Quantum Shiatsu
One is accustomed to pseudo-scientific nonsense from quacks. Why is it that people who probably can't even differentiate exp(x), much less understand quantum theory, love to spout this nonsense? No doubt, as usual, it is a matter of making money out of the gullible. Surely they don't really think it means something? Normally it isn't even worth comment, but a correspondent has brought to my attention a particularly zany example of the genre..“It is an approach to bodywork that focuses on the Energetic Body. The Energetic Body is much more expansive than the physical body, though the physical body forms its core.Quantum Shiatsu developed into a system under the influence of Quantum Physics--in particular, the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics--and its relevance to human healing. By applying quantum principles to shiatsu, contact with faster, more expansive energy became possible. This resulted in the inclusion of chakras as well as meridians into a shiatsu framework.”The prime exponent of this gobbledygook in the UK seems to be Cliff Andrew, of Norwich Shiatsu centre (photo on right)
In the USA you can find similar fantasies from Mike Webster, for example, here.
The supply of this sort of stuff is almost endless. Ben Goldacre has drawn my attention to another example that is seriously bonkers. Lynne McTaggart writes pseudo-scientific nonsense using language that sounds vaguely like physics -try here if you can stand it. Do these people really believe that the words they use have any meaning? Or is it all just a callous charade to make money. You'll have to make up your own mind about that.
(FromDC's Improbable Science.)
Invoking quantum theory AND relativity in the same breath? Wow.Originally Posted by bindeweede
Despite the fact that quantum theory and relativity are polar opposites (macro and micro) and don't really mesh together in a theoretical framework, despite the best efforts of legions of top boffins, I can't help but be drawn to something I wrote a while ago...
If something has "quantum" effects, it operates at the sub-atomic scale. Like the strong and weak nuclear force, quantum effects don't work if you're bigger than an atom. A lot of people claim "quantum effects" for all sorts of alternative therapies and products. Quantum effects operate on things so small, even the most powerful electron microscopes in the world cannot see them. Once you get to the size of a thousand thousandth of a millimetre, quantum effects no longer work. Write that down.
This explains why people are getting fatter - clearly we are more in touch with our energetic bodies than we used to be.
I wonder if I could buy myself a fake PhD in "Quantum Feng-shui" and start charging £99.99 for on-line consultations.
Actually, I don't see why I should wait. Anyone after a consultation can PM me right now.
(Well, nearly everybody else seems to be at it....)
OK, I'll accept your abundance contribution futurewise. Here is my QFS advice...
"move your stuff around.................a bit"
Reminds me of Jamie Whyte's quip: " It is a rare foray into gobbledygook that does not begin with a tribute to quantum physics."
Forgive me if you are aware of this, but some time ago, I asked if anyone could explain quantum mechanics to someone like me, who doesn't really understand electricity. The wonderful "Cuddles" posted over 2 sides of A4. Well, I tried and tried, but it was beyond me, but that is one of the many greatnesses of this place. People do not patronise. OK, they criticise, but that's what this place is about, is it not?
And, there only seems to be one group of folks who will not accept criticism of their beliefs. Or have I got it all wrong?
Shouldn't that be "expensive"?
Nails on heads......?
I have every sympathy, bindeweede. Many years ago, when I was a student, I bought Feynman's Lectures on Physics to try and get to grips with this stuff. I then sat for a long time, with a wet towel wrapped round my head, thinking glumly that, for all Feynman's gifts as a teacher, some things are just very hard for this Bear of Little Brain.
Yet it seems so easy-for charlatans.
And, of course, you're right about Cuddles and the other experts here. It's a pleasure and an education to read their posts.
Well, when my physics teacher lined us all up, and gave us all an electric shock, I decided to take history. No joking.
Our physics teacher used a tawse. Bloody Luddite.
:-)
They would be locked up these days.
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