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."