"Alternative" consultations

(Investigator 209, 2023 March)



It is often claimed that practitioners of alternative medicine are more caring and spend more time with their patients than general medical practitioners. However, the following article, originally published in the Skeptic (Vol. 18, No. 2. 1998, demonstrates that this is not always the case.


Harry Edwards and Karen Stollznow

If you were given a health check up by four different qualified medical practitioners, it would be reasonable to expect that there would be a consensus of opinion, both in respect of your healthiness, or any conditions perceived by the examiners during their consultations. If the second, third and fourth opinions confirmed the first, then a misdiagnosis would be very unlikely. Can the same confidence be placed in alternative health care practitioners?

My current undertaking is a handy reference book on alternative health care claims for use by Australian Skeptics. As the final chapter took shape, I was approached by Karen Stollznow, a 21 year-old tertiary journalism student, seeking work experience. It seemed that this afforded an ideal opportunity to put to the test some of the alternative methods I had written about. Karen agreed enthusiastically, and we embarked on Project Alternative Consultations. She was reimbursed for her travel expenses and the fees charged by the practitioners, but she was not paid for her time.
 
Karen proved to be an excellent choice. Although she had heard about alternative medicine, she had no preconceived ideas, and proved to be very perceptive. In addition, she was accompanied to each consultation by her father, who has a background in the pharmacological and medical industries. His observations also proved to be invaluable, and he confirmed Karen's descriptions in every respect.
 
Prior to Karen's visits to the alternative practitioners, Dr Richard Gordon, a general practitioner, and president of Australian Skeptics Inc, gave her a thorough checkup, to ensure that we were starting out with a healthy specimen. He gave her a clean bill of health. Karen also consulted an ophthalmologist. Dr Paul Tandy inspected her eyes with the aid of illuminated goggles, through magnified lenses, then inserted drops into her eyes to dilate the pupils to their full capacity, to enable a thorough inspection of the internal functions of the eyes. He then checked Karen's eyes for signs of disease states; cataracts, retinal damage due to disease or trauma, astigmatism and glaucoma. With the aid of a tonometer machine he measured the intraocular pressure of both eyes.

Having established that Karen's eyes were disease-free, Dr Tandy then proceeded to test for myopia/long-sightedness and her possible need for glasses. Using a range of testing facilities and charts, he determined that she was slightly long-sighted.

Satisfied that Karen was in good health, with no perceptible disabilities or ailments, we decided to present our patient to various alternative practitioners for a general consultation. Her story was that she was about to embark on a journey overseas, and wished to ensure that she was fit to undertake such a trip.
 
The practitioners were selected from the Sydney Yellow Pages and included an iridologist, a naturopath a homoeopath, an aura reader/spiritual healer and confirmation from another homoeopath.
 
The following sections describe the consultations with the alternative practitioners.


The Consultations

Ted Hall, Iridologist
 
Mr Hall has a prominent listing in the Sydney Yellow Pages, and his advertisement also includes a Perth telephone number.

The Macquarie Dictionary defines iridology as the "diagnosis of the iris to detect pathological changes in the body", whereas Mr Hall rather simplistically and non-specifically, described it in a conversation with Karen as "a study of the eyes". Iridologists claim that the iris represents the state of one's health, its colours, tissues, fibre structures and patterns corresponding to specific organs in the body. They believe that analysis of the appearance of the iris can indicate apparent conditions so that appropriate treatment can be taken to 'prevent' major ailments in later life.
 
Karen reported as follows:
 
In Mr Hall's waiting room I did just that for over half an hour before he emerged and bade me sit down before a table upon which lay camera equipment. He then proceeded to photograph both my right and left eyes, then led me to his small and unassuming office, meanwhile delivering a rapidly made diagnosis.
 
It would appear that a dark and very obvious spot located in the outer section of my right eye was indicative of a disorder and/or possible future difficulties with my liver, lymph glands and gall bladder
.
Apparently I was (or could be in the future) suffering from poor liver function and lymphatic congestion — a malfunction in the drainage of the lymphatic fluids. He requested that I feel the rear of my tongue with the tip of my finger where I would find 'liver lumps' that signified liver disease.
 
The offending spot in my right eye was not only an indication of the aforementioned disorders, but also held psychological implications that spoke of resentment towards a family member.
 
Mr Hall referred to the spot as a 'Resentment Jewel', and its existence in my right eye (Ying) conveyed hostility towards a male member of my family.
 
Markings in the left eye (Yang) would indicate hostility towards a female relative.
 
He then reached for an iridology manual and showed me appropriate information attesting to his diagnosis.
 
On my inquiring as to whether or not the spot would disappear after successful treatment and eradication of the problems, Mr Hall replied that the spot would remain, regardless. I wondered whether this would pose a problem if I were to consult another lridologist in the future, after having rectified the condition — there would be no evidence of improvement and 1 would therefore be misdiagnosed.
 
My left eye featured a similar spot that allegedly revealed spinal problems, possible scoliosis (curvature of the spine). Mr Hall did not even attempt to personally check my back but suggested a friend do this for me. (Dr Richard Gordon had previously correctly assumed that this may be a focal point for iridologists, and had assured me of the correct alignment of my spine).
 
Mr Hall opined that the spots in my eyes were psychological and in conjunction with the disorders, and that my very thinking was causing the ailments. A person should act on “how they feel not what they think” and I should stimulate the right side of my brain by taking up creative pursuits, and by sleeping on the left side of my body.

Calcium rich foods should be avoided. When I objected to this advice, Mr Hall replied that my constitution did not require calcium, and that the entire concept of including calcium in the diet to avoid osteoporosis was unwarranted, in fact it was a fallacy. I could stimulate my lymph performance by indulging in curries and other spicy foods, and by wearing bright clothes.
 
Sessions of lymphatic drainage would help as would vertical jumping on a trampoline, and running a hairbrush over my limbs, to increase sluggish Jymph performance, free up the glands, and promote circulation. He said my water intake should be increased — though not hot water because I am a 'hot person', suited to hot climates.
 
Telling someone to drink more water seemed sound enough, I cannot agree that I am a 'hot person' suited to hot climates, warm coloured clothes and hot foods. (I have considered migrating to England more than once, because a hot climate is anathema to me.) Mr Hall finally suggested a liver tonic, made by himself, that would cure me “immediately” but was unpleasant and bitter tasting.
 
It is interesting to note that Mr Hall never once questioned my medical history, nor asked if I had any specific complaints. His diagnosis was the most serious that I've ever received, yet it was delivered within five minutes of my appointment on the pretext of spots on my iris.

The photographs that were taken were not developed, but would be by my 'next appointment'. Surely he could not give me an accurate consultation without examining the photographs, but he charged me for them as part of the cost of my initial consultation.

Throughout the consultation Mr Hall's hand hovered over a writing pad as he held a pen, poised to write, which he only once employed to draw an amusingly large sketch of a tongue with a lump signifying liver problems. At the conclusion of my consultation he stapled this sketch to my empty file.


Peter Berryman — Homoeopath

Homoeopathy is a branch of wholistic medicine where the only diagnostic tool is the interview between patient and practitioner. Apparently the function of the homoeopath is not to diagnose a disease state, nor to observe any signs that may indicate present or impending illnesses. Homoeopaths believe that a patient's mental, physical and spiritual state must be addressed, before their overall health can be determined and suitable remedies, often inconsistent with traditional medicine, can be created specifically for the individual. Homoeopathic medicine is based on the principle that symptoms of illness are not the result of disease but caused by the body's attempts to fight the illness.
 
Karen reports:
 
The address of this practitioner appears to be a private home, but there is no indication that it also serves as his Homoeopathic clinic. The brass nameplate announcing his name and qualifications reposes on a flower bed by the front door. Mr Berryman led me upstairs to his office and ushered me to a chair.

I relayed the tale that had been devised for me by Harry Edwards — I would be travelling to Europe, via Asia, at an unspecified time in 1998, and was seeking (if deserved) a general clean bill of health to ease my mind. (I offered this lead to every alternative therapist I visited, but Mr Berryman was the only one to take advantage of it.) This became the focus for the entire consultation.

I should immediately embark on a quest for “optimum health", for this state would naturally immunise me from infection and disease. He discussed the preventative options open to myself, and then offered me both motherly advice and pure common sense.
 
I assured him of my intentions of being vaccinated against the diseases prevalent in the countries I would be visiting, which effectively struck a nerve: Mr Berryman does not advocate the use of vaccinations as they supposedly 'do more harm than good'. Doctors 'market vaccinations like sales people' and are 'proud of their high sales'. If I achieve 'optimum health and am unlucky enough to contract malaria or suffer from a bout of cholera I will get over it quicker if in possession of that state. Vaccinations merely 'assault the immune system and disturb the delicate constitution of a person'.
 
Did Mr Berryman believe in the immunisation of children against childhood diseases? No. Why? Only recently he cured a hospitalised child of whooping cough by administering a dose of Ipecacuanha which brought about recovery within three days. (An extract from the ipecac plant. It contains two alkaloids emetine and cephaeline that have an irritant action on the gastrointestinal tract and is therefore a powerful emetic. Used principally to clear the stomach of poisons also used in small doses as an expectorant in nonproprietary mixtures and proprietary tinctures and syrups).
 
Mr Berryman's other advice included a programme of 'overseas prophylactic health care' — the taking of preventative homoeopathic preparations. My final option was to take out overseas insurance: which belies Mr Berryman's 'confidence in one's ability to attain' optimum health and utilise this state to avoid or greatly lessen the effects of disease.

It may be worth pointing out that a person following Mr Berryman's advice might refrain from taking antimalarials. Some types of malaria can kill within 24 hours.


Judith Collins — aura reader/spiritual healer
 
Judith Collins' practice is located at the Earthkeepers Natural Healing Centre at Thirlmere, NSW. Her glossy flyer informs us that:
People from all over Australia flock to consult with Judith Collins about their illness. Whether an affliction is physical, emotional or mental, she works with a divine source of spiritual healing to encourage relief or cure.

 
She is a spiritual healer extraordinary. Healing a brain tumour in just one session and thyroid cancer in three sessions. She has been called a miracle worker, filmed by ABC Television, received the prestigious Advance Australia award for service to the community, and named during the bicentennial celebrations as one of Australia's unsung heroines, and her life's work is documented.

Another brochure extols Ms Collins' virtues as an aura reader — "Judith is recognised as Australia's foremost authority on the human Aura..." This claim, endorsed by a testimonial from Mr Norm Way of Queensland which says,

“By simply looking at my aura Judith was able to diagnose every illness in my body from a thirty year old knee injury, to more recent chest and asthma problems related to toxic poisons, which are still in my body from being gassed with methyl bromide.”
 
Extraordinary abilities, to say the least, and modest too. As a bonus for the thyroid patient during the treatment, an abscess on the patient's tooth also miraculously disappeared! It pays well too. During Karen's consultation Ms Collins volunteered the information that she treats 4000 patients a year @ $55 each. She also sells books ($22.45 ea), plus aura drawings and analyses ($120 ea).
 
Karen's consultation was particularly enlightening as this practitioner seems to epitomise the ease with which individuals untrained in science-based medicine can fool the gullible, and even receive public recognition for doing so. Judith Collins motto is “Where there is hope there is joy” but surely hope is inherent or can be learnt, rather than bought for $55 an hour

Judith Collins diagnoses her patients' ailments by calling upon her abilities of Aura Analysis, subsequently 'curing' them by using Spiritual Healing techniques from the comfort of the Earthkeepers Healing Sanctuary in Thirlmere, NSW. Local residents and taxi drivers refer to her as the “Earth Doctor”. According to Ms Collins' literature, the Human Aura is a living field of energy which surrounds the mind, body and spirit. This art-form is apparently "recognised by scientists and physicians alike”. Spiritual healing is a connection between the healer and “the power of the Divine Source (God/Holy Spirit) that allows Divine healing energy to flow through the healer to the patient and bring about recovery from illness."

Karen reported:
 
While awaiting my consultation I was amazed at how much the field of pseudoscience had progressed as I noticed a poster offering:

SKIN CANCER SELF-CURE
EFFECTIVE AND PAINLESS
(ask at desk)

Ms Collins led me to her office where she purports to have cured patients suffering everything from ear aches to cancer. Ms Collins failed the first test — in my understanding, aura readers are supposedly capable of detecting positive and/or negative energy, but she was oblivious to my inner scepticism. As I relayed my reasons for the consultation — a European trip via Asia, the woman bellowed a hearty laugh. Why? Out of the 4000 people she has treated in the past year, more than half required her services because they had returned from Asia and needed 'Spiritual Realignment'. I quipped that my intentions were to nip possible diseases in the bud had brought me to her, and this was received with a wise nod.

Ms Collins asked me to stand and she then placed both of her hands around my neck, slowly moving them down over my chest and stomach, stopping at my thighs. Her hands were scorchingly hot! — proof of the effectiveness of the treatment and of her powers some might say, but then it was a very hot day and so too were my hands.
 
The whole process had taken less than a minute and now provided Ms Collins with her diagnosis. My liver (that naughty organ again!) had a build up of toxins, my thymus was not fully functional and there was congestion in the lymph glands. As she spoke Ms Collins doodled on a photocopied chart in front of her that featured sketches of both the male and female body. She proceeded to colour in the affected sections of the relevant form on this body chart, which slowly began to resemble a leopard.
 
Ms Collins gave me a referral to visit a Mr Man C. Jones, homoeopath, who could supply me with numerous concoctions to ease my ailments and provide me with immunity to any diseases I may be subjected to in Asia. I was then swiftly ushered out of the office, “It was nice to meet you's" were proffered all around and then it was all over — to be generous — within fifteen minutes.

The banality of my consultation with Ms Collins was reflected in her promotional brochures. Had I read these leaflets before my consultation I would have been sorely disappointed with its outcome, for she never revealed to me the extent of her considerable talents. Ms Collins can draw likenesses of a patient's spirit guides, and can even teach the layman to see and read auras. Ms Collins healed Mrs Shawna McCoy's thyroid cancer, but could not cure my toxin congested liver. She detected Mr Norm Way's thirty-year-old knee injury, but did not detect my ten-year-old arm injury. Ms Coffins healed one patient's brain tumour in 'just one session', but did not relieve me of a dull headache that I arrived and left with. In a strange contradiction, Ms Coffins purports to be able to heal the chronically ill, but also offers courses in preparation for the dying. Surely if 'Spiritual Healing has no limits' and can 'treat all ailments' there is no need for death.
 
With regard to Ms Collins' alleged cures of “a brain tumour in just one session, and thyroid cancer in three” it should be noted that to treat these conditions in New South Wales, persons are required to be registered medical practitioners under the Medical Practice Act 1992 No 94.
 
Part 4. (1) of the Act states that:

a person is entitled to be registered as a medical practitioner if the person has recognised medical qualifications and has successfully completed a period of internship or supervised training as required by the Board.
 
Part 4. (2) of the Act states:

a person has 'recognised medical qualifications' if the person is a graduate of a medical school ... accredited by the Australian Medical Council or has successfully completed examinations held by that Council for the purposes of registration as a medical practitioner.
 
Furthermore, Part 7, Division 2, 105 (3) states:

A person who is not a registered medical practitioner must not advertise or hold himself or herself out to be entitled, qualified, able or willing to practise medicine or surgery in any of its branches, or to give or perform any medical or surgical advice, service, attendance or operation.

To our knowledge, Ms Collins does not claim to have had any medical training and is not a registered medical practitioner. The treatment of a brain tumour and thyroid cancer by her, therefore, would have constituted a breach of the Medical Practice Act at the time.
 

Shirley Mason Homoeopath

Shirley Mason was selected so that a comparison could be made between her approach and that of another homoeopath, Mr Berryman.
 
Karen reported:

I could quite easily summarise my consultation with Ms Mason as being uninformative and tediously similar in content to my first homoeopathic encounter with Peter Berryman.
 
Each practitioner utilised the patient/therapist interview as the sole diagnostic tool, although two factors differentiate Ms Mason from her occupational colleague.
 
Firstly, Ms Mason attempted a pat diagnosis, despite the lack of complaints from myself and with merely superficial guesswork to substantiate her claims.
 
Secondly, Ms Mason recommended a herbal concoction to remedy my ills, without ever actually establishing a condition.
 
This consultation proved to be the lengthiest and least expensive — with good reason — I was not treated to a display of unearthly 'abilities', nor impressed with marvellous diagnostic equipment and devised terminology. Ms Mason exhaustively queried my medical history, that of my parents and even friends, whose physical and emotional states may influence my own.
 
My entire psychological and physical past was exhumed, and I was told to envision several scenarios put to me, and asked to describe how I might react under certain circumstances. I never voiced any minor health problems I may suffer from and believe that I presented myself as being emotionally balanced.
 
Ms Mason concluded the consultation by declaring the possibility of my suffering from anaemia. I can only assume that this theory was based upon her astute observation of my naturally pale complexion, and was not derived by logical deduction, as I gave no cause for her to suspect that I was ill at all. Iron tablets were recommended and the standards preached — a healthy diet, combined with exercise and, of course — monthly homoeopathic visits until my 'Asian/European' sojourn.

There were no passionate denunciations of vaccinations — in fact she assumed that I would undergo the gamut of advised preventative injections.
 
I was then sent off with the promise of an individually prepared homoeopathic tonic to generally boost my constitution and 'iron out the problem areas', which were never pinpointed nor addressed.


Being a sensitive and considerate New Age Skeptic, I followed up as a matter of courtesy, giving the alternative practitioners the right of reply. Accordingly, each was sent a copy of the following letter, with the part of the article appropriate to that practitioner.
 
A representative of the above association recently attended your rooms for a consultation.

In our opinion, confirmed by examinations by a general practitioner, an ophthalmologist and a pathologist, incorrect diagnoses and questionable recommendations were made during that consultation.
 
We propose publishing our representative's report in the next issue of our journal, the Skeptic , but first offer you the opportunity to comment.

A copy of the report is attached.
 
The first response came from Mr Gary Nead on behalf of Judith Collins. He advised that Ms Collins was going to be in Victoria and New Zealand for a few weeks and would like to know what was the deadline for her reply. I gave her six weeks.
 
A reminder was sent to Ms Collins a week prior to the expiration of that time but nothing further has been heard.
 
Perhaps she was too busy in Adelaide in April; where she was in a broadcasting studio, reading callers auras over the telephone.

The letter to Mr Berryman, the homoeopath, was returned unopened. A note on the envelope read, “No longer at this address”.
 
Iridologist, Mr Ted Hall, (in a letter replete with the personal pronoun), replied that he found the article “amusing and inaccurate” and indeed, in parts “misleading and defamatory”. He did not intend to respond in detail, and even had he wished to, was unable to do so as I had not named the person with whom he allegedly consulted.
 
I wonder if Mr Hall's patients would find it amusing to know that they are being misdiagnosed and recommended unnecessary remedies.
 
Not to be put off quite so easily, I sent Mr Hall the name of the client with an invitation to reconsider. There has been no further communication.

There was no reply from homoeopath Shirley Mason.
 
A review of the consultations reveal little if anything to recommend them.

Ted Hall — Iridologist

* consultation — 15 minutes, fee $45;
* relied on visual inspection and interview;
* not interested in patient's past history;
* diagnosed four problem areas — liver/ lymph/ gall/ spine;
* recommended avoiding calcium;
* recommended hot foods and bright clothes;
* recommended trampolining and flagellation with a hairbrush.
 
Peter Berryman — homoeopath
* consultation —15 minutes, fee $45;
* no examination;
* no questioning of past history;
* no diagnosis;
* vigorously opposed vaccination;
* recommended optimum health for natural immunity
* recommended "preventative homoeopathic preparations" to achieve this;
* recommended travel insurance.
 
Judith Collins — aura reader /spiritual healer

*consultation, less than 15 minutes, fee $55;
* brief running of hands down front of body, neck to thighs;
* diagnosed liver! thymus/lymph problems;
* no aura reading nor spiritual healing offered
* recommended a visit to a homoeopath.

Shirley Mason - Homoeopath

* consultation 1 hr. 15 mins. Fee $45 (student), normally $55;
* relied on visual inspection and interview;
 * very interested in patient's past medical and psychological history;
 * diagnosed lymph/gall bladder problems, “possible” anaemia;
* recommended herbal concoctions and iron tablets;
* recommended healthy diet and exercise;
 * recommended monthly homoeopathic visits.
 

Medical Follow-up

There was no consensus among the differing diagnoses of the alternative practitioners, apart from some vague references to the liver and lymphatic system. Karen was, according to an aggregate of opinions, suffering from a dysfunctional liver, anaemia, lymphatic congestion and scoliosis, had a zinc deficiency and an excess of calcium, plus a psychological problem.

To check these diagnoses Dr Richard Gordon referred Karen for a Liver Function Test and a range of others — Full Blood Examination, Electrolytes Urea and Creatinine, Calcium, Albumin, Phosphate and Zinc.

The pathology report gave Karen a clean bill of health, not just in respect of the liver, but in everything else. Biochemistry results indicated units all within the acceptable range, and the liver function test showed no abnormalities whatsoever. This despite two of the alternative practitioners singling out liver problems as matters of concern. On the basis of this science-based report, some of the alternative practitioners gave incorrect or conflicting diagnoses, and recommended unnecessary medications. Some of their claims and methods were dubious, and their advice to those who patronise them is questionable. Because they are diagnosing medical problems, and recommending treatment, they may very well be practising medicine in contravention of the Medical Practise Act 1992.
 

Conclusion

This test may help to dispel the claim that practitioners of alternative medicine are more caring and spend more time with their patients. It is hard to understand why in some of these cases, the authorities allow such practises to continue without any controls, regulations or safeguards.
 
Already noted is that a pathology report indicated no abnormality in Karen's liver using normal scientific testing. Rather than a calcium excess (diagnosed by Mr Hall), Karen's calcium and corrected calcium readings were both 2.16 (at the low end of the range of 2.10 -2.65.)

The object of the exercise was to compare alternative diagnostic techniques with those of a general practitioner. The conclusions in Karen's report were based on her observations, and the conversations with each of the alternative practitioners. Her reports have been attested to as true and accurate by her father who accompanied her on each occasion.

For those who may be concerned about Karen's state of health. Considering she is supposed to be suffering from congestion in the lymph glands, toxins in her liver, a dysfunctional thymus, gall bladder problems, anaemia, liver dysfunction, possible scoliosis, 'a psychological resentment', calcium excess and iron and zinc deficiency she is coping remarkably well.


Notes

the Skeptic proclaims on its front cover that it is "a journal of fact and opinion". Karen's reports, rightly or wrongly express opinions based on her impressions. If the subjects of the report had taken umbrage or were dissatisfied with what has been said, then they were entitled to redress. We extended the courtesy of a reply to all the practitioners and were (and are) prepared to publish their replies. Few responses were received, and these were not particularly relevant to our complaints.
 
We would like to thank barrister, Martin Hadley and Dr. Richard Gordon, for their invaluable legal and medical advice arid reassurance. The next issue of the Skeptic (Vol 18, No 3), continued the theme with articles from retired biochemist J.T Wearne, osteopath Philip Latey, the convener of Qakatak, John Foley, a member of Victoria Skeptics, Bob Nixon, and NSW Skeptics committee member Karen Stollznow.
 
Bob Nixon in conjunction with a crew from A Current Affair, set out to test the skills of three naturopaths on his medically diagnosed diabetes.
 
To their credit, all three naturopaths arrived at the correct conclusion. Clearly they had some knowledge of medicine, but then any practitioner, alternative or orthodox who was told that the patient was on medication for diabetes couldn't go far wrong in diagnosing the disease. Less to their credit, all three ignored the fact and proceeded with lengthy consultations and reached incorrect conclusions.

All three used iridology for their diagnoses and found problems with Nixon's lymphatic system (of which he has experienced no symptoms). Diet and exercise was the general recommendation. Having read the original article on alternative consultations, the producer of Channel Nine's A Current Affair contacted Karen Stollznow and asked if she would cooperate in a repeat of that investigation.

Much the same procedure was adopted. Three naturopaths were selected at random from the Yellow Pages, but this time Karen was accompanied by a "brother" to record the consultations with a video camera concealed in a bag.

The consensus opinion of all three practitioners was that Karen was a walking cot case. Naturopath/Iridologist Dr Nishant Mohan opined that "All ailments are a mere manifestation of the disequilibrium in one's trinity factor. In other words a diseased condition of the body is a result of disharmony between Body, Mind and Spirit".
 
An inclusion in small print on Dr Mohan's business card, "Not a Medical Practitioner".
 
Dr Richard Cordon was also featured on the programme and was subsequently asked to write an article on alternative medicine for Doctor magazine. Interest was such that the article resulted in thirty doctors taking out subscriptions to the Skeptic.

John Foley, suffering from Chicken Pox, reported in the Skeptic (Vol 18 No 2) that he paid a visit to four alternative therapists not one of whom recognised the symptoms. All however, recommended homoeopathic remedies for ailments from which he was not suffering.

One item of worthy of interest that could have been included in the chapter on Gismos Gadgets Pills and Potions was the Thermal Visualiser. This was used by Dr Glen Worthington-Eyre to check John's rash. Probes were put either side of John's vertebra and clicked, recording the result on a laptop computer screen. A hard copy was then printed out.

Dr Worthington-Eyre on examining the print out declared that John's back was in good shape but that he suffered from low self-esteem, that he did not feel worthy of a female partner and that he feels that he is worthless. (From my experience of John Foley I would say the this was the antithesis of John's character). All this, according to Dr Worthington-Eyre stemmed from being sexually abused as a child. Although John admits to a minor incident of sexual abuse as a child forty years ago, he has never been distressed then or now. The thoracic scoliosis which does cause him permanent discomfort however, was not detected by the machine.
 
It now appears that efforts to have alternative practices subjected to the same level of scientific, legal, professional scrutiny and regulation may be bearing fruit. Some of the recent articles on Unregistered Health Practitioners were sent to Dr Arthur Chesterfield Evans, Democrat member of the NSW upper house and chairman of the Health Care Complaints Commission. I was later informed that "Arthur enjoyed reading the hard copy this morning before the Health Care Complaints Committee hearing." Subsequently, on October 10, 1998, Australian Skeptics Inc. put their full submission to the committee. In essence, it sought accountability by requiring "alternative" practitioners to be subject to the same controls as medical practitioners and accountable under the Trade Practices Act and the Fair Trading Act.


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