Alternatives TV show is back
Posted by tfootitt on March 18, 2008
The BBC, funded by the Open University, has produced a second series of the popular programme which takes a Scientific look at Altertive therapies.
In the first show, Professor Kathy Sykes investigates if hypnosis can help with pain control / relief.
She finds some interesting results along the way, including one patient having their front teeth removed with hypnosis.
This is still available to view on line at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/page/item/b009jcrj.shtml?src=ip_potpw
“In the second film in the series of Alternative Therapies, Professor Kathy Sykes continues her exploration as she travels to Florida to meet the nephew of the woman who first coined the term reflexology in New York in the Thirties. She also hears about a reflexologist in Sheffield who believes that she has helped over 100 infertile couples to have babies. ” Read more at; http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/tv/wk13/mon.shtml#mon_reflexology
tfootitt said
Thanks Kevin and apologies if the programme wasn’t presented in an objective manner.
It’s a shame and disappointing that the BBC and Open University didn’t do this.
Kevin Kunz said
It wasn’t objective. Far from it. It was a biased presentation by a physicist who held in her hand valid scientific studies ( I checked with the Executive producer). She then dismissed them with a wave of her hand without disclosing the source of the studies. The source of the studies was Medline, the database of the National Library of Medicine. These studies are peer reviewed and done to NIH standards, the highest in the world.
The science was a disgrace. Nice drama but poor science.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/03/25/nosplit/bvtv25last.xml
Kevin Kunz
http://www.reflexology-research.com
tfootitt said
Hi Jemma,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is great to have a programme that tries to present an objective picture of therapies.
I missed the episode on Reflexology but look forward to catching it later this week on the BBC I-player.
Tracy
jemma said
I thought the programme last night was excellent. I have been intrigued for several years as to the science behind some of the complementary therapies, especially reflexology as I have both worked alongside reflexologists and had reflexology a couple of times. As a physio it was good to see the research behind the positive effect of touch being highlighted. I look forward to the next episodes.
tfootitt said
You can also read more here:
http://www.open2.net/alternativetherapies/index.html
tfootitt said
Hi,
I’ve just had a read and really enjoyed her post.
Thanks
Tracy
Tom said
Sophie has done a review of the Alternative Therapies show here.