correct treatment plan (out of the five) for any given individual.
13. Section 50.1 o the CAP code states "Medical and scientific claims made about beauty and health-related products should be backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people."
14. I challenge whether Dr & Herbs' claims of a cure for hay fever are backed by evidence.
15. Section 6.1 of the CAP code states “Marketers should not exploit the credulity, lack of knowledge or inexperience of consumers.”
16. Few consumers are aware of the clinical evidence, published in peer-reviewed medical journals, for Traditional Chinese Medicine.
17. If satisfactory clinical evidence supporting this treatment does not in fact exist, I challenge whether Dr & Herbs has exploited the credulity and lack of knowledge of consumers by representing their treatment as a "cure".
18. Section 2.1 of the CAP code states “2.1 All marketing communications should be legal, decent, honest and truthful.”
19. If satisfactory clinical evidence supporting this treatment does not in fact exist, I challenge whether the leaflet, in making its claims of a cure, is either honest or truthful.
20. Section 14.1 of the CAP code states "Marketers should hold signed and dated proof, including a contact address, for any testimonial they use.
21. I challenge whether Dr & Herbs hold signed and dated proof of the testimonials of "L Penney" and "M Crane".
22. Section 14.3 of the CAP code states "Testimonials alone do not constitute substantiation and the opinions expressed in them must be supported, where necessary, with independent evidence of their accuracy."
23. I challenge whether Dr & Herbs have, in their leaflet, used testimonials as the only source of substantiation for their claim of a cure for hay fever, without supporting the claim with independent evidence of its efficacy.
24. I confirm that I have no connections with the Traditional Chinese Medicine in general, or specifically with Dr & Herbs. I confirm that I am not, and have never been, involved in legal proceedings with Dr & Herbs.
25. I confirm that I am happy to be identified as the complainant."
Sunday, 24 January 2010
*Ray Wilson and Sue Blain - magical fingers
The 26th November edition of the Luton and Dunstable Herald and Post carried an interview with Ray Wilson, a local man who selflessly devotes his time to healing the sick.
Ray Wilson is the founder of "Gentle Touch Healing", a registered charity which offers some kind of magical finger treatment.
"According to accomplished Dunstable healer Ray Wilson, healing is like drawing. 'It's something we can all do,' he said. 'Not everyone is capable of painting a masterpiece but we can all learn the basics.'
Ray, 62, of Duke's Court, The Mall, was only 13 when he heard an inner voice telling him he'd been put here to heal. But he dismissed it as a childish fantasy. It wasn't until many years later that he felt an overwhelming urge to use the gift he'd suppressed for so long.
He recalls: 'It was when my sister was diagnosed with cancer. I felt very strongly that I should place my hands on her to heal her.'
But he confesses sadly: 'I didn't know how to.'
It was only after she died that he came into contact with a healer training college in London. He says: 'The first night I went, their healers were able to help someone with the same cancer my sister had. I joined to learn how to heal and to use my gift to help others.'
Ray founded Gentle Touch Healing in 1997 to support practicioners and patients alike. It became a charity in 2004. He firmly believes that the future for healthcare should involve a holistic approach with doctors, healers and complementary therapists working together. He dreams of building a dedicated centre offering a multi-disciplinary team with everyone under the same roof.'
Ray describes his calling as a 'way of life'. He said: 'People have to come into it with the right intent. It's not about ego or making money.'
'People come to us with physical, mental and emotional problems. The main one is stress caused by unemployment and financial troubles or emotional difficulties. We also see patients with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. We can't promise a cure but we can stabilise and ease symptoms for those who come regularly. Healing helps maintain quality of life.'
New patients are assigned a specific healer so they can reveal their problems in confidence, one to one.
'We play soft music and encourage them to relax', he explains.
'Healers are trained to detect energy blockages and imbalances and to release them so the natural self-healing process can begin.
There is limited scientific evidence that healing works but most people find the 15 to 20-minute sessions helpful. The technique has no known side-effects.
Ray is keen to emphasise that healing has nothing to do with faith or religion. 'There's nothing to worry about,' he says. 'It's very easy, very comfortable and we can work 'off body' if people are uncomfortable with the laying on of hands.'
Ray and his team have recently moved to The Old School in Dunstable Road, Flitwick, where they offer free healing - donations gratefully accepted - on Tuesdays 7.30pm to 9pm. Some of his members also give healing at Queensberry [sic] School West in Canesworde Road on Thursdays from 7.30pm to 9pm.
For more information call 01582 663900 or visit www.gentletouch.co.uk"
Did the H&P accidentally insert a word? Instead of saying...
"The technique has no known side-effects"
...surely they meant so say...
"The technique has no known effects"
...no? Alas, before I had a chance to put them right, Sue Blain (a local naturopath) had appeared in the letters page with news of an exciting scientific discovery.
"A balanced view about [sic] hands on healing [sic]
I really enjoyed and was heartened to read Bev Creagh's balanced and informative article about hands-on-healing [sic]. I would like to add further information concerning scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness, in order to encourage more people to consider using it.
In a study, undertaken by a surgeon with a PhD in molecular biology at the University of Connecticut, Professor Gronowicz, trained healers significantly stimulated the growth of bone, tendon and skin cells.
The cell cultures, in petri dishes, were divided into three groups, the control group, trained healers and untrained students. They were instructed to hold their hands above their cell cultures for 10 minutes, twice a week. The dishes were then returned to an incubator.
Scientists who later examined the cells under the microscope didn't know which group each petri dish had been in. One test revealed that cells treated by the trained healers grew double the rate of the untreated cells and also absorbed more calcium. Professor Gronowicz was also intrigued to discover that bone cancer cells were not stimulated in the way the healthy cells were.
The results of this study, designed to rule out the placebo effect, appears [sic] to rule out the placebo effect, appears [sic] to support the belief that an energy field, when channelled through human hands, can positively affect a person's health at a cellular level.
Throughout history and in many cultures the laying on of hands has been used to relieve pain and cure diseases. More recently it is being used in hospitals, for example in Northampton, in the University College Hospital London (Sam Buxton Sunflower Healing Trust) and also in the Czech Republic, where doctors and nurses are trained to use it. It is to be hoped that our local hospitals could follow Northampton's lead.
So thanks to Bev for helping to promote such a good cause and of course to Ray and his team for giving up their free time to help others."
Having read the letter, I was quite surprised that Professor Gronowicz had been overlooked by the Nobel Prize committee that year. Unfortunately, I suspect that Sue has never actually read the study.
"This kind of 'healing' will never work
Your correspondent Sue Blain writes enthusiastically about hands-on healing and 'scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness'.
Unfortunately Professor Gronowicz's experiment was seriously flawed and the results are just a mirage.
There were basic handling errors, the control group was added afterwards and worse still, her results were published in two journals - with different results reported for the same experiment!
In the second of these, the respected Journal of Orthopedic Research, Gronowicz herself admits that her results are statistically insignificant.
There remains not a jot of evidence to show that this kind of 'healing' can improve your health."
Later I realised that I should have written a different letter altogether (not submitted for publication):
"Your correspondent Sue Blain writes enthusiastically about hands-on healing and 'scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness'; but I wonder if Sue has actually read the research?
In the respected Journal of Orthopedic Research, Gronowicz herself concludes 'None of the comparisons fell below this more rigorous threshold, suggesting that the experiment was underpowered...'
In plain English this translates as 'the experiment was a failure'. There remains not a jot of evidence to show that this kind of 'healing' can improve your health."
Sue Blain's second letter, published the following week, was not exactly an impressive rebuttal.
"Will have to agree to differ
It seems Mr Lewis and I will have to agree to differ about the effectiveness of hands on healing and Professor Gronowicz's study, reported in the Journal of Orthopaedic [sic] Medicine. It does take a great leap of understanding to appreciate how and why it works. A certain amount of scepticism is always needed and a natural reaction will often be, 'How can it possibly work?'
Hopefully more studies will follow to verify her initial findings. However, proof and understanding aside, there are still many people who have benefitted from this therapy and are very grateful for any help they've received."
Ray Wilson appears in a promotional video here.
*Sylvie Hamilton - qualified head-scratcher
The Luton and Dunstable Herald and Post newspaper runs a weekly column, "Question Time", in which its readers can get up close and personal with local personalities.
October was the turn of Sylvie Hamilton, who is apparently a "cranial osteopath".
"Sylvie Hamilton has recently joined the well-established team at Glenn Lobo's Osteopathic & Acupuncture Practice in Stopsley, Luton.
Sylvie brings several therapies to the practice to help enhance your health. Having originally studied massage, she went on to learn Japanese facial massage, hot stone therapy, Indian head massage, aromatherapy and sports massage.
After completing her osteopathy training she then went on to do a cranial osteopathy course.
This type of treatment is very gentle and excellent for treating babies and small children with problems like colic, sleeplessness, feeding and restlessness. Cranial osteopathy can be especially helpful if the baby has had a difficult birth. Sylvie is available on Tuesdays and Fridays and can be contacted on 01582 721531 or www.thecaringosteopath.com"
The Herald and Post were good enough to print my response, entitled "No evidence this treatment can work". I'm especially proud of the second sentence.
"In your October 8 issue you made some odd claims about cranial osteopathy. Your readers deserve the opportunity to hear from someone actually qualified in evidence-based medicine.
Dr Steve Bateman writing for the Complementary Medical Association, notes 'there is little evidence...that osteopathy is helpful for the treatment of any medical condition.'
Cranial osteopathy, he adds, is based on a 'scientifically unconfirmed belief' in 'cranial lesions' and 'cranial rhythms', about which researchers 'have serious doubts (they) even exist'.
Apart from two antispasmodic drugs with dangerous side effects, there remains no known treatment for colic, osteopathic or otherwise."
Friday, 22 January 2010
*Andrew Ward - flu vaccine denialist
UPDATE: ASA say that the editorial is not within their remit. They also say " I have spoken with our Compliance Team regarding the advertisement and the claim “All acute and chronic illnesses treated”. The Compliance Team will ask that this claim be removed."
UPDATE: The editor of A Local Life did not respond to my letter. How rude.
UPDATE: PCC complaint not accepted; A Local Life is not a member of the PCC
UPDATE: Society of Homeopaths say "I can assure you that Mr. Ward has accepted the advert at the bottom of the page was in breach of the ASA regulations and was a mistake. He has undertaken not to repeat the advertisement in this form."
The article's author Andrew Ward asserts that seasonal flu vaccines are not an effective treatment for seasonal flu. What does he suggest instead?
Why, homeopathy, of course!
"Homeopathic medicine - enhance and protect your HEALTH and IMMUNITY.
Winter is upon us and the temperatures are beginning to fall. Seasonal flu is already widespread in the area. It is an epidemic disease that occurs in distinct waves of about 13 - 15 weeks. Usually it coincides with lower temperatures and then the outbreak effects susceptible persons. Normally, although uncomfortable, the illness is not serious however for a few individuals it can be serious. Conventional medicine has no answer to these outbreaks. Even the well known vaccines have now been shown to be of no real use.
Homeopathy has always provided the best solution to the prevention and treatment of this debilitating illness. We can show that by raising your level of health you can become less prone to the illness or if contracted you can recover much more quickly with less after effects. One of the complications of the 'flu is respitory symptoms such as bronchitus or pneumonia. Again homeopathy can help preven[sic] this or treat quickly if it arises. Often an acute illness will resolve more quickly with the right homeopathic prescription than with antibiotics, and with no side effects!
Some examples
In cold wet spells BRYONIA is a good choice with a hard dry cough, flushed face, tremendous thirst, pains, irritability but wants to remain still and coated tongue.
In milder spells GELSEMIUM can be used with exhaustion, heavy eyes, thirstless and aches.
Also EUPATORIUM with extreme bone and muscle aches, restless, coated tongue, fever but no sweat, and great thirst.
If 'flu appears after exposure to chill then think of ACONITE with hot burning face, restlessness, fear, and fever.
ARSENICUM will often abort an attack of 'flu with restlessness, chill, thirst for sips (especially warm drinks) prostration, anxiety/aggrevation after midnight and desire for reassurance.
SEASONAL FLU
Have you thought about using homeopathic medicine to help you to protect and combat the seasonal flu. My experience shows that homeopathy is the most effective treatment for this debilitating illness. Not only does it help the person overcome the illness more quickly, it can help to avoid any unwelcome left-overs from the illness. This is common after 'flu. The person feels tired and listless, without the usual amount of energy. I have many examples of this scenario helped quickly with the right prescription." (Original article link)
Here is my letter to the Press Complaints Commission...
I write to complain about an editorial in the magazine "A Local Life", Issue 2, published in January 2010. I believe that is in breach of the PCC Editor's Code of Practice, specifically Sections 1(i), 1(ii), 1(iii) and 2.
I enclose a scan of the editorial. I can provide an original copy, by post, if required.
1. "A Local Life" is a free magazine published monthly and distributed in the town of Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire.
2. On page 20 of the January 2010 issue, an editorial entitled "Homeopathic Medicine - enhance and protect your health and immunity" was published.
3. At the bottom of page 20, an advertisement for Andrew Ward, a local Homeopath, also appears. The PCC does not deal with advertisements; this complaint is thus concerned only with the editorial which appears above it.
4. Section 1(i) of the Editor's code states "The Press must take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information, including pictures."
5. The editorial states "Seasonal flu is already widespread in the area. ...Conventional medicine has no answer to these outbreaks."
6. This statement is false. Vaccines exist and numerous clinical trials attest to their effectiveness in combatting the disease. To mention just one example, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 4, 2009 [1] concludes:
"Influenza vaccines are effective in reducing cases of influenza, especially when the content predicts accurately circulating types and circulation is high."
7. Section 1(i) of the Editor's code states specifically that "The Press must take care..."
8. Few journalists are qualified in medicine, and in order to comply with the code, it would be reasonable to expect the media to consult someone qualified in evidence-based medicine before publishing medical advice. If the magazine had consulted, for example, a GP, it is highly unlikely that they would have been advised that "Conventional medicine has no answer to these outbreaks". The magazine has not taken care to avoid publishing inaccurate information and is thus in breach of Section 1(i) of the code.
9. Section 1(iii) of the code states "The Press, whilst free to be partisan, must distinguish clearly between comment, conjecture and fact."
10. The statement "Conventional medicine has no answer to these outbreaks" is presented as a fact, yet it is demonstrably false (as I outlined in Paragraph 6). The magazine is thus in breach of Section 1(iii) of the code.
11. Several further parts of the editorial are in breach of Section 1(i) of the code for the reasons I outlined in Paragraph 8, and in breach of Section 1(iii) of the code for the reasons I outlined in Paragraph 10.
12. The editorial states "Even the well known vaccines have now been shown to be of no real use."
13. This statement is false. Vaccines exist and numerous clinical trials attest to their effectiveness in combatting the disease[1]. The editorial is thus in breach of Sections 1(i) and 1(iii) of the code.
14. The editorial states "Homeopathy has always provided the best solution to the prevention and treatment of this debilitating illness".
15. This statement is false. An exhaustive meta-analysis published in The Lancet in 2005 [2] has shown that there is no evidence to suggest homeopathy is effective beyond placebo against any medical disorder. Four similar meta-studies reached the same conclusion. The editorial is thus in breach of Sections 1(i) and 1(iii) of the code.
16. The editorial states "One of the complications of the 'flu is respiratory symptoms such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Again Homeopathy can help preven [sic] this or treat quickly if it arises."
17. This statement is false. An exhaustive meta-analysis published in The Lancet in 2005 [2] has shown that there is no evidence to suggest homeopathy is effective beyond placebo against any medical disorder. Four similar meta-studies reached the same conclusion. The editorial is thus in breach of Sections 1(i) and 1(iii) of the code.
18. The editorial states "Often an acute illness will resolve more quickly with the right homeopathic prescription than with anti-bodies [sic], and with no side-effects!"
19. This statement is false. An exhaustive meta-analysis published in The Lancet in 2005 [2] has shown that there is no evidence to suggest homeopathy is effective beyond placebo against any medical disorder. Four similar meta-studies reached the same conclusion. The editorial is thus in breach of Sections 1(i) and 1(iii) of the code.
20. The editorial names "Some examples" of homeopathic treatment for symptoms of flu. I will mention just one of them.
21. The editorial states "ARSENICUM will often abort an attack of 'flu with restlessness, chill, thirst for sips (especially warm drinks) prostration, anxiety, aggravation after midnight and desire for re-assurance."
22. This statement is false. An exhaustive meta-analysis published in The Lancet in 2005 [2] has shown that there is no evidence to suggest homeopathy is effective beyond placebo against any medical disorder. Four similar meta-studies reached the same conclusion. The editorial is thus in breach of Sections 1(i) and 1(iii) of the code.
23. A reader of the magazine, Hayley Stevens, has been in correspondence with the editor of the magazine regarding the editorial. The correspondence has been published on an internet blog.[3]
24. Section 2 of the code states "A fair opportunity for reply to inaccuracies must be given when reasonably called for."
25. The editor is reported to have written "...it's great that you take the time to comment but the article is not one that requires a counter comment...". The editor reportedly continues by writing "I feel that there are many other worthy causes that I would rather give space to..." and concludes by writing "In the future if you wish to contribute on other issues..."
26. If the reported correspondence is factual and accurate, the editor has thus refused Ms Stevens' reasonable request that the numerous inaccuracies in the editorial be corrected. His final response is that Ms Stevens (or others) might be allowed to contribute only on other issues, not on the matter under dispute. If the reported correspondence is factual and accurate, it is a grave breach of Section 2 of the code.
27. Section 1(ii) of the code states "ii) A significant inaccuracy, misleading statement or distortion once recognised must be corrected, promptly and with due prominence, and - where appropriate - an apology published." If the reported correspondence is factual and accurate, the magazine is in breach of Section 1(ii) of the code.
28. I have written personally to the magazine to ask them to publish a correction as the Editor's Code requires them to do. If I do not receive a satisfactory reply, I will make a further complaint to the PCC in the future.
29. Public health is a serious issue. Seasonal flu is responsible for many hundreds of deaths annually in the United Kingdom. The printed media frequently publishes criticism of publich health policy in the form of comment and conjecture; it is their right to do so. In this instance, though, we are dealing with the presentation of demonstrable falsehoods presented not as comment, or as conjecture, but as fact. It is a most serious issue, and I hope the Commission will give it their urgent attention.
Footnotes:
[1] http://mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD001269/frame.html
[2] "Are the clinical effects of homoeopathy placebo effects? Comparative study of placebo-controlled trials of homoeopathy and allopathy", Lancet 366 (9487), 2005. Summary available at
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16125589
[3] http://ratherfriendly.blogspot.com/2010/01/local-life-reply-to-my-request.html
...and my letter to the Editor of the magazine...
Dear Sir/Madam,
I write about the article published in "Homeopathic Medicine: enhance and protect your health and immunity" published in the January 2010 issue of "A Local Life" magazine.
The article made a number of claims which, although being demonstrably false, were reported as fact. The claims included:
"Seasonal flu is already widespread in the area. ...Conventional medicine has no answer to these outbreaks."
"Conventional medicine has no answer to these outbreaks"
"Even the well known vaccines have now been shown to be of no real use."
"Homeopathy has always provided the best solution to the prevention and treatment of this debilitating illness".
"One of the complications of the 'flu is respiratory symptoms such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Again Homeopathy can help preven [sic] this or treat quickly if it arises."
I demand that you correct these inaccuracies at the earliest opportunity. I remind you of your obligations under the Press Complaints Commission's "Editor's Code of Practice", namely:
Section 1(ii): A significant inaccuracy, misleading statement or distortion once recognised must be corrected, promptly and with due prominence, and - where appropriate - an apology published.
Section 2: A fair opportunity for reply to inaccuracies must be given when reasonably called for.
I further remind you of your obligations under the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) Code, namely:
Section 2.1: All marketing communications should be legal, decent, honest and truthful.
Section 2.2: All marketing communications should be prepared with a sense of responsibility to consumers and to society.
Section 6.1: Marketers should not exploit the credulity, lack of knowledge or inexperience of consumers.
Section 7.1: No marketing communication should mislead, or be likely to mislead, by inaccuracy, ambiguity, exaggeration, omission or otherwise.
I urge you to take urgent action to comply with your responsibilities.
Yours faithfully,
...and since the article was an advertorial, I also wrote to the Advertisting Standards Authority...
Dear Sir/Madam
I write to complain about an advert published in the magazine "A Local Life", Issue 2, dated January 2010.
The advert consists of a marketing promotion entitled "Homeopathic Medicine - enhance and protect your health and immunity".
I enclose a scan of the promotion. I believe it is in breach of several sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code.
1. "A Local Life" is a free magazine published monthly and distributed in the town of Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire.
2. On page 20 of the January 2010 issue, an editorial entitled "Homeopathic Medicine - enhance and protect your health and immunity" was published. At the bottom of the same page an advertisement for a local Homeopath, Andrew Ward, also appears.
3.
(i) The "editorial" is in fact a paid-for marketing promotion by the same Andrew Ward. As such, it falls within the remit of the CAP code, specifically Sections 1.1(g) "sales promotions" and/or 1.1(h) "advertisement promotions".
(ii) The fact that the "editorial" is a paid-for marketing promotion has been established beyond doubt. Some correspondence concerning the marketing promotion has been published on the internet[1]. The magazine's editor is quoted as saying
"I am sorry that you were not happy with the article in issue 2, however I would like to explain that as a free magazine that we build relationships with local businesses and advertorial is paid for as you can see the article is accompanied by an advert."
(iii) I will proceed on the basis that the quoted correspondence is either factually correct, or that its veracity can be easily established during the course of an ASA investigation.
4. The CAP Code, Section 3.1, states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."
5. The CAP Code, Section 7.1, states "No marketing communication should mislead, or be likely to mislead, by inaccuracy, ambiguity, exaggeration, omission or otherwise."
6. The promotion states "Seasonal flu is already widespread in the area. ...Conventional medicine has no answer to these outbreaks."
7. This statement is false. Vaccines exist and numerous clinical trials attest to their effectiveness in combatting the disease. To mention just one example, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 4, 2009 [2] concludes:
"Influenza vaccines are effective in reducing cases of influenza, especially when the content predicts accurately circulating types and circulation is high."
The promotion is thus in breach of Sections 3.1 and 7.1 of the code.
8. The promotion states "Even the well known vaccines have now been shown to be of no real use."
9. This statement is false. Vaccines exist and numerous clinical trials attest to their effectiveness in combatting the disease[2]. The promotion is thus in breach of Sections 3.1 and 7.1 of the code.
10. The promotion states "Homeopathy has always provided the best solution to the prevention and treatment of this debilitating illness".
11. This statement is false. An exhaustive meta-analysis published in The Lancet in 2005 [3] has shown that there is no evidence to suggest homeopathy is effective beyond placebo against any medical disorder. Four similar meta-studies reached the same conclusion. The promotion is thus in breach of Sections 3.1 and 7.1 of the code.
12. The promotion states "One of the complications of the 'flu is respiratory symptoms such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Again Homeopathy can help preven [sic] this or treat quickly if it arises."
13. This statement is false. An exhaustive meta-analysis published in The Lancet in 2005 [3] has shown that there is no evidence to suggest homeopathy is effective beyond placebo against any medical disorder. Four similar meta-studies reached the same conclusion. The promotion is thus in breach of Sections 3.1 and 7.1 of the code.
14. The promotion states "Often an acute illness will resolve more quickly with the right homeopathic prescription than with anti-bodies [sic], and with no side-effects!"
15. This statement is false. An exhaustive meta-analysis published in The Lancet in 2005 [3] has shown that there is no evidence to suggest homeopathy is effective beyond placebo against any medical disorder. Four similar meta-studies reached the same conclusion. The promotion is thus in breach of Sections 3.1 and 7.1 of the code.
16. The promotion names "Some examples" of homeopathic treatment for symptoms of flu. I will mention just one of them.
17. The promotion states "ARSENICUM will often abort an attack of 'flu with restlessness, chill, thirst for sips (especially warm drinks) prostration, anxiety, aggravation after midnight and desire for re-assurance."
18. This statement is false. An exhaustive meta-analysis published in The Lancet in 2005 [3] has shown that there is no evidence to suggest homeopathy is effective beyond placebo against any medical disorder. Four similar meta-studies reached the same conclusion. The promotion is thus in breach of Sections 3.1 and 7.1 of the code.
19. The CAP Code, Section 6.1, states "Marketers should not exploit the credulity, lack of knowledge or inexperience of consumers."
20. Seasonal flu is a serious publich health issue. The virus is responsible for many hundreds of deaths annually in the United Kingdom, deaths which are often preventable. Consumers cannot be expected to be familiar with either the evidence supporting the effectiveness of vaccines for season flu, or with the evidence debunking the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies. The marketing promotion exploits ordinary consumers in a way which could potentially cause preventable fatalities. The promotion is thus in breach of Section 6.1 of the code.
Yours faithfully,
Footnotes:
[1] http://ratherfriendly.blogspot.com/2010/01/local-life-reply-to-my-request.html
[2] http://mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD001269/frame.html
[3] "Are the clinical effects of homoeopathy placebo effects? Comparative study of placebo-controlled trials of homoeopathy and allopathy", Lancet 366 (9487), 2005. Summary available at
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16125589
...and finally - to the Society of Homeopaths!
Dear Sir/Madam,
I write to lodge a formal complaint against Andrew Ward Dip.IACH R.S.Hom.
The matter concerns an advertisement placed in the magazine "A Local Life", Issue 2 (January 2010) by Mr Ward. I enclose a copy of the advert.
I argue that Mr Ward is responsible for multiple breaches of the Society's "Code of Ethics and Practice", specifically Section 48 and 72, and multiple breaches of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) Code, specifically Sections 3.1, 6.1 and 7.1. I further discuss an interpretation of Mr Ward's words which could be viewed as being contrary to the Cancer Act 1939.
INTRODUCTION
1. "A Local Life" is a free magazine published monthly and distributed in the town of Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire.
2. On page 20 of the January 2010 issue, an editorial entitled "Homeopathic Medicine - enhance and protect your health and immunity" was published. At the bottom of the same page an advertisement appears for Mr Ward's practices in Bradford-on-Avon and London.
3. (i) The "editorial" is in fact a paid-for marketing promotion by Mr Ward. As such, it falls within the remit of the Code of Ethics and Practice Section 48 (dealing with "Publicity and advertising").
(ii) The fact that the "editorial" is a paid-for marketing promotion has been established beyond doubt. Some correspondence concerning the marketing promotion has been published on the internet [1]. The magazine's editor is quoted as saying
"I am sorry that you were not happy with the article in issue 2, however I would like to explain that as a free magazine that we build relationships with local businesses and advertorial is paid for as you can see the article is accompanied by an advert."
(iii) I will proceed on the basis that the quoted correspondence is either factually correct, or that its veracity can be easily established during the course of any investigation by the Society's Professional Conduct Department.
4. (i) Section 48 of the Code of Ethics states "All advertisements shall conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice."
(ii) I will refer to the British Code of Advertising Practice (the "CAP code") several times. I will assume that the Society, having their own copies of the CAP code, do not require me to send them one.
5. The Code of Ethics (Introduction) states "A professional homeopath has, by becoming a member of the Society, agreed to be bound by and to observe this Code of Ethics..."
6. Thus, Mr Ward's general conduct is subject to certain obligations under Section 72 of the Code of Ethics (dealing with "Legal obligations"). Any material Mr Ward publishes in a magazine, regardless of whether is is an advertisement, would certainly fall under the remit of Section 72.
COMPLAINT
7. On the basis of the correspondence I mention in Section 3, I will proceed under the assumption that the text of the marketing promotion was penned by Mr Ward. In this context, I shall write "Mr Ward states..." as a shorthand for "Mr Ward apparently states..." and "Mr Ward's assertion..." as a shorthand for "Mr Ward's apparent assertion..."
8. (i) In the marketing promotion, Mr Ward states "Seasonal flu is already widespread in the [local] area. ...Conventional medicine has no answer to these outbreaks."
(ii) Section 48 of the Code of Ethics states "Advertising shall not be false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, extravagant or sensational."
(iii) Section 7.1 of the CAP Code states "No marketing communication should mislead, or be likely to mislead, by inaccuracy, ambiguity, exaggeration, omission or otherwise."
(iv) Mr Ward's assertion is false. Vaccines exist and numerous clinical trials attest to their effectiveness in combatting the disease. To mention just one example, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 4, 2009 [2] concludes:
"Influenza vaccines are effective in reducing cases of influenza, especially when the content predicts accurately circulating types and circulation is high."
(v) Mr Ward's assertion is thus in breach of Section 48 of the Code of Ethics and in breach of Section 7.1 of the CAP Code.
9. (i) Mr Ward states "Even the well known vaccines have now been shown to be of no real use."
(ii) Section 48 of the Code of Ethics states "Advertising shall not be false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, extravagant or sensational."
(iii) Section 7.1 of the CAP Code states "No marketing communication should mislead, or be likely to mislead, by inaccuracy, ambiguity, exaggeration, omission or otherwise."
(iv) Mr Ward's assertion is manifestly false and misleading. Vaccines exist and numerous clinical trials attest to their effectiveness in combatting the disease[2].
(v) Mr Ward's assertion is thus in breach of Section 48 of the Code of Ethics and in breach of Section 7.1 of the CAP Code.
10. (i) Mr Ward states "Homeopathy has always provided the best solution to the prevention and treatment of this debilitating illness".
(ii) Section 48 of the Code of Ethics states "Advertising shall not be false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, extravagant or sensational."
(iii) Section 3.1 of the CAP Code states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."
(iv) Section 7.1 of the CAP Code states "No marketing communication should mislead, or be likely to mislead, by inaccuracy, ambiguity, exaggeration, omission or otherwise."
(v) Mr Ward's assertion is false and misleading. An exhaustive meta-analysis published in The Lancet in 2005 [3] has shown that there is no evidence to suggest homeopathy is effective beyond placebo against any medical disorder. Four similar meta-studies reached a similar conclusion. Allopathic treatments exist which are of proven effectiveness beyond placebo[2].
(vi) Mr Ward's assertion is thus in breach of Section 48 of the Code of Ethics and in breach of Sections 3.1 and 7.1 of the CAP Code.
11. (i) Mr Ward states "One of the complications of the 'flu is respiratory symptoms such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Again Homeopathy can help preven [sic] this or treat quickly if it arises."
(ii) Section 48 of the Code of Ethics states "Advertising shall not be false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, extravagant or sensational."
(iii) Section 3.1 of the CAP Code states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."
(iv) Section 7.1 of the CAP Code states "No marketing communication should mislead, or be likely to mislead, by inaccuracy, ambiguity, exaggeration, omission or otherwise."
(v) Mr Ward's assertion is false and misleading. An exhaustive meta-analysis published in The Lancet in 2005 [3] has shown that there is no evidence to suggest homeopathy is effective beyond placebo against any medical disorder. Four similar meta-studies reached a similar conclusion.
(vi) Mr Ward's assertion is thus in breach of Section 48 of the Code of Ethics and in breach of Sections 3.1 and 7.1 of the CAP Code.
12. (i) Mr Ward states "Often an acute illness will resolve more quickly with the right homeopathic prescription than with anti-bodies [sic], and with no side-effects!"
(ii) Section 48 of the Code of Ethics states "Advertising shall not be false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, extravagant or sensational."
(iii) Section 3.1 of the CAP Code states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."
(iv) Section 7.1 of the CAP Code states "No marketing communication should mislead, or be likely to mislead, by inaccuracy, ambiguity, exaggeration, omission or otherwise."
(v) Mr Ward's assertion is false and misleading. An exhaustive meta-analysis published in The Lancet in 2005 [3] has shown that there is no evidence to suggest homeopathy is effective beyond placebo against any medical disorder. Four similar meta-studies reached a similar conclusion. Allopathic treatments, such as antibiotics, are of proven effectiveness beyond placebo [2].
(vi) Mr Ward's assertion is thus in breach of Section 48 of the Code of Ethics and in breach of Sections 3.1 and 7.1 of the CAP Code.
13. (i) Mr Ward names "Some examples" of homeopathic treatment for symptoms of flu. I will mention just one of them.
(ii). Mr Ward states "ARSENICUM will often abort an attack of 'flu with restlessness, chill, thirst for sips (especially warm drinks) prostration, anxiety, aggravation after midnight and desire for re-assurance."
(iii) Section 48 of the Code of Ethics states "Advertising shall not be false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, extravagant or sensational."
(iv) Section 3.1 of the CAP Code states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."
(v) Section 7.1 of the CAP Code states "No marketing communication should mislead, or be likely to mislead, by inaccuracy, ambiguity, exaggeration, omission or otherwise."
(vi) Mr Ward's assertion is false and misleading. An exhaustive meta-analysis published in The Lancet in 2005 [3] has shown that there is no evidence to suggest homeopathy is effective beyond placebo against any medical disorder. Four similar meta-studies reached a similar conclusion.
(vii) Mr Ward's assertion is thus in breach of Section 48 of the Code of Ethics and in breach of Sections 3.1 and 7.1 of the CAP Code.
(viii) Section 72 of the Code of Ethics states "To avoid making claims (whether explicit or implied; orally or in writing) implying cure of any named disease."
(ix) Mr Ward's assertion that Arsenicum "will often abort an attack of 'flu" is certainly a claim of an implied cure of a named disease. It could be argued that it is, in fact, an explicit claim of a cure.
(x) Mr Ward's assertion is thus a grave breach of Section 72 of the Code of Ethics.
(xi) Section 6.1 of the CAP Code states "Marketers should not exploit the credulity, lack of knowledge or inexperience of consumers."
(xii) Seasonal flu is a serious public health issue. The virus is responsible for many hundreds of deaths annually in the United Kingdom, deaths which are often preventable. Consumers cannot be expected to be familiar with either the evidence supporting the effectiveness of vaccines for season flu, or with the evidence which fails to support the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies. The marketing promotion exploits ordinary consumers in a way which could potentially cause preventable fatalities.
(xiii) Mr Ward's assertion is thus an extremely grave breach of Section 6.1 of the CAP code.
14. (i) In the section at the bottom of page 20, Mr Ward advertises his practices in Bradford-on-Avon and London.
(ii) In this advertisement, Mr Ward states "All acute and chronic illnesses treated."
(iii) The Cancer Act 1939, states "No person shall take any part in the publication of any advertisement... containing an offer to treat any person for cancer, or to prescribe any remedy therefor, or to give any advice in connection with the treatment thereof..."
(iv) I suggest to the Professional Conduct Department that a claim to treat "all acute and chronic illnesses" leaves his words open to an accusation that he is making an implicit claim for a treatment for cancer; if such an accusation were to be made, Mr Ward could hypothetically find himself being prosecuted under the Act.
RESOLUTION
15. Section 86 of the Code of Ethics states "A concern or complaint can be brought by any member of the public or of the Society"
16. I have never been a patient of Mr Ward. I write, therefore, as a member of the public.
17. Section 85 of the Code of Ethics states "The mediation of the Society serves to assist relationships between both homeopath and patient and also between fellow homeopaths."
18. Since I have never been a patient of Mr Ward, a process of mediation prior to a "Formal and confidential report...made to the Professional Conduct Department" (Section 89 of the Code of Ethics) may not be possible and/or appropriate. If the Society were to accept them, some aspects of my complaint are so grave that a process of mediation would be entirely inappropriate.
19. Nevertheless, I would regard it as a most satisfactory resolution to my complaint if Mr Ward were to retract his comments in full in the next issue of "A Local Life" and undertake to the Society not to repeat them.
20. The Society of Homeopaths is a reputable organisation representing the overlapping interests of professional homeopaths, patients and the general public. I trust they will give this matter their full, impartial and diligent attention.
Yours faithfully,
Footnotes:
[1] http://ratherfriendly.blogspot.com/2010/01/local-life-reply-to-my-request.html
[2] http://mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD001269/frame.html
[3] "Are the clinical effects of homoeopathy placebo effects? Comparative study of placebo-controlled trials of homoeopathy and allopathy", Lancet 366 (9487), 2005. Summary available at
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16125589
The article has also been discussed here and here.
*Veja Gorania - homeopathic miracle cure salesman
UPDATE: Consumer Direct: complaint has been passed to local branch of Trading Standards
UPDATE: ASA: "...we have already investigated and upheld complaints about this advertiser in the past...I've therefore passed the case to our Compliance team..."
UPDATE: GMC: complaint not accepted for unknown reasons
The following advert appeared in my local rag, the Luton and Dunstable Herald and Post, on 17th December. "Dr Gorania" is offering a homeopathic treatment for vitiligo, a chronic skin condition. He claims that he has treated an astonishing 20,000 people with a 100% success rate.
"The patients are highly depressed due to the age old incurability of white spots. According to Homeopathic School of thinking and philosophy the internal causes of the diseases are the same, irrespective of the name of the disease. Dr. Gorania successfully worked on the prinicipals [sic] and treated 20,000 of leucoderma (Vitligo) [sic]. The success rate is very good - 100% (excluding those who do not wait for a reasonable time). It proves if the internal cause of any disease properly diagnosed and correctly treated with the finest precision it should scientifically respond in practice.
"Other treatments include: Alopecia Areata, Thinning and Falling of Hairs, Unwanted Hairs, Balding, Arthritis, Hypertension, Asthma, Eczema, Psoriasis, Colitis, Thyroid disorder, Tinnitus, Acne, Depression, Sexual Problems, Infertility and many more. Patients can be seen at LONDON, LUTON, LEICESTER, LEEDS and BIRMINGHAM BRANCHES (Home visits also available).
Features of Therapy: Oral (internal) medications up-roots internal causes. No need of sun harmful UV light exposure. No hospitalisation.
If Vitiligo reoccurs - we will treat it for free.
The fee is £320 (inc. medicines) for 4 months. Every patient should thoroughly know the duration and other details and prepare ones self [sic] for completion of the course, to ensure success.
Tel. 01582 861 321 (Lines open 10am - 10pm)
Web: www.homeopathic-clinic.com
Email: vgoranis@doctor.com
APPOINTMENTS ESSENTIAL EVERYWHERE"
In response, I sent the following letter to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)...
I write to complain about an advert published in the Herald and Post newspaper, published in Luton and Dunstable, on Thursday 17th December, 2009.
The advert is entitled “Homeopathic Clinic – Dr. Gorania in England to treat vitiligo (white spots) patients”.
I enclose an original copy of the advert. I believe it is in breach of several sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) Code.
1. The advert claims that Dr Gorania “successfully...treated 20,000 patients of [sic] leucoderma (Vitligo) [sic]”.
2. Vitiligo is a chronic disorder which causes depigmentation of the skin, typically at the extremities. Evidence-based medicine offers a number of treatments for sufferers.
3. The CAP code, section 3.1, states “Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation.”
4. There is no evidence in any peer-reviewed medical or scientific journal that suggests homeopathic treatments are effective against vitiligo. If Dr Gorania has in fact conducted research in this area of medicine, he has not published his results in any such journal. Section 3.1 of the code has therefore been breached.
5. Section 6.1 of the CAP code states “Marketers should not exploit the credulity, lack of knowledge or inexperience of consumers.”
6. It would be unreasonable to expect consumers to be familiar with the latest medical research about any medical disorder. Even when medical journals are available at public libraries or on the internet, few consumers possess sufficient medical knowledge to understand the research they contain. No part of the advert mentions the lack of evidence for homeopathic treatment of vitiligo. Therefore section 6.1 of the code has been breached.
7. The advert claims “The success rate is very good – 100% (excluding those who do not wait for a reasonable time)”.
8. Section 7.1 of the CAP code states “7.1 No marketing communication should mislead, or be likely to mislead, by inaccuracy, ambiguity, exaggeration, omission or otherwise.”
9. Modern medicine knows of no treatment, for any medical condition, that is “100% successful”. The claim is simply deceitful and in breach of section 7.1 of the code.
10. If Dr Gorania is indeed able to treat vitiligo with homeopathic treatments, then his claim of 100% success is an exaggeration, a further breach of section 7.1 of the code.
11. The advert mentions that “Other treatments include: Alopecia Areata, Thinning and Falling of Hairs, Unwanted Hairs, Balding, Arthritis, Hypertension, Asthma, Eczema, Psoriasis, Colitis, Thyroid disorder, Tinnitus, Acne, Depression, Sexual Problems, Infertility and many more.”
12. The advert thus gives the impression that Dr Gorania's homeopathic treatment is effective against a number of medical disorders. However, Dr Ben Goldacre, writing in The Lancet (November 2007) says “Five large meta-analyses of homoeopathy trials have been done. All have had the same result: after excluding methodologically inadequate trials and accounting for publication bias, homoeopathy produced no statistically significant benefit over placebo.” The advert is therefore in breach of several sections of the code, including sections 3, 6 and 7.
13. The advert uses the title “Dr” for a practicioner offering treatment at several UK clinics.
14. The General Medical Council (GMC) requires “all doctors wanting to practise medicine in the UK need to hold both registration and a licence to practise.” The GMC website provides a list of registered doctors, updated “daily”.
15. Dr. Gorania is not registered with the GMC and is not licensed to practise medicine in the United Kingdom. His claim to be a legitimate doctor is in breach of section 2.1 of the CAP code, which states “2.1 All marketing communications should be legal, decent, honest and truthful.”
...and this letter to Trading Standards (via Consumer Direct)...
Re: Luton and Dunstable "Herald and Post", 17th December 2009
On page 3 of the "special advertising feature" (effectively the reverse side of the back page), there is an advert which concerns me greatly.
I have made a separate complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority. What I'd like to bring to your attention is someone who may be practicing medicine unlawfully.
The advert claims that someone called "Dr Gorania" is able to treat vitiligo (a chronic condition causing depigmentation on the skin) with a 100% success rate, and all for a mere £320.
According to the General Medical Council website, "To practise medicine in the UK all doctors are required by law to hold both registration and a licence to practise." The same website provides a list of registered persons which is "updated daily".
As of today (23rd December), Dr Gorania is not registered with the GMC and he does not hold a licence to practise medicine.
Dr Gorania offers treatment at several locations in the UK. I've named the nearest one to me in section 2.
...and a further enquiry to the General Medical Council. The advert has also been discussed here.
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