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On 1/23/01, [log in to unmask] writes: << And btw, what is wrong with a placebo effect? If the patient is cured what does it really matter? Many roads lead to Rome. Let's be open for other, less conventional approaches and don't nag "it's not evidence based" to quickly. >> ***Nobody ever said that there was anything "wrong" with a placebo effect. The issue was that a certain form of therapy was being explained by its proponents to operate on the basis of direct structural alterations in the musculoskeletal system. Had they stated that gentle craniosacral touch elicits some placebo or other psychological effect, then nobody would have been harshly critical. What was offered was a lot of uncorroborated speculation supported by no genuine scientific research. The craniosacral therapists erred in venturing into speculations which totally ignore the possibility of a role being played by certain psychological processes. That is appallingly incomplete and presumptuous pseudoscience. Many of us are very open to alternative and innovative approaches, but, for the sake of professionalism and science, don't let anyone claim that some or other beguiling method has scientific validity when it does not. Otherwise why bother to academically educate, train and register physical therapists, doctors and similar professionals - why not let them indulge in any old mumbo jumbo which works because of placebo effects or supranormal incantations to the health gods? If something 'works' and you don't know why it works, then state that you do not know why it works and let that be a stimulus for research, but don't state beliefs as facts and laws. What is wrong with craniosacral practitioners stating that their methods work possibly because of psychological reasons which have not yet been examined? Why do they have to insist on subtle biomechanical processes which have not been proved? To reconcile different possible explanations, let them even state that their method 'works' in certain cases possibly because of subtle mechanical reasons, a relaxation response, a placebo effect or some other psychological process? That would be far more balanced, conservative and acceptable at this stage of the game. Dr Mel C Siff Denver, USA http://www.egroups.com/group/supertraining