Letter to the advocate:
Supplements, Complementary, Alternative Medicine STANDS for
SCAM
I was disappointed to see the article in the March 3, 2014 Advocate
about “reflexology,” which is glorified foot massage, touting the benefits of
this technique for …”sinus pain, joint pain, back pain, headaches and circulatory
and digestive issues.” The article
quotes a practioner saying “reflexology deals with the principle that there are
reflexes on the hands and feet that correspond to all of our organs, glands and
parts of the body.” This is entirely
wishful thinking.
This practice is in a class of practices, such as chiropractic,
homeopathy, aroma therapy and others that have NO objective medical benefit. The benefit here is that of a good foot rub,
which may feel good and make a person better.
Numerous studies have debunked such pseudoscientific practices. For example, recipients of chiropractic showed
no more medical benefit than blinded controls who were pricked with toothpicks.
These practices are dangerous for several reasons. First, they are a major waste of money. Second, they may on occasion cause medical
complications. Third, people with serious medical conditions may postpone genuine
medical treatment, thinking that this snake oil will cure them. Fourth, it diminishes the IQ of our
nation. Anti-science, anti-technology
and anti-intellectual attitudes currently permeate our culture. This is a time when we need all “brains on
board” to solve major technological problems facing humanity in the
future.
I am disappointed that the Advocate, an ostensibly
objective journal would apparently condone such quackery, by not presenting a
balanced view.
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