Yet media reports usually don't mention these, leaving the impression that no alternatives have been shown to be ineffective, and that criticisms are based only on biases. The lack of consensus on a definition of alternative medicine causes problems here also. For example, one critic cited in Life noted that little scientific evidence backs up the claims of alternative medicines. However, his article had been describing practices such as craniosacral therapy, cupping, homeopathy and pulse diagnosis. Yet these rhetorical tactics are commonplace with proponents of alternative medicine, and are not limited to the popular media.
Proponents claim people are primarily energy fields.
These extend a few inches beyond the skin, and can be detected when meditating. Nurses pass their hands a few inches over patients' bodies without making contact. Rochelle Mackey claimed in a nursing article that several studies show that TT reduces pain. Other claims about outcomes are, in fact, speculation. Yet Mackey's article continues the illusion that TT is research-supported, while reviews of the research show this is clearly not the case.