Skeptics Stack Exchange
Skeptics Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [alternative-medicine]

Use this tag for claims regarding cures and health practices which fall outside the boundaries of scientifically validated medicine.

Any healing practice, method, compound or procedure which falls outside the bounds of scientifically validated medicine either because it has not demonstrated significant, safe, repeatable results consistently under proper observing conditions, or has not yet had the opportunity to undergo such testing. Can also relate to the study, evaluation, and interpretation of data collected on such processes. Related term: Complementary Medicine.

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Are the claims of chiropractors independently verifiable?

I've had problems with back-pain in the past, and as a result, I reluctantly went to a chiropractor. It's hard to tell if going to the chiropractor helped my problem, or if they went away on their own. There is a lot of information there talking…
Ustice
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What is Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS)?

Promoted by Jim Humble, Miracle Mineral Solution is claimed to cure a wide range of ailments. But what exactly is it, chemically speaking?
Richard Stelling
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Do amber necklaces work for pain relief?

I have heard from several new mothers that they are being told about amber necklaces being sold for teething babies. (Pain relief?) I am very interested to see if there is any scientific evidence behind these as a medical benefit, and not just as…
Simon J M
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Is chiropractic treatment safe and effective?

Has there been any reliable independent studies into the efficacy of chiropractic treatment and claims that it can either cure or provide significant relief from mechanical disorders? Is there any reported data to suggest a greater number of people…
going
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Can Melatonin lead to a result in weight loss?

Recently, someone mentioned he had started taking melatonin at night, and in the afternoon. At night is common as it helps some to sleep. He began taking it during the day to see if there would be an increase in production of human growth hormone.…
mfg
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Does chlorophyll have any health benefits for humans?

I was surprised to see in advertisements for "miracle" natural / alternative / herbal etc. medicine that they contain "liquid chlorophyll" and that is really useful for our health. I wondered how it can be, because chlorophyll is actually what…
vsz
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Does toothpaste get rid of cold sores?

My girlfriend has told me that the varieties of toothpaste that are actually paste and have some granularity to them (as opposed to gel varieties) get rid of cold sores if applied early in the sore's appearance and regularly afterward. I've tried…
blaineh
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Do Acupressure Wristbands help with nausea?

I recently became aware of Travel Wristbands. TRAVELBAND provides effective control of motion sickness, travel sickness, morning sickness and all forms of nausea. I can't find any serious studies that show that they work, or that they don't, or…
fredley
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Low level laser therapy for pain

My dad just visited the chiropractor for leg pain. He was given this "laser" device that is supposed to relieve pain. I think the product is called B Laser (Low Level Laser Therapy). Right away I am skeptical that a laser can be used to treat pain.…
K2xL
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Is Colloidal Silver an effective medical treatment?

I have had multiple people recommend to me that I should use colloidal silver to treat not only treat active infections, but as a preventative measure against future disease. One person even claimed that it could be used to cure AIDS, Ebola (this…
Kevin
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What's the deal with applied kinesiology?

I'm 8 weeks into a leadership programme led by a man from an innovation leadership company based in Oslo, Norway. Recently the group was introduced to kinesiology. I watched a documentary series episode on NRK and kinesiology seemed like BS…
user22852
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What is the relationship between Chirimoya fruit and cancer?

In the whole andes, there is a claim that chirimoya cures cancer. This claim is supported long across the andes community, and in dubious sites like this one. My question is: What is the actual extent -currently known- to the healing power of the…
Luis Masuelli
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Do crystals have healing powers?

Crystal Healing is a common alternative medicine. For example: Crystal Well-Being Crystals have a long tradition of being used for crystal healing. Each variety of crystal has a unique internal structure, which causes it to resonate at a certain…
imranal
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Is Rolfing an effective treatment for bad posture?

Rolfing is a "form of bodywork" that "enables the body to regain the natural integrity of its form" and can "dramatically alter a person's posture and structure", according to http://www.rolf.org/about. Much of the language they use to describe it…
SharpHawk
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