Science or Pseudoscience?

Physics is a true science:

  • data collected from observations and experiments support conclusions about the natural world
  • discoveries were inconsistent with the predictions of classical physics and supported Einstein's theory of relativity, demonstrating that physics theories can be challenged
  • based on repeatable results: scientists from around the world publish findings and repeat experiments, confirming their peers' findings

Astrology is a pseudoscience:

  • no reliable data collected to support conclusions
  • predictions are often vague and difficult to disprove
  • no experiments repeated, no reliable results
Hard case: Moxibustion (health treatment using the combustion of mugwort leaves, often used with acupuncture)
  • Pseudoscience? Moxibustion was not discovered through the scientific process, but it has been used for over 2500 years. Some studies show that it may help delivering babies whose feet face outward. However, there are few reliable studies on the effectiveness of this application.
  • Science? Practicing moxibustion requires an understanding of the complicated system of traditional Chinese medicine, including the meridians along which "qi-blood" flows. This system resembles the body systems in Western anatomy. 
Sources for information on moxibustion:
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3789413/
  • https://health.clevelandclinic.org/moxibustion/
  • https://www.healthline.com/health/moxibustion#:~:text=Moxibustion%20is%20a%20type%20of,(energy)%20in%20your%20body.
  • https://www.risingmoontaichi.net/the-meridians


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