Book review: Suckers - How alternative medicine makes fools of us all
Eisha Sarkar
Posted on Times Wellness on Thursday, July 02, 2009
Author: Rose Shapiro
Publisher: Vintage Books London
Price: Rs 445
Pages: 296
Do you know that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated in the 1950s? That the oft-prescribed 6c dilution of homeopathic medicine is equivalent to one drop of the remedy in four Olympic-sized swimming pools? Do you know Ayurvedic medicines contain high concentrations of lead, mercury and arsenic? If you do know the answers to these questions, then, in all probability, you do not care for crystal balls and shamans. But if these disclosures are making you angry or uncomfortable, then journalist Rose Shapiro's book, Suckers will help you learn more.
The name game
Shapiro's rant against anything that seems 'complementary' or 'alternative' comes from deep-rooted bias towards science and orthodox medicine. "The same set of practices that was called quackery or fringe medicine in the mid-twentieth century was renamed 'alternative medicine' in the 1960s and 70s. The term 'complementary medicine' was coined in the 1990s and now, inspired by the idea that 'alternative' medicine 'can work alongside' and therefore 'complement' orthodox scientific medicine, all these therapies are bundled together as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).
Holistic blunder
Most people are taken in by the 'holistic treatment' that alternative practitioners offer. If you go to the doctor, he'll write down a prescription based on the symptoms of the disease. But if you go to a chiropractor, acupuncturist, naturopath, homeopath, etc, you'll be told that it's not just the symptom you should cure but also eliminate the possibility of such a symptom from arising again. That means that even if after your symptom is cured, you will have to keep coming back for further treatment. While orthodox medicine treats the condition of disease, alternative therapists believe that the absence of disease doesn't mean good health.
It is this underlying theory that makes CAM a billion-dollar industry, with gullible patients going for any kind of 'therapy' to cure themselves of ill-health even if there's nothing wrong with them.
Spot the quack
Shapiro writes, "The task of spotting quackery is made much easier once you know that there are large areas of medicine in which they are never found. …There's no homeopathic contraceptive, for example. Nor will reflexology be used following a stabbing, or Chinese herbs in the treatment of acute conditions like a broken leg, appendicitis or heart attack." Alternative practitioners treat chronic conditions such as back pain, arthritis, food intolerances and cancer.
Why you should be wary of alternative therapy?
1. Language: CAM practitioners use words such as natural, balance, energy, paradigm, quantum, vibrations, healing and wellness with flourish, which are both abstract and subjective.
2. Disclaimer: The only truthful statement on the medicine pack, will absolve its makers of all charges if the medicine is ineffective or harmful.
3. Universal diagnosis: From acne to varicose veins, you'll be provided a single therapy or remedy. It'll take care of your body and soul and even your wallet.
4. Ancient wisdom in 21st century: Ayurveda and ancient Chinese medicine are deemed to have been born in a world that was around 3,000 years old when people had a different lifestyle and environment. Their effectiveness in this day and age is yet to be proved.
5. The Emperor's New Clothes: Just as religions involve suffering in order to reach a higher spiritual state, alternative medicine often requires consumers to feel a good deal worse in the quest for Optimum Health.
6. The fight against traditional medicine: Many CAM practitioners advise their clients to stop taking prescription drugs altogether - even if they have cancer - claiming that the drug industry does not want people to get healthy. Instead, they offer ‘herbal’ remedies.
7. 80 per cent success: Most CAM therapists peg their success rates at or above 80 per cent, without any research to justify that. Patient testimonials are substituted for evidence instead of conclusions drawn from clinical trials.
8. Food factor: Several herbal remedies with high concentrations of prescription drugs are passed off as food supplements.
9. Too good to be true: Height-enhancing nutritional supplements, no-touch chiropractic, foot reflexology to improve digestion are promises that will remain just that. In most cases of CAM, you'll find a revolutionary scientific discovery made by a lone genius. Try it, at your own risk.
10. Placebo effect: Most CAM remedies have the same effect as placebos in clinical trials - if they do have an effect, it's nearly negligible.
The verdict
The book is entertaining, compelling and packed with research data that exposes the mad and bad world of alternative therapy. Shapiro scathingly attacks alternative practitioners such as life guru Deepak Chopra, Samuel Hahnemann (the founder of Homeopathy), B J Palmer (the founder of chiropractic). The book's conversational style makes it accessible to non-science readers; its rich bibliography is fodder for science enthusiasts.
Since Shapiro lives in UK, most of the therapies she discusses are those that are available there so Indian readers may not be aware of some of them. Nevertheless, it can help readers understand why belief in traditional medicine is as important as being aware of the hazards of alternative medicine. The choice is yours. If you get hit by a truck would you go to a doctor or a naturopath?
Eisha Sarkar
Posted on Times Wellness on Thursday, July 02, 2009
Author: Rose Shapiro
Publisher: Vintage Books London
Price: Rs 445
Pages: 296
Do you know that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated in the 1950s? That the oft-prescribed 6c dilution of homeopathic medicine is equivalent to one drop of the remedy in four Olympic-sized swimming pools? Do you know Ayurvedic medicines contain high concentrations of lead, mercury and arsenic? If you do know the answers to these questions, then, in all probability, you do not care for crystal balls and shamans. But if these disclosures are making you angry or uncomfortable, then journalist Rose Shapiro's book, Suckers will help you learn more.
The name gameShapiro's rant against anything that seems 'complementary' or 'alternative' comes from deep-rooted bias towards science and orthodox medicine. "The same set of practices that was called quackery or fringe medicine in the mid-twentieth century was renamed 'alternative medicine' in the 1960s and 70s. The term 'complementary medicine' was coined in the 1990s and now, inspired by the idea that 'alternative' medicine 'can work alongside' and therefore 'complement' orthodox scientific medicine, all these therapies are bundled together as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).
Holistic blunder
Most people are taken in by the 'holistic treatment' that alternative practitioners offer. If you go to the doctor, he'll write down a prescription based on the symptoms of the disease. But if you go to a chiropractor, acupuncturist, naturopath, homeopath, etc, you'll be told that it's not just the symptom you should cure but also eliminate the possibility of such a symptom from arising again. That means that even if after your symptom is cured, you will have to keep coming back for further treatment. While orthodox medicine treats the condition of disease, alternative therapists believe that the absence of disease doesn't mean good health.
It is this underlying theory that makes CAM a billion-dollar industry, with gullible patients going for any kind of 'therapy' to cure themselves of ill-health even if there's nothing wrong with them.Spot the quack
Shapiro writes, "The task of spotting quackery is made much easier once you know that there are large areas of medicine in which they are never found. …There's no homeopathic contraceptive, for example. Nor will reflexology be used following a stabbing, or Chinese herbs in the treatment of acute conditions like a broken leg, appendicitis or heart attack." Alternative practitioners treat chronic conditions such as back pain, arthritis, food intolerances and cancer.
Why you should be wary of alternative therapy?
1. Language: CAM practitioners use words such as natural, balance, energy, paradigm, quantum, vibrations, healing and wellness with flourish, which are both abstract and subjective.
2. Disclaimer: The only truthful statement on the medicine pack, will absolve its makers of all charges if the medicine is ineffective or harmful.
3. Universal diagnosis: From acne to varicose veins, you'll be provided a single therapy or remedy. It'll take care of your body and soul and even your wallet.
4. Ancient wisdom in 21st century: Ayurveda and ancient Chinese medicine are deemed to have been born in a world that was around 3,000 years old when people had a different lifestyle and environment. Their effectiveness in this day and age is yet to be proved.
5. The Emperor's New Clothes: Just as religions involve suffering in order to reach a higher spiritual state, alternative medicine often requires consumers to feel a good deal worse in the quest for Optimum Health.
6. The fight against traditional medicine: Many CAM practitioners advise their clients to stop taking prescription drugs altogether - even if they have cancer - claiming that the drug industry does not want people to get healthy. Instead, they offer ‘herbal’ remedies.
7. 80 per cent success: Most CAM therapists peg their success rates at or above 80 per cent, without any research to justify that. Patient testimonials are substituted for evidence instead of conclusions drawn from clinical trials.
8. Food factor: Several herbal remedies with high concentrations of prescription drugs are passed off as food supplements.
9. Too good to be true: Height-enhancing nutritional supplements, no-touch chiropractic, foot reflexology to improve digestion are promises that will remain just that. In most cases of CAM, you'll find a revolutionary scientific discovery made by a lone genius. Try it, at your own risk.
10. Placebo effect: Most CAM remedies have the same effect as placebos in clinical trials - if they do have an effect, it's nearly negligible.
The verdict
The book is entertaining, compelling and packed with research data that exposes the mad and bad world of alternative therapy. Shapiro scathingly attacks alternative practitioners such as life guru Deepak Chopra, Samuel Hahnemann (the founder of Homeopathy), B J Palmer (the founder of chiropractic). The book's conversational style makes it accessible to non-science readers; its rich bibliography is fodder for science enthusiasts.
Since Shapiro lives in UK, most of the therapies she discusses are those that are available there so Indian readers may not be aware of some of them. Nevertheless, it can help readers understand why belief in traditional medicine is as important as being aware of the hazards of alternative medicine. The choice is yours. If you get hit by a truck would you go to a doctor or a naturopath?
2 comments:
I'd definitely be interested in reading the book to see whether there is any balanced view at all.
Because I don't agree that all alternative therapy is bogus and just as good as placebo.
I have a huge interest in healthcare and my career path is within the space, so I'm definitely a great believer in 'conventional' medicine.
Yet having tried homeopathy for a couple of things in the past I cannot dismiss it...It really did make a difference.
And I do believe homeopathy is a real science (people go to a proper school to become homeopaths and they aren't just witch doctors)
even with Ayurveda and Chinese medicine...there is a science behind things...maybe not as tried and tested as traditional medicine but not one that can be dismissed so easily
the author's bias is obvious... only at one point does she concede that acupuncture may provide temporary relief in some cases of arthritis and back pain... but there are some aspects of alternative medicine that are very worrying... that even in the case of very serious ailments such as cancer, people sometimes shun orthodox medicine completely to go for less painful, non-effective alternatives
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