A list of pseudotherapies that ranges from homeopathy to pilates to acupuncture

The ministries of Health and Science have under suspicion up to 67 practices therapeutic with little scientific validity, which must be evaluated. To date, the Spanish Network of Evaluation Agencies of Health Technologies and Benefits of the National Health System (Redets), which has seven evaluation agencies throughout Spain, including the Canary Islands, has produced reports on 22 of them. Here you have more information about pseudotherapies.

Between 2021 and 2023, the Thai massagethe macrobiotic dietthe magnetotherapyspiritual healing, deep structural massage, music therapymedication, acupuncturecupping therapy, pilatesfoot reflexology, yogaflower therapy, aromatherapyChi-kung/Qi Gong, light therapyvacuum therapy, Tai Chiautogenic relaxation, conscious breathing and ZeroBalancing.

“The starting point of these reviews is an analysis of 138 therapies between 2012 and 2018, which found that 67 were susceptible to a review,” he explains. Lilisbeth Perestelo, clinical psychologist and member of the Evaluation Service of the Directorate of the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS). She, along with her colleagues, has signed at least five of those 22 reports for the Ministry of Health. “Our job is to try to identify and evaluate the therapy to know its safety profile and its evidence through primary studies,” explains Perestelo.

Evaluation filter

The idea of ​​these evaluations, as the researcher explains, is to make these therapies go through an evaluation filter similar to that of other medications or treatments offered in public health. “In an environment of limited resources, we have to choose interventions that work and have a beneficial effect for the patient before investing in them,” says the clinical psychologist.

So far, the pattern they have always encountered is the same: techniques with few studies, with a not very rigorous methodology and that does not allow us to reach conclusions about its safety or benefits. “In addition, when we find a small benefit, most of it cannot be generalized to the entire population because the studies are heterogeneous,” insists Perestelo.

“This should invite them to develop higher quality studies,” insists Perestelo, who recognizes that the plan “has caused a lot of commotion,” but considers it vitally important to continue “generating knowledge” to achieve more informed population.

The impact of the coronavirus

Covid-19 has also been a wake up call regarding this type of practices. And although there are more and more people who have assumed the fundamental role of science in all areas of life – including medicine -, many others have chosen to look for a simpler – and less logical – explanation to the problems. that plague him.

In fact, in this period there have emerged new trends in pseudotherapies that many have taken as valid. It is the example of sodium chlorite (marketed as MMS or Miracle Mineral Supplement) which during the pandemic gained followers for being sold as a remedy for covid, although it was also sold at the time to cure AIDS, cancer or autism. Despite being a product withdrawn from the market in 2010, there are still various websites where it is sold and they are just a click away from anyone who searches for it on Google.

Drugs, fashions and therapies

Apept has also reported an uptick in “withdrawals” where it is supplied ayahuasca and other drugs with the most varied excuses. “Now they are returning to their old ways little by little, and we are once again receiving more “typical” cases,” reveals the president of the Association.

In this sense, Frías insists that the Ministry should also update the list of 71 therapies that you are evaluating. “You have to adapt to the fashions and therapies that emerge because this will always be in the background in society, but you have to take measures so that it doesn’t get worse,” she summarizes.

Disparate struggle in the Canary Islands

In the Canary Islands the fight against pseudosciences is uneven. Although there are no longer as many events promoted as in the past and Medical Colleges and universities in the two provinces claim evidence over belief, it is not difficult to find pharmacies that advertise the sale of homeopathy on their doors, small local events that promote alternative therapies or even specific courses to teach others how to do these therapies.

Example is a 8 hour reiki course duration with a cost of 300 euros advertised by Terapias Alternativas de Tenerife that is carried out in person on the island, although it does not reveal the specific place where it is carried out. In Santa Cruz, the Comprehensive Center for Natural Therapies offers courses, workshops and seminars on better-known pseudotherapies such as chinese cupping therapyhomeopathy or Bach flowers and other more original ones such as healing through forgiveness or regulation with magnets. In Güímar last March a mediumship workshop which promised to “improve the psychic abilities of attendees” and “establish connection with beings of light.”

Examples of good practices

And yet, there are also examples of good practice. The Granadilla de Abona City Council organized the event just two weeks ago Pseudotherapies: a threat to health. This initiative was born with the intention of providing truthful and accessible information to citizens, which can help them make informed and responsible decisions about how they want to take care of their health.

Furthermore, both the College of Physicians of Tenerife and that of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is governed, in this sense, by the rules of the WTO Observatory (Collegiate Medical Organization) against Pseudosciences, Pseudotherapies, Intrusion and Health Sects, and this observatory is informed of any practice that violates the scientific evidence recognized by this body of the profession and the competent health authorities.