“Feng Shui for Nurses?”
On Sunday April 5th the IIG is putting on a lecture called “Feng Shui for Nurses?”
“The Independent Investigations Group investigates fringe science, paranormal and extraordinary claims from a rational, scientific viewpoint, and disseminates factual information about such inquiries to the public.” They also have a $50,000 dollar challenge for anyone who can demonstrate paranormal ability.
The California Board of Registered Nurses (CBRN) certified the teaching of “Therapeutic Touch” – a method in which the hands are said to “direct human energies to help or heal someone who is ill.” The IIG lobbied the Nursing Board to stop giving credit for Therapeutic Touch classes and to certify only classes based in evidence-based medicine. The Nursing Board ignored them. In response the IIG make up their own magic-based class, “Feng Shui for Home Care Providers.” and got it certified by the CBRN.
From the press release :
“Hollywood, CA — The Independent Investigations Group (IIG) will be instructing California Nurses in the use of ‘Chinese sheyou’ (literally, ’snake-oil’), anthropomancy (telling the future by reading human entrails), and ‘canupiary’ (a made-up word). In spite of this absurd curriculum, the class has been approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses (CBRN) – the state agency that licenses nurses and certifies nurse educators.”
Sunday’s lecture/ class is free for nurses and they will receive class credit that counts towards maintaining their license. The lecture isn’t just for nurses; it should be entertaining and informative for everyone.
Things like chiropractotic and acupuncture seem like legitimate evidence-based therapies when they are covered by insurance health plans, and things like Therapeutic Touch seem legitimate when certified by the (CBRN). The hope is that this will get out to the public and people will complain to the CBRN, or at least that this will help people think critically about their health care options. I hope it works!
jodiemiller Said,
April 1, 2009 @ 4:26 am
There is plenty of evidence on the healing nature of touch (who cares how they attribute the benefits). We live in such a touch-starved world and nurses are perfectly positioned to provide a nurturing, patient-centred comfort many Americans would happily pay for out of pocket (and do – I wonder what the combined annual massage budget is for people in New York?). Evidence shows that premature babies and the frail-aged thrive with touch. Doctors have discovered that cancer patients heal faster, or simply find comfort, from touch. Touch reduces anxiety – who hasn’t needed a hug, or placed a supportive hand on another’s shoulder? The description to “direct human energies to help or heal someone who is ill” is vague enough as to not be misrepresenting itself. I support rational, informed decision-making but isn’t opposition to touch in medicine taking it just a little too far?
jessiemarion Said,
April 1, 2009 @ 8:54 am
The thing about Therapeutic Touch is that there is no actual touching involved. They hover their hands over a patients body and “manipulate their energy field”.