Complementary Health and Psychic Fair in Bradford County, PA

When I read, First Complementary Health and Psychic Fair deemed a success in the May 17, 2016 Towanda Daily Review, I had to check the date to be sure that I was still in the 21st Century.

Products presented at the Fair included reflexology, essential oils, footbath detox, Reiki, psychic phenomena, healing stones, acupuncture, herbal medicine, Plexus for weight loss, body detoxification, and homeopathy.

Reflexology is based on an absurd theory that each body part is represented in the feet and hands. Multiple trials have shown it to be no more effective than a foot massage at curing or diagnosing anything. [1][2][3]

Essential oils cover a lot of territory. It’s like saying that chemical compounds can cure stuff. It depends on what is in the oils, the purity, concentration, and the condition being treated. Anecdotal evidence of effectiveness is not enough. Randomized controlled clinical trials are required, which is how real medicines are evaluated. [4][5]

Footbath detox is designed to cleanse your wallet of money. The footbath contains chemicals that are decomposed by a small electric current in the water, which will discolor with or without your feet in it. It provides no proven health benefits that a good foot soak wouldn’t. Detox footpads are equally worthless. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12]

Reiki is based on a mystical belief system that is similar to Therapeutic Touch, which was disproved by 11-year-old Emily Rosa who had a peer-reviewed paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It should be noted that the Catholic Church considers the use of Reiki to "be inappropriate," and a fundamentalist pastor said, "It goes against Christian belief." [13][14][15][16][17][18][19]

Psychic phenomena don’t exist according to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. In their 1988 report, they concluded, there is “no scientific justification from research conducted over a period of 130 years for the existence of parapsychological phenomena”, and tests "do not support the existence of psychic ability.” [20][21]

Healing crystals were tested in 1999 by London scientists to investigate the power of stones and crystals compared to placebo. The conclusion was that "Whether the crystal was real or fake did not produce any significant difference in the strength of the sensations reported by participants." [22]

Acupuncture uses an elaborate theatrical performance to exploit the placebo effect. It was popularized by Mao Zedong in place of science-based medical treatment when he couldn't provide real health care to his people. It may seem to be effective, but serious side effects (nerve damage, infections) continue to be reported. [23][24][25]

Herbal medicine is in a similar category as essential oils. Herbs may contain effective medication, or they may contain ineffective material or worse. Anecdotal evidence shouldn't replace randomized controlled trials to evaluate effectiveness. When herbal medicines are tested and shown to be effective, they can then be properly regulated and justifiably labeled as real medicine. [26]

Plexus for weight loss  - "Based on the available research of Plexus Slims ingredients, it is highly unlikely that the results people are reporting are because of the product.  It is more likely the result of their modified diet and/or exercise.  Plexus Slim is touted as being a safe product.  While a majority of people would not experience side effects, there is enough evidence to suggest, the product is not 100% safe and anyone selling the product should inform everyone of the possible side effects and suggest customers to consult a doctor before using their product. High blood pressure and increased heart palpitations were the most commonly reported side effect to the Better Business Bureau." [27]

Body detoxification is used by real medical physicians in real hospitals to remove or reduce dangerous levels of drugs, alcohol, or poisons from the human body. It is used in life threatening circumstances. Alternative, or complementary, or integrative “detoxification" is simply the co-opting of a real medical term to give legitimacy to useless products and services, while confusing consumers into thinking they’re science-based.” The only cleansing done will be to your wallet. [28][29][30]

Homeopathy is based on taking an active ingredient that was selected by a non-scientific process, then diluting it into oblivion to increase its effect.  Based on all modern theories of chemistry and physics, homeopathy can’t work. At best, it has a placebo effect. At worst, it may delay real medical treatment. Homeopathy has failed every properly designed randomized controlled trial that has tested its efficacy. [31]

The items listed above require what is known as the Quack Miranda Warning in reference to any claims made:

"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."

When in doubt about any of the above, ask a real doctor: a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

John L. Ferri

Links:
- Quack attack: Naturopaths and supplement companies press for naturopathic licensure in Michigan
- Letter-to-editor