*The Tibetan Monks' Painkilling Digipuncture Ring

This page is receiving thousands of visits from people who've received an advert for a "Tibetan" painkilling ring.


If you're reading this, you probably don't want to miss out on what seems like an amazing product, even though you have doubts. So, let me spell it out for you:

The Tibetan Monks' Digipuncture Painkilling Ring is a criminal fraud.

To help you decide who is telling you the truth - me, or the advertisers - let's examine the claims the advert makes.

"...Let me remind you about the result of medical tests: most types of pain can be relieved with this ring...effectiveness proven in clinical tests..."

These claims are not true. No "medical tests" have ever been conducted on the ring, as anyone can easily check for themselves. (Almost all scientific research is available online nowadays, and many medical journals include a "plain English" summary which anyone can understand.)

"Study carried out with 1200 patients suffering from Chronic Pain - the 'Luxembourg Study' "

This claim is not true. No "Luxembourg Study" exists. You won't find any reference to it in any medical journal.

"...works on 127 types of pain..."

This claim is not true. Similar devices have been tested many times before, and not one of them has been able to reduce anyone's pain. Again, the research is available for anyone to read.

"...get your young, toned legs back and keep them like this..."

This claim is not true. There's no evidence to suggest that metal rings can reverse the effects of ageing. Search the medical journals for yourself, if you want to.

"...by improving your blood circulation with digipuncture, you will very quickly and without any medicine be able to [have] good circulation [and a] better memory [which] helps you to think faster..."

This claim is not true. You won't be able to find any research on "digipuncture" because the word was invented by the advertisers in order to sell rings.

"Tibetans confirm that acupuncture carried out with this ring suppresses 127 types of pain"

This claim is not true. The Chinese authorities don't permit Tibetan Monks to conduct scientific research.

"Here are a few pictures from my travels. Look at [all the Tibetans] wearing the painkilling ring!"

This claim is not true. Thousands of genuine photos of Tibetans are available in books, magazines and newspapers. Check them yourself. You won't find any Tibetans wearing one of these rings.

"Clinical tests confirm it... the ring relieves your pain by improving your circulation. Dr Birguite"

Dr Birguite does not exist. All doctors are registered in the countries in which they work and these records are available to the public. You won't find anyone matching this "Dr Birguite" anywhere.

"The Tibetan Ring is excellent because patients can use it so easily as soon as they feel any pain - Dr Waller, Former Professor of Lyon Faculty of Medicine"

Dr Waller does not exist, as you can easily check for yourself by contacting his former employers.

"...7 days before...7 days after..."

These photographs are forgeries. Each pair of photos clearly shows two different people masquerading as one.

"...My vertigo has totally disappeared...This ring gave me great health...I avoided an operation...I lost a stone in 15 days..."

These "satisfied customers" are fictional, as are their testimonials.

"Health Solutions Laboratories"

This organisation does not exist, as you can check for yourself by trying to visit their "laboratory". The organisation behind the scam is actually Intramed, a British company with a long history of defrauding vulnerable consumers.

"30-Day Risk Free Trial With No Obligation"

If you don't like the ring, good luck getting your money back. It is gone forever.

Still not convinced? As a result of my complaint to the UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the advert was banned. Their adjudication concluded:

"...we had not seen evidence that the testimonials, before and after photos or claims about the ring's provenance were genuine, nor had we seen evidence to substantiate the claims that the product could relieve pain or the symptoms of the conditions mentioned in the ad. We had also not seen evidence to substantiate the weight loss claims"

Noting that ten other adverts by the same company had already been banned, the ASA commented:

"We were also concerned that the ad appeared after IntraMed had given an assurance to [us] that they would no longer advertise in the UK..."

Instead of sending money to criminals, you should consider forwarding the advert you've received to the authorities who will be most interested to hear about it.

In the UK, you should send it to the Advertising Standards Authority. Their address is Mid City Place, 71 High Holborn, London WC1V 6QT.

In the United States, complaints should be sent to the Federal Trade Commission and to your local Better Business Bureau. Canadians should contact their state Consumer Protection Office and their local Better Business Bureau.

In Australia, complaints should be sent to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, or your State/Territory consumer protection agency. New Zealanders can complain to the NZ Advertising Standards Authority.

Below you can read details of my original complaint, submitted in October 2010. Most readers should probably skip that part and proceed to the comments at the bottom of the page.

(Image credit - scan of the mailshot)

This morning exciting news arrived with the postman - a "Tibetan Monks' Painkilling Ring".

According to the mailshot, the ring can improve all kinds of pain, including "migraine - tendinitis [sic] - pre operation [sic] - heavy legs - ear infection - vertigo - toothache" and much more besides!

Why should I believe a word of this? Well, according to the advertisers:

"Tibetans confirm that acupuncture carried out with this ring suppresses 127 types of pain"

In case that's not the rock-solid scientific proof you were hoping for, it continues:

"[The ring's] effectiveness is proven in clinical tests"

Alas, I am still struggling to believe any of the claims the advertisers make - not least because no "clinical tests" have ever been conducted on the ring. (If you don't believe me, you can search the medical journals yourself.)

In fact, I'd go so far as to suggest the production of this particular mailshot constitutes a criminal offence here in the UK.

Off to the ASA I go,then. (The leaflets can be seen here, here and here.)

"I write to complain about a mailshot I received this morning from "Health Solutions" (Ville Amphrey, St Martins, GY4 6DT). The mailshot, which contained four leaflets, promotes a "Tibetan Monks' Painkilling Ring".

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

Following the instructions on your website, I enclose the complete mailshot, including the envelope it arrived in.

My complaint is as follows.

Leaflet 1 - "CHASE AWAY YOUR PAIN"

1. Under Sections 3.1 and 50.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate any of the following claims:

(i) The ring "works on 127 types of pain", and its "effectiveness is proven in clinical tests" for "stomach ache - acid stomach - bad digestion - kidney problems - heavy legs - hot feet - pins and needles in the legs - varicose veins - losing weight - cellulite - heavy legs - lumbago - sciatica - joint pains - rheumatism - haemorrhoids - migraines - vertigo - tinnitus - shaking - memory problems - stress, anxiety - tachycardia - insomnia - Pre [sic] operation [pain] - Post [sic] operation [pain]"

(ii) The ring "naturally fight[s] more than 127 types of pain" including "Rheumatism - Joints - Cramps - Sciatica - Haemorrhoids - Migraines - Stomach pain..."

(iii) "The acupuncture points on the 5 fingers of your hand have an immediate and powerful action on your blood circulation"

(iv) "Clinical tests confirm" that "This ring relieves your pain by improving your circulation"

(v) With the Ring, "Oedema, heavy legs and inflammation of the joints disappear"

(vi) "This ring improves blood flow to your brain: Your migraines and vertigo disappear..."

(vii) "This ring makes all of your organs work better, by improving your circulation..."

(viii) The ring causes "your wrinkles [will] go away, your skin clears up..."

Leaflet 1 - back side

(ix) "By improving your blood circulation with digitopuncture, you will very quickly and without any medicine be able to - relieve your pain...get your young, toned legs back and keep them like this...good circulation also giving you better memory and helps you to think faster..."

(x) "Tibetans confirm that acupuncture carried out with this ring suppresses 127 types of pain"

(xi) "From the 1st hour your joints will not be as stiff"

(xii) "[A] Study carried out with 1200 patients suffering from chronic pain" showed the ring improves "Joint pain (3 hours) - Annular migraine (1h) - Aches/Tendinitis [sic] (1h) - Foot pain (3h) - Rheumatism (5h) - Oedema (24h) - Heavy legs (19h) - Varicose veins (72h-7d) - Haemorrhoids (48h) - Night cramps/Pins and Needles (1h) - Acid stomach/stomach cramps (3h) - Stomach ache/period pains (2h) - Ear infection (2h) - Vertigo (1h) - Toothache (2h) - Bags under the eyes (2h) - Tachycardia (1h) - Before an operation - to relax and calm (0.3h) - Post-operation: general pain relief (1h)"

2. Under Section 7.1, I challenge whether the two sets of "before and after" photos are genuine.

3. I challenge whether the testimonial labelled "Slimming - I have lost a stone in 15 days, is this normal?" is in breach of the CAP Code, Sections 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 6.1, 7.1, 14.1, 14.3, 14.4, 51.1, 51.2, 51.4, 51.8 and 51.9.

4. (i) Under Section 14.1, I challenge whether the advertiser holds signed and dated proof for the remaining five testimonials used and under Section 14.4 I challenge whether the testimonials are fictitious.

(ii) Under Section 14.2, I challenge whether the advertiser can substantiate the claims made in the remaining five testimonials.

5. For the leaflet as a whole:

(i) Under Section 2.1, I challenge whether the leaflet is "honest and truthful"

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

(iii) Under Section 6.1, I challenge whether the leaflet "exploit[s] the credulity, lack of knowledge or inexperience of consumers", particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly

(iv) Under Section 7.1, I challenge whether the leaflet is misleading

Leaflet 2 - "Here are a few pictures from my travels"

6. Under Section 7.1, I challenge whether the leaflet misleadingly implies that ordinary Tibetans wear the ring, that the ring dates from 1000 B.C, and that "Today this treatment is recommended by the best British Doctors".

7. Under Section 7.1, I challenge whether the claims of "Doctor Waller" are misleading, under Section 14.3 I challenge whether the claims can be substantiated, and under Section 14.4 I challenge whether the testimonial is fictional.
Leaflet 3 - "The Tibet Monk's painkilling ring"

8. Under Section 3.1, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that "For more than 3000 years, Tibetan monks have eased their pains with this ring"

Leaflet 4 - “Risk Free – Don't suffer any longer...”

9. Since this leaflet repeats many of the claims of the first, I simply challenge whether any of the medical claims it makes can be substantiated, whether any of the “before and after” photos are genuine, and whether the testimonials are fictitious.

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

Magic Wand Company - Wand away the pain in minutes!

This charming couple are Nina and Jerry, distributors of the Magic Wand, an amazing pain-relief device that relies on the "Zero Point Energy Field" and "Nano Technology" [sic].

(Image credit)

Their advertisement mentions that the Magic Wand can be used on animals.

Unfortunately, because of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, it's illegal for anyone except vets (and a few related groups) to "treat" animals for any reason at all.

Conveniently, Nina and Jerry have forgotten to mention this fact - let's hope that no-one buys their device hoping to use it on their beloved pet's aching paws.

Here is my complaint to the ASA.

"I write to complain about a flyer I picked up at the "Mind, Body & Spirit" festival, in London, in May this year.

The flyer promotes the "Magic Wand", a pain-relief device.

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

1. The "Magic Wand" is a pen-sized device, which the flyer claims relies on the "Zero Point Energy Field" and "Nano Technology", despite the claim that it "Doesn't Need Power".

2. Physicists use the term "Zero Point Energy" to describe the theoretical lowest energy state of a quantum mechanical system, and "Zero Point Energy Field" to describe the field associated with it [1].

3. After searches on PubMed and elsewhere, I have not been able to find any clinical trials relating to this device.

4. Under Sections 3.1 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 trials conducted on people:

(i) The Magic Wand causes "[pain] Relief in Minutes"
(ii) With the Magic Wand, you can "Wand Away Your Pain in Minutes"
(iii) The Magic Wand "Energizes [sic] Food" and "Energizes Water"
(iv) With the Magic Wand, "Wine Tastes Smoother" and "Lemons Taste Sweeter"

5. (i) According to The Royal College of Veterinary Science:

"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." [2]

(ii) The flyer claims that the Magic Wand can be "Use[d] on Animals".

(iii) Therefore, under Section 2.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the flyer is "legal, decent, honest and truthful".

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

(v) Under Section 4.1, I challenge whether the flyer is legal, and whether it may incite consumers to break the law.

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

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

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

Footnotes:
[1] Matt Visser, "What is the 'zero-point energy' (or 'vacuum energy') in quantum physics?", Scientific American Magazine, August 18, 1997 (http://homepages.mcs.vuw.ac.nz/~visser/general.shtml#what-zpe)

[2] http://www.rcvs.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=92572&int2ndParentNodeID=89737&int1stParentNodeID=89642#students
"

Intramed Ltd and their "Arthritis Relief Bracelet"

Following a brief period of inactivity, I've had a letter from a Mrs Trellis of North Wales, enquiring whether I have been abducted by a vengeful complainee.

The answer is no, and thank you for your concern. On with the complaints!

(Image credit)

The ASA Council have upheld an astonishing ten complaints against Intramed Ltd, so I'm delighted the company has come to my attention with their advert for an Arthritis Relief Bracelet.

The scientific evidence shows that magnetic products like these just don't work, so here is my latest ASA complaint.

"I write to complain about an advert in "Choice" magazine (May 2010, p99). The advert, for Intramed Ltd, promotes an "Arthritis Relief Bracelet".

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 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) The claim that the advertisers have well over 100,000 Arthritis Relief Bracelets to customers who were satisfied with their purchase

(ii) The claim that the Bracelets make [arthritis] pain "disappear and in most cases you will be completely pain free [sic] in just a few hours"

(iii) The claim that "Magnetic Therapy is now recognised by the NHS"

4. The CAP Code, Section 14.1, states "Marketers should hold signed and dated proof, including a contact address, for any testimonial they use. Unless they are genuine opinions taken from a published source, testimonials should be used only with the written permission of those giving them."

(i) Under Section 14.1, I challenge whether the advertiser holds signed and dated proof, including a contact address, for the thirteen testimonials used in the advert.

5. The CAP Code, Section 14.3, states "Testimonials alone do not constitute substantiation and the opinions expressed in them must be supported, where necessary, with independent evidence of their accuracy. Any claims based on a testimonial must conform with the Code."

6. Under Section 14.3, I challenge whether the advertiser can support the opinions in the thirteen testimonials which attest to the bracelet's efficacy, where necessary, with independent evidence of their accuracy.

7. In preparing this complaint, I made various efforts to research the advertised product.

(i) I could find no evidence that "Magnetic therapy is now recognised by the NHS".

(ii) In 2006, the now-defunct NHS Prescription Pricing Authority ruled that "4UlcerCare", a "magnetic leg wrap", could be prescribed to patients[1]. I can find no evidence that this is still the case.

(iii) Indeed, the NHS Choices website advises that "magnetic wrist straps and copper bracelets have little or no effect on pain, physical function or stiffness in osteoarthritis". [2]

(iv) A 2008 systematic review of magnetic therapy[3] found no evidence of an effect on pain relief, with the possible exception of
sufferers of osteoarthritis:

"Overall, the data suggested no significant effects of static magnets for pain relief relative to non-magnetic placebo. Peripheral joint osteoarthritis was the one condition for which the evidence appeared encouraging. For all other conditions, there was no convincing evidence to suggest that static magnets might be effective for pain relief."

(v) A 2009 study[4], focusing on magnetic therapy and osteoarthritis, found no evidence for its efficacy:

"Our results indicate that magnetic and copper bracelets are generally ineffective for managing pain, stiffness and physical function in osteoarthritis. Reported therapeutic benefits are most likely attributable to non-specific placebo effects. However such devices have no major adverse effects and may provide hope."

(vi) The ASA council has in the past upheld complaints about magnetic therapy products [5][6][7].

(vii) The ASA council has upheld numerous complaints about the advertisers [8].

8. 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://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article735146.ece
[2] http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/10October/Pages/Copper-bracelets-and-arthritis.aspx
[3] http://beta.medicinescomplete.com/journals/fact/current/fact1301a05t01.htm
[4] http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/yctim/article/S0965-2299%2809%2900056-9/abstract
[5] http://www.asa.org.uk/Complaints-and-ASA-action/Adjudications/2008/5/John-Lewis-Partnership-plc/TF_ADJ_44475.aspx
[6] http://www.asa.org.uk/Complaints-and-ASA-action/Adjudications/2009/8/Easylife-Group-Ltd/TF_ADJ_46827.aspx
[7] http://www.asa.org.uk/Complaints-and-ASA-action/Adjudications/2009/8/Kingstown-Associates-Ltd/TF_ADJ_46697.aspx
[8] http://www.asa.org.uk/Complaints-and-ASA-action/Adjudications.aspx?SearchTerms=intramed#results
"

Surge of Chi - benefits MS and arthritis

Sometimes it's with the utmost reluctance that I submit an ASA complaint. Take this foot-waggling device, for example.

(Image credit)

It actually looks rather fun - if magnificently overpriced at £149.95.

And if the advertisers had stuck to plausible claims like these...

"No-impact exercise routine...relieves muscle tension...calms the mind...energises the body...increases circulation"

...there'd be no problems. Unfortunately, the claims above appear in a different advert for a nearly identical device.

Perhaps "Energy for Health" can learn something from their rivals? An ASA complaint about their advert follows.

"I write to complain about an advert in "Natural Health" magazine (May 2010, p85).

The advert, for "Energy for Health", promotes the "Surge of Chi" exercise device.

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 advert by post, if required.

1. 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..."

2. I challenge whether the claim that, while using the device, the "body's healing...systems are gently but powerfully stimulated" is backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of clinical trials conducted on people.

3. The CAP Code, Section 14.3, states "Testimonials alone do not constitute substantiation and the opinions expressed in them must be supported, where necessary, with independent evidence of their accuracy."

4. I challenge whether any of the following claims from the advert's testimonials are supported, where necessary, with independent evidence of their accuracy:

(i) The device will "benefit greatly" sufferers of multiple sclerosis
(ii) The device is "of use for specific conditions"
(iii) The device can eliminate pain in the arms and legs
(iv) The device is "effective in decompressing and articulating hips, knees and spine, and improving visceral (especially gut) function through the continual passive movement effect"

5. The CAP Code, Section 7.1, states "No marketing communication should mislead, or be likely to mislead, by inaccuracy, ambiguity, exaggeration, omission or otherwise."

6. I challenge whether the advert is misleading by using "case studies" to suggest the device will help with poor digestion, migraines, asthma, diabetes, lymphodema, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and sciatica.

7. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, 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."

*Sylvie Hamilton (2) - can she "reduce" colic?

UPDATE: ASA: Complaint passed to compliance team; "we feel the [advert contains] clear breaches of the CAP code"

UPDATE, 11 Mar: Today's advert in the local paper has been substantially reworded. Perhaps Sylvie is having problems sleeping after being persuaded that her earlier claims were bullshit?

Sylvie Hamilton is a local "cranial osteopath" who has graced this blog before.

(Image credit)

Sylvie works for Glenn Lobo & Associates in Luton. Glenn is an osteopath, but his practice also offers acupuncture.

I was hoping Sylvie would feature in an advert sooner or later. This week my wish came true. (ASA complaint follows).

"I write to complain about an advert published in the Luton "Herald and Post" newspaper on February 4th, 2010.

The advert, for Glenn Lobo and Associates, is entitled "Is your baby giving you sleepless nights? Or restless days?"

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

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

1. The Luton "Herald and Post" is a weekly free newspaper distributed in the south of Bedfordshire.

2. In the February 4th issue, on page 37, an advert appeared for Glenn Lobo and Associates, a local medical practice specialising in osteopathy and acupuncture.

3. The practice also offers a treatment called "cranial osteopathy". (The treatment is sometimes known as "craniosacral therapy" or "cranial therapy".)

4. Cranial osteopathy is a treatment which purports to manipulate the plates of the skull, and should not be confused with "mainstream" osteopathy, which focuses on gentle manipulation of the body's musculoskeletal system.

5. Dr Steve Bratman, writing for the Complementary Medical Association[1], has summarised the current scientific understanding for the treatment, which I will risk quoting in full:

"Craniosacral therapy is a very specialised technique based on the scientifically unconfirmed belief that the tissues surrouding the brain and spinal cord undergo a rhythmic pulsation. This 'cranial rhythm' is supposed to cause subtle movements of the bones of the skull. A practicioner of craniosacral therapy gently manipulates these bones in time with the rhythm (as determined by the practicioner's awareness), in order to repair 'cranial lesions'. This therapy is said to be helpful for numerous conditions ranging from headaches and sinus allergies to multiple sclerosis and asthma. However, many researchers have serious doubts that the cranial rhythm even exists."

6. The CAP Code, Section 2.1, states "All marketing communications should be legal, decent, honest and truthful."

7. 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."

8. The CAP Code, Section 6.1, states "Marketers should not exploit the credulity, lack of knowledge or inexperience of consumers."

9. The CAP Code, Section 7.1, states "No marketing communication should mislead, or be likely to mislead, by inaccuracy, ambiguity, exaggeration, omission or otherwise."

10. 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..."

11. I challenge whether any of the following claims are "truthful"; whether Glenn Lobo & Associates "hold documentary evidence to prove" them; whether they exploit the "credulity, lack of knowledge or inexperience of customers"; whether they "mislead, or be likely to mislead, by inaccuracy..."; and whether they are "backed by evidence, where appropriate consisting of trials conducted on people":

(i) The claim that when babies "cry, get colic, don't sleep and don't feed properly" Glenn Lobo & Associates "can... reduce [the baby's] discomfort" using the only treatment the advert mentions, cranial osteopathy,

(ii) cranial osteopathy "encourages the release of tensions and stresses",

(iii) cranial osteopathy "gently ease[s] the bodies [sic] ailments",

(iv) cranial therapy can assist in reducing the stress of a difficult birth, for either mother or baby,

(v) cranial therapy can reduce colic,

(vi) cranial therapy can reduce sleeplessness,

(vii) cranial therapy can reduce feeding problems,

(viii) cranial therapy can reduce restlessness,

(ix) cranial osteopathy has fantastic results on pain associated with arthritis,

(x) cranial osteopathy (not "mainstream" osteopathy) has fantastic results on back pain,

(xi) cranial osteopathy has fantastic results on pain associated with headaches,

(xii) cranial osteopathy has fantastic results on pain associated with migraines.

12. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, with the Herald and Post newspaper, or with the publishing industry or the complimentary medicine industry in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the newspaper.

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

Footnotes:

[1] "Complementary and Alternative Health: The Scientific Verdict on What Really Works", Collins 2007 (p682)"