This was, I have to say – although, as ever, I find myself somewhat off the pace – fascinatingly informative. Upon widening its scope, on 1 March 2011, to encapsulate marketing/advertising on UK websites, it turns out that – surprise, surprise – the ASA received copious complaints about the online claims made by an array of (unnamed) homeopaths/homeopathy organisations, and is on the case. The siteholders in question were sent an instigating letter, informing that they were under surveillance, and with three months in which to comply with guidance on the marketing of health-related products and services, as stipulated by the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP).
At the commencement of British Homeopathy Awareness Week back in June I took umbrage with various homeopathy organisations' cheap, egregious, fallacious resort to endorsement by celebrity. Late in that week (20th June), the British Homeopathic Association (to take just one) proudly, unashamedly re-endorsed this tactic with the announcement of its long mooted 'Celebrity Photography Project', for which it had taken a bit of time 'to put financial structures in place', even though these did not include paying the partaking celebs – '… holding the source material of one of the homeopathic medicines that has helped them' – for the giving up of their time. Well, they are lovely photographs, aren't they? (Ten of them; well nine, actually: 'Olympic hopeful James Ellington' didn't make the shoot; perhaps he hadn't shaved in time.) Peruse for yourself this Goof's Gallery. I'll return to it shortly.
And then goes on to fairly provide advice on the acceptability or otherwise of claims made for (the efficacy of) homeopathy; clarifies any changes necessary for compliance with the code; and the timescale for effecting them.
So, time, I think, to take another look at Goof's Gallery. That I might regard one or two of these folk is by the by (as is my prior disregard of one or two others). What we're concerned with here is what they are (quoted as) saying.
For example: David Bellamy says 'the lovely cowslip… can be used for a number of health complaints including eczema.' Debbie Moore claims that 'Dr Sharma, a well-known homeopathic doctor', cured her of an underactive thyroid. Gaby Roslin (her again) recommends (irresponsibly, in my opinion) homeopathy 'on' [sic] children; as does Annabel Croft, who seemingly advocates its superiority to antibiotics. Susan Hampshire recommends all manner of treatments for all sorts of (imagined) ailments. Lauren Vaknine credits homeopathic remedies for her overcoming of arthritis. Louise Jameson also seemingly recommends homeopathy over antibiotics for treating children's infections; and cites sulphur as easing her menopause. Peter Hain would have us believe that homeopathy did for his young son's eczema and asthma (at least I think that's what he says; politicians, eh?). And finally on this authoritative roll call, 'Rock glitterati' (their words, not mine) Jo Wood, who goes all New Age natural on us, and is, well, a bit vague, really.
The ASA has pointed out that it is (was? As per statement last updated January 16, 2012 ) not inviting further complaints in what is an ongoing monitoring program. As well as the advertisers complained about, they also contacted UK bodies that represent homeopaths and homeopathy. This, presumably, would have included the British Homeopathic Association. And to be fair (because I really do try to be), without conducting a comprehensive survey of its site, it does seem by and large to conform (skilfully) with the stipulations of the CAP Code. Except, that is, those recently included, under the radar celebrity testimonials, which, in my opinion, contravene the ASA's rulings on acceptability.
I will be communicating this concern to the ASA. Now, what about those other sites…?
Once again, another great post!
I think a major problem we face is that homeopathy is allowed to exist under an illusion of being medicine. The term alternative medicine is so misleading to the blind consumer because it just sounds like another medical alternative, there is no explanation that its not medically or scientifically tested (or if it is, it failed, thus is not just called "medicine").
I hope that you post any replied you get from the ASA on this matter. As for the other sites, sadly, I think it will continue to go on "business as usual" until someday governments realize these sites, these business are causing actual harm to its citizens and it needs to be stopped.
Correction: it seems James Ellington did contribute.
He uses 'Gelsemium for pre-race jitters'. Uh? I thought the adrenalin is useful to a racer.
It seems like the essence of ideologies-magical thinking-scams is the lie of : "mind over matter." Wish it — and it will make it so. Pretend there is no problem and there is no problem.
Obviously that is an immensely powerful and profitable lie and the basis for all ideologies and magical thinking. It's completely nonsensical but obviously triggers all sorts of irrational and harmful behaviors in about 99% of the world's population.
Back when our brains and social systems evolved, millions of years ago people died very quickly and young and couldn't do anything about anything anyway so pretending apparently conferred reproductive advantages. It probably still does — for individuals.
As the basis for public policy however, it's a disaster. Individual beliefs magical are a horrible basis for group decisions. WWII proved that tragically.
Still the best way to get people to give you money is to lie to them, tell them what they already know and want to hear and NEVER say anything they might disagree with. That is the cor skill of every con-person.
Thanks. Your last paragraph is interesting. On homeopathy: I don't buy it, and I detest the marketing. Yet, I somehow prefer to think that the people who subscribe to, administer and – particularly – teach it do believe it. Disturbing enough – part of its cult-like appeal. Otherwise, we're talking about some big sinister conspiracy… and I don't think it is healthy for us to become paranoid about that.