Just because ideas are tenacious doesn't mean that they're worthy. ~ Tim Minchin
The following links go directly to debunkatron.com. These are just a handful of dubious practices that I could interject a personal note. Feel free to comment.
Acupuncture - You are you own voodoo doll. Jab yourself with two needles and call me in the morning. Seriously, toothpicks have been found to be just as effective, even when poked at the improper meridian points.
- personal note: Darrick & Lindsay both went to an acupuncturist in Spring '09. They were both stuck with needles and, honestly, they hurt a bit and are uncomfortable. The therapy did not do anything for either of them and Darrick also wrote a college paper on the dubious history of this pseudo-science.
Chelation Therapy - A legitimate treatment for heavy metal poisoning, but the cure can be more dangerous than alleged diagnoses by quacks.
Chiropractic - Like an unlicensed physical therapist that went to magic school. To be fair, there are many chiropractors today who no longer subscribe to the magical thinking of the past.
- personal note: Darrick & Lindsay went to a chiropractor with Lindsay's X-rays and MRI images. Lindsay explained that she experienced bad lower abdominal and back pain. With X-ray and MRI images that were scrutinized by multiple professional radiologists that said the images showed no structural anomalies, the chiropractor claimed that he could effectively treat Lindsay with manipulation of her bones. This is extremely bad advice. Lindsay
Creationism (Creation Science, Literal Interpretation of Scriptures) and Evolution Denial - Goddidit. - personal note: Creation myths are nice stories to tell children, but when your looking for the truth, put aside the story book. We know for a fact, from mountains of scientific evidence (see talkorigins.org for more on this), that evolution by natural selection is how all life arose on earth. Evolution is the basis of all biological science today. Evolutionary science gives us life saving medicines like vaccines. How's your Polio disease doing? Right, because Polio has been practically eradicated by the vaccine.
Ear Candling - If you hear that it works, they are wrong. - personal note: When Darrick worked at previous employer, one of his fellow employees brought in some ear candles. Not ever hearing about ear candling, Darrick and another employee agreed to try it and find out how much ear wax was trapped in their ears. The result seemed to show an accumulation of nasty looking wax at the base of the burnt wax/paper cone. The evidence seemed clear that the therapy worked and drew out an excess of trapped ear wax. But, the real result was that the nasty looking wax was really just the melted wax and burnt paper from the cone. I wish I had known that this practice is dangerous to your ears and also completely bunk.
Essential Oils - It can smell and feel good but some of the health claims stink.
- personal note: When Greg's back was giving him a lot pain, someone suggested putting some essential oil on his back. The result did not have any effect on his back pain, but his lower-back area did smell nice.
Faith (Prayer) Healing - Heal! ...or get worse.
- personal note: Seriously. If somebody from our family is really sick or injured, which is more effective? Dropping to your knees and praying? Or, getting them some immediate medical attention from a hospital that has skilled doctors who use science/evidence-based medicine instead of prayer.
Homeopathy - No active ingredient necessary. A rule of homeopathy is to use a substance that causes the same symptoms in healthy individuals as those of the disease to be treated. Another rule of homeopathy is to contradict the previous rule by diluting the substance out of existence. In other words, cure a headache by hitting your head with an infinitesimally-small hammer. Homeopathy is a kind of gold standard of bunk, as there is no plausible way for it to work unless the fundemental laws of physics are violated.
- personal note: Don't be fooled by these sham remedies that are sold in every major store that carries medicine. These untested remedies share the same shelf space alongside effective FDA approved evidence-based medicines. The packaging should says "Homeopathic" on it. There is not a jot of active ingredient in these formulations (this is how they claim there are no side effects.) The FDA does not test these products because they are not drugs, they are considered food and dietary supplements (they just have to be safe to eat.) Despite explicit dosage warnings on homeopathic sleeping pill products, skeptics have been overdosing, for years, on full bottles of these pills to demonstrate their ineffectiveness to have any effect good or bad.
Immune System Boosting - Do you really want more sneezing, a drippy nose and arthritis?
- personal note: Upping your Vitamin C or taking Airborne tablets will not improve your bodies immune system. Just eat right. Mega-doses of Vitamin C or taking Airborne will not prevent colds and flu, but it will take your money.
Naturopathy (Naturopathic/Natural Medicine) - Dualistic balance, harmony, energy and vitalism. Oh, do tell.
- personal note: Just because something is claimed to be natural, does not mean that it is safe or effective. Poison Ivy is natural, but it's not good for you. Mercury is also natural, and it is also very very bad for you. Science-based medicine may seem unnatural because you can't find Tylenol in your backyard, but it is based on natural compounds and improved on. Willow bark is natural and exhibits the effects of minor relief for headaches, pain, and fevers, and science has taken the naturally occurring compound in willow bark and developed "Aspirin."
...for more references, check out debunkatron.com
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