I changed my mind. I had argued in an earlier post that non-science based medicine should be called “modern shamanism”. I think a more accurated term would be “cult medicine”. These systems operated like cults. They usually have charismatic leaders, pretty-sounding liturgy, and a fervent religious-like belief in the improbable. They require faith above all, and reject science out of hand.
That’s my interpretation of the facts, and I’m sticking to it. The next time you see me refer to “cult medicine”, it could be homeopathy, detoxification, or any other woo. Stay tuned.
It is indeed cult medicine, but it has to be so since they’re touting placebos. The kiss of death for a placebo is for its recipient not to believe in it. This is why they must fight to defend pseudoscience – if the placebo effect were lost, then there would be no effect at all.
Cult, yes. Medicine, no. Snake oil is just quackery; it’s not medicine.