This may interest you
Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 11:23 am
In case you have not read about this yet, it may interest you. Grace
Grace DaSilva-Hill
Homeopathy, EFT, NAET
www.healingwithgrace.co.uk
ASA
Posted by: "Karin Mont" karin.mont@btconnect.com
Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:21 am (PST)
Dear All,
Please read the item copied below carefully. It potentially has
implications for anyone who produces patient leaflets. The fact that the
complaint was upheld shows just how selectively censorious the
'establishment' is. We certainly face quite a challenge if we wish to
overturn this!
BW Karin
1. ASA Adjudications
Archway House Natural Health Centre t/a The Harborough Asthma and Eczema
Clinic for Kids
44 Coventry Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9BZ
Number of complaints: 1
Date: 15 October 2008
Media: Leaflet
Sector: Health and beauty
A leaflet, for the Harborough Asthma and Eczema Clinic for Kids, was
headlined "A breath of fresh air - for asthma and eczema sufferers".
The leaflet included two testimonials. The first, from "S Potter, Market
Harborough", stated "Harry's face was sore and angry, so the doctor
prescribed hydrocortisone cream and emollient. Before I took the
prescription to the chemist I tried Julia's homeopathic remedies. A week
afterwards, Harry's eczema had cleared up. His face has been totally clear
ever since." The second, from "Mrs Watson, Market Harborough", stated "I
was frightened by how much my daughter relied on her inhalers and I wanted
to look at some alternatives. I really do believe that homeopathy has been
a massive help; shes had fewer attacks as a result".
Text continued "Take a fresh look at your childs breathlessness or itchy,
burning skin. Homeopathic treatments can put a drug-free smile on the faces
of asthma and eczema sufferers, young and old ... We look at the causes of
allergies, not the symptoms Homeopathic treatments are safe for children -
and they work alongside conventional medicines such as creams and puffers
Julia Wilson is registered with the Society of Homeopaths, Britains largest
register of homeopaths ... Itch, scratch, wheeze, gasp - lifes not much fun
when your allergies stop you playing. Conventional medicine is at a loss
when it comes to understanding the origins of allergies. Despite millions
of pounds of research, the numbers of asthma and eczema sufferers are
increasing. The best that medical research can do is to try to keep the
symptoms under control. Although creams and puffers can provide temporary
relief, theyre not offering your child a cure. Homeopathy is different; it
seeks to address the triggers for asthma and eczema. Its a safe, drug-free
approach that helps alleviate the flaring skin and tightening lungs of your
childs allergic reactions ... an opportunity for you to find out more about
homeopathy and allergies - to learn how the safe, drug-free, homeopathic
approach can improve the lives of asthma and eczema sufferers ...".
Issue
The complainant challenged:
1. the implication that homeopathy offered a cure for asthma and eczema by
addressing the causes of those conditions;
2. whether the claim that homeopathy "helps alleviate the flaring skin and
tightening lungs of your child's allergic reactions" could be substantiated;
and
3. whether the ad was irresponsible, because it was likely to dissuade
consumers from seeking medical advice about asthma and eczema by suggesting
that conventional medicine was less effective than homeopathy in treating
those conditions.
4. The ASA challenged whether the testimonials were genuine and whether they
could be supported with independent evidence of their accuracy.
The CAP Code: 3.1;7.1;50.1; 50.7;14.3; 14.1;2.2
Response
1. Archway House Natural Health Centre (Archway House) said the leaflet made
no explicit or implied claim that homeopathy could cure asthma and eczema;
instead it claimed to help alleviate the effects of asthma, such as
wheezing, and those of eczema, such as itchy skin. They pointed out that
the leaflet stated "learn how the safe, drug-free, homeopathic approach can
improve the lives of asthma and eczema sufferers ..."; they argued that that
did not suggest a cure. They said the British medical research charity,
Asthma UK, acknowledged on its website that there was no cure for asthma but
advocated medicines for symptom management.
2. Archway House said evidence for the homeopathic treatment of asthma and
eczema did exist, although it was perhaps not conclusive. They referred the
ASA to several reports and research on how homeopathy could help manage the
symptoms of asthma and eczema. The information included observational
studies on the treatment of allergic conditions, a study of respiratory
allergy treated with homeopathy and a study of patients with asthma and
eczema treated with homeopathic remedies and conventional medicine.
3. Archway House said the leaflet did not claim that homeopathy was superior
to conventional medicine but instead made clear that the two could be
integrated; they pointed out that it stated "Homeopathic treatments ... work
alongside conventional medicines such as creams and puffers ...". They
argued that the ad was responsible because it offered alternatives to
conventional medicine and encouraged consumers to make informed choices
about how to manage their health. They said their homeopathic advice was
not intended to replace medical advice and they consistently advised their
patients to maintain communication with their doctor.
4. Archway House were unable to provide any substantiation on this point.
Assessment
1. Upheld
The ASA noted Archway House had acknowledged that there was no cure for
asthma or eczema but also noted the ad stated "We look at the causes of
allergies, not the symptoms ... Although creams and puffers can provide
temporary relief, they're not offering your child a cure. Homeopathy is
different; it seeks to address the triggers for asthma and eczema ...". We
considered that misleadingly implied that homeopathy offered a cure for
asthma and eczema by addressing the causes of those conditions.
On this point, the ad breached CAP Code clauses 3.1 (Substantiation) , 7.1
(Truthfulness) , 50.1 and 50.7 (Health & beauty products and therapies -
General).
2. Upheld
Because Archway House had sent only brief summaries of the research on how
homeopathy could help manage the symptoms of asthma and eczema, we did not
know, for example, whether the studies were adequately controlled, whether
they followed a recognised methodology, whether they were of sufficient
duration to ensure that any beneficial effect was not a short-term response
and whether the results were statistically significant. We understood that
most of the research seemed to have been carried out on adults, not
children. We were therefore unable to ascertain whether the research was
sufficiently robust and specific to children to substantiate the leaflet's
claim that homeopathy could help "alleviate the flaring skin and tightening
lungs of your child's allergic reactions".
On this point, the ad breached CAP Code clauses 3.1 (Substantiation) , 7.1
(Truthfulness) and 50.1 (Health & beauty products and therapies - General).
3. Upheld
We noted the ad stated "I was frightened by how much my daughter relied on
her inhalers ... homeopathy has been a massive help; she's had fewer attacks
as a result ... Conventional medicine is at a loss when it comes to
understanding the origins of allergies. Despite millions of pounds of
research, the numbers of asthma and eczema sufferers are increasing. The
best that medical research can do is to try to keep the symptoms under
control. Although creams and puffers can provide temporary relief, they're
not offering your child a cure. Homeopathy is different; it seeks to
address the triggers for asthma and eczema ...". We considered the ad was
irresponsible, because it was likely to dissuade consumers from seeking
medical advice about asthma and eczema by suggesting that conventional
medicine was less effective than homeopathy in treating those conditions.
On this point, the ad breached CAP Code clause 2.2 (Responsible
advertising) .
4. Upheld
Because Archway House were unable to provide signed and dated proof that the
testimonials were genuine, or independent evidence of their accuracy, we
concluded that they were misleading.
On this point, the ad breached CAP Code clauses 7.1 (Truthfulness) , 14.1 and
14.3 (Testimonials and endorsements) .
Action
The ad must not appear again in its current form. We told Archway House not
to imply their treatments could cure asthma and eczema or help alleviate the
symptoms of those conditions and not to imply conventional medicine was less
effective than homeopathy in treating asthma and eczema. We also told them
to remove the testimonials and advised them to contact the CAP Copy Advice
team before advertising the Harborough Asthma and Eczema Clinic for Kids
again.
Adjudication of the ASA Council (Non-broadcast)
Grace DaSilva-Hill
Homeopathy, EFT, NAET
www.healingwithgrace.co.uk
ASA
Posted by: "Karin Mont" karin.mont@btconnect.com
Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:21 am (PST)
Dear All,
Please read the item copied below carefully. It potentially has
implications for anyone who produces patient leaflets. The fact that the
complaint was upheld shows just how selectively censorious the
'establishment' is. We certainly face quite a challenge if we wish to
overturn this!
BW Karin
1. ASA Adjudications
Archway House Natural Health Centre t/a The Harborough Asthma and Eczema
Clinic for Kids
44 Coventry Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9BZ
Number of complaints: 1
Date: 15 October 2008
Media: Leaflet
Sector: Health and beauty
A leaflet, for the Harborough Asthma and Eczema Clinic for Kids, was
headlined "A breath of fresh air - for asthma and eczema sufferers".
The leaflet included two testimonials. The first, from "S Potter, Market
Harborough", stated "Harry's face was sore and angry, so the doctor
prescribed hydrocortisone cream and emollient. Before I took the
prescription to the chemist I tried Julia's homeopathic remedies. A week
afterwards, Harry's eczema had cleared up. His face has been totally clear
ever since." The second, from "Mrs Watson, Market Harborough", stated "I
was frightened by how much my daughter relied on her inhalers and I wanted
to look at some alternatives. I really do believe that homeopathy has been
a massive help; shes had fewer attacks as a result".
Text continued "Take a fresh look at your childs breathlessness or itchy,
burning skin. Homeopathic treatments can put a drug-free smile on the faces
of asthma and eczema sufferers, young and old ... We look at the causes of
allergies, not the symptoms Homeopathic treatments are safe for children -
and they work alongside conventional medicines such as creams and puffers
Julia Wilson is registered with the Society of Homeopaths, Britains largest
register of homeopaths ... Itch, scratch, wheeze, gasp - lifes not much fun
when your allergies stop you playing. Conventional medicine is at a loss
when it comes to understanding the origins of allergies. Despite millions
of pounds of research, the numbers of asthma and eczema sufferers are
increasing. The best that medical research can do is to try to keep the
symptoms under control. Although creams and puffers can provide temporary
relief, theyre not offering your child a cure. Homeopathy is different; it
seeks to address the triggers for asthma and eczema. Its a safe, drug-free
approach that helps alleviate the flaring skin and tightening lungs of your
childs allergic reactions ... an opportunity for you to find out more about
homeopathy and allergies - to learn how the safe, drug-free, homeopathic
approach can improve the lives of asthma and eczema sufferers ...".
Issue
The complainant challenged:
1. the implication that homeopathy offered a cure for asthma and eczema by
addressing the causes of those conditions;
2. whether the claim that homeopathy "helps alleviate the flaring skin and
tightening lungs of your child's allergic reactions" could be substantiated;
and
3. whether the ad was irresponsible, because it was likely to dissuade
consumers from seeking medical advice about asthma and eczema by suggesting
that conventional medicine was less effective than homeopathy in treating
those conditions.
4. The ASA challenged whether the testimonials were genuine and whether they
could be supported with independent evidence of their accuracy.
The CAP Code: 3.1;7.1;50.1; 50.7;14.3; 14.1;2.2
Response
1. Archway House Natural Health Centre (Archway House) said the leaflet made
no explicit or implied claim that homeopathy could cure asthma and eczema;
instead it claimed to help alleviate the effects of asthma, such as
wheezing, and those of eczema, such as itchy skin. They pointed out that
the leaflet stated "learn how the safe, drug-free, homeopathic approach can
improve the lives of asthma and eczema sufferers ..."; they argued that that
did not suggest a cure. They said the British medical research charity,
Asthma UK, acknowledged on its website that there was no cure for asthma but
advocated medicines for symptom management.
2. Archway House said evidence for the homeopathic treatment of asthma and
eczema did exist, although it was perhaps not conclusive. They referred the
ASA to several reports and research on how homeopathy could help manage the
symptoms of asthma and eczema. The information included observational
studies on the treatment of allergic conditions, a study of respiratory
allergy treated with homeopathy and a study of patients with asthma and
eczema treated with homeopathic remedies and conventional medicine.
3. Archway House said the leaflet did not claim that homeopathy was superior
to conventional medicine but instead made clear that the two could be
integrated; they pointed out that it stated "Homeopathic treatments ... work
alongside conventional medicines such as creams and puffers ...". They
argued that the ad was responsible because it offered alternatives to
conventional medicine and encouraged consumers to make informed choices
about how to manage their health. They said their homeopathic advice was
not intended to replace medical advice and they consistently advised their
patients to maintain communication with their doctor.
4. Archway House were unable to provide any substantiation on this point.
Assessment
1. Upheld
The ASA noted Archway House had acknowledged that there was no cure for
asthma or eczema but also noted the ad stated "We look at the causes of
allergies, not the symptoms ... Although creams and puffers can provide
temporary relief, they're not offering your child a cure. Homeopathy is
different; it seeks to address the triggers for asthma and eczema ...". We
considered that misleadingly implied that homeopathy offered a cure for
asthma and eczema by addressing the causes of those conditions.
On this point, the ad breached CAP Code clauses 3.1 (Substantiation) , 7.1
(Truthfulness) , 50.1 and 50.7 (Health & beauty products and therapies -
General).
2. Upheld
Because Archway House had sent only brief summaries of the research on how
homeopathy could help manage the symptoms of asthma and eczema, we did not
know, for example, whether the studies were adequately controlled, whether
they followed a recognised methodology, whether they were of sufficient
duration to ensure that any beneficial effect was not a short-term response
and whether the results were statistically significant. We understood that
most of the research seemed to have been carried out on adults, not
children. We were therefore unable to ascertain whether the research was
sufficiently robust and specific to children to substantiate the leaflet's
claim that homeopathy could help "alleviate the flaring skin and tightening
lungs of your child's allergic reactions".
On this point, the ad breached CAP Code clauses 3.1 (Substantiation) , 7.1
(Truthfulness) and 50.1 (Health & beauty products and therapies - General).
3. Upheld
We noted the ad stated "I was frightened by how much my daughter relied on
her inhalers ... homeopathy has been a massive help; she's had fewer attacks
as a result ... Conventional medicine is at a loss when it comes to
understanding the origins of allergies. Despite millions of pounds of
research, the numbers of asthma and eczema sufferers are increasing. The
best that medical research can do is to try to keep the symptoms under
control. Although creams and puffers can provide temporary relief, they're
not offering your child a cure. Homeopathy is different; it seeks to
address the triggers for asthma and eczema ...". We considered the ad was
irresponsible, because it was likely to dissuade consumers from seeking
medical advice about asthma and eczema by suggesting that conventional
medicine was less effective than homeopathy in treating those conditions.
On this point, the ad breached CAP Code clause 2.2 (Responsible
advertising) .
4. Upheld
Because Archway House were unable to provide signed and dated proof that the
testimonials were genuine, or independent evidence of their accuracy, we
concluded that they were misleading.
On this point, the ad breached CAP Code clauses 7.1 (Truthfulness) , 14.1 and
14.3 (Testimonials and endorsements) .
Action
The ad must not appear again in its current form. We told Archway House not
to imply their treatments could cure asthma and eczema or help alleviate the
symptoms of those conditions and not to imply conventional medicine was less
effective than homeopathy in treating asthma and eczema. We also told them
to remove the testimonials and advised them to contact the CAP Copy Advice
team before advertising the Harborough Asthma and Eczema Clinic for Kids
again.
Adjudication of the ASA Council (Non-broadcast)