How to Preventa Cancer

Are you tired of that pesky cancer that's been troubling you in recent weeks?

Have you given up on quack therapies like homeopathy, which promise an effective treatment but which turn out to be nothing but water?

Then you should try Preventa, the new product from Northants-based Blue Gold Ltd.

Preventa is promoted as a treatment for many different kinds of cancer, despite being nothing more than, errr, water!

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Preventa sells for the princely sum of £12.77 per bottle - which works out as £919.20 for a "3 month pack". This bargain-basement price doesn't include postage, which is £36 for us Lutonians but a staggering £144 for anyone unfortunate enough to be living in the Scottish town of Paisley.

Why so expensive? Well, you see, Preventa isn't just any ordinary old water. 

No, it is "deuterium-depleted water" or DDW. (Perhaps you'll remember from your post-doctoral chemistry studies that deuterium is a slightly-heavier type of hydrogen which can be found, in relatively small quantities, in all the world's oceans.)

According to the advertiser's website:

"In 1993, HYD [a Hungarian company] discovered a new method to treat patients with cancerous tumours. This new method is the depletion of deuterium in drinking water. Researchers... found that deuterium depleted water inhibits the growth of cancer cells in living organisms, and ultimately causes these cells to die..."

What's more, we're told, the process is completely safe.

"Deuterium depletion is completely safe and innocuous for healthy cells, and there were no adverse reactions or toxic side effects related to deuterium-depleted water during the 18-year-long history of DDW research and its 12-year-long application..."

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Interestingly, the claims above are not complete nonsense. There is some research which suggests DDW has potential as a cancer treatment, if not actually killing off cancer cells then at least slowing their growth.

The most important (or, to put it another way, "only") relevant study is a 2010 clinical trial conducted on people with prostate cancer in Hungary. At first glance, it looks like DDW helped to significantly improve their average life expectancy.

A closer examination reveals several problems. The study seems to be rigorous (another way of saying that it's free of obvious methodological flaws). However, it's only what we call a phase 2 trial. New medicines are always subjected to a further, more extensive period of study - called a phase 3 trial - before they're unleashed on the general public.

A second problem is that the 2010 trial is the only such study. Medical research demands that new discoveries should be independently verified and, for a claim that cancer can be cured simply by drinking water, we would expect lots of independent research before handing out the Nobel prizes.

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Blue Gold, perhaps sensing an opportunity for gargantuan profits, don't seem to have been able to restrict their marketing appeals to those claims which are actually true.

For instance, we have this nugget:

"'The biological efficacy of the consumption of [DDW] is confirmed by research and clinical investigations. The most significant effect of deuterium depletion is the anti-tumor effect, but it was also proved that regular consumption of Preventa® optimizes the function of the immune system and slows down the processes of aging... The consumption of Preventa®-125 is recommended... as a regular drinking water for diabetic patients...'"

None of the health claims about the immune system, anti-ageing effects or benefits for diabetic people seem to be anything more than wishful thinking - I haven't been able to find a jot of evidence to support them.

There is also a series of rash claims that Preventa can be used to treat mesothelioma, rectum cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, ovarian cancer and lung cancer. The single study mentioned above was restricted to DDW's possible effect on prostate cancer.

We should also bare in mind that Blue Gold apparently lacks the appropriate authorisation from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), without which it would be illegal to sell Preventa in the UK.

There's also the trifling matter of the Cancer Act 1939 which would seem to escalate Blue Gold Ltd's business practices to the level of a crime. Anchors away!

"I'm writing to complain about preventawater.com, a website for Blue Gold Ltd. 

The website promotes a product called "Preventa" which is marketed as a treatment for cancer.

1. Preventa is a drinking water product which has been treated to remove deuterium (heavy hydrogen), hence the term "deuterium-depleted water" or DDW.

2. The evidence for DDW as a potential cancer treatment rests mainly on two studies: a 1999 study on mice (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11797936) and a 2010 phase-2 clinical study on prostate cancer in humans (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20739263).

3. The website claims: 

(http://store.preventawater.com/)

"In 1993, HYD [a Hungarian company] discovered a new method to treat patients with cancerous tumours. This new method is the depletion of deuterium in drinking water. Researchers at the HYD Company found that deuterium depleted water inhibits the growth of cancer cells in living organisms, and ultimately causes these cells to die. Deuterium depletion is completely safe and innocuous for healthy cells, and there were no adverse reactions or toxic side effects related to deuterium-depleted water during the 18-year-long history of DDW research and its 12-year-long application..."

4. (http://store.preventawater.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=61_62)

"'The biological efficacy of the consumption of [DDW] is confirmed by research and clinical investigations. The most significant effect of deuterium depletion is the anti-tumor effect, but it was also proved that regular consumption of Preventa® optimizes the function of the immune system and slows down the processes of aging... The consumption of Preventa®-125 is recommended... as a regular drinking water for diabetic patients..."

5. The site also contains a series of testimonials: 

(http://store.preventawater.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=65_66)

"My 37-year-old wife was diagnosed with mesothelioma in the pleura... She started consuming Preventa in May 2005 in addition to the chemotherapy.... and today her doctor said: 'I have to tell you something of great consequence, according to your wife’s current CT scan there is not detectable tumor in her body, practically, it has been regressed.'"

6. (http://store.preventawater.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=65_70)

"After the diagnosis of breast cancer in 1988, the first bone metastasis was verified in September 1992. Until the patient started drinking DDW, examinations verified progression, and her pain and disability increased.Following the administration of DDW, her pain subsided within 1–1.5 months, and bone scintigraphy carried out two months later could not verify several small metastases that had earlier been present. The patient consumed Dd-water until January 1994 and noted an improvement in the quality of life..."

7. (http://store.preventawater.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=65_72)

"Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was diagnosed in February 2006... DDW consumption was initiated upon diagnosis. One month later the WBC count started decreasing and by the 7th month of the cure the WBC count reached the physiological level... To sum up, during the last one and a half year of DDW consumption there was a significant improvement in the patient’s condition and not any forms of conventional therapy was applied."

8. On the same page, the site notes:

"The Preventa® deuterium depleted drinking water has not yet been recognised as a medicine..."

9. I'd like to challenge whether the advertisement:

(i) Is misleading because it promotes a treatment for various forms of cancer

(ii) Offers a treatment for conditions for which qualified medical supervision should be sought, which might discourage essential treatment

(iii) Is misleading because it promotes a product which has not been approved by the MHRA as a medicine

(iv) Is misleading because it uses the word 'cure' on several occasions (such as the quote in paragraph 7 above)

10. I'd also like to challenge whether the health claims made can be substantiated, because

(i) The evidence for a treatment for prostate cancer appears to rest on a single phase-2 clinical trial which has apparently never been replicated, nor proceeded to a phase-3 trial

(ii) There appears to be no clinical evidence regarding DDW as a treatment for any other form of cancer in humans

(iii) There appears to be no evidence supporting the claims that Preventa "optimizes the function of the immune system", "slows down the processes of aging" or is helpful for "diabetic patients".

11. Finally, I'd like to challenge whether the testamonial claims for mesothelioma, rectum cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer can be substantiated with rigorous clinical evidence."

Theta Healing Awareness Week (part 4)

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Accomplished crook Vianna Stibal, her belligerent husband Cody and our very own Jenny Johnstone - recently mentioned in this blog - made their debut on the BBC´s Newsnight programme this week.

For anyone who missed it, here's the video.

Theta Healing Awareness Week (Part 3)

On the subject of Theta Healing, a recent visitor to the blog has written to say

"Thank you very much for the additional exposure! The more people hear about Theta Healing, the more that are likely to benefit from it. There is, as you know, no such thing as bad publicity..."

Well, I'm a big fan of Vianna Stibal's magical finger therapy, so I'm happy to help.

I've decided that this week is going to be the First Annual "Theta Healing Awareness Week".

To help publicise the event, here is some extra "additional exposure" in the shape of dozens of new ASA/Trading Standards complaints. Feel free to join in the fun!

(Image credit)

TRACY HOLLOWAY

"The website makes a health claim for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetadnahealing.co.uk/thetahealing/who-we-are.php

"After her own life changing 3 days [into] her first Theta Basic training [course], Tracy was completely healed of the asthma she'd been suffering from since she was a child."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that Theta Healing can cure asthma, whether the claim is misleading, whether it is irresponsible, and whether it might discourage essential treatment.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=MudRHZ0wZ3

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

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LYN RICHARDSON

The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.theta-healing.org.uk/origin.html

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal a Naturopath, Massage Therapist, and Medical Intuitive discovered that the way she did Readings could also do an instant healing. At that time Vianna was ... just diagnosed with cancer that was quickly destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine failed and she was eventually told that she had lymphatic cancer with only a couple of months to live... Suddenly she discovered that using the same technique she used to do the readings could also heal the physical body. When she tried it on herself, her right leg that had shrunk by 3" regained it's [sic] former size and the pain disappeared. The healing was subsequently confirmed by medical doctors and to this day the leg continues to be perfectly healthy."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healing can cure cancer, heal the physical body, make legs grow by three inches and eliminate pain.

I'd also like to challenge whether the claim that Stibal's cure "was subsequently confirmed by medical doctors" can be substantiated, because I understand from researching previous complaints that there is considerable doubt about the veracity of this claim.

2. http://www.theta-healing.org.uk/origin.html

"Curious to understand why the technique was working, Vianna solicited the help of a physicist and with an electroencephalograph discovered that the simple technique tapped into Theta waves. Over many years it was discovered that the technique utilized a Theta and Gamma wave to achieve instant healing..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing has been validated by science are misleading.

3. http://www.theta-healing.org.uk/abouttheta.html

"By going into a theta brainwave state, the practitioner is able to command and witness the healing taking place."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that Theta Healers can "command and witness the healing taking place" can be substantiated.

4. http://www.theta-healing.org.uk/abouttheta.html

"By learning to change your brain wave cycle into the theta state you can actually watch the Creator accomplish instantaneous physical and emotional healing. Until now, theta brain waves were believed to be accessible only in deep sleep or yogi-level meditation."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that Theta Healers can "watch the Creator accomplish instantaneous physical... healing" can be substantiated.

I'd also like to challenge whether, when it was "discovered", Theta Healing was the only method (besides deep sleep and meditation) to achieve "theta brain waves" since, off the top of my head, I can think of half a dozen alternative methods.

5. http://www.theta-healing.org.uk/basic.html

"As well as learning to identify your own beliefs you will practice pulling them for others in the class. This practice can quickly reveal systems of belief that may take traditional psychotherapy years to uncover and goes even further by showing the body how to replace limiting beliefs or feelings with positive ones. Issues of safety are emphasised, especially when making genetic changes in the body."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing is vastly superior to psychotherapy, and that Theta Healing can make "genetic changes to the body", can be substantiated.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=k2zFALBRmX
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=BlJbWN4REU
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=ThzgGmXqvW

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

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EDWARD STOPLER

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal, a Naturopath and Intuitive discovered that she could do instant healings. This all came about when Vianna... was diagnosed with Cancer that was destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed. Then she discovered that the simple technique she used in intuitive readings could heal. Her leg was healed instantly."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer.

2. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"Curious to understand why the technique was working so well, Vianna found the help of a Physicist and they used an Electrocephalogram (E.E.G) to discover that the simple technique tapped into Theta waves."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Theta healing works "so well" and that Theta Healing has been validated by science are misleading.

3. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"Vianna went on to treat many thousands of clients successfully..."

I challenge whether the claim that Stibal has treated "many thousands of clients successfully" can be substantiated.

4. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"Theta healing works by accessing the natural Theta Brain Waves that links us to the subconscious part of our minds... This gives us the ability to find the root causes of our issues or illnesses, as without finding these, our issues reappear again and again."

I challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing can "give us the ability to find the root causes of our...illnesses" and that without Theta Healing, "our issues reappear again and again" are misleading.

5. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"The reason Theta Healing is so effective is..."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing is "so effective" is misleading.

6. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"Theta healing is different because although issues are highlighted by the practitioner, the actual work in releasing the issues and creating change is done directly from the Creator of all that is and not through the Practitioner at all."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing is performed not by the practitioner, but by "the Creator of all" is misleading, because I worry that ordinary consumers might interpret it as a claim for efficacy.

7. http://www.thetasoulhealing.com/thetahealing.html

"THETA HEALING CAN HELP YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING AREAS OF YOUR LIFE... Health and Well Being: With Theta Healing you can scan the body and identify the location of a dis-ease. Then the root cause of the dis-ease is found through listening to the clients life and experiences."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healers "can scan the body and identify the location of a dis-ease" and find "the root cause of the dis-ease" can be substantiated.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=bg0qmPr64i
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=QQq83fF5Gp
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=EhI6Zeodby
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=dQFipXot4D

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

ANNE-MARIE CARRATU

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing and its distant cousin, reiki, which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/theta_healing-242.htm

"On the physical side, using Theta Healing has prevented burns and sprained ankles from occurring, healed injured knees, improved hearing, facilitated people to walk again, and has been successfully used in working with degenerative and debilitating diseases such [as] Aids and Cancer."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healing has been "successfully used in working with degenerative and debilitating diseases such [as] Aids and Cancer".

I'd also like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healing can treat burns, sprained ankles and injured knees, and improve hearing and mobility.

2. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/theta_healing-242.htm

"Theta Healing can also cure physical ailments instantly..."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can "cure physical ailments instantly" can be substantiated.

3. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/theta_healing-242.htm

"Theta Healing was developed over a 10-year period by Vianna Stibal... During a session with a client, Vianna discovered that she could command and witness the instant healing of physical ailments. At the time, she had lymphatic cancer that was destroying her right femur. She had tried all the conventional methods and some alternative therapies as well. When she applied her new discovery to her cancer, her leg was healed instantly - it immediately returned to normal length, the swelling went down, and the cancer disappeared - instantaneously!"

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer "instantly" or "instantaneously" can be substantiated.

4. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/theta_healing-242.htm

"The Scientific Evidence - Curious to know why her technique was working, Vianna enlisted the help of a physicist... In addition, more and more books are now being published that confirm and validate that the Theta brainwave gives us access to both our subconscious mind AND allows us to tap into this level this higher level of consciousness."

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing has been validated by science is misleading, because I understand there are no rigorous clinical trials available to support claims of efficacy.

5. http://www.reiki-light.co.uk/Benefits_of_Reiki-246.htm

"Some Benefits of Reiki - Below is a list of some of the benefits of Reiki... Helps with depression... Strengthens and supports the immune system... Releases toxins... Helps to relieve pain... Relieves headaches including migraines... Relieves conditions such as arthritis and rheumatisim... Promotes healing for all acute illness or injury... Promotes healing for all chronic illness e.g. asthma/eczema... Helps with insomnia, thereby aiding better sleep... Reduces blood pressure... Reduces the need for alcohol and drugs... Helps with addictions... Raises the vibration within the body... Beneficial to all animals..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that reiki can treat clinical depression, migraines, arthritis, rheumatism, "all acute illness or injur[ies]", "all chronic illness", asthma, eczema, insomnia and addictions, and that reiki "reduces the need for alcohol and drugs", relieves pain, releases toxins, reduces blood pressure, improves the immune system and is "beneficial to all animals".

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=9a4Nx0lQNi
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=D5gUOWq7uV
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=jxU5QKBVJg

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

VANYA SILVERTON

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetalondon.com/about.html

"WHERE DOES THETA HEALING COME FROM? In 1995 Vianna Stibal a Naturopath, Massage Therapist, and Intuitive Reader discovered that the way she did Readings could help with instant healings. Vianna... was diagnosed with cancer that was quickly destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed. Then she discovered that the simple technique she used in Readings could heal and her leg was instantaneously healed... Later it was discovered that the technique utilized a Theta and Gamma wave to achieve an instant healing..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer "instantaneously".

2. http://www.thetalondon.com/about.html

"WHAT CAN THETA HEALING DO?... perform body scans to see what is going on with your body and why ailments are manifesting... Other areas can include: Addictions - Allergies - Anger Management - Anxiety - Bereavement - Commitment Phobia - Confidence - Depression - Drug Abuse - Emotional Issues - Fears - Guilt - Health Issues - Jealousy - Loneliness - Motivation - Negative Emotions and Thoughts - Obsessions - Panic Attacks - Personal Development - Phobias - Rejection - Self-Confidence - Sexual Issues - Shame - Shyness - Stage Fright - Stress - Trauma - Unhappiness - Worry."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healers can "perform body scans to see what is going on with your body and why ailments are manifesting" and that Theta Healing can treat addictions, allergies, depression, drug abuse, health issues, panic attacks and "sexual issues".

3. http://www.thetalondon.com/howdoesitwork.html

"By lowering the brain's frequency to include a theta brain wave, it becomes possible to select information recorded in the DNA... ThetaHealing™ is a technique that helps us to consciously choose which DNA should be 'switched on' and which should be 'switch off'. This means that we can actively reprogramme cellular information to release outdated information and in its place install or activate better instructions... ThetaHealing™ is such an easy technique, that children as young as six are using it with results!"

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healers can "select information recorded in the DNA", "consciously choose which DNA should be switched on and which should be switched off", "actively reprogramme cellular information" and "activate better instructions".

I'd also like to challenge whether the claim that "children are young as six" are using Theta Healing "with results" is misleading.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=1iCI9ei8Jl
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=RhnrwqXMB7

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

Theta Healing Awareness Week (Part 2)

On the subject of Theta Healing, a recent visitor to the blog has written to say

"Thank you very much for the additional exposure! The more people hear about Theta Healing, the more that are likely to benefit from it. There is, as you know, no such thing as bad publicity..."

Well, I'm a big fan of Vianna Stibal's magical finger therapy, so I'm happy to help.

I've decided that this week is going to be the First Annual "Theta Healing Awareness Week".

To help publicise the event, here is some extra "additional exposure" in the shape of dozens of new ASA/Trading Standards complaints. Feel free to join in the fun!

(Image credit)

DAVID LOWE / WENDY LOWE

"The website makes a number of testimonial claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

I'd like to challenge whether the testimonial claims (that Theta Healing can cure diabetes and clinical depression, treat high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure and panic attacks, and cause weight loss of 4lbs a week) are misleading.

I'd also like to challenge whether the advertisers' "intuitive body scans", apparently conducted over the phone, can reveal "physical problems".

1. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"In the last 3 weeks my whole life has turned around. Since you gave me those body scans I have realised what I have been doing to myself, my body... Blood tests show that my sugar levels have returned to normal so no more diabetes, Thank you. Nicola"

2. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"Thank you, Wendy and David. I've just got back from seeing the nurse for blood results. After years struggling with blood sugar levels, they are now back to normal. Loving myself as you taught me has got rid of the diabetes."

3. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"What did you do to me last week? Theta Healing? I feel great. No more grumpy moods and I've lost 4lbs! Mary W"

4. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"Wow, what did you do to me last week? I telephoned my psychiatrist and came off my antidepressants. I feel so good. Sue O."

5. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"No more panic attacks. I even went Christmas shopping in London. I feel great thanks to Theta Healing. Judith S"

6. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/treatments.htm

"... Oh been to the docs too, my blood pressure has gone from 145/98 to 113/79 - I thank you for the healing you gave me xx The doc is very pleased but a little confused at how come so quicky."

7. http://www.thetadna.co.uk/bodyscans.htm

"intuitive body scans... An intuitive body scan reveals how your mind is affecting your body. Although physical problems may be revealed, the scan mainly picks up on mental and emotional issues, for example, fears, feelings of being stuck or trapped, feelings of being burdened or being under attack."

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=I4Dbh70QVD
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=IK8vwBezVS
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=4Bjv0TDvwg

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

DAWN PAUL

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.liberate-online.co.uk/Theta-Healing.aspx

"Theta Healing was developed by a lady called Vianna Stibal in 1995... She had been diagnosed with cancer of her right leg and all conventional and alternative therapies had failed to bring about healing. Fortunately, she discovered that the “connection” technique she used for her readings altered her brain wave frequencies sufficiently for her to allow the Creator to work through her and heal her leg. She was cured instantly and went on to develop her techniques and teach them to others."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that Theta Healing can "cure" cancer "instantly".

2. http://www.liberate-online.co.uk/Theta-Healing.aspx

"Theta Healing is simple and gentle and as with all of her work, theta healing can be done with Dawn Paul remotely over the telephone for those not based in the UK."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing can be delievered "remotely over the phone" is misleading.

3. http://www.liberate-online.co.uk/Benefits.aspx

"Benefits of Shamanic Healing Techniques, Soul Retrieval and Theta Healing... Understand the root cause behind physical illness and heal it... Heal yourself, your ancestors and future generations... Enable the body to heal from physical injury or ailment... Remove and heal the need for dependencies... Prevent future illness/disease..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claims that Theta Healing can help you "Understand the root cause behind physical illness and heal it", "heal yourself, your ancestors and future generations", "enable the body to heal from physical injury or ailment", "remove and heal the need for dependencies" and "prevent future illness/disease".

4. http://www.liberate-online.co.uk/Articles/Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome.aspx

"“I have suffered from severe IBS, social phobia, anxiety, panic attacks and fatigue to name but a few of my complaints. I had become housebound and had not lived my life for many years. Over the years I have tried various therapies, but none of them really helped or some of them only making me feel a little better temporarily (some even made me feel worse!). Feeling desperate I turned to Dawn for help. I found the Shamanic Healing and Soul Retrieval to be positive and fun. Healing work with Dawn was very encouraging and deeply effective. I always felt guided in the right healing path. Soon I started to feel something shifting within me. Healing was very gentle but definite and deep and on-going. Now I feel so much calmer, grounded and at peace. I have also had sleeping problems all my life but I sleep much better and deeper now. I feel positive, more relaxed and have more energy. My everyday IBS is gone (only minor hiccups occasionally, when work gets extremely stressful), and I am no longer scared of people. I can at last start to enjoy life again. Thank you so much for your help, Dawn!”"

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser's claim of a cure for IBS with her "Shamanic Healing and Soul Retrieval" therapy, which the customer describes as "deeply effective", is misleading.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=6RCGyoebPA
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=NnkI5xnciq
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=axkF8UBjep

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

FIONA JANE

"The website makes a number of testimonial claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser's claims of a cure for astigmatism and chronic headaches (over 31 years) are misleading, because I understand that there's no clinical evidence available to support any of the claims made by proponents of Theta Healing.

1. http://www.scotlandthetahealing.co.uk/Testimonials.html

"before doing these courses I wore glasses every day for the last four years in order to see and correct an astigmatism. I now do not wear glasses at all."

2. http://www.scotlandthetahealing.co.uk/Testimonials.html

"Thankyou for your excellent support, i cannot believe how easy it has been to be pain free after 31 years of "daily headaches... many thanks Morag.xx"

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=z4TkjTuCQC
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=B9P6tZd1W8

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

ALEXANDRA BROWN / THETA HEALING ACADEMY

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.thetahealingacademy.com/origins-of-theta-healing.html

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal a Naturopath, Massage Therapist, and Intuitive Reader discovered that the way she did Readings could do an instant healing. Vianna, a mother of three young children was diagnosed with cancer that was quickly destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed. Then she discovered that the simple technique she used in Readings could heal. Her leg was instantaneously healed. She added this knowledge to her sessions with clients and in the classes she was teaching. Curious to understand why the technique was working, Vianna solicited the help of a physicist and with an electrocephalograph discovered that the simple technique tapped Theta waves."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Theta Healing can cure cancer.

2. http://www.thetahealingacademy.com/origins-of-theta-healing.html

"Over many years of practicing the technique, Vianna believes the technique utilizes a Theta wave to achieve an instant healing. Through thousands of clients she discovered not only an amazing way to connect with the creative energy that moves in all things, but that this energy could change instantly Beliefs and Feelings that are linked to sickness."

I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that Theta Healing can achieve an "instant healing" of "sickness".

3. http://www.thetahealingacademy.com/index.html

"Discover one of the most powerful energy healing techniques in the world! Theta healing® has been called an ‘attainable miracle for your life’..."

I challenge whether the claim that Theta Healing is "one of the most powerful energy healing techniques in the world" is misleading, because I understand there's no clinical evidence supporting any of the claims proponents of Theta Healing tend to make.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=R285MQkeYa
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=WQPX7r29nz

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

(Image credit)

ANNA KITNEY / BOURGEON

"The website makes a number of health claims for Theta Healing (a form of hands-on healing comparable to reiki) and for a detox product which I suspect are misleading.

1. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/vianna-stibal.html

"In 1995 Vianna Stibal founded Theta Healing® when she received an instant healing from cancer through the 'Creator of All That Is'...
Vianna... was diagnosed with cancer that was destroying her right femur. Everything she had tried using conventional and alternative medicine had failed. Vianna... learnt that she could also witness physical healings... This technique utilises a Theta and Gamma wave achieving an instant healing. Through thousands of clients she discovered not only an amazing way to connect with the creative energy that moves in all things, but that this energy could instantly change beliefs and feelings that are linked to sickness... After she was healed from cancer..."

I'd like to challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claims that Theta Healing can cure cancer and achieve "an instant healing".

2. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/disease--disorder-.html

"Theta Healing® Disease & Disorder Training Course - The Disease & Disorders course was created as a result of Vianna's healing sessions over the years. Having worked with thousands of clients with various diseases and illnesses, she learned that diseases have their own personalities and related belief systems, and that people with similar belief systems sometimes attract these diseases. She also learned that her dislikes or fears of a disease often prevented her from being able to heal the disease in others."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that "diseases have their own personalities and related belief systems, and that people similar belief systems sometimes attract these diseases" and that "dislikes or fears of a disease often prevented [Stibal] from being able to heal the disease in others" are misleading.

3. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/vianna-stibal.html

"Theta Healing may help you with... Depression... Fertility... Health Issures... Insomnia... Weight Loss..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Theta Healing "may help you with" depression, fertility, health issues, insomnia and weight loss can be substantiated.

4. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/segiun-detox-patches.html

"Benefits of the Segiun Detox Patches... The original, authentic and most safest detox patch in aiding removal of metalic toxins... Eliminates toxins..."

I'd like to challenge whether the claims that Segiun Detox Patches are the "most safest [sic] detox patch in aiding removal of metalic [sic] toxins" can be substantiated.

5. http://www.bourgeon.co.uk/testimonials.html

"Even friends and family have noticed the difference! I am a much calmer person now, have addressed issues and beliefs that have I have held for a long time ie weight - have lost almost 2 stone since the course in March and am still work in progress! My back problems are also improving thanks to Theta [Healing] - I am virtually off pain killers now, there have been other improvements as well and I continually work on myself."

I'd like to challenge whether the testimonial claim that Theta Healing can cause considerable weight loss ("almost 2 stone since the course in March") and that Theta Healing can "virtually" eliminate chronic pain are misleading.

I have captured screenshots of the website, available at the following URLs:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=xWYzlhmj3k
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=hgR4f1867u
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=Xo0kxkvtsI
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=C53Esn37Ut
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=YyAfnCf458

I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or with the alternative health industry."

Nina Knowland, Healer of Broken Bones

Sceptics often challenge "healers" - with a barely-concealed snigger - to demonstrate their powers by "healing" a broken bone.

Today I found someone who actually claims to perform this service. Meet Nina Knowland!

(Image credit)

Nina claims to be a psychic surgeon, a medical discipline closely related to faith healing. She describes herself as a

"Successful Specialised Healer and Lightworker, specializing in operable, inoperable and post operative [sic] trauma conditions... I have helped many clients who were waiting for an operation and some where an operation would not have been successful as the Surgeons today (not through their fault) do not have the knowledge or equipment..."

Nina is well-known is sceptical circles, mainly for her former friendship with Gary Mannion, another fraudulent healer. Mannion was lucky to avoid a free holiday at Her Majesty's Pleasure for his cancer cure claims, a criminal racket which was being emulated by Knowland until a few years ago.

Nina is still breaking the law, however. Just look at this list of conditions she claims to alleviate: nearly every one constitutes an offence under the 2008 Consumer Protection regulations.

"...acute pain, inoperable aneurysms, arthritis, asthma, back injuries, bilateral osteotomies, broken bones, bronchitis and other lung conditions, bladder problems, chest problems, persistent coughing, Crohn's disease, Deep Vein Thrombosis, detached retinas, damaged eyes, frozen neck, gall bladder conditions, gallstones, haemorrhoids, headaches, migraines, Hiatus Hernia, IBS, Lichen Sclerosis, kidney stones, macular degeneration, menstrual pains, MS, neck injuries, "extensive and irreparable" nerve damage, osteoporosis, sciatica, slipped discs, trapped nerves, whiplash..."

It's a rather long list and it would be easy to miss the "broken bones" gaff. Happily, Nina can support her claim with this, err, "evidence":

"I was off work with a painful cracked Rib [sic], I was on strong painkillers which had no affect [sic]. After Healing [sic] the pain from the cracked Rib [sic] had completely disappeared. My experience of my cracked Rib [sic] being Healed [sic] by Nina allows me to recommend her to anyone..."

"I suffered a broken tibia in my left arm. I had 2 operations and had my arm set in plaster twice. Xray's [sic] showed it calcified but had not fused together... I told Nina and she offered to try to help with healing... A month later I went back for another xray [sic] which showed the Tibia [sic] had fused together..."

An astute reader may wonder why all these "testimonials" are written in the same style, deftly employing the same punctuation errors. Due to space limitations, that query didn't find its way into my ASA complaint.

"I'm writing to complain about the health claims made on two sites operated by Nina Knowland of the "Odyssey Therapy Centre", who describes herself as a "psychic surgeon".

The sites are www.odysseytherapycentre.co.uk and www.ninaknowland.co.uk

1. Knowland describes her work as a "psychic surgeon" thus:

( http://www.ninaknowland.co.uk/#/psychic-surgery/4517505067 )

"Successful Specialised Healer and Lightworker, specializing in operable, inoperable and post operative [sic] trauma conditions..."

2. I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate the following claims on the same webpage:

(i) Psychic surgery has "helped many clients who were waiting for an operation"
(ii) Psychic surgery is in some cases superior to (orthodox) surgery
(iii) Psychic surgery can "prevent disease and complications"
(iv) The advertiser has been "successful" in treating "operable, inoperable and post operative [sic] trauma conditions"
(v) "...there is nothing that cannot be cured by Spiritual [Psychic] Surgery"
(vi) "Most ailments are cleared in just one session, sometimes two"

3. The advertiser lists the conditions she imagines psychic surgery can treat ( http://www.ninaknowland.co.uk/#/conditions-alleviated/4523700306 ).

4. I'd like to challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate her claim that psychic surgery can "successfully alleviate" acute pain, inoperable aneurysms, arthritis, asthma, back injuries, bilateral osteotomies, broken bones, bronchitis and other lung conditions, bladder problems, chest problems, persistent coughing, Crohn's disease, Deep Vein Thrombosis, detached retinas, damaged eyes, frozen neck, gall bladder conditions, gallstones, haemorrhoids, headaches, migraines, Hiatus Hernia, IBS, Lichen Sclerosis, kidney stones, macular degeneration, menstrual pains, MS, neck injuries, "extensive and irreparable" nerve damage, osteoporosis, sciatica, slipped discs, trapped nerves and whiplash.

5. I'd also like to challenge her claim that psychic surgery can repair broken limbs and cracked ribs, unblock fallopian tubes, cause a "significant improvement in eyesight" and remove post-operative adhesions and scar tissue.

6. I'd like to challenge whether the claim, at the bottom of this page, that "No doctor will tell you ever tell you everyone can be cured... I can't do this either, I can say I have a high success rate" can be substantiated.

7. The advertiser supports the list of conditions she can "alleviate" with a page of "client testimonials" ( http://www.ninaknowland.co.uk/#/testimonials/4517599900 and http://www.odysseytherapycentre.co.uk/#/testimonials/4522356271 ). I'd like to challenge whether the testimonial claims that psychic surgery can cure inoperable detached retinas, macular degeneration, eczema, degenerative osteoporosis, cracked ribs, broken tibias, post-operative adhesions, pain so severe that morphine was prescribed, hiatus hernia, back pain, intestinal blockages requiring surgery, abscesses and inoperable aneurysms are misleading. I'd also like to challenge whether the claim on these pages, "My testimonials are the evidence of the work I do (in psychic surgery)" is likely to mislead consumers about the reliability of anecdotal evidence.

8. The advertiser's fees are contradictory. Is the fee #40 or #60? Does the advertiser charge for her time, or per condition cured?

(i) http://www.ninaknowland.co.uk/#/psychic-surgery/4517505067 states "#60 per condition...you can contact me through the Odyssey Therapy Centre"
(ii) http://www.odysseytherapycentre.co.uk/#/questionsanswers/4522363854 states "My main Clinic is held at Odyssey Therapy Clinic... the fee is #40"
(iii) http://www.odysseytherapycentre.co.uk/#/testimonials/4522356271 states "I do not charge a fee for my healing. As with all professions I charge for my time".

I've made some screenshots of the relevant pages, which are available at:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=OR3KFyoDgv
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=ostbi2jx06
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=wvdwJsd249
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=WdzNZ2i22j
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=Pb5TOCAXHo
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=jU5K7cShoB
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=A17bCqgwBu
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=315klod5fD
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=oY1G0qT0Op
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=uG3tOknu3M
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=9divggA6Zp

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

Amazon UK are still breaking the law

This is Karin Mont, a homeopath who lives in Sussex.

(Image credit)

Karin isn't the kind of homeopath who restricts their practise to treating nebulous "symptoms".

In actual fact, she's the kind of homeopath who advocates homeopathy as a treatment for cancer.

"I have always enjoyed the writings of Catherine Coulter... In A Homeopathic Approach To Cancer... she concentrates on bringing together the case notes and clinical observations of the well-known Indian homeopath, Dr. Ramakrishnan [who] has treated literally thousands of cases of cancer..."

Wisely, these words don't appear anywhere in her advertising, but in a book review published in the April 2003 edition of Homeopathy in Practice.

How seriously does Karin believe should the "treatments" be considered? The words below, as well as the words above, are hers:

"In the second chapter, the main cancer remedies are identified, then sub-divided into three groups to facilitate referencing... 1. Nosodes, mainly Carcinosin and Scirrinum... 2. Remedies used in cancers of many types, such as Arsenicum, Conium and Thuja... 3. Organ-specific remedies, including Ceanothus (spleen, pancreas, liver), Terebinthina (bladder), Plumbum iodatum (brain), Hecla lava (bone, bone marrow), Sabal serrulata (prostate), and Hydrastis (stomach)..."

Wait a moment - we're getting to the best bit -

"There are a number of examples given of the successful treatment of cancer."

Promoting a cure for cancer would normally an offence under the Cancer Act 1939, but this is a book review, and an eight-year-old one at that. Perhaps Karin's enthusiasm was a one-off folly of youth?

To help you decide, here are some more of her writings:

"Homeopathy's success at treating the Spanish flu outbreak of 1918 is well documented, especially in the USA. The medical records of hospitals across the country consistently show a mortality rate of above 28% in sufferers treated conventionally, as opposed to a mortality rate of just over 1% of those treated with homeopathy."

It goes without saying that these ravings - which appear in an article by another author - are not in any way congruent with reality.

Karin is described as having a "thriving" practice, but I can find few details about it. Most of her energy seems to be spent on one of the few clubs willing to have her as a member - the comparably loony Alliance of Registered Homeopaths, of which she is a founder.

But - getting back to that dodgy cancer claim - in these days of heightened regulatory pressure, would anyone dare make such a claim now?

Here is one company who would. Perhaps you've heard of them. They're a little bookshop near Milton Keynes called 'Amazon', and this is the second time I've written about them.

(Image credit - click to expand)

ASA complaint follows!

"I'm writing to complain about marketing claims made on the Amazon UK website, www.amazon.co.uk

A search for "cancer" on the site turns up hundreds of adverts for books which can be bought through the site, some from Amazon directly, some from independent booksellers.

I think that in a great many cases the adverts, as distinct from the contents of the books, are in breach of the CAP Code.

To avoid labouring a point, I've included here only the first five adverts I found.

1

URL:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cancer-curable-under-Homeopathic-treatment/dp/B003ZYXA14/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299698108&sr=8-1
Mirrored at:
http://www.freezepage.com/1299699921JLZMEMRVBN

Book title:
"Cancer curable under Homeopathic treatment" by Dr P.S Kamthan

Product description:
Dr Kamthan was an eminant physician with a busy practice. He is the author of many small books on various Homeopathic subjects having gained his experience from many years of clinical practice. This interesting book gives Homeopathic remedies and their indications for many types of cancers including: - brain tumour, eye tumours and ulcers, malignant ulceration of the nose, throat, mouth, tongue, lips, larynx, lungs, breast, stomach, liver, female genitals, penis, scrotum, rectal and bladder cancers. He gives the name of the person who made the observation for each of the indications.

Complaint:
Does the CAP Code permit the advertising of this book? Does the product description exaggerate the validity of the book's contents?

2

URL:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Homoeopathic-Approach-Cancer-U-Ramakrishnan/dp/1576261557/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1299698108&sr=8-7
Mirrored at:
http://www.freezepage.com/1299699997BMGLEUDDBV

Book title:
"A homoeopathic Approach to Cancer" by A.U.Ramakrishnan, Catherine R Coulter

Complaint:
Does the CAP Code permit the advertising of this book?

3

URL: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Family-Guide-Homeopathy-Medicine-Future/dp/0241135729/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1299698108&sr=8-10
Mirrored at:
http://www.freezepage.com/1299700041ZEHZHMRPIM

Book title:
"The Family Guide to Homeopathy: The Safe Form of Medicine for the Future"

Product description:

"A comprehensive guide to homeopathic medicine. Practical and realistic advice on safe treatments for every condition from colds to cancer. It also provides nutritional and lifestyle advice and a section on prevention of disease and health maintenance."

Complaint:
Does the product description exaggerate the validity of the book's contents? Can the claim that there are homeopathic treatments for colds and cancer be substantiated?

4

URL:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tlacote-Water-30C-Homeopathic-Tablets/dp/B003YM9HGE/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1299698108&sr=8-11
Mirrored at:
http://www.freezepage.com/1299700151KNJHALSWBK

Product:
"Tlacote Water 30C Homeopathic Tablets x 125"

Product features:
"...Famous remedy made from healing water. Reputed to have a wide range of activity in curing disease...."

Complaint:
Does the advert contain therapeutic indications not found on the product's label?

5.

URL:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Natural-Herbal-Cures-Remedies-Discover/dp/B0046LV9FY/ref=sr_1_41?ie=UTF8&qid=1299699145&sr=8-41
Mirrored at:
http://www.freezepage.com/1299700202UNRCLAXCEJ

Book Title:
"Natural Herbal Cures & Remedies - Discover the Natural Herbal Cures and Remedies Used to Treat Illness and Disease for Hundreds of Years!"

Product Description:

Discover the Natural Herbal Cures and Remedies Used to Treat Illness and Disease for Hundreds of Years - STOP Using Unnecessary Drugs and Pills, and Learn the Natural Cures Doctors Never Informed You About!

"What the Drug and Pill Companies Don't Want You to Know About!"

Considering the mass amount of doctors and specialists in the medical industry, only a handful of specialists in various parts the world promote the use of natural remedies to treat disease. The fact is, there are alternative ways to cure and prevent disease - Also, erradicate them. There are also natural, non-drug and non-surgical ways to cure and prevent virtually every disease, but drug and food companies never promote these methods of treatment because pharmaceutical drugs and treatments are big money...and that's the truth.

Until now, the public has been deceived by a highly organized and extremely well financed advertising from the media. Fake claims have been passed off and we now believe that the only way to treat any symptoms of illness or disease to purchase off-the-counter drugs. This is simply not true!

"What's The Wisest Way to Cure Your Disease?"

Based on scientific evidence, it is clear that the safest and most effective treatment for various diseases are right in our households...A mixture of natural fruits, vegetables and herbs are some of things needed to prevent or cure disease. I'm not teaching you how to make a fruit salad - With the right combination of ingredients, a cure can be created in the privacy of your own home!

Complaint:
Can the claims in the product description be substantiated? Does the advert discourage consumers from seeking essential medical treatment?"

Ray Balmain - Criminal

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have today started accepting complaints about online marketing claims.

(ASA advert)

Given the preponderance of lies and delusions infesting every dark corner of the interwebs, many have suggested - with quite some alarm - that the poor ASA will be swamped with angry letters.

Personally, I don't understand the fuss. Since the ASA's remit was extended (it happened exactly five minutes ago, by the way), I've only been able to submit three complaints. That works out at just 264,384 complaints for the rest of 2011.
Hardly a deluge, is it?

(Image credit - Balmain's website)

It can hardly have escaped my readers' notice that I have a somewhat inflated ego. Guarding against the possibility that the poor galley slaves in Holborn will have to start prioritising, I want to make sure my letters stay near the top of the pile.

Can any of my fellow sceptical letter writers boast a more odious target than this one?

Ray Balmain thinks he can use his magical fingers to cure cancer. Not just any old cancer, mind you, but

"Prostrate Cancer... Thyroid Cancer... M[yalgic] E[ncephalopathy]... Breast Cancer... Leukaemia... Skin Cancer... Liver Cancer... Lung Disease..."

There is always a risk that criminal like Balmain might take down their websites before the authorities have time to investigate them. Luckily, Ray was careful enough to get a write-up on his illegal activities in the local paper. Nice one, Ray!

(Image credit - Balmain's website)

ASA complaint follows. God speed!

I'm writing to complain about the marketing claims on Ray Balmain's website, www.rjbhealing.com.

Mr Balmain is a "Spiritual Healer" who lives in Newcastle.

I'd like to challenge whether Mr Balmain can substantiate any of the following claims I found on his website today:

(http://www.rjbhealing.com/index.php)

(i) "I help anybody with any illness with 'hands on' [sic] healing and 'distant [sic] healing'"

(ii) "Some of the illnesses that I have helped with include: Prostrate Cancer... Thyroid Cancer... M[yalgic] E[ncephalopathy]... Breast Cancer... Leukaemia... Skin Cancer... Liver Cancer... Lung Disease..."

(http://www.rjbhealing.com/media.php)

(iv) "Hands-on therapy [with Ray Balmain] beat my cancer"

(http://www.rjbhealing.com/reviews.php)

(v) "Ray Balmain started healing my daughter when she had leukemia [sic], she then developed heart failure, a stroke, chronic lung disease... Ray was adamant she would not die... When your child is dying you are desperate and will try anything and thank god I tried Ray..."

(vi) "I was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2002 it travelled to my liver, there was no cure only chemotherapy to help shrink it. Then Ray Balmain spiritual healer started giving me 'hands on healing' 6 months later my cancer was completely gone..."

(vii) "I recently had a prolapsed disc which was operated on... Ray came to see me on the 6th day and about 30 minutes after healing I felt an intense heat at the site of my operation. I stood up and was able to walk without pain - it was nothing short of a miracle!"

(viii) "I was diagnosed with Leukaemia in November 2008. Not only did Ray give me hands on [sic] healing, but also gave me numerous free distance healings [sic]... The Doctors were amazed at my recovery..."

I'd also like to challenge whether the claims are likely to discourage people from seeking essential treatment for serious diseases, particularly in relation to these five claims:

(http://www.rjbhealing.com/reviews.php)

(ix) "I was introduced to Ray in January 2009 after finding a lump in the left side of my neck. At the time I had a 9 month old son and had been told by 2 consultants it was likely to be Cancer. This was devastating news and when Ray first came to see me I was a wreck going through weeks of tests at various hospitals. Before a diagnosis was finally made Ray told me that the lump wasn't cancer, it wasn't coming from anywhere in my body and was just located in my neck. He said it was like a 'waste matter' but not life threatening..."

(http://www.rjbhealing.com/reviews2.php)

(x) "I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, early in 2003 I was introduced to healing by Ray... Ray visited me every week and also gave me distant healing... I did not like the chemotherapy and gave up against doctors [sic] advice... Despite this I went into remission, I believe this was down to the healing I received from Ray..."
http://www.rjbhealing.com/reviews2.php

(http://www.rjbhealing.com/reviews3.php)

(xi) "Diagnosed with advanced, aggressive prostate cancer in December 2004, I was told I had maybe 3 years to live... Six years [later] I am fit and well, the cancer inactive..."

(xii) "My niece in Boston was diagnosed with cancer of the thyroid and lymph nodes... She had surgery and Ray started the healing for her. Even though the cancer was advanced, she has now returned to work after six months, no chemo was required..."

(xiii) "Her bowel was rupturing. Surgery would been the last thing [doctors] wanted to do... Ray began healing, the bowel came right and no surgery..."