Their web site appears to be down, so I was unable to investigate them at the source…
On their main page the following messge is displayed:
"Due to on-going political circumstances and pressures related to governmental organizations, our website will be “under construction” until further notice. We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Our office is open to service you otherwise. Thank-you! "
However, thanks to the wonderful internet, they were plenty of other sites available that gave me the story on this company…
For example, this link: http://www.politicsofhealth.com/SOTA/SOTA-HPB.htm
shows a probable reason why the company’s web site might not be up any longer… Seems that they were in violation of some government regulations…
This company has quackery written all over it, and I surely hope that you never contract a serious illness that requires true medical attention, or you could be in serious trouble.
A couple of coincidential “healings” do not prove a product effective…
I strongly recommend that you consult http://www.quackwatch.com to learn more about scam artists, and how they market their products.
Incidentally, what was it that caused your distrust of doctors?
Actually, I’ve been trying to research this question for a Straight Dope Staff Report. I know there are a few research articles out there, but I haven’t been able to get my hands on 'em.
But, in summary, the placebo effect does indeed work on animals to some extent. Perhaps not the same extent as humans, but it’s definitely there. For one thing, just giving them the extra attention can, as with humans, give them support that may make them feel better. Furthermore, if the humans giving them the treatment expect them to get better, they may indeed help the placebo effect along by either seeing them getting better when they really aren’t, or by giving them the attention I noted earlier.
I know this isn’t a full answer, but if it was, I’d have that report done.
I’m trying to dig out the reference, but IIRC, the placebo effect works brilliantly - on the owners.
“Fido was so much better after the acupucture - the festering sores were worse of course, and he died after three days, but you could see he was happy in his eyes.”
The article I was referring to was on the radio about three years ago, but here are few other things I’ve picked up for you (lazy moderators - bet Cecil isn’t paying you enough)
general reviews at
