Therapeutic Claims Must Be Backed Up by Sufficient Evidence

The website advertisement for QE Health made a number of therapeutic claims about the benefits of massage. For example: Therapeutic Massage “increases blood and lymph circulation, assisting in the clearing of toxins”, Pregnancy Massage is beneficial for “preventing discomforts such as back pain, headaches and constipation…” and Stone Massage “helps increase the elasticity of collagen fibers in tendons, promoting greater flexibility”.

The Complainant was concerned the advertisement made unsubstantiated therapeutic claims.

The Advertiser said there are numerous examples within the literature regarding the effect of massage on specific conditions and complaints and a list of references to support this point was provided.

The Complaints Board considered each therapeutic claim in turn and agreed sufficient substantiation had been provided for some of the claims. However, the Complaints Board said sufficient substantiation had not been provided for the other claims, including: Therapeutic Massage "Decreases muscle tension and pain", "Increases blood and lymph circulation, assisting in the clearing of toxins", Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) “may also help many specific conditions such as eczema and sinus problems. Primarily used for … improving the immune system & detoxification…” and “Helps alleviate water bloating through water retention".

The Complaints Board ruled the complaint was Upheld, in part.

ends

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