Actually they could get more bullshit on the sign by freeing up some space: Alexander Technique, Osteopathy and (heh) Massage can all withstand skeptical enquiry. Shiatsu is borderline (depends on what claims are being made on its behalf -- to some extent its credibility is accidentally boosted by simply not being as potty as reiki). Once those are out of the way, they could fit a chiropractor, ear wax candle maker, and a psychic on there instead.
The Alexander Technique is all about posture. I don't see why it needs to be dressed up in a fancy, expensive-sounding name, but, if it makes people feel happy, fine. I don't see how it can do them any harm, other than financially. Osteopathy (and, in particular, cranial osteopathy) definitely has an element of bullshit: while bits of it do probably work (i.e. the bits which are effectively physiotherapy - again, why the need for a fancy name?), there are definitely bullshit claims made by some practitioners regarding osteopathy's efficacy against non-muscular conditions. Their own professional body is working hard to remove such claims from osteopaths' websites (as did the chiropractors' professional body, when they came under the spotlight). To this sceptic, at least, osteopathy sounds like a slightly less dangerous form of chiropractic, with some valid physio thrown in for the only good measure.
I suppose, if they made the font smaller, they could cram in a bit more bullshit.
Good to see that reiki is top of list which I believe to be the biggest load of bollocks of them all. I hear (from a qualified licensed practitioner no less), that reiki healing works without any hands-on contact and can even be done from a distance, e.g. by telephone or internet and pure thought transmission. How the hell does that work? Amazing eh?
Not quite relevant but not a huge step off topic - there was an item on the news the other day about people in the UK who were dying of AIDS because their preachers were telling them that if they had the faith to come off their anti retro-viral meds then Gnod would heal them. No prizes for guessing what happened when they did.
I'm not quite sure where on the scale of assault to outright murder that sort of behaviour should fall but it does rather demonstrate that bullshit therapies are more than harmless fun!
I once helped out as a volunteer with an HIV support group but I had real trouble coming to terms with the 'complementary therapies' they offered. The group did some great work with helping people cope with HIV, but I could barely conceal my scorn at including these quack treatments.
Complementary Therapies
Many people find that complementary therapies help to promote general well being as well as alleviate stress and the side effects of clinical treatment.
We are fortunate in being supported by a number of qualified therapists offering therapies including massage, shiatsu, aromatherapy, reiki, Indian head massage, breathing and relaxation, reflexology, seated acupressure massage, Bach flower remedies, yoga and acupuncture.
Complimentary therapies are normally available at each drop-in session.
There is much that's positive in the placebo effect and the power of belief. You only need to comfort a child with a grazed knee to know how effective it can be. However, that doesn't mean that you spare the seudo-cream and when "alternative therapies" (in which category I class prayer also) come anywhere close to suggesting that they are an alternative to evidence-based medicine then alarm bells should start to ring. Or sirens in the case I mentioned.
My wife asked me I would like to join her in her Pilates classes.
I said 'no, I'm not intoreligion'!
I'll get my loincloth!
Actually they could get more bullshit on the sign by freeing up some space: Alexander Technique, Osteopathy and (heh) Massage can all withstand skeptical enquiry. Shiatsu is borderline (depends on what claims are being made on its behalf -- to some extent its credibility is accidentally boosted by simply not being as potty as reiki). Once those are out of the way, they could fit a chiropractor, ear wax candle maker, and a psychic on there instead.
I take issue with the font they've used too.
Ear candles do actually work, but not as well as a good old fashioned icing anointment utensil full of warm water!
I quite like the font. In fact I like all the Happy Days characters!
I'll get my leather jacket.
I see a pattern emerging here.
The Alexander Technique is all about posture. I don't see why it needs to be dressed up in a fancy, expensive-sounding name, but, if it makes people feel happy, fine. I don't see how it can do them any harm, other than financially. Osteopathy (and, in particular, cranial osteopathy) definitely has an element of bullshit: while bits of it do probably work (i.e. the bits which are effectively physiotherapy - again, why the need for a fancy name?), there are definitely bullshit claims made by some practitioners regarding osteopathy's efficacy against non-muscular conditions. Their own professional body is working hard to remove such claims from osteopaths' websites (as did the chiropractors' professional body, when they came under the spotlight). To this sceptic, at least, osteopathy sounds like a slightly less dangerous form of chiropractic, with some valid physio thrown in for the only good measure.
I suppose, if they made the font smaller, they could cram in a bit more bullshit.
Good to see that reiki is top of list which I believe to be the biggest load of bollocks of them all. I hear (from a qualified licensed practitioner no less), that reiki healing works without any hands-on contact and can even be done from a distance, e.g. by telephone or internet and pure thought transmission. How the hell does that work? Amazing eh?
Reiki is clearly a blatant copy of Rixology. I mean, even the name sounds like Ricky. I should probably sue.
Not quite relevant but not a huge step off topic - there was an item on the news the other day about people in the UK who were dying of AIDS because their preachers were telling them that if they had the faith to come off their anti retro-viral meds then Gnod would heal them. No prizes for guessing what happened when they did.
I'm not quite sure where on the scale of assault to outright murder that sort of behaviour should fall but it does rather demonstrate that bullshit therapies are more than harmless fun!
Apologies for the rant. As you were.
I assume Gnod was an inspired typo. It's also dong backwards!
Just googled Gnod. Global network of dreams, apparently; I'm highly delighted. Another giant leap widdershins around the circle of bullshit...
Isn't Gnod the Norse god of nose hairs?
I once helped out as a volunteer with an HIV support group but I had real trouble coming to terms with the 'complementary therapies' they offered. The group did some great work with helping people cope with HIV, but I could barely conceal my scorn at including these quack treatments.
Complementary Therapies
Many people find that complementary therapies help to promote general well being as well as alleviate stress and the side effects of clinical treatment.
We are fortunate in being supported by a number of qualified therapists offering therapies including massage, shiatsu, aromatherapy, reiki, Indian head massage, breathing and relaxation, reflexology, seated acupressure massage, Bach flower remedies, yoga and acupuncture.
Complimentary therapies are normally available at each drop-in session.
That's a difficult one, I agree.
There is much that's positive in the placebo effect and the power of belief. You only need to comfort a child with a grazed knee to know how effective it can be. However, that doesn't mean that you spare the seudo-cream and when "alternative therapies" (in which category I class prayer also) come anywhere close to suggesting that they are an alternative to evidence-based medicine then alarm bells should start to ring. Or sirens in the case I mentioned.
Gnod just seemed appropriate.