It is, but that's just what double-blind studies are for. Unfortunately they are complicated and expensive when done right and that means both scientific rigor and eliminating conflicts of interest.
Having been "cured" of a disabling condition man many years ago by a Burlington MD who was also a homeopathic physician, I have long been aware that there is no scientific basis for his prescription of lycopodium (mushroom) for my ailment. Yet, no allopathic physicial was able to do anything for me, but his hour long questioning about my life and medical history, and the ingestion of one dose, with follow-up instructions to avoid the fumes of petroleum, was able to convince my brain and associated body to feel and act normally again. I never needed a follow up. Just had to have someone else pump gas for me.
I've never used such a treatment since, but I do make use of a naturopath, acupuncture, physical therapy and various other recommended options before letting anyone cut into me or give me prescription drugs to deal with a problem. And pharmaceuticals have not only great curative powers, but also troubling side effects. Their efficacy is grounded in statistical evidence. "If the FDA determines that the benefits of the drug outweigh its risks, it will approve the drug. If the FDA determines that the risks of the drug outweigh its benefits, it will deny approval." That scares me more than a little.
I have more stories, but will save them for the day when I have time for my own soapbox. I feel like I am at least one and maybe two standard deviations away from almost all measures of normal.
It does feel a little like we are descending, however gradually, into another Dark Age. Our lifetimes have been quite the roller-coaster, including such positive change and now such drastic regression.
As a scientist I fully agree with your article. Homeopathy fits in with the anti-science trend in our culture. "If the science supports what you want to believe, it must be true. If it is contrary, then it must be false. Actually is this any different from religion?
I also agree that at least some pharmaceutical companies put greed way ahead of any duty to public health. Drugs that can save one's life have enormously inflated prices, even when developed through publicly funded research. As bandits say when pointing a pistol up your nose, "Your money or your life!"
Enjoyed the read, your brother wrote an interesting reply.
Well done - the “placebo effect” may exist, but it’s awfully hard to prove!!
It is, but that's just what double-blind studies are for. Unfortunately they are complicated and expensive when done right and that means both scientific rigor and eliminating conflicts of interest.
Having been "cured" of a disabling condition man many years ago by a Burlington MD who was also a homeopathic physician, I have long been aware that there is no scientific basis for his prescription of lycopodium (mushroom) for my ailment. Yet, no allopathic physicial was able to do anything for me, but his hour long questioning about my life and medical history, and the ingestion of one dose, with follow-up instructions to avoid the fumes of petroleum, was able to convince my brain and associated body to feel and act normally again. I never needed a follow up. Just had to have someone else pump gas for me.
I've never used such a treatment since, but I do make use of a naturopath, acupuncture, physical therapy and various other recommended options before letting anyone cut into me or give me prescription drugs to deal with a problem. And pharmaceuticals have not only great curative powers, but also troubling side effects. Their efficacy is grounded in statistical evidence. "If the FDA determines that the benefits of the drug outweigh its risks, it will approve the drug. If the FDA determines that the risks of the drug outweigh its benefits, it will deny approval." That scares me more than a little.
I have more stories, but will save them for the day when I have time for my own soapbox. I feel like I am at least one and maybe two standard deviations away from almost all measures of normal.
It does feel a little like we are descending, however gradually, into another Dark Age. Our lifetimes have been quite the roller-coaster, including such positive change and now such drastic regression.
We boomers sucked the marrow out and left "the deluge."
As a scientist I fully agree with your article. Homeopathy fits in with the anti-science trend in our culture. "If the science supports what you want to believe, it must be true. If it is contrary, then it must be false. Actually is this any different from religion?
I also agree that at least some pharmaceutical companies put greed way ahead of any duty to public health. Drugs that can save one's life have enormously inflated prices, even when developed through publicly funded research. As bandits say when pointing a pistol up your nose, "Your money or your life!"
See, that's why you are my favorite brother.
Important article! And btw, the “duck” at the end is actually a goose. 🙂
Thanks. Re the "duck." But you see, I BELIEVE it is a duck. HA! (Actually , I was wrong.)
A winner! You may borrow my soapbox any time you wish!
Great offer. But do you also have a high horse?
Yup! They dug him up in China!