On my way to Milton Keynes Sceptics in the Pub last week, I just had time to pop into a local Chinese Medicine shop.
Shenlong Chinese Medical Centre of Bedford offer a wide range of therapies, almost none of which are of any proven benefit.The shops' flyer (available here and here) makes some outrageous claims about the efficacy (and, indeed, safety) of acupuncture, ear candles, cupping therapy and allergy tests. Hoping to leave no stone unturned, Shenlong boast they can "help" with"...eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, vitiligo, other skin complaints, acne, herpes, mycosis, hair loss, arthritis, back pain, lumbargo, stiff neck, stroke[s], sciatica, rheumatism, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, hemiplegia, sprains, anxiety, depression, panic attack, stress, insomnia, fatigue, hay fever, sinus infection, earaches, ringing in ears, sore throat, dizziness, migraine, asthma, palpitations, indigestion, constipation, colitis, colds, flu, high blood pressure, ulcers, gastritis, diarrhoea, heartburn, IBS, myalgic encephalomyelitis, irregular periods, the menopause, pre-menstrual syndrome, impotence, infertility, hot flushes, bedwetting, Men's Problem [sic]
..."If you're asking my opinion, anyone who spends money in this den of quackery needs their head examined. ASA complaint follows!
"I write to complain about a leaflet I picked up outside the premises of the "Shenlong Chinese Medical Centre" in Bedford, on 11th November. (The leaflet was in a plastic holder on the outside window of the shop).The leaflet promotes the Centre's medical services.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 UK's leading authority on complementary medicine, Professor Edzard Ernst, has recently written about the difficulties of assessing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) [1]:"Conclusion: TCM is difficult to evaluate. Some elements may be effective for some conditions, while other elements (e.g. cupping) are unlikely to offer any benefit above placebo. Many aspects of TCM are potentially harmful."(ii) About reflexology, Ernst writes "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." [2](iii) About ear candles, Ernst writes "Ear candles are based on the absurd idea that this method removes ear wax or toxins from the body; it is not supported by any evidence." [3](iv) The ASA Council have previously upheld a complaint about claims made for ear candling (complaint ref 120878), in which I was the complainant.(v) The dangers of using unregulated TCM therapies were recently highlighted by the case of Ying "Susan" Wu of Essex, who had "pleaded guilty to selling a banned substance to a woman who went on to develop kidney failure and cancer." [4]2. Under Sections 12.1 and 13.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate any of the following claims:(i) Acupuncture "works by stimulating the body's healing responses or immune systems" along "channels in the body" which are "stimulated by the insertion of thin, fine needles", a fact which has been "systematically refined and verified by modern research methods"(ii) Ear Candles "[help] to revitalize [sic] the acupuncture points, stimulate the blood circulation and to free clogged pores", and is a "method for resolving problems of ear hygiene safely and naturally"(iii) Reflexology practitioners can "help clear disease" by "[applying] controlled pressure with thumbs or fingers to specific areas of the feet"(iv) Cupping Therapy "promotes the free flow of Qi and blood in the channels [of the body]"(v) The advertisers are able to "test your level of allergy to... 400 items" by examining "a piece of your hair"(vi) The advertisers' "Beauty Therapy with TCM" is able to "treat effectively Dermatitis, Follieulitis, Chloasma, Rosacea, Acne, Warts, etc" and "regenerat [sic] the skin"(vii) The advertisers' "new method for weight loss" can "speed up [the] metabolic process, consume fatty tissue and... help lose weight effectively."(viii) Acupuncture can help to "give up smoking"(ix) TCM is "safe"(x) A TCM doctor can find out about "the condition of your internal organs" by "examining your tongue and wrist pulses [sic]"(xi) By using TCM, people can be "helped with" eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, vitiligo, "other skin complaints", acne, herpes, mycosis, hair loss, arthritis, back pain, lumbargo, "stiff neck", stroke[s], sciatica, rheumatism, neuralgia, "frozen shoulder", hemiplegia, sprains, anxiety, depression, panic attack, stress, insomnia, fatigue, hay fever, sinus infection, earaches, "ringing in ears", sore throat, dizziness, migraine, asthma, palpitations, indigestion, constipation, colitis, colds, flu, high blood pressure, ulcers, gastritis, diarrhoea, heartburn, IBS, myalgic encephalomyelitis, irregular periods, the menopause, pre-menstrual syndrome, impotence, infertility, hot flushes, bedwetting, "Men's Problem [sic]".3. I confirm I have no connections with the advertisers. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertisers.Footnotes:[1] Simon Singh, Edzard Ernst, "Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial", American edition 2008, p328[2] Ibid., p323[3] Ibid., p309[4] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8520171.stm"
The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) is a trade association for quacks.
Their website boasts of celebrating "over 45 years of setting professional standards".
Half a dozen of their promotional leaflets recently fell into my hands. They feature popular quack therapies like ear candling, Indian head massage and reflexology.Happily, the leaflets contain little that is objectionable.
For the most part, they concentrate on what customers can expect during a session. Better still, all of the leaflets contain sensible advice like "rest" and "drink water" and "speak to your doctor".
And yet, alas, even the most noble-minded of quacks can't resist the lure of daft claims about "flushing out toxins", "strengthening the immune system" and "improving circulation".Three ASA complaints follow, the first of which concerns the FHT Ear Candling leaflet (available
here and
here)
"I write to complain about a leaflet I picked up at a "Health Fair" at Luton Central Library on 3rd November this year.The leaflet, for the Federation of Holistic Therapists (Hampshire) / Ultimate Health Therapeutics (Luton), promotes ear candling therapies.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 ASA Council have previously upheld a complaint about claims made for ear candling (complaint ref 120878), in which I was the complainant.2. Under Section 12.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that the "benefits of ear candling... may include... the softening and loosening of compacted earwax... relief from sinus problems, headaches and snoring... easing pressure problems following flying and diving... temporary relief from tinnitus... reduced irritation of the ear canal... ear fluid circulation..."3. I confirm I have no connections with the advertisers. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertisers."FHT Indian Head Massage leaflet (available
here and
here)
"I write to complain about a leaflet I picked up at a "Health Fair" at Luton Central Library on 3rd November this year.The leaflet, for the Federation of Holistic Therapists (Hampshire) / Ultimate Health Therapeutics (Luton), promotes "Indian Head Massage".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 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."2. Under Section 12.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that the "benefits of Indian Head Massage include... more efficient removal of impurities and toxins..."3. I confirm I have no connections with the advertisers. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertisers.Footnotes:[1] Simon Singh, Edzard Ernst, "Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial", American edition 2008, p308"FHT Reflexology leaflet (available
here and
here)
"I write to complain about a leaflet I picked up at a "Health Fair" at Luton Central Library on 3rd November this year.The leaflet, for the Federation of Holistic Therapists (Hampshire) / Ultimate Health Therapeutics (Luton), promotes reflexology.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 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."2. Ernst has also written about "detox" treatments [2]:"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."3. Under Section 12.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that the "benefits of reflexology... include... improved circulation... more efficient removal of impurities and toxins... a stronger immune system..."3. I confirm I have no connections with the advertisers. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertisers.Footnotes:[1] Simon Singh, Edzard Ernst, "Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial", American edition 2008, p323[2] Ibid., p308"
Harmony Cone Ear Candles are banned in the USA - partly because they are so dangerous - but mostly because its manufacturers and marketers keep breaking the law.
Luckily for "Doc Harmony", the fake doctor pictured below, our very own Bodytox Ltd - regular guests on this blog - are more than willing to flog them on this side of the pond.
(Image credit)
Now when I say fake, I'm talking about "Doctor" Gillian McKeith fake. You see, both Gillian and "Doc Harmony" are graduates of the unaccredited, and now defunct, Clayton College of Natural Health.Gillian has been ordered to stop using the title "doctor" in her marketing promotions. I suspect "Doc Harmony" will soon have to stop, too.
But the bogus claim is the least worrying thing from Bodytox's flyer (available here and here).The promotion contains a thoroughly irresponsible suggestion that inserting burning hot wax into someone's ear is "simple", and to prove it, provides a step-by-step guide.Just as recklessly, Bodytox suggest that ear infections can be treated with their bullshit candles. (Most doctors would, I think, recommend an immediate course of antibiotics.)Let's see what Bodyquacks have to say for themselves, shall we? ASA complaint follows!"I write to complain about a leaflet picked up at the CamExpo exhibition in London on 24th October this year.The flyer, for Bodytox Ltd, promotes "Harmony Cone Ear Candles".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. The ASA Council has in the past ruled against health claims made for ear candles (for example, complaint ref 120878, in which I was the complainant.)2. In February this year, the USA's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sale of Harmony Cone Ear Candles [1].3. 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 the claims are misleading:(i) "Harmony Cone Ear Candles are the safest...ear candles on the market"(ii) "Harmony Cone Ear Candles are the ...most effective ear candles on the market"(iii) "Harmony Cone Ear Candles...support the body's own natural defenses [sic]"(iv) "Harmony Cone Ear Candles...help with allergies, headaches, cold & flu, congestion, sore throat, ear infections and sinus infection"(v) "Ear candling has been an ancient practice through the ages"(vi) "...ear candle therapy is a rewarding...remedy"(vii) The advertisers have "establish[ed] the truth" about the "safe...use" of "Harmony Cone Ear Candles"(viii) "Harmony Cone Ear Candles" induce "the body into a relaxed state"(ix) "...This encourages the lymphatic system, sinuses, and eustachian tubes to function and support the body's natural defenses [sic]"(x) "Current worldwide research indicates that ear candles function as an energetic modality comparable to the field or reflexology and acupuncture. These modalities encourage healing as the body shifts from a sympathetic to a parasympathetic state with the autonomic nervous system (ANS)"(xi) This "shift in the ANS encourages the proper function and balance of the ear"4. (i) The leaflet describes the use of ear candles as "simple", providing instructions and a short list of things that "you need".(ii) Under Section 1.3, I challenge whether the leaflet's exhortation to the general public that inserting a column of boiling hot wax into someone's ear is "simple" is irresponsible.5. Under Section 12.2, I challenge whether the leaflet's claim that "Harmony Cone Ear Candles...help with...ear infections" may discourage essential treatment.6. (i) The leaflet describes the apparent designer of Harmony Cone Ear Candles, "Doc Harmony", who achieved "highest honours upon gaining her Doctorate in Natural Health from Clayton College of Natural Health".(ii) The College is a non-accredited institution. For this reason, the ASA has apparently instructed another graduate of the college, "Dr" Gillian McKeith, to stop using the title in her marketing materials [2].(iii) Therefore, under Section 3.1 I challenge whether the description of "Doc Harmony" as a PhD graduate is misleading.(iv) Under Section 3.1, I challenge whether the description of the "Doc Harmony branded products" as being "trusted" by retailers "throughout America" is misleading, given that the advertised product has been banned from sale there.7. I confirm I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser.Footnotes:[1] http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm202182.htm[2] http://www.badscience.net/2007/02/ms-gillian-mckeith-banned-from-calling-herself-a-doctor/"
This calming vista is the interior of Beauty Scene, a salon in Nottingham.The proprietress, one Paula Arnold, has persuaded a neighbouring cafe to stock her flyers. An unwise move, perhaps, because Nottingham is teeming with coffee-drinking sceptical troublemakers!Among Paula's services are the usual facials, manicures, massages and full-body waxes.
But what's this - "SHAPE CHANGERS DETOX WRAPS"? Tell me more!"This is an all-natural detox wrap guaranteed to achieve inch reduction, detoxify the body, cleanse the skin and leave you feeling rejuvenated with a smooth and silkier skin..."And to think that, for all these years, I've been relying on my liver and moderate exercise to keep me healthy. What a fool I've been!
Still, before I give up the swimming and moderate drinking, I'd like to see some actual clinical evidence first.
I wonder if Paula can also substantiate her claims for refloxology, Hopi ear candles and Indian head massage? ASA complaint follows!
"I write to complain about a leaflet promoting the "Beauty Scene" clinic in Nottingham, which was picked up from a cafe adjoining the clinic.The leaflet makes claims about various complementary therapies which I believe cannot be substantiated.I suspect that the advert may be in breach of three sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code.1. The leaflet contains the text:"SHAPE CHANGERS DETOX WRAPS...This is an all-natural detox wrap guaranteed to achieve inch reduction, detoxify the body, cleanse the skin and leave you feeling rejuvenated with a smooth and silkier skin."2. Under Sections 3.1. 50.1 and 51.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claims that the detox wraps can:(i) "...achieve inch reduction" (i.e. weight loss)(ii) "...detoxify the body"3. The leaflet continues:"INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE...This relaxing head massage relaxes tight and uncomfortable muscles, eases stiffness, stimulates blood circulation and drains away toxins which will eliminate headaches and eyestrain..."4. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Indian Head Massage "drains away toxins which will eliminate headaches and eyestrain..."5. The leaflet continues:"HOPI EAR CANDLES...This treatment will help clear congestion from the ear and sinus area..."6. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Hopi Ear Candles "clear congestion from the ear and sinus area..."7. The leaflet continues:"REFLEXOLOGY...Relieves stress and improves circulation. This ancient healing art works through pressure point massage on your feet to restore the free flow of energy to the whole body and encourage self healing [sic]. Congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrors congestion and tension in a corresponding body part and so treating the whole foot will relax and help heal the whole body."8. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Reflexology can "encourage self healing [sic]" and "help heal the whole body".9. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser."
This is Silsoe - an agreeably small village in Central Bedfordshire.Every month its honest citizens are treated to a new copy of the "Silsoe News", a small booklet supported by advertising revenue from local businesses.One of those businesses is "Reflexions", otherwise known as Candice Morris.Candice has some rather odd ideas about toxins in the body, and claims she knows how to remove them. How? With reflexology and reiki, of course!Joining her in this Hall of Shame is another of the magazine's advertisers, Susan Steedon. Susan reckons she can treat asthma by sticking a burning hot candle in your ear.Naturally, none of these claims are likely to be true - search for the evidence in Pubmed yourself, if you don't believe me - so it's time to introduce the pair to the caring embrace of the Advertising Standards Authority.Here's my ASA complaint about Candice...
"I write to complain about an advert appearing in "Silsoe News" magazine, August 2010 issue (No. 320), p22.The advert, for Candice Morris/Reflexions, promotes various complementary therapies.I suspect that the advert may be in breach of two sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code. 1. The Silsoe News is a magazine distributed to a number of villages in central Bedfordshire. 2. (i) The advert contains the text:"Reflexology: A relaxing treatment...It promotes relaxation and improves circulation"(ii) Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that reflexology "improves circulation".3. (i) The advert continues:"Swedish Massage: ...it eases muscular strain by flushing out toxins..."(ii) Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Swedish massage "flushes out toxins"4. (i) The advert continues:"Lymphatic Drainage Massage: A soft, light to the touch massage to alleviate fluid retention and to help flush out toxins..."(ii) Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Lymphatic Drainage Massage can "help flush out toxins"5. (i) The advert continues:"Reiki: A Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing..."(ii) Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Reiki "promotes healing"6. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser."...and here's my complaint against Susan."I write to complain about an advert appearing in "Silsoe News" magazine, August 2010 issue (No. 320), p8.The advert, for Susan Steedon, promotes her "thermal auricular therapy" treatment.I suspect that the advert may be in breach of two sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code. 1. The Silsoe News is a magazine distributed to a number of villages in central Bedfordshire. 2. (i) "Thermal auricular therapy" - also known as Hopi Ear Candling - is a treatment in which burning candles are placed inside a patient's ears in the fanciful hope that the burning wax will draw out toxins and have other beneficial effects on the patient's health.(ii) I have never found any clinical evidence supporting the claims commonly made for this kind of therapy.3. The advert contains the text:"Canadian Ear Candle Specialist (Thermal Auricular Therapy) - Provides a heat drawing [sic] effect. Helps with removal of blocked wax, blocked sinuses, Tinnitus, Asthma, Headaches, Sinusitis. Also reduces pressure in the ears when flying..."4. Under Sections 3.1, 14.3 and 50.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertiser holds documentary evidence to prove the following claims, and I challenge whether the claims are backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of clinical trials conducted on people:(i) Thermal Auricular Therapy "helps with removal of blocked wax"(ii) Thermal Auricular Therapy "helps with...blocked sinuses"(iii) Thermal Auricular Therapy "helps with...Tinnitus"(iv) Thermal Auricular Therapy "helps with...Asthma"(v) Thermal Auricular Therapy "helps with...Headaches"(vi) Thermal Auricular Therapy "helps with...Sinusitis"(vii) Thermal Auricular Therapy "reduces pressure in the ears when flying"5. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser."
In common with many of the specialist "spiritual" magazines, Kindred Spirit devotes several pages to promote its online mail-order service. UPDATE, 23 Jun: The ASA have adjudicated on my complaint, and upheld it in full.UPDATE, 29 Apr: ASA report some of the ads have been passed to their compliance team; namely, the electromagnetic "harmonisers", the "Pyramid de Vie", the "Script Symbol Reiki Necklace", and the "Detox" foot patches (claims of expelling toxins and improving circulation only).
Of the forty-nine items on offer this month, I reckon at least nine of them breach the ASA's code of practice. (Scans of the relevant pages are available here, here, here and here.)"I write to complain about an eight-page advertising feature in “Kindred Spirit” magazine (March/April 2010, pages 50-57), which promotes the magazine's online mail-order service, www.kindredspirit.co.ukI refer here only to the contents of the advert, not to the website. I suspect that the advert makes multiple breaches of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code. I confirm that I have no connections to the advertiser or the magazine, and am not involved in legal proceedings with either of them. I confirm that I am happy to be identified as the complainant.I enclose scans of the relevant pages.Under sections 3.1 and 50.1 of the code, I challenge whether www.kindredspirit.co.uk hold documentary evidence to prove any of the following claims, and I challenge whether the claims are backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people:Item 1: Electromagnetic Harmonisers for computer or mobile phone(1) The direct claim that the disc “naturally harmonises emissions from electronics [devices]"(2) The implied claim that the disc has health benefits for users of electronic devicesItem 15: “Pyramid de Vie”(4) The claim that the pendant “releases [i.e. reduces] pain, enhances body bio fields [sic]” and “keeps you rejuvenated”(5) The claim that the pendant contains minerals which are “energy-giving”Item 16: "Detox Foot Patches"(6) The claim that by using the patches, "overnight toxins are expelled"Item 17: "Warm Detox Foot Patches"(7) The implied claim that the patches are beneficial for people with poor circulation(8) The direct claim the patches "help soothe aches and pains"Item 18: "Aqua-Vortex"(9) The claim that the device can "re-energise water and drinks...by replicating effects found in nature"Item 19: "Hopi Ear Candles"(10) The direct claim that Hopi Ear Candles are in any way related to the Hopi (Navajo) tribe of Nevada, USA(11) The claim that the candles are "helpful for earache and headache, ear noise, stress" and are beneficial for "nasal breathing" and the "sense of smell"Item 20: "Vega Whole Food Meal Replacement"(12) Since the manufacturer's website disagrees, the direct claim that a serving contains 24 calories(13) The implied claim that a typical consumer, who requires 2000-3000 calories a day, can get a "complete meal" from one 24 (or, indeed, 240) calorie serving(14) The direct claim that a 24 (or, indeed, 240) calorie serving is an "excellent choice for those on a calorie-reduced diet"Item 21: "Trayner Pinhole Glasses"(15) The claim that the glasses "improve your eyesight and [help you] learn to see better without glasses", and that "15 minutes will train your eyes and relieve eye strain"Item 27: "Script Symbol Reiki Necklace"(16) The claim that the necklace can "promote health and balance"
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