Kinesiology is the scientific study of movement. Applied kinesiology (AK) is a bogus muscle-testing technique most commonly used by chiropractors but also by some others. It is neither scientific nor valid. It’s based on a delusion. One commenter said, “It is denounced as an absurd and dishonest parlour trick by… read more "Applied Kinesiology and Other Chiropractic Delusions"
In Praise of Uncertainty
There is an old joke about a patient who had high praise for her new doctor. She had had headaches for years, and no one had ever been able to explain why. The cause remained uncertain. But the uncertainty ended when her wonderful new doctor promptly diagnosed her with cephalalgia.… read more "In Praise of Uncertainty"
Beware the PIED Piper
It sounds like the script of a science fiction/fantasy movie: the class dunce takes a pill and suddenly becomes smarter than everyone in the class including the teacher; an elderly Alzheimer’s patient takes a pill and his memory is instantly restored – Alzheimer’s dementia cured! Don’t you wish? If only… read more "Beware the PIED Piper"
What Does It Feel Like to Die?
We’re all going to die. What does dying feel like? We can’t really know, since no one has come back after death to tell us. For those who die suddenly (for instance from a fatal gunshot to the head), there probably isn’t time to feel anything. But 90% of people… read more "What Does It Feel Like to Die?"
An Owner’s Manual for the Vagina
A book review of The Vagina Bible: The Vulva and the Vagina – Separating the Myth from the Medicine by Jen Gunter, MD. New York: Citadel/Kensington Books, 2019. ISBN-13: 978-080653931. 432 pages. Paperback, $18.95. Considering that half the population has one, the vagina has been plagued by an inordinate amount of myth and misinformation. There… read more "An Owner’s Manual for the Vagina"
Whither Chiropractic?
Chiropractic has come a long way since its invention in 1895, but where is it going? Its inventor, Daniel David Palmer, was a grocer and magnetic healer who didn’t have the benefit of x-rays and didn’t know about the germ theory of disease. Based on pseudoscientific and metaphysical ideas, chiropractic… read more "Whither Chiropractic?"
Opioids: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Opium, a dried latex collected from the opium poppy, was the original “wonder drug.” It effectively relieved pain and had other medicinal effects – and incidentally produced euphoria and addiction. There is archaeological evidence that it was used as early as 5700 BC. It was the active ingredient in laudanum… read more "Opioids: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly"
El Libro De National Geographic Es Un Desastre “Natural”
El National Geographic proclama: “Esta guía acreditada para las comidas, hierbas, especias, aceites esenciales y otras sustancias naturales que alivian las dolencias comunes, van a mejorar su vida- desde tratar la enfermedad para aclarar la mente, perder peso, limpiar la casa, mejorar el embarazo, y reducir los efectos del envejecimiento”.… read more "El Libro De National Geographic Es Un Desastre “Natural”"
National Geographic Book Is A ‘Natural’ Disaster
Nature’s Best Remedies: Top Medicinal Herbs, Spices, and Foods for Health and Well Being, by Nancy J. Hajeski. National Geographic. 318 pp. $35.00. The National Geographic store proclaims, “This authoritative guide to the foods, herbs, spices, essential oils, and other natural substances that alleviate common ailments will enhance your life—from… read more "National Geographic Book Is A ‘Natural’ Disaster"
Science Envy in Alternative Medicine
One definition of alternative medicine is medicine that is not supported by good enough evidence to have earned a place in mainstream medicine. Comedian Tim Minchin asked, “What do you call alternative medicine that works?” His answer: “Medicine.” That’s a simplistic answer good for laughs, but the truth is more… read more "Science Envy in Alternative Medicine"