Marguerite Talmage - quacks in bloom

Marguerite Talmage (what an impossibly gorgeous name!) is a frequent guest on the BBC for her many successes in the "Britain in Bloom" contest.

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According to this advert in Nexus Magazine, though, there's another "Marguerite Talmage" - with the same email address - who is a shameless quack!

The advert suggests that some minor irritations like, err, "depression" and a "depleted immune system" are all down to something called "geopathic stress".

But fear not! Marguerite can "cure" these conditions by cleaning the "sick spaces" you live in - and what's more, she can do it "remotely"!

Can Marguerite substantiate her claims? I do hope so. I've taken rather a liking to the old gal. ASA complaint follows!

"I write to complain about an advert appearing in "Nexus" magazine (August-September 2010, Vol 17 No 5, p76).

The advert, for Marguerite Talmage, promotes a distance healing service.

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. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. The advert includes the text:

"DEPLETED IMMUNE SYSTEM? Headaches? Depressed? Moody? Unhappy home / office? Geopathic Stress could be to blame. Sick spaces cleaned remotely. No cure - no fee..."

2. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim to "remotely...cure" any of the following conditions

(i) Headaches
(ii) Depression
(iii) A "Depleted Immune System"

3. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or the magazine. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine."

Bill Sohan the kind-hearted animal healer

I had an early success in my sceptical letter writing career with Bill Sohan, a distance healer.

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Of course, at that time, I didn't know about the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 which prohibits anyone besides vets (and a few related groups) from treating animals.

Perhaps Bill didn't know either, so in order to prevent him from potentially committing an offence, here's another ASA complaint about his latest advert.

"I write to complain about an advert appearing in "Nexus" magazine (August-September 2010, Vol 17 No 5, p76).

The advert, for Bill Sohan, promotes an animal healing service.

I suspect that the advert may be in breach of four sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code. I can provide an original copy of the adverts by post, if required.

1. The advert includes the text:

"SPIRITUAL HEALING. Humans / Animals. No fees..."

2. The advertised website[1] lists[2] the Bill Sohan's qualifications. It does not appear that he is a veterinarian.

3. According to The Royal College of Veterinary Science [3]:

"The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (Section 19) provides, subject to a number of exceptions, that only registered members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons may practise veterinary surgery. 'Veterinary surgery' is defined within the Act as encompassing the 'art and science of veterinary surgery and medicine' which includes the diagnosis of diseases and injuries in animals, tests performed on animals for diagnostic purposes, advice based upon a diagnosis and surgical operations which may not necessarily form part of a treatment. These restrictions are in the interests of ensuring that animals are treated only by people qualified to do so."

4. (i) Under Section 4.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertisers have complied with their "primary responsibility for ensuring that their marketing communications are legal" in relation to their animal healing service.

(ii) Under Section 2.2, I challenge whether the advert has been "prepared with a sense of responsibility to consumers and to society".

(iii) Under Section 6.1, I challenge whether the advert exploits the "credulity, lack of knowledge or inexperience of consumers" by not mentioning that, under the Act, only registered veterinarians can treat animals.

(iv) Under Section 7.1, I challenge whether the advert is likely to mislead by omission of any mention of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

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

Footnotes:
[1] http://www.billlynneharry.co.uk/
[2] http://www.billlynneharry.co.uk/faqs/how-qualifiedexperienced-are-you-to-do-this-kind-of-work-i-am-quite-sceptic-as-i-know-there-are-charlatans-in-this-field
[3] http://www.rcvs.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=92572&int2ndParentNodeID=89737&int1stParentNodeID=89642#students
"

"Colin" the "Vortex Healer"

Do you remember the complaint about Vortex Healing I submitted just yesterday? No?

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Well, the details aren't important.

I came across a similar advert today that promises to teach us all how to

"Channel divine energy and consciousness for healing yourself and others...Balance your meridians...Energise your body...Heal at a distance...& much more..."

I shudder to think what "much more" might be, given the impressive Nobel-prize winning achievements detailed elsewhere in the advert. ASA complaint, as usual, follows.

"I write to complain about an advert appearing in "High Spirit" magazine, August issue, p28.

The advert, for "Colin", promotes "Vortex Healing" workshops.

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. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. (i) On the 11th of August I submitted a complaint about an advert, for the "Vortex Healing Institute", which made similar claims.

(ii) I understand the advert which is the subject of this complaint promotes the services of an affiliate of the organisation, not the organisation itself. In any case, I will not repeat any of the claims from my previous complaint.

2. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate any of the following claims made about people who complete the promoted "Basic Training":

(i) "You can...Channel diving energy and consciousness, for healing yourself and others..."

(ii) "You can...energise your body"

(iii) "You can...heal at a distance"

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

John Frank the telephone healer

John Frank, who offers healing over the telephone, is recommended by no less a figure than Judy Piatkus, of Piatkus Books.



Those few among you who are thinking "errr, who?" will be enlightened to discover that Judy Piatkus publishes tomes from renowned scientific luminaries such as... Sylvia Brown and Patrick Holford!

Two adverts for John Frank appeared in this month's Kindred Spirit magazine (available here and here).

I'd like to see some evidence that John Frank can heal people over the telephone, so I can put his Nobel Prize nomination in the post first thing in the morning.

ASA complaint follows.

"I write to complain about two adverts appearing in "Kindred Spirit" magazine, Summer 2010 issue (p90, bottom, and p94, middle right).

The adverts, for John Frank, promote a distance-healing service by telephone.

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. I can provide an original copy of the adverts by post, if required.

1. (i) The first advert (p90) contains the text:

"John Frank Spiritual Healing by telephone..."

(ii) The same advert contains a testimonial attesting to the effectiveness of the service:

'John Frank is one of the most powerful psychics and healers I have ever met.' Judy Piatkus, Piatkus Books, London"

(iii) The second advert (p94) contains the text:

"BORN A HEALER, JOHN FRANK offers healing and guidance for emotional and physical problems via telephone. Call 020 8446 4820 to arrange a session. Highly recommended..."

2. Although it is not relevant to the complaint, John Frank's website [1] details the kind of healing he offers:

"Then of course, there is straightforward physical healing . In this case I send healing energy to the relevant parts of the body. I this context I receive special help from a Master Healer from the 'other side'. He chooses to channel his healing powers through me to you when appropriate."

3. 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) John Frank is able to provide "healing" over the telephone
(ii) John Frank is a "powerful...healer"

4. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, the magazine or with the alternative medicine industry in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine.

Footnotes:
[1] http://johnfrankonline.com/howcanibenefit.htm
"

New Horizions School of Healing - just £180 per course

The New Horizons School of Healing are proudly advertising their courses teaching some kind of magical finger therapy.

UPDATE, 1 Sep: The ASA have written to tell me the complaint has been passed to their compliance team.

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They call their technique "Quantum Healing".

Perhaps they ought to think of a better name. It's almost certainly being used by a hundred other miracle-cure salesmen, so their products are hardly going to stand out in the field.

What is Quantum Healing, anyway? According to the advert:

"Quantum Healing - This new innovative healing technique...Use scalar energy for healing...using sound and crystals to heal on a cellular level...reprogramming DNA and healing past lives...channelling high vibrational energy to heal..."

There's nothing more I can say about it, except - ASA complaint follows!

"I write to complain about an advert appearing in "Kindred Spirit" magazine, Summer 2010 issue, p19.

The advert, for the "New Horizons School of Healing", promotes a series of workshops and courses.

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. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. The advert contains the text:

"Quantum Healing - The new innovative healing technique...Learn how to use scalar energy for healing - Using sound and crystals to heal on a cellular level - Reprogramming DNA and healing past lives... - Channelling high vibrational energy to heal...an advanced course...over 3 weekends. £180 per weekend..."

2. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertiser holds documentary evidence to prove any of the following claims, and I challenge whether the claims are backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of clinical trials conducted on people:

(i) "Quantum Healing" uses "scalar energy for healing"
(ii) "Sound and crystals" can be used to "heal on a cellular level"
(iii) "Quantum Healing" is capable of "reprogramming and healing past lives"
(iv) "Quantum healing" is capable of "Channelling high vibrational energy to heal"
(v) "Quantum healing" is capable of any healing whatsoever

3. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, the magazine or with the alternative medicine industry in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine."

Michael Cohen (part 3) - the 1-2-1 distance healer

It's time for my third (or is fourth, or fifth?) complaint against Michael Cohen, the magical arm-waving quack healer. (The other complaints are here and here.)

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I use the word "quack" without hesitation. Earlier this year I spotted Michael's advert in which he claimed his healing technique could "access the bioelectromagnetic field to rewire the brain and physical body".

When I complained to the ASA, they wasted no time in passing the matter to their Compliance Team for action. (Adverts which are clearly in breach of the advertising codes don't often go to an adjudication.)

Guess what? The exact same advert is still appearing in various quackery magazines. Time for another complaint; I wonder how many times I'll have to repeat it?

"I write to complain about an advert appearing in "Kindred Spirit" magazine, Summer 2010 issue, p64.

The advert, for the "Raphayad TM Bioenergy Healing Clinic", promotes the clinic's healing services.

I complain that the advert is identical to one passed to the ASA's Compliance team some months ago. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. In April, I sumbitted a complaint about an advert from the same advertiser which was, word-for-word, identical to the one that is the subject of this complaint.

2. (i) Later that month, you wrote to tell me:

"Our compliance team has agreed to take up the case and they will contact the advertiser directly..."

(ii) You also advised me that one part of my complaint, regarding the advertisers claim to treat "difficult and debilitating symptoms" was not in breach of the (CAP) Code.

3. (i) I complain that, despite any action the Compliance Team may have taken, the exact same advert continues to appear in Kindred Spirit magazine. (As well as the Summer 2010 issue, the advert also appeared in the July/August issue of the magazine.)

4. Therefore once again, under Sections 3.1 and 50.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertiser holds documentary evidence to prove any of the following claims, and I challenge whether the claims are backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of clinical trials conducted on people:

(i) The technique can "access the bioelectromagnetic field to rewire the brain and physical body"
(ii) The technique can be used in "Distance 1-2-1 Treatment"

5. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, the magazine or with the alternative medicine industry in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine."

Navraj Sihra - woo, or not?

Some of the adverts in Nexus Magazine do their best to be anonymous, offering little more than a telephone number or an email address.

This advert ('RADIONICS' - top left corner) is a good example - I wonder who the advertiser could be?

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By the way, Navraj Sihra is an artist. (He's the one in the middle, looking glum.)

Navraj shares a phone number and an email address with someone who is offering to "correct" disease at a distance. Are they related? We should be told!

ASA complaint, perhaps not concerning Navraj at all, follows.

"I write to complain about an advert in "Nexus" magazine (April-May 2010, Vol 17, No 3, p77, top-left corner).

The advert, entitled "RADIONICS. We are vibrating atoms" promotes a distance healing service.

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. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. The CAP Code, Section 3.1, states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."

2. The CAP Code, Section 50.1, states "Medical and scientific claims made about beauty and health-related products should be backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people..."

3. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the advertiser holds 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:

(i) Disease is caused by "atoms out of synchronisation"
(ii) The advertiser can "correct" disease "at a distance"

4. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, the magazine or with the alternative medicine industry in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine."

*Ray Balmain - cancer cure specialist

Ray Balmain is one of those odious little men who claims to "beat" cancer with his magical fingers.

UPDATE, 26 Apr: Consumer Direct report that complaint has been passed to Trading Standards

UPDATE, 27 Apr: ASA report that complaint has been passed to its compliance team

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Ray first came to my attention via this advert in Kindred Spirit magazine, in which he boldly claims we'll all be "amazed by his abilities".

Wanting to know more, I rushed over to his website and found material which is almost certainly an offence under the Cancer Act 1939.

Here is my letter to Trading Standards...

"I write to complain about the website www.rjbhealing.com which advertises the services of a Ray Balmain of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Mr Balmain, who describes himself as a "spiritual healer", charges between £10-£20 for his services.

I submit that the contents of his website are in breach of the Cancer Act 1939.

Specifically:

1. In the Section marked '[4] Media', Mr Balmain displays a newspaper article with the headline "Hands-on therapy beat my cancer".

I submit that this is a contravention of the Cancer Act 1939.

2. In the same section, Mr Balmain displays another newspaper (or magazine) article with the headline "Hands-on Therapy Beat Cancer".

I submit that this is a further contravention of the Cancer Act 1939.

3. In the Section marked '[6] More Media', Mr Balmain displays a magazine front-cover with the headline "Healing hands over my cancer-riddled body".

I submit that this is a third contravention of the Cancer Act 1939.

I confirm that I have no connections to Mr Balmain, or to the alternative medicine industry in general."

...and another one to the ASA.

"I write to complain about an advert in "Kindred Spirit" magazine (May/June 2010, Issue 104, p75).

The advert promotes Ray Balmain, an "amazing healer".

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. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. The CAP Code, Section 3.1, states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."

2. The CAP Code, Section 50.1, states "Medical and scientific claims made about beauty and health-related products should be backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people..."

3. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the advertiser holds documentary evidence to prove any of the following claims, and I challenge whether the claims are backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of clinical trials conducted on people:

(i) Ray Balmain has the "ability...to heal the sick"
(ii) Ray Balmain's abilities are "amazing"
(iii) Ray Balmain is able to perform "absent Healing"

4. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, the magazine or with the alternative medicine industry in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine."

*Michael Cohen, the 'International expert'

Michael Cohen - founder of the "Raphayad Bioenergy Healing Clinic" - says he "specialises in treating DIFFICULT and DEBILITATING CONDITIONS" - either at his London clinic, or at great distances!

UPDATE, 27 Apr: ASA report "Our compliance team has agreed to take up the case and they will contact the advertiser directly...Please note that they will not be looking into your concerns about the 'difficult and debilitating symptoms' they claim to treat. The ad does not make mention of a specific illness and also does not claim to treat illnesses themselves, merely the symptoms of them, which is not in breach of the CAP Code."

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I'll give Michael the chance to prove it, before I make fun of him.

ASA complaint follows.

"I write to complain about an advert in "Kindred Spirit" magazine (May/June 2010, Issue 104, p75).

The advert, for the Raphayad Bioenergy Healing Clinic, promotes on-site and distance treatment of "difficult and debilitating symptoms".

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. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. The CAP Code, Section 3.1, states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."

2. The CAP Code, Section 50.1, states "Medical and scientific claims made about beauty and health-related products should be backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people..."

3. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1, I challenge whether the advertiser holds documentary evidence to prove any of the following claims, and I challenge whether the claims are backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of clinical trials conducted on people:

(i) Joanne Cohen and Michael Cohen can "[treat] DIFFICULT and DEBILITATING symptoms" using their "technique"
(ii) The technique can "access the bioelectromagnetic field to rewire the brain and physical body"
(iii) The technique can be used in "Distance...Treatment"

4. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, the magazine or with the alternative medicine industry in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine."

Barbara Brennan - NASA scientist fallen on hard times

Barbara claims to be a former NASA scientist.

I can't be bothered to find out whether she's telling the truth, but still, I was disturbed by her advert in Kindred Spirit Magazine claiming to teach people to "identify and heal the distortions that lead to disease".

Standard ASA complaint follows.

"I write to complain about an advert in "Kindred Spirit" magazine (May/June 2010, Issue 104, p4).

The advert, for Barbara Brennan School of Healing, promotes a "professional training programme".

I suspect that the advert may be in breach of one section of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. The CAP Code, Section 3.1, states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."

2. Under Section 3.1, I challenge whether the advertiser holds documentary evidence to prove any of the following claims:

(i) Students on the training programme can learn to "read the Human Energy Field"
(ii) Students on the training programme can learn to "identify and heal the distortions that lead to disease"
(iii) Students on the training programme can learn to "Perform some of the most advanced healing techniques known"
(iv) Students on the training programme can leave it as "amazing healers"

3. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, the magazine or with the alternative medicine industry in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine."

*Mike Gibbard: sucker magnet

Mike Gibbard's website is full of glowing testimonials from his clients (did I say clients? I meant, "suckers").

UPDATE, 27 Mar: ASA advise "With regards to [Mike Gibbard], we've previously advised against this type of approach and we will therefore pass [this case] to our Compliance department for action."

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In his Kindred Spirits Magazine advert, Mike claims he can heal all kinds of problems from the comfort of his own home. Naturally, the service isn't free.

"POWERFUL DISTANT HEALING for all problems. £20 per month. Mike and Zak Gibbard, Morwenna, Sidmouth Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3ES. Website www.powerfulhealing.net"

"Rainbow readings" cost another £65, but that isn't a lot of money for the services of a man who can apparently defy the laws of physics.

Bog-standard ASA complaint follows.

"I write to complain about an advert in “Kindred Spirit” magazine (March/April 2010, page 93), which promotes a commercial distance healing service for Mike Gibbard and Zak Gibbard.

I suspect that the advert is in breach of two sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code.

I have submitted a scan of the advert. The advert is towards the top of the page, entitled "POWERFUL DISTANT HEALING". I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. The CAP Code, Section 3.1, states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."

2. The CAP Code, Section 50.1, states "Medical and scientific claims made about beauty and health-related products should be backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people..."

3. I challenge whether the advertiser holds documentary evidence to prove any of the following claims, and I challenge whether the claim is backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people:

(i) Mike and Zak Gibbard can perform "distant healing"
(ii) Mike and Zak Gibbard's healing can be used for "all problems"

4. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, with the magazine, or with the publishing and alternative medicine industries in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine.

5. I confirm that I am happy to be identified as the complainant."

*Eddy Healing Centre: modern witch doctor

A classified ad in Kindred Spirit Magazine offers a remarkable "solution" for HIV/AIDS.

UPDATE, 27 MAR: ASA advise "With regards to [Eddy Healing Centre], we've previously advised against this type of approach and we will therefore pass [this case] to our Compliance department for action."

(Image credit - not Chief Eddy)

Yes, it's another one of those miracle distance-healing services. Quite a distance, on this occasion. If you're stupid enough to send £50 to "Chief Eddy" in Nigeria, there's little I can do to help you.

Eddy can be reached on 00 234 80 35831490 (Nigerian number - cost of calling unknown). Perhaps the ASA will give him a bell.

"I write to complain about an advert in “Kindred Spirit” magazine (March/April 2010, page 93), which promotes a distance healing service, EddyHealingCentre.org

I refer here only to the contents of the advert, not to the service's website. I suspect that the advert is in breach of two sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code.

I have submitted a scan of the advert. The advert is in the left-hand side of the page, entitled "AFFLICTED BY AILMENTS". I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. The CAP Code, Section 3.1, states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."

2. The CAP Code, Section 50.1, states "Medical and scientific claims made about beauty and health-related products should be backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people..."

3. I challenge whether the advertiser holds documentary evidence to prove any of the following claims, and I challenge whether the claim is backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people:

(i) The healing service can provide a "solution" for AIDS
(ii) The healing service can provide a "solution" for constant pain, tiredness and nightmares
(iii) The healing service can provide a "solution" for infertility

4. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, with the magazine, or with the publishing and alternative medicine industries in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine.

5. I confirm that I am happy to be identified as the complainant."

*Bill Sohan - healing by post

Bill Sohan advertises his services in Nexus Magazine, claiming that he can heal people and animals at a distance.

UPDATE, 4th May: ASA report " The advertiser has provided a written assurance that the ad will be amended to remove the reference to 'DISTANT … ' healing."

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His website helpfully clarifies that, although the service is free, "contributions of any size are most gratefully received. Cheques should be made payable to P.Sohan (and not Bill Sohan)."

Standard ASA complaint follows.

"I write to complain about an advert published in Nexus Magazine, Vol. 17, No. 2 (February-March 2010).

The advert, for Bill Sohan, is entitled "DISTANT HEALING".

I have submitted a scan of the advert. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

I suspect that the advert is in breach of two sections of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code.

1. Nexus Magazine is published in the UK "under licence by Nexus Magazine (UK) Ltd". It is available in high street shops like WH Smiths.

2. The February-March 2010 issue (Vol. 17, No. 2, page 77) carried a classified advert entitled "DISTANT HEALING". The advert promotes a healing-by-post service.

3. The CAP Code, Section 3.1, states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."

4. The CAP Code, Section 50.1, states "Medical and scientific claims made about beauty and health-related products should be backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people..."

5. I challenge whether Bill Sohan holds documentary evidence for his claim that he can heal humans and animals at a distance, and I challenge whether his claim is backed by appropriate evidence consisting of trials conducted on people.

6. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, Nexus Magazine, or with the publishing industry in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or Nexus Magazine.

7. I confirm that I am happy to be identified as the complainant."