[Bach flower remedies: a critic of the pseudoscientific, pseudomedicinal concepts and philosophical postures inducted by Dr Bach theory].

Résumé

Bach Flower Remedies (EFB) are the implements of a so-called alternative pseudo-therapy, which is increasingly widespread in France. In view of the social impact of those alleged complementary health approaches and blurred lines between parapharmaceutical trends and those that promote well-being, critical investigation seems to be required to promote a piece of objective information on this subject. The zetetic methodology appears to be the most effective for dealing with the question, we therefore applied a critical study to both EFB and alternative therapy of Dr Bach. We show that EFB effectiveness is not formally established, that the basic principles of Bach's theory are settled on ungrounded, deeply intuitive hypotheses, belong to magical thinking, and do promote philosophical approaches that weaken patients-consumers, particularly with regard to sectarian trends. We insist on the need for training in effective tools for criticism.