Naturopathy study raises questions about university's credibility

Naturopathy defended in 'world-first' study, but critics question university's credibility

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Southern Cross University researchers say a new 'world-first' study proves the benefits of naturopathy, but critics are questioning the institution's credibility. The scoping study, published in the latest issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, was conducted by Southern Cross University researchers who say they have demonstrated naturopathic medicine works in the treatment of a wide range of chronic conditions. Professor Stephen Myers, from the Southern Cross University, said the study was motivated by a review chaired by the former Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer that found there was no clear evidence demonstrating the efficacy of many natural therapies. ... Professor Dwyer, who is also the founding president of Friends of Science in Medicine, said the study damaged Southern Cross University's reputation. "At the heart of this is the credibility of Southern Cross University," he said. "There's been a stand-off between SCU and the rest of the scientific community in Australia for a number of years and there have been challenges to whether they are really upholding the highest standards of evidence-based medicine. "There's only two types of medicine — good or bad — and the minute something is found to be useful it's not alternative anymore it's just medicine." Professor Dwyer also raised questions about the university's credibility late last year when it accepted a $10 million donation from vitamin company Blackmore's to establish a National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine. A Southern Cross University spokeswoman declined to comment on the questions raised regarding the institution's credibility.

via International Skeptics Forum https://ift.tt/2EMhvy3