Blue Bubble
Sharper than a thorn
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The Prince’s Foundation admits homeopathy is placebo
- Thread starter Blue Bubble
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Mojo
Mostly harmless
Muddy Waters for homoeopathy proponents: "You got to use your brain."
Beady
Philosopher
You're reading too much into it. Roughly translated, the article says that homeopathy should not be used as a cure for major diseases, but may be effective to alleviate suffering, in much the same way as holding the sufferer's hand or offering other comfort.
Personally, I'd prefer homeopathy to hand-holding or other displays of "support" when I'm sick or injured.
Personally, I'd prefer homeopathy to hand-holding or other displays of "support" when I'm sick or injured.
Twiler
Master Poster
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You'd rather buy water than receive affection?
Mojo
Mostly harmless
It's a series of statements made by various people at the WHO (several of them directors of departments or people speaking on their behalf) in response to a letter from Voice of Young Science, and apparently confirmed by the office of the Director general of the WHO as "clearly express[ing] the WHO’s position".
See here.
It is not WHO statement but a series of responses to an inquiry made by a group of concerned citizens. WHO has made no official statements in this matter as far as I know.
NagP
Scholar
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Beady
Philosopher
When I'm sick, yes. I prefer real drugs that will knock me flat out but, if all I can get is a placebo/homeopathic remedy, all I ask is that it makes me *think* I don't hurt or otherwise feel too miserable to sleep. People who offer affection tend to keep me awake with inane chatter, not having anything to say but trying to come up with something to make me feel better. Not only am I forced to stay awake and fully conscious of how lousy I feel, but I have to force myself to be polite so their feelings won't get hurt.
Beady
Philosopher
Actually, I think a more appropriate rendering is "placate," or "calm."
Ziggurat
Penultimate Amazing
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Clearly, your problem is that you have friends. I suggest you remedy this as soon as possible.
jasonpatterson
Philanthropic Misanthrope
I would prefer to be as aware of reality as I could be, and if that means not taking a placebo, then so be it. Personal differences, I guess, though I definitely agree with the well wishers. It's nice to know that someone hopes I don't die, but they can just leave me alone while I'm feeling like crap. (I'm training for the grumpy old man olympics in 2060, I hope to be in the "Get off my lawn!" event.)
Honestly though, what kind of person would value prince Charles's opinion on medical matters but would also be interested in what actual doctors have to say? The two groups seem like to have rather different members.
Gord_in_Toronto
Penultimate Amazing
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wackyvorlon
Critical Thinker
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There is a fundamental ethical problem with the use of placebos. Namely, that in order for a doctor to use them he must lie to his patient. The doctor/patient relationship is one that requires an extraordinary degree of trust. With my doctor, I am quite literally putting my life in his hands.
It is in my mind utterly unacceptable that he should deceive me. Further, such an act would prove an unreconcilable breach. I would no longer accept the ministrations of the physician after that. I would find another to replace him.
It is in my mind utterly unacceptable that he should deceive me. Further, such an act would prove an unreconcilable breach. I would no longer accept the ministrations of the physician after that. I would find another to replace him.
Ziggurat
Penultimate Amazing
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Even if he told the patient it was a placebo?
"Think of it like aspirin, but without any of the analgesic properties."
jasonpatterson
Philanthropic Misanthrope
"different members"? Well, one has much bigger ears.
One group of people, those who already believe strongly in alt med, might use PC's support as a reason to continue. The other group of people, those who actually might consider the WHO as a reputable source of information, probably wouldn't use PC's support for anything. These two groups of people likely do not have many individuals in common.
Beady
Philosopher
Did I try and tell you how you should feel? No, I explained how I feel. In return, you make an ad hominem comment.
Beady
Philosopher
You're forgetting that human beings are highly emotional and illogical creatures. For the most part, it takes a conscious effort to think criticaly and dispassionately. It's perfectly possible for the average person to find common ground between two diametrically opposed concepts, just as it is for them to sharply distinguish between two inseperable ideas. If nothing else, the insurance companies' growing willingness to cover "alternative" therapies alongside medical treatment should tesify to how large this crossover group really is. In fact, I would hazard a guess that those adhering strictly to conventional medicine are the smallest group of all.
six7s
veretic
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Maybe... but there's a fine line between 'pleasure' and 'comic relief'