from Susun Weed - more thoughts on the TMC

October 9, 2006

Dear Ones

And another idea I'd like to raise in re the proposal put forth by the TMC. Not only don't we need the proposal put forth by the TMC, we need to recognize the problems inherent in the very model of client/healer relationship that it implies and supports.

Practitioners should neither sell directly, not have a financial interest in, the products and treatments that they recommend.

Shocking statement? "Business as usual" in alternative medicine encourages us to be both prescriber and manufacturer of cures. Surely this is a conflict of interest. Surely this sets us apart from modern medicine, but not in ways that are savory.

Surely it is time, if not to change this behavior, at least to shine a strong light on it. To ask ourselves if we need or want any part of any proposal that is based on the assumption that the healer will sell products to the patient. I teach my students that this is the mark of a quack: To suggest that a client's health will be improved by the purchase of a specific product that healer can supply.

Herbalist are not quacks, acupuncturists are not quacks, naturopaths are not quacks. And we ought not to behave in ways that confuse our healing modalities with quackery. Let's separate healing and the selling of remedies!

Green blessings are free.

Susun S Weed

Comments

[DoctorD, ND, Chicago]

Thank you, Susun. I consider you one of my mentors, though we have never met. I am a Naturopathic Physician who uses herbal medicine every single day. I carry bulk herbs and a selection of hand-picked supplements in my office. I tell every patient that they are free to buy from me, or anywhere else, and provide them with guidelines as to how to find decent products. Of course, I often create and blend formulas for my patients. I prefer they purchase the herbs from me, as I know & trust my sources. Still, I always give them the formula, and will happily aid them in sourcing the herbs themselves if they so choose, and I love the idea of my patients becoming caught up in the love of herbs.
Thanks for being an example of integrity for us all.