Hermann Keppler's Optimum Bowel Functions

The College of Naturopathic Medicine can be relied upon to produce a few ASA complaints a year. This afternoon I paid another visit to their website.

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The College offers a range of diplomas and post-graduate qualifications in solidly scientific disciplines like, errrr, acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, iridology, reflexology, kinesiology and something called "Chinese Nutrition".

By the way, this is Hermann Keppler, who I think owns and runs the College. He's apparently a scientologist.

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Hermann is perhaps not as familiar with his Holy Texts as he ought to be, containing as they do instructions to

"...Set A Good Example... Seek To Live With The Truth... Don't Do Anything Illegal... Be Worthy Of Trust..."

Some good examples of not setting a good example - and of not not doing anything illegal - include the claims

"Whereas much modern medicine has unwelcome side effects, herbs can provide a gentle, yet powerful, solution to a wide range of physical and emotional problems."

and

"Iris signs can be interpreted by the trained iridologist to provide indications as to the patient’s general constitution and their genetic susceptibility to particular conditions, and whether their organs and tissues are inflamed, toxic or under stress."

and - worse still -

"Colon hydrotherapy is the most powerful method available for restoring optimum bowel function, yet is at the same time both gentle and rejuvenating."

I wonder if yet another ASA complaint will set Hermann onto the path of righteousness?

"The website promotes the College's alternative medicine courses, in support of which a number of health claims are made which I suspect are misleading.

1. ( http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/courses-eu/courses-acupuncture/ )

"Acupuncture has an extraordinary ability to change people’s lives. It works by releasing blockages to the body’s “qi”... Modern research suggests that qi may be a form of bio-electricity."

I challenge whether the claim that acupuncture "has an extraordinary ability to change people's lives" is misleading, and whether the claim "Modern research suggests that qi may be a form of bio-electricity" can be substantiated.

2. ( http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/courses-eu/courses-acupuncture/ )

"Acupuncture is viewed very positively by... the British Medical Association"

I challenge whether the claim about the BMA is misleading, because it appears to be based on research published eleven years ago. I can find no mention of the BMA's current views on acupuncture anywhere.

3. ( http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/courses-eu/courses-herbal-medicine/ )

"Whereas much modern medicine has unwelcome side effects, herbs can provide a gentle, yet powerful, solution to a wide range of physical and emotional problems."

I challenge whether the claim that herbal medicines have less "unwelcome side effects" than "modern medicine" can be substantiated, given that no clinical research exists for a great many herbal medicines.

4. ( http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/courses-eu/courses-iridology/ )

"Iris signs can be interpreted by the trained iridologist to provide indications as to the patient’s general constitution and their genetic susceptibility to particular conditions, and whether their organs and tissues are inflamed, toxic or under stress."

I challenge whether the claim that trained iridologists can identify inflammation and toxicity in internal organs can be substantiated.

5. ( http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/courses-eu/courses-colon-hydrotherapy/ )

"Colon hydrotherapy is the most powerful method available for restoring optimum bowel function, yet is at the same time both gentle and rejuvenating."

I challenge whether the claim that colon hydrotherapy "is the most powerful method available for restoring optimum bowel function" can be substantiated. I challenge whether the claim that it is "both gentle and rejuvenating" is misleading and irresponsible, given the known dangers of colon hydrotherapy.

6. ( http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/courses-eu/courses-chinese-nutrition/ )

"Chinese Nutrition can be used to assist a wide range of diseases and conditions, such as digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, food allergies, weight problems, low energy, skin conditions, hormonal imbalance, and mental problems such as depression and anxiety."

I challenge whether the claim that "Chinese Nutrition can be used to assist" any of the named "diseases and conditions" can be substantiated.

7. ( http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/courses-eu/courses-reflexology/ )

"Energy, mood, circulation and immunity can also be enhanced."

I challenge whether the claim that reflexology can enhance blood circulation and the immune system can be substantiated.

8. ( http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/courses-eu/courses-herbal-everyday/ )

"How to detox yourself – Liver and Bowel herbs"

I challenge whether the claim that "Liver and Bowel herbs" can "detox" people can be substantiated.

9. ( http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/courses-eu/courses-homeopathy-everyday/ )

"You will learn how to use Homeopathy for..."

I challenge whether the claims that homeopathy can be used for injuries, bruises, burns, bites, stings, splinters, "recovery from surgery", dental work, joint sprains, fractures, "mental shock", grief, "acute infections such as ear aches, sore throats, cystitis, bronchitis, "acute digestive orders", the common cold, fevers, influenza, hay faver and "childhood diseases" can be substantiated.

I also challenge whether the claim that you can "use Homeopathy for... First-aid and travel kits" is misleading and irresponsible.

I've made some screenshots of the relevant pages, which are available at:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=g2yyZAeBqG
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=LWZUatw2fm
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=P40xSj061X
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=omsc120BYz
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=BnPqEMvfuM
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=uYNqhnrdj6
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=rYAsTwmt5W
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=tREGzMh9TC

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative medicine industry in general."

The College of Naturopathic Medicine (again)

Here's another installment in my continuing series of complaints against the College of Naturopathic Medicine.

When they aren't busy defending the galaxy from the clutches of the evil Lord Xenu, the College offer courses in a number of bullshit complementary therapies.

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About reflexology, the college writes:

"Reflexology...helps to restore natural balance of the body resulting in an improved sense of health and well being [sic]. Energy, mood, circulation and immunity can also be enhanced. This relaxing treatment benefits many health conditions such as: stress, anxiety, insomnia, muscular pain, headaches, migraines, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances e.g. PMS, menopause, and more..."

The college's booklet (available here, here, here and here) goes on to expound on the benefits of Applied Kinesiology - a subject with which my complaints have already dealt.

Can the college substantiate any of their claims? Or will they simply refer me back to p3678 of L Ron Hubbard's official memoirs (volume ninety-four)?

ASA complaint follows!

"I write to complain about a booklet I picked up at the CamExpo exhibition in London on 24th October this year.

The booklet, for the College of Naturopathic Medicine, promotes courses in a number of complementary therapies.

I suspect that the booklet may be in breach of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP Code). I can provide the original booklet by post, if necessary.

1. Page 3 of the booklet contains the following text:

"Reflexology...helps to restore natural balance of the body resulting in an improved sense of health and well being [sic]. Energy, mood, circulation and immunity can also be enhanced. This relaxing treatment benefits many health conditions such as: stress, anxiety, insomnia, muscular pain, headaches, migraines, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances e.g. PMS, menopause, and more..."

2. The UK's leading authority on complementary medicine, Professor Edzard Ernst, has recently written about the evidence base for reflexology [1]:

"Conclusion - The notion that reflexology can be used to diagnose health problems has been disproved and there is no convincing evidence that it is effective for any condition. Reflexology is expensive, and it offers nothing more than could be achieved from a simple, relaxing foot massage."

3. Therefore, under Section 12.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claims that reflexology can treat "stress, anxiety, insomnia, muscular pain, headaches, migraines, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances e.g. PMS, menopause, and more" and that reflexology can enhance "circulation and immunity".

4. Page 6 of the booklet contains the following text:

"What is Kinesiology? Kinesiology uses muscles testing to identify imbalances within the body, so removes the need for guess-work in treating a client, friends and family... Kinesiology... produces results quickly."

5. The booklet continues:

"You will learn - how to accurately test 22 muscles and, by testing these muscles, gain information about the organs and systems of the body... how to identify foods/nutrients which will enhance a person's health... some extremely powerful techniques to help achieve goals, help with dyslexia, resolve fears and phobias, relieve breast congestion... how to identify imbalances in the body which lead to back and neck pain and how to treat them... how to identify food/chemical sensitivities in your clients or friends and family - an invaluable way to help them feel better almost immediately..."

6. (i) The therapy promoted by the leaflet is more usually known as "Applied Kinesiology", an invention of the American George Goodheart in 1964.

(ii) It is not to be confused with Kinesiology, a more mainstream (and regulated) medical discipline prevalent in the USA and Canada.

7. The first scientific paper on the ideomotor effect - a phenomenon in which a subject makes unconscious movements in response to certain ideas or stimuli - was published one hundred and twelve years before the invention of Applied Kinesiology [2].

8. I have found no clinical studies lending support to the booklet's contention that Applied Kinesiology can diagnose or treat medical conditions, but a great number which refute them, for example:

(i) Kenny JJ, Clemens R, Forsythe KD. Applied kinesiology unreliable for assessing nutrient status. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 88:698-704, 1988.

(ii) Triano JJ. Muscle strength testing as a diagnostic screen for supplemental nutrition therapy: a blind study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 5:179-182, 1982

(iii) Haas M and others. Muscle testing response to provocative vertebral challenge and spinal manipulation: a randomized controlled trial of construct validity. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 17:141-148, 1994.

(iv) Applied kinesiology - Double-blind pilot study. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry 45:321-323, 1981.

(v) Ludtke R and others. Test-retest-reliability and validity of the kinesiology muscle test. Complementary Therapy in Medicine 9:141-145, 2001.

(vi) Hyman R. The mischief-making of ideomotor action. by ideomotor action. The Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine, Fall-Winter issue, 1999.

9. Therefore, under Section 12.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that any of the named conditions can be diagnosed, or treated, with kinesiology.

10. I confirm I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser.

Footnotes:

[1] Simon Singh, Edzard Ernst, "Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial", American edition 2008, p323
[2] http://www.sgipt.org/medppp/psymot/carp1852.htm
"

Fasting on Chinese Nutrition

I've just put in two new ASA complaints about a valiant bastion of resistance against the evil galactic warlord Xenu, namely, the College of Naturopathic Medicine.

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Leading a special fasting programme is Zoë Palmer-Wright, the beaming beauty pictured above (flyer available here and here).

Apart from the rather obvious effect of "weight loss", Zoe promises us her drastic weight-loss regime will

"...deeply cleanse your body tissues of wastes and toxins leaving you rejuvenated and energised!"

Hot on the heals of that bullshit claim is a flyer for something called Chinese Nutrition (available here and here).

For all you doubters out there, the college reassures us that

"Chinese Nutrition can be used to assist a wide range of diseases and conditions, such as digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, food allergies, weight problems, low energy, skin conditions, hormonal imbalance, and mental problems such as depression and anxiety..."

Can the College substantiate any of these far-fetched claims? Or are all they too busy working towards their OTVIII? ASA complaints follow!

Fasting Week flyer

"I write to complain about a flyer I picked up at the CamExpo exhibition in London on 24th October this year.

The flyer, for the College of Naturopathic Medicine, promotes a "Fasting Week".

I suspect that the flyer may be in breach of two sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP Code). I can provide the original flyer by post, if necessary.

1. The flyer is titled:

"Fasting Week: Detox your body! - A lighter, brighter, healthier you in one week"

2. The flyer continues:

"Join our guided juice/broth fasting programme which will deeply cleanse your body tissues of wastes and toxins leaving you rejuvenated and energised!"

3. The UK's leading authority on complementary medicine, Professor Edzard Ernst, has recently written about "detox" therapies [1]:

"Detox, as used in alternative medicine, is based on ill-conceived ideas about human physiology, metabolism, toxicology etc. There is no evidence that it does any good and some treatments...can be harmful. The only substance that is being removed from a patient is usually money."

4. Under Section 12.1, I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate any of the following claims:

(i). Fasting can "Detox your body!"

(ii) The "guided juice/broth fasting programme" will "deeply cleanse your body tissues of wastes and toxins leaving you rejuvenated and energised!"

5. The flyer makes a number of claims for the health benefits of fasting. Under Section 12.1, I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate their claim that fasting - for example, as practised in the flyer's "one week" programme - can produce the following benefits:

(i) "Feeling energised"
(ii) "Clearer and more radiant skin"
(iii) "Bright eyes"
(iv) "Better digestion"
(v) "Mental clarity and focus"
(vi) "Strengthened immunity"
(vii) "Help with specific health conditions", namely "skin problems, digestive disorders, allergies and fertility issues"

6. (i) One of the named "benefits of fasting" is, needless to say, "Weight loss". The advertised "fasting week" takes place in combination with a "guided juice/broth...programme".

(ii) Under Section 13.5, I challenge whether the advertiser has shown the "programme" is "nutritionally well-balanced (except for producing a deficit of energy)".

(iii) Under Section 13.7, I challenge whether the advert encourages users to take medical advice before embarking on the "programme".

7. I confirm I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser.

Footnotes:

[1] Simon Singh, Edzard Ernst, "Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial", American edition 2008, p308"

Chinese Nutrition flyer

"I write to complain about a leaflet I picked up at the CamExpo exhibition in London on 24th October this year.

The leaflet, for the College of Naturopathic Medicine, promotes a postgraduate course in "Chinese Nutrition".

I suspect that the leaflet may be in breach of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP Code). I can provide the original leaflet by post, if necessary.

1. The leaflet begins:

"Why study Chinese nutrition? In Ancient China nutrition was considered the primary medicine of choice: treatments such as acupuncture were tried only if the nutritional approach proved insufficient. In contrast to the Western view of foods, the Chinese philosophy encompasses the energetics of foods to provide a truly holistic treatment for internal diseases of all kinds."

2. The leaflet continues:

"The benefits of Chinese nutrition - Chinese Nutrition can be used to assist a wide range of diseases and conditions, such as digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, food allergies, weight problems, low energy, skin conditions, hormonal imbalance, and mental problems such as depression and anxiety..."

3. The "Course Details" introduces two new "conditions" for which "Chinese Nutrition" offers a "treatment":

"...myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), fibromyalgia..."

4. Under Section 12.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that "Chinese Nutrition" can treat any of the following conditions:

(i) "Digestive problems"
(ii) "Irritable Bowel Syndrome"
(iii) "Constipation"
(iv) "Diarrhoea"
(v) "Food allergies"
(vi) "Weight problems"
(vii) "Low energy"
(viii) "Skin conditions"
(ix) "Hormonal imbalance"
(x) "Depression"

5. I confirm I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser."

The College of Naturopathic Medicine Talks Shit

I haven't written nearly enough complaints about colonic irrigation - a bizarre and unpleasant therapy that is both ineffective and highly dangerous.

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How can I be sure? The UK's leading expert on complementary therapies has written:

"There is no reliable clinical evidence that colonic irrigation does any good at all and some evidence it causes serious harm by, for example, perforating the colon or depleting our body of electrolytes...Colonic irrigation is unpleasant, ineffective and dangerous. In other words, it's a waste of money and a hazard to our health."

A waste of money, eh? You'd never have guessed it from reading the College of Naturopathic Medicine's promotional flyer (available here and here).

"Colon hydrotherapy is the most powerful method available for restoring optimum bowel function... Colon hydrotherapy [has] a huge range of health benefits... including: Restoration of regular bowel movements - Improvements in conditions such as diverticulosis or [sic] irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - Reduced gas or bloating - Clearer skin - Improved mental clarity - Increased energy - Fewer headaches"

I hope no-one falls for the College's faecal sales pitch. My contacts in the industry tell me there are already more therapists than customers - in fact, the only people making money are the ones selling the poo-extraction machines.

ASA complaint follows!

"I write to complain about a flyer I picked up at the CamExpo exhibition in London on 24th October this year.

The flyer, for the College of Naturopathic Medicine, promotes their courses in colon hydrotherapy.

I suspect that the flyer may be in breach of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP Code). I can provide the original flyer by post, if necessary.

1. "Colon Hydrotherapy" is better known as "Colonic Irrigation".

2. The UK's leading authority on complementary medicine, Professor Edzard Ernst, has recently written about colonic therapies [1]:

"There is no reliable clinical evidence that colonic irrigation does any good at all and some evidence it causes serious harm by, for example, perforating the colon or depleting our body of electrolytes...Colonic irrigation is unpleasant, ineffective and dangerous. In other words, it's a waste of money and a hazard to our health."

3. Therefore, under section 12.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate any of the following claims, and under Section 3.1 I challenge whether they are misleading:

(i) "Many people are becoming toxic throughout their bodies, suffering from unexplained symptoms such as skin complaints and headaches, due to impaired colon function...As a natural medicine practitioner, you and your patients will benefit from adding colon hydrotherapy to your therapeutic armoury."

(ii) "Colon hydrotherapy is the most powerful method available for restoring optimum bowel function..."

(iii) "Colon hydrotherapy...is at the same time gentle and rejuvenating"

(iv) "Colon hydrotherapy" has a "huge range of health benefits" including "Restoration of regular bowel movements", "Improvements in conditions such as diverticulosis or [sic] irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)", "Reduced gas or bloating", "Clearer skin", "Improved mental clarity", "Increased energy", "Fewer headaches"

(v) "Colon hydrotherapy may also be useful in cases of circulatory, immune, inflammatory and weight problems when accompanied by diet and lifestyle changes"

4. I confirm I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser.

Footnotes:

[1] Simon Singh, Edzard Ernst, "Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial", American edition 2008, p304"