Chiropractic: making bogus claims for profit

This survey investigated how many chiropractors in the Canadian province of Alberta promote a theory of subluxation, which health ailments or improvements were linked to subluxation, and whether the subluxation discourse was used to promote chiropractic for particular demographics. Using the search engine on the Canadian Chiropractic Associations’ website, the researchers made a list of […]

Read the rest here: Chiropractic: making bogus claims for profit

An ethicist, feminist view on so-called alternative medicine (SCAM)

Arianne Shahvisi is a lecturer in Ethics and Medical Humanities at the Brighton & Sussex Medical School. She has long had an interest is so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) – see here, for instance. Now she has published another most intriguing paper. In it, she explains that scientific medicine (SM) neglects the needs of women relative […]

Read the rest here: An ethicist, feminist view on so-called alternative medicine (SCAM)

American Loon #2274: Mitchel Soltys

Answers in Genesis is apparently still running their own vanity journal, the Answers Research Journal, and the garbled nonsense that finds its ways into its pages is still strangely fascinating. Many of the contributors to the journal are completely unknown, and we have to admit that we have...

Read the full lunacy: #2274: Mitchel Soltys Encyclopedia of American Loons

‘Perineum sunning’ gives an entirely new meaning to ‘HOLISM’

I receive all the energy I need by charging my butthole in the sunlight! Actually, I don’t, but some people do! The new so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) of ‘perineum sunning’ has become all the rage. It gives an entirely new meaning to the word ‘holism’. And, like all good SCAMs, it has a long tradition. […]

Read the rest here: ‘Perineum sunning’ gives an entirely new meaning to ‘HOLISM’

Sorry, I was wrong about homeopathy and vaccination

On this blog and elsewhere, I have repeatedly claimed that as early as 2002 I published data to show that UK homeopaths advise their patients against vaccinations. So sorry, but this not entirely true! The truth is that I had forgotten about this article published 1995 in the British Journal of General Practice. As it is […]

Read the rest here: Sorry, I was wrong about homeopathy and vaccination

American Loon #2273: Stan Solomon

[Update: Did he die, back in 2015 or so?] Stan Solomon is a fundie wingnut radio host who does the kind of stuff fundie wingnut radio hosts do, such as demanding that the police murder peaceful protestors when he disagrees with the contents of those protests and palling...

Read the full lunacy: #2273: Stan Solomon Encyclopedia of American Loons

When the UK homeopathy sector issues a joint statement, hilarity is never far

The UK homeopathy sector have issued a joint statement. The reason for this action is a series of allegedly negative press stories about homeopathy. Here is the full statement: Homeopathy registers including the Society of Homeopaths, Faculty of Homeopathy and Alliance of Registered Homeopaths in conjunction with other homeopathy partners have come together to provide […]

Read the rest here: When the UK homeopathy sector issues a joint statement, hilarity is never far

A complaint from the British Acupuncture Council

On 6 November the Guardian published an article in which acupuncture and its risks were briefly mentioned. It prompted a complaint by the British Acupuncture Council which, I think, is sufficiently interesting to merit a discussion. The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) has a membership of around 3,000 professionally qualified acupuncturists. It is the UK’s largest professional/ […]

Read the rest here: A complaint from the British Acupuncture Council

American Loon #2272: David Snoke

David Snoke is one of the central characters of the intelligent design creationist movement. A physics professor at the University of Pittsburgh and Fellow of the American Physical Society (and, it must be emphasized, a respectable scientist in his own field), Snoke was also a co-author on a...

Read the full lunacy: #2272: David Snoke Encyclopedia of American Loons

The GCC “seems to be a little self-regulatory chiropractic bubble where chiropractors regulate chiropractors.”

We have discussed the tragic case of John Lawler before. Today, the Mail carries a long article about it. Here I merely want to summarise the sequence of events and highlight the role of the GCC. In 2017, Mr Lawler, aged 79 at the time, has a history of back problems, including back surgery with metal […]

Read the rest here: The GCC “seems to be a little self-regulatory chiropractic bubble where chiropractors regulate chiropractors.”

American Loon #2271: Warren Cole Smith

Warren Cole Smith is an evangelical writer (e.g. coauthor of Restore All Things), WORLD Magazine associate publisher, vice president of mission advancement for The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview and raging fundamentalist, whose columns for WORLD are also run by the...

Read the full lunacy: #2271: Warren Cole Smith Encyclopedia of American Loons

Chiropractic spinal manipulation shows promise to alleviate symptoms of infant colic? Surely not!

Yes, chiropractic spinal manipulation shows promise to alleviate symptoms of infant colic! At least, this is the result of an overview of systematic reviews of so-called alternative medicines (SCAMs) for infant colic. Here I focus merely on the part that deals with chiropractic spinal manipulation. The authors of the overview come to this result based […]

Read the rest here: Chiropractic spinal manipulation shows promise to alleviate symptoms of infant colic? Surely not!

American Loon #2270: Robert Smith II

Smith in a not-quite-recent photo.We’ve encountered one Robert Smith before. The current entry’s Bob Smith, however, is perhaps the most high-profile loon of that name covered thus far: Robert Clinton Smith served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for New Hampshire’s 1st...

Read the full lunacy: #2270: Robert Smith II Encyclopedia of American Loons

Chiropractic spinal care for children is dangerous, unwarranted and must cease immediately

This letter (dated 21 June 2019) to the Safer Care Victoria review team represents a statement by the Australian Medical Association of Victoria on chiropractic for children. As it is highly relevant to many of the discussions we had on this blog, I take the liberty of copying it here in full: RE: Review of […]

Read the rest here: Chiropractic spinal care for children is dangerous, unwarranted and must cease immediately

Homeopathy as a means to reduce over-prescribing of antibiotics

As reported, the Bavarian government has set aside almost half a million Euros for research to determine whether the over-use of antibiotics can be reduced by replacing them with homeopathic remedies. Homeopaths in and beyond Germany were delighted, of course, but many experts were bewildered (see also this or this, if you read German). While […]

Read the rest here: Homeopathy as a means to reduce over-prescribing of antibiotics

American Loon #2269: Lamar Smith

US representative for Texas’s 21st congressional district for 16 terms until 2019, and for several years the head of the House Science Committee, Lamar Seeligson Smith was for several years perhaps the most dangerous loon in the US (in part because he was far from the only loon on said committee)....

Read the full lunacy: #2269: Lamar Smith Encyclopedia of American Loons

“We hope that the publicity surrounding this event will highlight the dangers of chiropractic”… A statement of the family of the man who died after treatment of a ‘vertebral subluxation complex’

I have reported previously about the tragic death of John Lawler. Now after the inquest into the events leading to it has concluded, I have the permission to publish the statement of Mr Lawler’s family: We were devastated to lose John in such tragic and unforeseen circumstances two years ago. A much-loved husband, father and […]

Read the rest here: “We hope that the publicity surrounding this event will highlight the dangers of chiropractic”… A statement of the family of the man who died after treatment of a ‘vertebral subluxation complex’

Prayer as a therapy: a new randomised study

An intercessory prayer (IP) is an intervention characterized by one or more individuals praying for the well-being or a positive outcome of another person. There have been several trials of IP, but the evidence is far from clear-cut. Perhaps this new study will bring clarity? The goal of this double-blind RCT was to assess the […]

Read the rest here: Prayer as a therapy: a new randomised study

American Loon #2268: J.C. Smith

J.C. Smith (right) being interviewed.The appreciation of science, evidence and medicine among chiropractors varies. Chiropractor J.C. Smith represents the non-appreciating faction. According to Smith, science and scientists, biased as they are toward truth, evidence and reality, are waging a war...

Read the full lunacy: #2268: J.C. Smith Encyclopedia of American Loons

Death by chiropractic neck manipulation? More details on the Lawler case

The tragic case of John Lawler who died after being treated by a chiropractor has been discussed on this blog before. Naturally, it generated much discussion which, however, left many questions unanswered. Today, I am able to answer some of them. Mr Lawler died because of a tear and dislocation of the C4/C5 intervertebral disc […]

Read the rest here: Death by chiropractic neck manipulation? More details on the Lawler case

Pharmacists must advise customers that homeopathic remedies lack evidence

It has been reported that pharmacies in New Zealand continue to ignore a code of ethics that requires them to inform customers, if a product has no evidence of efficacy. The code of ethics states: “Pharmacists must advise patients when scientific support for treatment is lacking.” Eight Auckland pharmacies were visited to enquire about a homeopathic product for […]

Read the rest here: Pharmacists must advise customers that homeopathic remedies lack evidence

American Loon #2267: E. Norbert Smith

One of Smith's books labelled "non-fiction". Smith does of course not want you to consider the evidence - he wants you to consider the fragments of evidence he carefully selects and interprets for you.A.k.a. Doc Gator E. Norbert Smith is a near-infamous mainstay of...

Read the full lunacy: #2267: E. Norbert Smith Encyclopedia of American Loons

Prince Charles celebrates his 71st birthday today

I almost forgot! This would have been no good, after all, Charles has for decades been the most influential supporter of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) in the UK. He is one of SCAM’s greatest proponent. So, here is my up-dated, extended and illustrated summary of his achievements in this area. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLES! Charles went […]

Read the rest here: Prince Charles celebrates his 71st birthday today

The death of Mr Lawler highlights the scandals of chiropractic

The Telegraph published an article entitled ‘Crack or quack: what is the truth about chiropractic treatment?’ and is motivated by the story of Mr Lawler, the 80-year-old former bank manager who died after a chiropractic therapy. Here are 10 short quotes from this article which, in the context of this blog and the previous discussions […]

Read the rest here: The death of Mr Lawler highlights the scandals of chiropractic

American Loon #2266: David E. Smith

The Illinois Family Institute, a state affiliate of the American Family Association, is, not surprisingly, an anti-marriage-equality organization and its executive director, David E. Smith, a fundamentalist bigot (Smith succeeded Peter LaBarbera in the position; Laurie Higgins is...

Read the full lunacy: #2266: David E. Smith Encyclopedia of American Loons

Death by chiropractic: thoughts about the sad case of Mr Lawler

On 11/11/2019, the York Press reported from the trial against a chiropractor who allegedly killed a patient. John Lawler suffered a broken neck while being treated by a chiropractor for an aching leg, an inquest has been told. His widow told how her husband was on the treatment table when things started to go wrong. […]

Read the rest here: Death by chiropractic: thoughts about the sad case of Mr Lawler

“Vaxxed II: Son of Vaxxed” in One Minute

In case you missed it, the merry gang of anti-vaccine warriors have produced yet another piece of filthy anti-vaccine propaganda. As creative as they are, they named it “Vaxxed II.” That’s it. No subtitle. At least all of the Avengers films have subtitles like Age of Ultron or Infinity War. So I’m calling this one, Son of Vaxxed. Sticking to […]

Read more at: “Vaxxed II: Son of Vaxxed” in One Minute by Reuben

I enjoyed that treatment, it was worth the amount I spent on it and I feel better

“Maybe it is as simple as: I enjoyed that treatment, it was worth the amount I spent on it and I feel better.” This argument between the fans and the critics of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) might be the key to understanding the two opposing positions. It applies across the board to all the SCAMs […]

Read the rest here: I enjoyed that treatment, it was worth the amount I spent on it and I feel better

American Loon #2265: Daniel Smith

Alternative medicine isn’t medicine, but at least most woo is in itself probably as harmless as it is useless (the conspiracy theories and falsehoods involved in marketing them less so). MMS, or Miracle Mineral Supplement, is different. MMS an aqueous solution of 28% sodium chlorite, an industrial...

Read the full lunacy: #2265: Daniel Smith Encyclopedia of American Loons

Children respond particularly well to homeopathy. TIME TO ABANDON THIS DANGEROUS MYTH!

When I worked as a junior doctor in a homeopathic hospital, this is what I was told in no uncertain terms: children are ideal patients of homeopathy, because they respond particularly well to it. Most books on the subject confirm this message. The reason for the assumption is as simple as it is simplistic: children […]

Read the rest here: Children respond particularly well to homeopathy. TIME TO ABANDON THIS DANGEROUS MYTH!

American Loon #2264: Brad Smith et al.

In 2013 a group of pagans planned and arranged a festival to celebrate the summer solstice in Pahokee, Florida. It is probably little surprise that the event was not exactly welcomed by the area’s resident Talibanists, who packed a city commission meeting and demanded that the city prevent the...

Read the full lunacy: #2264: Brad Smith et al. Encyclopedia of American Loons

Homeopathy as an alternative to antibiotics? It’s official: the Bavarian government has gone barmy!

The Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported yesterday that the Bavarian government has given the go-ahead to a major study of homeopathy, and Die Zeit published a similar article. For those who read German, I append the text from the SZ below. For those who don’t, let me give a short summary. The study is aimed at clarifying […]

Read the rest here: Homeopathy as an alternative to antibiotics? It’s official: the Bavarian government has gone barmy!

European experts demand consistent proof of efficacy, safety and quality for TCM

The Federation of European Academies of Medicine (FEAM) and the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council have issued a joint statement today urging the World Health Organisation (WHO) to clarify how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other so-called alternative medicines (SCAMs) should be used. As we discussed previously, the WHO has included TCM diagnoses in the […]

Read the rest here: European experts demand consistent proof of efficacy, safety and quality for TCM

Drug-induced liver injuries after SCAM: a new and most valuable review

This review provides published data on so-called alternative medicine (SCAM)-related liver injuries (DILI) in Asia, with detail on incidences, lists of most frequently implicated herbal remedies, along with analysis of patient population and their clinical outcomes. Its authors conclude that SCAM use is widely prevalent in Asia and is associated with, among other adverse effects, […]

Read the rest here: Drug-induced liver injuries after SCAM: a new and most valuable review

American Loon #2263: Patricia Slusher

Chronic Lyme disease is (almost certainly) a non-existent condition, but the diagnosis remains popular in woo-minded and (largely overlapping) conspiracy-minded groups. There is, accordingly, a thriving market for people who “diagnose” and “treat” chronic lyme disease, and they...

Read the full lunacy: #2263: Patricia Slusher Encyclopedia of American Loons

The FDA has issued more warning letters to homeopathic manufacturers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued another warning about homeopathy. Here are some of the most relevant excerpts: … Homeopathic products … are marketed without FDA review and may not meet modern standards for safety, effectiveness, quality and labeling. FDA uses a risk-based approach to monitor these products and to evaluate reports of […]

Read the rest here: The FDA has issued more warning letters to homeopathic manufacturers

American Loon #2262: Sharon Slater

Family Watch International (FWI) is a hate organization that lobbies the United Nations for pro-life and anti-gay causes, including the imprisonment of gay people around the world. Sharon Slater, its president, is apparently opposed to the death penalty for gay people, but she is fine with...

Read the full lunacy: #2262: Sharon Slater Encyclopedia of American Loons

An unexpected honour for ‘TRICK OR TREATMENT’

  This came a few days ago, completely out of the blue. To be honest, I did not even know what the BOOK AUTHORITY is. So, I looked them up; this is what they say about themselves: BookAuthority is the world’s leading site for nonfiction book recommendations, helping you find the best books on various […]

Read the rest here: An unexpected honour for ‘TRICK OR TREATMENT’

Homeopaths offer to rebrand products as 'confectionery' | Martin Robbins | Science | The Guardian

Skeptics have been explaining that lactose or sucrose pilules are sweeties, not medicine, so it's nice to see the homeopaths in agreement with reality for once:

Faced with an MHRA crackdown on unlicensed medicines, one of Britain's leading manufacturers of homeopathic remedies has indicated it would be prepared to relabel its products 'confectionery' to circumvent regulation

Read the full report: Homeopaths offer to rebrand products as 'confectionery' | Martin Robbins | Science | The Guardian

---

Please note: we can no longer recommend Quackometer as a skeptic blog, due to its espousal of anti-LGBT propaganda. However, there are plenty of good skeptic blogs out there, starting with the lovely (and amazingly polite, given the aggro & ignorance she regularly encounters) Jo Brodie's Stuff That Occurs to Me.

American Loon #2261: Jane Skrovota

Jane Skrovota is hardly a big name in bigotry; indeed, she is just a Lincoln, Nebraska local lady whose only claim to notability is a graphic diatribe she delivered during a public hearing before the Lincoln city council in 2012 on a proposed ordinance to ban discrimination against gays and...

Read the full lunacy: #2261: Jane Skrovota Encyclopedia of American Loons

The UK Society of Homeopaths, a hub of anti-vaccination activists?

The Society of Homeopaths (SoH) is the UK’s professional organisation of lay-homeopaths, therapists who treat patients without having studies medicine. This is what they say about themselves: Everyone needs a healthcare professional they can trust – one who’s trained to rigorous standards, bound by a strict code of ethics, and subject to independent regulation. That’s […]

Read the rest here: The UK Society of Homeopaths, a hub of anti-vaccination activists?

American Loon #2260: Mark Sircus

Marc Sircus is a near-legendary crank and promoter of cancer woo, perhaps most familiar for his Transdermal Magnesium Therapy, which is not something you should get involved with under any circumstances. Sircus, like many quacks, are fond of adding meaningless alphabet soups to his name, and...

Read the full lunacy: #2260: Mark Sircus Encyclopedia of American Loons

A large-scale multisite effectiveness trial of Reiki

I have recently gone to the trouble of evaluating 150 different modalities from the realm of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) in a book. This is what it tells you about Reiki: Reiki is a form of paranormal or energy healing popularised by Japanese Mikao Usui (1865-1926). Rei means universal spirit (sometimes thought of as a […]

Read the rest here: A large-scale multisite effectiveness trial of Reiki