Scott Alexander explores various explanations for why some people don't respond to 'woo' practices, questioning whether non-responders are defective or if woo itself might be ineffective or even harmful. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses the concept of 'woo' (alternative wellness and spirituality practices) and explores different possibilities for why some people might not respond to these practices. He presents four possibilities: 1) Woo is universally great but harder for some people due to being 'dissociated from bodily experiences', 2) Different people process emotions differently and woo works better for some than others, 3) Woo treats a specific defect of storing emotions in the body, and 4) Woo correlates with a specific defect but doesn't actually help. Scott provides evidence and counterarguments for each possibility, drawing on psychological theories, cross-cultural observations, and personal anecdotes. He concludes by highlighting the difficulty in determining whether practices like woo are helpful coping mechanisms or potentially harmful risk factors for mentally unhealthy individuals. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander examines the concept of 'light water' and its potential health benefits, critically analyzing various arguments while expressing fascination with this unexpected area of scientific inquiry. Longer summary

Scott Alexander explores the concept of 'light water' (water depleted of deuterium) as a potential health treatment. He begins with a hypothetical scenario about poisoning Castro with heavy water, then explains the science behind isotopes of water. The post discusses various arguments for light water's health benefits, including evolutionary, molecular biology, and oncological perspectives. Scott critically examines these claims, pointing out flaws in some arguments while acknowledging that some cancer studies seem intriguing. He concludes by expressing fascination with the unexpected dimensions along which scientific inquiry can progress, even if the medical benefits of light water remain unproven. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander reviews 'The Body Keeps The Score', a book on PTSD, praising its historical context but criticizing its outdated science and uncritical embrace of alternative therapies. Longer summary

Scott Alexander reviews 'The Body Keeps The Score', a book about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by Bessel van der Kolk. The review covers the book's historical context, its insights into PTSD symptoms and neurobiology, and its treatment recommendations. Scott praises the historical accounts of PTSD recognition but criticizes the book's outdated scientific claims, lack of consideration for genetic factors, and uncritical enthusiasm for alternative therapies. He notes the book's emphasis on bodily disconnection in PTSD patients and the importance of reconnecting with the body in treatment. Overall, Scott finds the book less helpful than expected for guiding clinical practice, but acknowledges its potential value in highlighting the importance of trauma screening and specialized trauma clinics. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander reviews a wide range of treatments for anxiety disorders, from lifestyle changes and therapy to medications and alternative remedies, emphasizing the importance of exploring multiple options. Longer summary

Scott Alexander provides an extensive overview of various treatments for anxiety disorders, covering diet and lifestyle changes, therapy options, conventional medications, and alternative treatments. He emphasizes the importance of lifestyle interventions like exercise and sleep, discusses the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, and reviews various medication classes including SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines. The post also explores alternative treatments like supplements and experimental drugs, concluding that while no single treatment stands out as extremely effective, there are many options available for those dealing with anxiety. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander critically examines the Institute of HeartMath, exposing a mix of misused science and pseudoscience in their 'heart coherence' claims and practices. Longer summary

Scott Alexander critiques the Institute of HeartMath, an organization promoting 'heart coherence' techniques. He examines their scientific claims, finding a mix of valid science taken out of context and pseudoscientific assertions. The post delves into the backgrounds of HeartMath's leaders, questioning their credentials and research. Scott then reveals HeartMath's more esoteric beliefs, including influencing DNA through intention and affecting global consciousness. He concludes that while some of HeartMath's relaxation techniques may be beneficial, their pseudoscientific claims and high-priced programs are concerning, especially given their influence in healthcare, military, and education sectors. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander examines overpriced medical products like Lovaza and Deplin, arguing they serve a purpose in the medical system, but criticizes exorbitant BRCA gene testing prices as harmful. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses two examples of overpriced medical products: Lovaza (fish oil) and Deplin (folate), which are essentially the same as much cheaper supplements. He argues that these products serve a purpose by making these substances 'Official' in the medical system, allowing doctors to prescribe them without fear of liability. The post then examines the case of BRCA gene testing, where a company charges exorbitant prices for a service that could be much cheaper. Scott criticizes this practice, contrasting it with the FDA's ban on 23andMe offering BRCA testing, suggesting potential conflicts of interest. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander reviews 'The Perfect Health Diet', praising its science-based approach but criticizing its tendency to ignore contrary evidence and present controversial claims as settled science. Longer summary

Scott Alexander reviews 'The Perfect Health Diet' book, finding it a mix of good and bad. He praises its science-based approach, evolutionarily informed perspective, and its allowance for 'safe starches' unlike strict paleo diets. However, he criticizes the book's tendency to make strong claims based on limited evidence, often ignoring contrary studies. The review discusses the book's recommendations on various nutrients, its stance on saturated fats, and its overall dietary advice. Scott tried the diet briefly and lost weight, but remains skeptical of some claims. He concludes that while the book offers interesting insights and reasonable dietary advice, it often presents controversial positions as settled science. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander announces the launch of MetaMed, a company offering personalized medical research, and describes his positive experiences with their rational approach to medical questions. Longer summary

Scott Alexander announces the official launch of MetaMed, a company offering personalized medical research. He describes his experiences with the company, highlighting their commitment to solving difficult medical questions without taking shortcuts. Scott mentions a recent journal club discussion on antioxidants and multivitamins, and praises the company's rational approach to evaluating alternative medicine. He compares MetaMed to existing medical information aggregators like UpToDate, emedicine, and Wikipedia, suggesting that MetaMed could supplement these sources with rationalist medical analysis and personalized research. Shorter summary