A new cupping fad using silicone devices is gentler than traditional cupping, but even sillier. There is no evidence of health benefits. I keep thinking, “Now I’ve seen everything,” and I am constantly being proven wrong. I recently came across the new fad of facial cupping. After I stopped laughing,… read more "Facial Cupping: A Kinder, Gentler, Sillier Kind of Cupping"
Amino Neuro Frequency: Just More “Embedded Frequencies” Silliness
Amino neuro frequency treatment uses one-inch stick-on patches with embedded “frequencies” that the body recognizes and directs to the proper area to treat pain and inflammation. The concept of “embedded frequencies” is bogus and ANF is nothing but a theatrical placebo. What is ANF? Amino Neuro Frequency is a treatment… read more "Amino Neuro Frequency: Just More “Embedded Frequencies” Silliness"
Magnets Provide Amusement, But Not Health Benefits
Over the years, the claims for health benefits of magnets have provided me with much amusement. Here are just a few examples: A skeptic pointed out that if magnets in health products really attracted red blood cells as claimed, an MRI scan with magnets many orders of magnitude stronger would… read more "Magnets Provide Amusement, But Not Health Benefits"
The Gene: An Intimate History
A superb writer, Siddhartha Mukherjee’s books are easy to read. Six years ago I reviewed Siddhartha Mukherjee’s book The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer. It was hands-down one of the best books I have ever read on a medical topic. Now he’s done it again. His new book is… read more "The Gene: An Intimate History"
The Blood Cleaner: Invented by Ray Jardine
Imaginary germs awaiting imaginary electrocution by Ray Jardine’s Blood Cleaner device. I recently heard about a man who was planning a hike in a tick-infested area and thought he could avoid Lyme disease by using Ray Jardine’s Blood Cleaner. Ray Jardine is a well-known mountaineer, rock climber, long-distance hiker, and outdoor adventurer. A… read more "The Blood Cleaner: Invented by Ray Jardine"
Willow Curve Device for Pain: Strong Claims, Weak Evidence
Willow Curve is advertised as the “world’s first digital anti-inflammatory device”, “a laser smart device” designed to relieve joint pain with thermal and photonic energy. It contains over 150 bio-sensory and bio-therapeutic components that continuously monitor the body’s thermal and electrical response to the device, and computer chips use that information… read more "Willow Curve Device for Pain: Strong Claims, Weak Evidence"
Un testimonio decepcionante sobre la crioterapia de cuerpo entero
[This article is also available in English. Thanks to Pensar for the Spanish translation] Como suscriptora del Reader’s Digest desde hace mucho tiempo, me encantan los chistes y disfruto de las historias, pero no confío en sus incursiones en la ciencia. Me molestó particularmente la sección “Lo probé” sobre crioterapia de cuerpo… read more "Un testimonio decepcionante sobre la crioterapia de cuerpo entero"
Cryotherapy: A Layman’s Attempt to Understand the Science
[Este artículo está disponible en español. La traducción al español apareció por primera vez en la revista Pensar.] NOTE: I get a lot of emails asking me whether treatment X is evidence-based or a scam. This one was different. Zachary Hoffman had done his homework and had already answered the… read more "Cryotherapy: A Layman’s Attempt to Understand the Science"
Point-of-Care Ultrasound: The Best Thing Since Stethoscopes?
A bit of good news for a change: a “Perspective” article in the New England Journal of Medicine describes how point-of-care ultrasound devices are being integrated into medical education. The wonders of modern medical technology are akin to science fiction. We don’t yet have a tricorder like “Bones” McCoy uses on Star Trek,… read more "Point-of-Care Ultrasound: The Best Thing Since Stethoscopes?"
Bogus Electrodermal Testing Devices and the Failure of Regulators to Act
Electrodermal testing is a bogus procedure where measurements of skin conductance with a biofeedback device are entered into a computer to diagnose nonexistent health problems and “energy imbalances” and to recommend treatments for them, often involving the sale of homeopathic remedies and other useless products. It falls under the general… read more "Bogus Electrodermal Testing Devices and the Failure of Regulators to Act"