You know, the guys from Science-Based Medicine and Respectful Insolence.
http://www.cell.com/trends/molecular-medicine/fulltext/S1471-4914(14)00103-8
And look, they got it published in a pretty big journal, too! The main issue here: the ethical and other concerns of performing clinical trials on treatment modalities with low prior plausibility and lacking scientific backing. I think they’re spot-on - the idea that in this day and age, we’d even consider running another trial for Reiki or Homeopathy is absolutely astounding.
Just thought it was an interesting read.
I read that at work today and was pleased to see it.
It’s bad enough that insurance companies are starting to pay for this crap while saying that certain proper medications are too expensive and should be rationed (which is what prior authorizations/step-up programs are for), but use of woo as medicine is deceitful!
That article is excellent and useless. The people who most need the lessons it teaches won’t read it, believe it, like it or give it any credibility. Wilfull ignorance can’t be fought with logic and reason. Demigoguery, sound bites, and bumper sticker thinking are required to reach the most important audience.