I don't believe it

i don't really think the world needs another skeptic blog. But on the other hand, we seem to be fighting a losing battle. Every day, I see or read something that is just crazy. another crazy theory on 'medicine', another panacea for disease, another psychic claiming to be able to talk to my dead father...

it makes me sick.

I just came across an article on Naturopathy, something I had never heard of. It only took a few minutes to learn what it is, and why I will avoid anyone who practices this. On the surface, it sounds good. Their principles include

1) First, do no harm. Provide the most effective health care available with the least risk to patients at all times.

Who could argue with that?

2) Recognize, respect and promote the self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being.

ummm...ok. What does this mean? I'm not sure...are they saying the body can heal itself? If i have a bone sticking out of my thigh, I don't want to wait for my 'self healing power' to pull it back in, but your mileage may vary.

3) Identify and remove the causes of illness, rather than eliminate or suppress symptoms

Why not eliminate or suppress the symptoms? if I'm in pain, don't I want that eliminated or supressed? If I'm bleeding, don't I want to stop that right away, and THEN close the wound?

4) Educate, inspire rational hope and encourage self-responsibility for health

this one seems ok...depending on WHAT exactly they are teaching, but this is where things can really go off track. They use such techniques as acupuncture, kineseology, and color therapy.

they sound like crackpots to me.