and the Placebo Effect,” Stephen Barrett, M.D.,
retired psychiatrist and head of the consumer orga-
nization called “Quackwatch,” wrote: “When
someone feels better after using a product or pro-
cedure, it is natural to credit whatever was done.
However, this is unwise. Most ailments are self-
limiting, and even incurable conditions can have
sufficient day-to-day variation to enable quack
methods to gain large followings. Taking action
often produces temporary relief of symptoms (a
placebo effect). In addition, many products and
services exert physical or psychologic effects that
users misinterpret as evidence that their problem is
being cured. These ‘Dr. Feelgood’ modalities
include pharmacologically active herbal products,
quack formulas adulterated with prescription
drugs, colonic irrigations (which some people
enjoy), bodywork, and meditation. Scientific
experimentation is almost always necessary to
establish whether health methods are really effec-
tive. Thus it is extremely important for consumers
to understand the concepts of spontaneous remis-
sion and the placebo effect.”
See http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerE-
ducation/placebo.html.
See also FAITH HEALING; PRAYER, POWER OF.
Steiner, Rudolf The Austrian philosopher (1861–
1925) who developed the idea of science of the
spirit, which he called anthroposophy. His experi-
ence of the reality of the Christ was pivotal in his
teachings and vision and soon took a central place
in his whole teaching, in his books and lectures.
From 1911 he also showed that drama, painting,
architecture, eurythmy, and other arts hold creative
powers that can be drawn from spiritual vision. In
response to World War I (1914–18), Steiner claimed
that with insight into humankind’s nature, a new
social sphere could be established. His ideas added
to the body of knowledge in education, agriculture,
therapy, and medicine. The book Anthroposophical
Medicine (Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press, 1984)
by Victor Bott, M.D., outlines the medical system
Steiner created, which combines concepts of both
Christianity and Indian Vedanta.
Still, Andrew Taylor The American physician
(1828–1917) who founded the first school of osteo-
pathic medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, in 1892.
Still’s two major theories were that the human
body naturally contains all intelligence and reme-
dies it needs to ward off disease, and that proper
alignment of bones, muscles, and nerves is essen-
tial to optimal function. He did not believe in dis-
pensing drugs, but as a result of his doctrine, Still’s
future osteopaths incorporated the use of drugs,
vaccines, surgery, and other treatment modalities
thought to be appropriate for each case. Today,
doctors of osteopathy (D.O. or O.D.) practice
alongside and interchangeably with medical (M.D.)
doctors.
See also OSTEOPATHY.stimulant An agent or substance that intensifies
energy, has a warming effect, or increases the func-
tioning level of organs or body systems.stomach wash Also known as emesis therapy,
vaman, or vamankarm(therapeutic vomiting), an
Ayurvedic method of emptying the stomach of
mucus or other excess and undesirable substances
called kaphain individuals with asthma, bronchitis,
swollen glands, diabetes, obesity, sinusitis, skin dis-
eases, chronic cold, edema, epilepsy (between
seizures), chronic tonsillitis, and migraines. Three
or four glasses of licorice and honey or calamus
root tea or two glasses of salt water are to be taken,
and afterward one rubs the tongue to induce vom-
iting—and the release of emotions—until bile
appears in the vomitus. Vomiting eight, six, or four
times, with a one-quart maximum and a one-pint
minimum amount of vomitus, is considered thera-
peutic. The stomach wash, a gentler treatment than
vamankarm, involves drinking salt water and tick-
ling the back of the throat with a finger to induce
vomiting until the stomach is empty. The method is
not recommended for children; elderly, frail, preg-
nant, grieving, menstruating, or emaciated individ-
uals; or those with anorexia, heart disease, cavities
in the lungs, or bleeding problems in the upper air-
ways or organs.
See also AYURVEDA.stress From the Old French word estresse, meaning
“narrowness,” the disruption of balance causing
strain, pain, or other disturbance in functioning.146 Steiner, Rudolf