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Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News From Medical News Today

New Research Shows That Artichoke Leaf Extract Lowers Cholesterol
Researchers at the University of Reading have found that an over-the-counter Artichoke Leaf Extract (ALE) from the globe artichoke plant can lower cholesterol in otherwise healthy individuals with moderately raised levels. Cardiovascular diseases are the chief causes of death in the UK, and are associated with raised circulating levels of total cholesterol in the plasma. Once plasma cholesterol reaches a certain level, drugs such as statins are often prescribed to help reduce it.

Study Of The Effects Of Healing Touch Therapy
Often, a gentle hand on your shoulder when you're upset is all it takes to ease your mind and calm your nerves. Now, UC researchers are looking at a similar occurrence by pairing a complementary therapy known as Healing Touch with mild sedation to see if the technique truly calms patients undergoing minor procedures. Healing Touch is a series of techniques that balance energy for wholeness within a person's body, mind and soul.

Discover The Healing Power Of Guided Imagery
Physician, author, speaker, researcher and consultant, Dr. Marty Rossman, creator of the Guided Imagery for Self-Healing Book and CD set and founder of The Healing Mind will appear on the July 9th Access to Health Experts teleseminar series. He will discuss his theory of guided imagery and share his long-standing interest in the practical importance of attitude, beliefs, emotions, and mind/body practices in medicine and health. According to Dr.

No Place For Hypnotherapy And Acupuncture In An Evidence Based NHS Stop Smoking Service, UK
Smokers wishing to quit would be wasting their money if they use complementary therapies such as hypnotherapy or acupuncture - smoking cessation experts claim today (Monday, June 30). This and other issues around the most effective ways to help smokers quit will be discussed at the UK National Smoking Cessation Conference in Birmingham on 30 June & 1 July 2008.

Breakthrough In Plant Medicine Production
A research team of scientists from Wageningen University and Research Centre in the Netherlands has succeeded in further unravelling and manipulating the glycosylation of proteins in plants. This is the result of the research soon to be published in the renowned scientific magazine The Plant Cell. The scientists expect that this knowledge will allow plants to be applied more often in the production of therapeutic proteins, an important type of medicine.

Complementary Medicines Can Help Mild Depression And Premenstrual Syndrome
Many people use "alternative" or complementary products because they see them as a more gentle form of medicine. The German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care has now analysed the latest research on several products and released the results along with a guide for consumers. St John's wort (hypericum), for example, could help ease mild depression, but it does not help with severe depression.

Market America Announces Plans To Launch Vitamins For Children With Autism
Market America announced that it is in the development and testing stages of a new line of nutraceutical products that will support the health of children with autism and related neurodevelopmental challenges. Specialized laboratory testing often demonstrates sub-optimal levels of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids in people with autism, which can be addressed with nutritional supplements.

Herbal Medicine: Will Practitioner Regulation Protect Consumers? New Book. UK
Recent news of proposed regulations that will apply to herbal medicine practitioners has stimulated yet more debate over the safety of herbal medicines. According to

Herbal Supplement For Patients With HIV & TB - Phase II Clinical Trial Of Botanical Immunomodulator Dzherelo (Immunoxel)
Ukrainian company Ekomed LLC announced this week that it had published Phase II clinical trial of its herbal supplement Dzherelo (Immunoxel) in patients with HIV and tuberculosis. The study appeared in June issue of International Immunopharmacology (2008; Volume 8(6): Pages 845-851). Abstract of the paper can be found online at PubMed -- medical information service of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) -

Dietary Supplement Education Alliance Merges Into Natural Products Foundation
In a move that will strengthen efforts to focus the nation's attention on the benefits provided by dietary supplements and other natural products, the Natural Products Foundation (NPF) announced that the Dietary Supplement Education Alliance (DSEA) has become part of the foundation.

New Technology May Prevent Vitamin B12 Deficient Seniors, Vegetarians And Anemics From Needing Injections
For those patients who receive the nearly 40 million intramuscular injections per year to treat their B12 deficiency, a new oral option may soon exist. According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a wide spectrum of conditions, such as anemia, dementia and reduced cognitive functioning. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a significant health issue. Nearly 40 percent of the U.S. population is B12 deficient (Tufts University, Boston).

Can A Natural Vitamin Help Slow Lung Cancer? Study Looks At Role Vitamin D May Play In Shielding Lungs From Tumors
You can get Vitamin D from the sunlight on a warm sunny day, from drinking a cool glass of milk or from supplements at the store, but no matter how you get it, a healthy dose of Vitamin D may be doing more good than first thought. In the laboratory, scientists have discovered that high doses of this common vitamin may help slow or prevent the growth of cancer cells. Building miniature ships is a tedious hobby, but David Rose doesn't mind.

Do-It-Yourself Massage: Effective, Convenient And Free
Based on medical traditions more than 2,000 years old, Chinese self-massage techniques can help release tension and reduce anxiety -- without the cost of visiting a professional therapist. Called Dao yin (DOW-in), these techniques are part of a larger branch of Chinese medicine called qi gong (che-kung), meaning "energy work." The purpose of self-massage is to maintain and restore balance and harmony of the body's various parts.

HHS Secretary And Chinese Minister Of Health Sign Memorandum Of Understanding On Traditional Chinese Medicine Research
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese Vice Minister of Health Wang Guoqiang to foster collaboration between scientists in both countries in research on integrative and traditional Chinese medicine. The signing marks the opening of a two-day traditional Chinese medicine Research Roundtable at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The roundtable features scientific presentations by researchers from China and the United States.

Report To Ministers From The Department Of Health Steering Group On The Statutory Regulation Of Practitioners Of Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, UK
The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) welcomes the report out from the Department of Health Steering Group on the Regulation of Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The report recommends the statutory regulation of acupuncture through the Health Professions Council as soon as is practicable. This has brought a successful conclusion to a process in which the BAcC has been involved for well over a decade and to which it has made a major contribution.

Poly-MVA - The First Dietary Supplement To Be Cleared By The FDA For Use In A Cancer Study
CancerAssistanceCenter.org announces the immediate availability of free information packets for cancer patients and physicians regarding Poly-MVA, a dietary supplement that has been shown to be very effective in clinical studies conducted by a renowned board-certified oncologist, Dr. James Forsythe.

Honey, Silver Among Novel Wound Care Treatments
Advancements in biotechnology, biomaterials and tissue engineering are driving growth in the worldwide wound care market -- which reached $12.3 billion in 2007 -- as new products and devices enter the market at lightning speed. Meanwhile, according to a new report by Kalorama Information, "World Wound Care Markets 2008," new research is shining a light on some very familiar substances that have powerful medicinal properties -- including honey and silver.

Breakthrough Natural Formula Glucocil? Unveiled To Help Type 2 Diabetics Achieve A Healthier Diet And Lifestyle
Neuliven Health, a leading innovator of scientifically formulated natural products designed to address America's pressing health issues, announced the launch of Glucocil?, the first breakthrough complete and natural herbal formula that helps Type 2 diabetics stabilize post-meal blood sugar levels, reduce the absorption of sugars and carbohydrates and suppress appetite.

St. John's Wort Similar To Placebo For ADHD Treatment
St. John's wort does not appear to improve the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and teens in comparison with a placebo, according to an article released on June 10, 2008 in JAMA. Hypericum perforatum, also called St. John's wort, is a flowering plant often used in alternative medicine to treat depression. Many studies have been used to test its efficacy for this and other indications.

Time To Talk About Complementary And Alternative Medicine
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has launched Time to Talk, an educational campaign to encourage patients - particularly those age 50 or older - and their health care providers to openly discuss the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM ).

The Jury Is Still Out On How Best To Treat Chronic Pain
How best to alleviate chronic pain, a leading cause of disability and employee absenteeism, continues to perplex both patients and their doctors. A review of recent studies on pain medicine appearing in the June 2008 issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine reports that while various approaches and combinations of therapies to treat pain have advantages and disadvantages, researchers don't yet know how to determine which is best for individual patients.

Julian Midda Convicted Of Falsely Claiming To Be An Osteopath
Swindon Magistrates' Court has ruled that a bogus practitioner describing himself as an osteopath has broken the law. Mr Julian Midda of Calne, Wiltshire pleaded guilty on 30 May to two charges of describing himself as an osteopath when not registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). He was fined £750 and ordered to pay costs of over £870. The charges related to information contained on two websites advertising Mr Midda's services.

A Genetic Marker For Nearsightedness? Update On Vitamins And AMD, And Recovery From Optic Neuritis
The June 2008 issue of Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, includes a groundbreaking study on genetic factors and nearsightedness, a cautionary tale on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients' vitamin use, and good news for people who have had an acute attack of optic neuritis. Strong Evidence for a Genetic Marker for Nearsightedness Research by Gu Zhu, M.D.

Soda Doping Raises Ethical Issues As Performance-Enhancing Aid
Although a researcher has found considerable evidence that ingestion of baking soda prior to an event heightens performance, he believes the method should be banned as an ergogenic aid. Ronald W. Deitrick, Ph.D., FACSM, presented his findings at the 55th Annual Meeting of the

Institute For Progressive Medicine Announces Deep Stress Relief Through Intravenous Vitamin Therapy
The Institute for Progressive Medicine (IPM), a revolutionary medical clinic that emphasizes safe, natural and alternative treatments in combination with traditional medical techniques, announced the clinic's IV Therapies, including one of their most popular therapies - the Stress Drip.

Digg RSS News Search for alternative health

10 Ways Methane Could Brake Global Warming or the Planet
Methane is a paradox. It increases global warming at the same time that it promises abundant alternative energy. The gas is all around the planet, from the atmosphere to deep below seabeds. Here are 10 trends and discoveries that may determine methane's ultimate roll in the health of the environment:

The Kibbutz Hotel Movement's Newfound Capitalist Success
We were taking part in an oxymoron: the newfound capitalist success of the kibbutz hotel movement. Across the country, kibbutzim have increasingly encouraged visitors to be paying guests rather than volunteers ? travelers like us who indulge in comparatively hedonistic pursuits like lolling by pools, alternative health remedies or using a kibbutz a

Weight Loss Pills & Supplements
While some supplements have turned out to be a boon for consumers looking for alternative approaches to health concerns, when it comes to weight loss, dietary supplements have been a big, fat bust.

Another natual healing aid helps people
Another natural shamanistic link to natural health alternatives.

Herbal Remedies For Women?s Reproductive Health
Herbal remedies have been used for many centuries to support the reproductive health of women. Isn?t it about time that women take these alternative solutions into consideration to resolve pertinent medical conditions?

Buffalo ~ Healthy Never Tasted Sooo Good!
Better eating habits such as choosing Buffalo instead of beef has many health improving features and healthy never tasted so good. Although changing eating habits is generally reserved for the Baby Boomer age bracket younger people and children are becoming more aware of the alternatives to just eating junk food. With the number of obese increas

Fruit Juice-Alternate thirst Quenchers
The fruit juices are good quenchers of thirst next to water which is the best.Those people who need something refreshing and energizing can opt for fresh fruit juices rather than colas and sodas.The sodas can cause further health problems and just quench thirst temporarily.The juices from apple,berries and watermelon are good for health too.

Water For Fuel ? The Truth Behind This Fuel-Saving Method
Worry NOT! Using water for fuel, which is rising in popularity, has been seen to stand out from all the alternative fuels around and by far, it is a nearly perfect solution from constant increase in oil price and health and environmental problems from it.

Himalayan Goji Juice - GoChi Featured in Journal of Alternat
FreeLife International?s study showing that GoChi can improve health and well-being in 13 areas in as little as 14 days has been published in the highly-regarded, peer-reviewed Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (JACM)!

Vegetarian Herbal Supplements
Vegetarian herbal capsules are a safe and effective alternative to traditional supplements to maintain good health.

Its not A Secret, Its the Truth - Money and Manifesting by D
For many years, I've believed that people have the "power" to make their lives better. I'm a big fan of alternative health and thinking. So, when Dyan Garris approached me about a virtual book tour for her book Money and Manifesting, I was intrigued. In the last few months we h

Health Insurance - Affordable Alternative Health Insurance
Health insurance can be a very frustrating subject for some people. Typical health plans are very expensive, and they have many restrictions. More than likely, they will only cover medical bills from a select few health care professionals that are in their network

Mental Health Therapy Blog Part of New Juliano Medical Blog
The Mental Health Therapy 365 Blog acts as an important source of information for individuals and professionals while being part of the greater Juliano Medical Blog Network. This is a twelve blog network containing links to a dozen well maintained alternative health related blogs.

Losing Weight With Go 1 Better
Losing weight, fed up off all those diets that tell you to eat this, and don't eat that? Has your enthusiasm for the gyms wavered and are you ready to pack the whole dieting thing in? Well Health Scales is a new alternative that is easy and simple to follow.

Alternative Treatments for Cholesterol
Has the doctor warned you about your soaring levels of cholesterol? Are you fighting your battles with junk food and trying to switch to a healthy lifestyle?..........http://library-health.blogspot.com/

Natural Laxatives as a Cure for Relieving Constipation
Most alternative forms of medicine emphasize proper functioning of intestine as a foundation for good health. A clogged intestine is home to various toxins that cause nutritional deficiency and many other diseases...http://kopter-healthforyou.blogspot.com/

She got rid of cancer by drinking her urine. Honest!
WoW! Waht a story, I could hadly believe it myself, but if it works....hey! Thais drink urine as alternative medicineAt a busy and expensive alternative health centre in Bangkok, one patient told of a remarkable cure. In January she had an operation for colon cancer - but refused the recommended chemotherapy

EHHI: Plastics that May Be Harmful to Children
The non-profit organization Environment and Human Health, Inc. has created an action plan for dealing with toxic plastics. They suggest many key points, including implementation of a meaningful labeling and warning system. This would give concerned parents relief in their search for safer alternatives.

Health Article: Rejuvenate Yourself Naturally
These natural alternatives to caffeine can help lift your energy when you're dragging.

What is Holistic, Alternative Medicine, Complementary Health
Holistic medicine is a system of health care which fosters a cooperative relationship among all those involved, leading towards optimal attainment of the physical, mental emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health.

The Cost of Energy Saving Bulbs
Those energy saving light bulbs are toxic if broken, so why is congress forcing us to have them, and outlawing alternatives? The environmental movement is putting your health in danger... thank you US congress

Naturopathic Detox Therapy - The Health Secrets Of Contrast
Contrast showers are showers that alternate between hot and cold water. This is believed to boost both your immunity and circulatory systems.

Thou Shalt Not | Health Or High Water
Great article on alternative interpretations of the 10 commandments - definitely worth a read

Fast Effective Health Remedies & Cutting Edge Alternatives
Video Blog of Fast effective health remedies as well as cutting edge alternative medicine. Information is simple direct and to the point.

Dark-Truth.org Forums - Conspiracies, occult, paranormal
Forum about subjects such as secret societies, aliens & ufos, governmental cover-ups, secret agendas, illuminati, ancient mysteries and history, alternative health and science, space and technology, supernatural, the esoteric, spirituality, magic, mysticism, mind and the mental, philosophy, psychic powers, psychology and much more! CHECK IT OUT NOW

Chronic Pain Solutions 365 Blog Part of New Juliano Medical
The Chronic Pain Solutions 365 Blog has been started as a source of information for both the afflicted and professionals. It is part of the greater Juliano Medical Blog Network. This is a twelve blog network containing links to a dozen well maintained alternative health related blogs. It is a great place to search and cross-reference for informatio

More alternatives to toxic vinyl shower curtains
What with the news that traditional vinyl shower curtains contain toxins that could harm our health, many are searching for safer alternatives. Here are a few stylish options from IKEA that are made of a non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative.

Health Professionals Call for End to Water Fluoridation | In
Over 1,600 Professionals Call for an End to Fluoridation of Drinking Water...Signers include:? Arvid Carlsson, Nobel Laureate for Physiology or Medicine, 2000? Raul Montenegro, PhD, Right Livelihood Award 2004 (known as the Alternative Nobel Prize), President of FUNAM, Professor of Evolutionary Biology, National University of Cordoba, Argent.

Instantly Eliminate Joint Pain Now!
Instantly Eliminate Joint Pain Now! Most likely, you or someone you know suffers from some form of joint pain. With the recent removal of VIOXX and Celebrex from the market, millions of people are searching for an all-natural alternative. The Only pain health relief supplement that includes a complete list of active botanicals. Eazy to take.

Boomer Yak
This podcast channel inspires, educates and entertains baby boomers with a variety of topics and interviews on alternative health, travel, relationships, spirituality and wealth-building.

GoChi Goji?Clinical Study Reports Better Quality of Sleep.
For countless generations, the goji berry has been helping the people of Asia find healthful, restful sleep. A study with GoChi goji juice reported significant improvement in sleep quality in as little as 14 days! This groundbreaking clinical study has been published in the highly regarded Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (JACM).

Whole Milk Substitutes For A Growing Baby | Health | Babies
What to feed a baby who's outgrown breast milk or formula as alternative to whole cow's milk.

Maintain and grow muscle mass with healther alternatives
so many common health problems involve your muscles, those powerful tissues that make up about 40 percent of your body. And yet, ?most people don't think about their muscles until something goes wrong,?...

Vitamins - Stay Young Forever
Whether you are already pregnant, planning for a baby or going through menopause it is advisable for woman to think about the importance of taking a multivitamin to generate and maintain optimal fitness and health. But why do you want to take an alternative if you can obtain all the nutrients and nutrients from your diet?

Arthiritis Pain relief with Hypnosis
Millions of people suffer from some form of arthritis. Pain relief medications such as Vioxx, Celebrex and Alleve may produce dangerous side effects. The manufacturer of Vioxx has recently urged patients to contact their health care providers to discuss discontinuing use of Vioxx and seek alternative treatments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administratio

Abortion Clinic Alternatives - Everett, Washington Pregnancy
You had plans. A baby wasn't one of them. If you're considering an abortion, you may not even need one. There are two questions that you need answers to right now: Am I really pregnant? How far along am I? Pregnancy Resource Center cares about your health. And because we do not perform abortions or arrange adoptions, we have no financial interest

Alternative Mosquito Repellents
A study conducted in the late 1980s on Everglades National Park employees to determine the effects of DEET found that a full one-quarter of the subjects studied experienced negative health effects that they blamed on exposure to the chemical.

PDF Ebooks Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in public interest in alternative approaches to health care. These alternatives are seen by Ontarians to offer highly complementary approaches and added dimensions to traditional treatments. The government understands the value of these alternative choices to the public and importance of h

Magnetic Mattress 2008 | mattress-reviews.net
Magnetic mattress can be construed as an offshoot of magnetic therapy. Magnetic therapy uses static magnetic fields as a form of alternative medicine and it has remained as the most controversial therapy. It is believed that static fields produced by permanent magnets are beneficial in the cure and pain relief of certain health disorders

Hypnosis X - Hynosis Web site
Interesting info about hypnotism, self-hypnosis, and hypnotherapy for those of you into the 'alternative health' thing, or 'self-actualization'.

Health Articles Site
Good information on health. Especially on alternative cure.

#141 - June 7 2008: Carnival of Healing
A great collection of alternative health articles.

Organic colon cleanse start at the end and work backwards
Simple alternatives that work for you. You'd be surprised at how many ways there are to cleanse your colon. I have options that are easy to do and incorporate into your busy life. Cleansing is one of the most powerful things you can do to improve your overall health. You should be able to do it comfortably and naturally.

Private health insurance, cheaper alternative
Because of the numerous contributions adjustments for the year 2008, many insured the opportunity to deal with a cheaper health insurance to insure. It is important to know that only after receipt of such a premium adjustments dismissal follow. If they have made this step, and in their society denounced it, it is very important right to inform.....

The C.A.M. Report

Keep up with CAM
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The Tomatis Method in autism
Dr Alfred Tomatis developed a technique using modified music to stimulate connections between the ear and the nervous system in order to affect aspects of human development and behavior. His research suggested that the hearing of many people with autism is severely sensitized to the point that even normal classroom noises are painful and disorienting. But, [...]

The last hours of living
The National Cancer Institute offers an educational program called “Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Oncology.” The CD-Rom was developed specifically for clinicians caring for persons with cancer. Medscape has published an excerpt. I think it offers valuable insights for family caregivers as well as healthcare providers. The video vignettes enhance the value of the [...]

Positive effects of selenium in patients with HIV
Selenium is a simple, inexpensive, and safe adjunct therapy in HIV spectrum disease. That’s the conclusion from a study from the University of Miami. Here’s the study. 262 men and women with HIV were studied. Random assignment to selenium 200 mcg daily or placebo. Blood levels of selenium, HIV viral load, and CD4 T-cell count (an indication of the [...]

Soy and the risk of hay fever
Researchers from the Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan examined the relationship between soy isoflavone and the risk of cedar pollinosis (hay fever) — the most common seasonal allergic rhinitis in Japan. First, the details. 11,229 adults with no history of cancer or allergic diseases completed questionnaires about symptoms related to cedar pollinosis. Diet, including [...]

Respiratory muscle strength training
Respiratory muscle strengthening programs are either inspiratory or expiratory and typically use handheld devices. Dr. Christine Sapienza from the University of Florida in Gainesville tells us if it makes a difference. Here’s what she found. Few studies of strengthening techniques for people with voice-disorders are available. Training durations studied typically are 20 to 30 minutes per day for [...]

Health benefits of fiber reviewed
Americans don’t meet the current fiber recommendations. The daily fiber intake by average Americans is 14 to 15 grams. This is less than the American Dietetic Association recommended of 20 to 35 grams for adults, 25 grams for girls ages 9 through 18 years and 31 to 38 grams for boys ages 9 through 18. [...]

Vitamins C and E in hypertension
The aim of this study by researchers at the University of Chile in Santiago was to see if the antioxidant effects of vitamins C and E are associated with a decrease in blood pressure in patients with hypertension. First, the details. 110 otherwise healthy adult men with grade 1 hypertension (mild, 140-159/90-99 mm/Hg) were studied. They were [...]

Science doesn?t support the anecdotal benefits of Essiac
Essiac Herbal Tonics are commercially available complex mixtures of herbal extracts sold as dietary supplements and used by cancer patients based on anecdotal evidence that they can treat or prevent disease. Let’s look look at the evidence since 2005. October 2005 Physicians from Toronto report a “case of a 64-year-old man whose hormone-refractory prostate cancer responded well [...]

Vegan diet and type 2 diabetes
While both a low-fat vegan diet and a diet based on ADA guidelines improve blood sugar and cholesterol control in patients with type 2 diabetes, these improvements are greater with a low-fat vegan diet. This is the conclusion from a study of 99 patients in Diabetes Care, a publication of the American Diabetes Association. More patients [...]

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine - current issue

Ayurveda and eCAM: A Closer Connection
While both a low-fat vegan diet and a diet based on ADA guidelines improve blood sugar and cholesterol control in patients with type 2 diabetes, these improvements are greater with a low-fat vegan diet. This is the conclusion from a study of 99 patients in Diabetes Care, a publication of the American Diabetes Association. More patients [...]

Transitioning Toward Evidence-Based Research in the Health Sciences for the XXI Century

This article discusses some of the misconceptions of evidence-based research in the health sciences. It proposes that since not all treatments in medicine and dentistry can be evidence-based, clinical applications of the evidence-based process should become a specialty. The case is particularly evident in dentistry. Therefore dentistry is taken in this article as a model for discussion. We propose that to approach dentistry from the viewpoint of the patient-oriented evidence that matters (POEM) is perfectly acceptable so far as we also engage in the process of research evaluation and appraisal in dentistry (READ). We distinguish between dentistry based on the evidence, and evidence-based dentistry. We argue that when invoking an evidence-based approach to dentistry or medicine, it is not sufficient to establish the ‘levels of evidence’, but rather that all evidence-based clinical intervention must undergo the stringent process of evidence-based research so that clinical practice guidelines be revised based on the best available evidence.

Second World Ayurveda Congress (Theme: Ayurveda for the Future)--Inaugural Address: Part I

Acupuncture Treatment for Low Back Pain and Lower Limb Symptoms--The Relation between Acupuncture or Electroacupuncture Stimulation and Sciatic Nerve Blood Flow

To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture treatment for lumbar spinal canal stenosis and herniated lumbar disc and to clarify the mechanisms in an animal experiment that evaluated acupuncture on sciatic nerve blood flow. In the clinical trial, patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis or herniated lumbar disc were divided into three treatment groups; (i) Ex-B2 (at the disordered level), (ii) electrical acupuncture (EA) on the pudendal nerve and (iii) EA at the nerve root. Primary outcome measurements were pain and dysesthesia [evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS)] and continuous walking distance. In the animal study, sciatic nerve blood flow was measured with laser-Doppler flowmetry at, before and during three kinds of stimulation (manual acupuncture on lumber muscle, electrical stimulation on the pudendal nerve and electrical stimulation on the sciatic nerve) in anesthetized rats. For the clinical trial, approximately half of the patients who received Ex-B2 revealed amelioration of the symptoms. EA on the pudendal nerve was effective for the symptoms which had not improved by Ex-B2. Considerable immediate and sustained relief was observed in patients who received EA at the nerve root. For the animal study, increase in sciatic nerve blood flow was observed in 56.9% of the trial with lumber muscle acupuncture, 100% with pudendal nerve stimulation and 100% with sciatic nerve stimulation. Sciatic nerve stimulation sustained the increase longer than pudendal nerve stimulation. One mechanism of action of acupuncture and electrical acupuncture stimulation could be that, in addition to its influence on the pain inhibitory system, it participates in causing a transient change in sciatic nerve blood blow, including circulation to the cauda equine and nerve root.

Acupuncture Affects Regional Blood Flow in Various Organs

In this review, our recent studies using anesthetized animals concerning the neural mechanisms of vasodilative effect of acupuncture-like stimulation in various organs are briefly summarized. Responses of cortical cerebral blood flow and uterine blood flow are characterized as non-segmental and segmental reflexes. Among acupuncture-like stimuli delivered to five different segmental areas of the body; afferent inputs to the brain stem (face) and to the spinal cord at the cervical (forepaw), thoracic (chest or abdomen), lumbar (hindpaw) and sacral (perineum) levels, cortical cerebral blood flow was increased by stimuli to face, forepaw and hindpaw. The afferent pathway of the responses is composed of somatic groups III and IV afferent nerves and whose efferent nerve pathway includes intrinsic cholinergic vasodilators originating in the basal forebrain. Uterine blood flow was increased by cutaneous stimulation of the hindpaw and perineal area, with perineal predominance. The afferent pathway of the response is composed of somatic group II, III and IV afferent nerves and the efferent nerve pathway includes the pelvic parasympathetic cholinergic vasodilator nerves. Furthermore, we briefly summarize vasodilative regulation of skeletal muscle blood flow via a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) induced by antidromic activation of group IV somatic afferent nerves. These findings in healthy but anesthetized animals may be applicable to understanding the neural mechanisms improving blood flow in various organs following clinical acupuncture.

Acupuncture Anesthesia and Analgesia for Clinical Acute Pain in Japan

Acupuncture anesthesia has been practiced in China since about 1960. In Japan, Hyodo reported 30 cases of acupuncture anesthesia in 1972. However, from around 1980, the direction of acupuncture investigations turned from anesthesia to analgesia. Acupuncture analgesia is presently considered a way to activate the body's endogenous analgesic system. Recently, with the rise of acupuncture as one of the most well known CAM therapies, acupuncture or moxibustion treatment has been reported for both acute and chronic pain. Even so, few clinical reports and original articles have been reported in Japan. This review illustrates how acupuncture is being used in Japan for acute pain such as surgical operations, post- operative pain (POP), neuropathic pain, pain associated with teeth extractions and after the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth.

Interaction of Aqueous Extract of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel-Champ. with Glyburide in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice

Mushrooms are low calorie food with very little fat and are highly suitable for obese persons. With no starch and very low sugars, they are the ‘delight of the diabetics’. Combination of herbal drugs (or isolated phytochemicals) is found to be beneficial in certain diseases when given along with conventional drugs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Lentinaceae) (called as PP-aqu) and its interaction with glyburide in alloxan induced diabetic mice. The diabetic mice treated were with PP-aqu (500 mg/kg, p.o.) alone or combination with glyburide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days. Blood samples were collected by orbital sinus puncture using heparinized capillary glass tubes and were analyzed for serum glucose on 0, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days. Body weights and mortality were noted during the study period. In oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glucose (2.5 g/kg, p.o.) was administered with either vehicle, PP-aqu alone or in combination with glyburide and serum glucose level analyzed at 0, 30, 60 and 120 min after drug administration. Administration of PP-aqu (500 mg/kg) and its combination with glyburide (10 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.001) decreased serum glucose level in diabetic mice. In OGTT, glyburide or PP-aqu treatment alone or their combination produced significant (P < 0.001) increase in glucose threshold. Thus we suggest that P. pulmonarius showed potent and synergistic antihyperglycemic effect in combination with glyburide.

Cytoprotective Activity of Glycyrrhizae radix Extract Against Arsenite-induced Cytotoxicity

Licorice, Glycyrrhizae radix, is one of the herbal medicines in East Asia that has been commonly used for treating various diseases, including stomach disorders. This study investigated the effect of licorice on arsenite (As)-induced cytotoxicity in H4IIE cells, a rat hepatocyte-derived cell line. Cell viability was significantly diminished in As-treated H4IIE cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, results from flow cytometric assay and DNA laddering in H4IIE cells showed that As treatment induced apoptotic cell death by activating caspase-3. Licorice (0.1 and 1.0 mg ml^–1) treatment significantly inhibited cell death and the activity of caspase-3 in response to As exposure. These results demonstrate that licorice induced a cytoprotective effect against As-induced cell death by inhibition of caspase-3.

Sopungyangjae-Tang Inhibits Development of Dermatitis in Nc/Nga Mice

Sopungyangjae-Tang (SYT) is a traditional Korean decoction used for the treatment of dermatitis. The aim of this study was to confirm whether or not SYT has a preventive effect on the development of atopic dermatitis in dinitrochlorobenzene-applied Nc/Nga mice. SYT was administered orally to Nc/Nga mice, which led to the remarkable suppression of the development of dermatitis, as determined by a histological examination and the serum IgE levels. Moreover, SYT inhibited the production of thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and its mRNA expression in a keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, which had been stimulated with tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) and interferon- (IFN-). Activation of the nuclear factor-B (NF-B) or activator protein-1 (AP-1) is one of the key steps in the signaling pathways mediating induction of TARC. In this study, SYT selectively suppressed NF-B activation, which may be essential for TARC expression in TNF-/IFN- treated keratinocytes. The inhibitory effect of SYT on NF-B activation and TARC production might be associated with the anti-dermatitic effects of SYT.

Evaluation of the anxiolytic effect of Nepeta persica Boiss. in mice

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic effects of hydroalcoholic extract (HE) of Nepeta persica Boiss. (Lamiaceae) on the elevated plus-maze (EPM) model of anxiety. The extract of arial parts of the plant was administered intraperitoneally to male NMRI mice, at various doses, 30 min before behavioural evaluation. The HE extract of N. persica at the dose of 50 mg kg^–1 significantly increased the percentage of time spent and percentage of arm entries in the open arms of the EPM. This dose of plant extract affected neither animal's locomotor activity nor ketamine-induced sleeping time. The 50 mg kg^–1 dose of the plant extract seemed to be the optimal dose in producing the anxiolytic effects, lower or higher doses of the plant produce either sedative or stimulant effects. At 100 mg kg^–1, the plant extract increased the locomotor activity. These results suggested that the extract of N. persica at dose of 50 mg kg^–1 possess anxiolytic effect with less sedative and hypnotic effects than that of diazepam and causes a non-specific stimulation at 100 mg kg^–1.

Investigation of Indian Diospyros Species for Antiplasmodial Properties

Despite decades of intense research, malaria remains a deadly disease worldwide and new antimalarials are urgently needed due to increasing drug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to existing drugs. This article reports the evaluation of four Indian Diospyros species viz., Diospyros melanoxylon, D. peregrina, D. sylvatica, D. tomentosa for antiplasmodial activities against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (K1) strains of P. falciparum. Six of eight methanolic extracts were found to have significant activity, (IC₅₀ = 16.5–92.9 µg ml^–1), against strain 3D7 and five of these showed similar activities against strain K1 (IC₅₀ = 20.5–121.6 µg ml^–1). Diospyros sylvatica was found to be the most active species (IC₅₀ = 16.5–29.4 µg ml^–1) and is worthy of further investigation.

Metabolic Effects of Avocado/Soy Unsaponifiables on Articular Chondrocytes

Avocado/soy unsaponifiable (ASU) components are reported to have a chondroprotective effect by virtue of anti-inflammatory and proanabolic effects on articular chondrocytes. The identity of the active component(s) remains unknown. In general, sterols, the major component of unsaponifiable plant material have been demonstrated to be anti-inflammatory in vitro and in animal models. These studies were designed to clarify whether the sterol content of ASU preparations were the primary contributors to biological activity in articular chondrocytes. ASU samples were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and GC mass spectrometry. The sterol content was normalized between diverse samples prior to in vitro testing on bovine chondrocytes. Anabolic activity was monitored by uptake of 35-sulfate into proteoglycans and quantitation of labeled hydroxyproline and proline content after incubation with labeled proline. Anti-inflammatory activity was assayed by measuring reduction of interleukin-1 (IL-1)-induced synthesis of PGE2 and metalloproteases and release of label from tissue prelabeled with S-35.All ASU samples exerted a similar time-dependent up-regulation of 35-sulfate uptake in bovine cells reaching a maximum of greater than 100% after 72 h at sterol doses of 1–10 µg/ml. Non-collagenous protein (NCP) and collagen synthesis were similarly up-regulated. All ASU were equally effective in dose dependently inhibiting IL-1-induced MMP-3 activity (23–37%), labeled sulfate release (15–23%) and PGE2 synthesis (45–58%). Up-regulation of glycosaminoglycan and collagen synthesis and reduction of IL-1 effects in cartilage are consistent with chondroprotective activity. The similarity of activity of ASU from diverse sources when tested at equal sterol levels suggests sterols are important for biologic effects in articular chondrocytes.

Clinical Evaluation of Perspiration Reducing Effects of a Kampo Formula, Shigyaku-san, on Palmoplantar Hidrosis

Palmoplantar hidrosis is common in patients who are susceptible to strains on the autonomic nervous system, and stress and mental strain have been proven to produce sweating in this population. Shigyaku-san (Sini san, TJ-35: Tsumura & Co.) is effective for relieving stagnation of ‘liver Qi and vital energy’ in traditional Chinese medicine theory; this brings about improvement of palmoplantar hidrosis. The effect of Shigyaku-san on 40 patients was evaluated based on changes in palmoplantar sweat volume and skin temperature before and after stress loading. We also measured changes in the palmoplantar sweat volume and skin temperature due to stress load in 35 healthy controls who did not receive Shigyaku-san. Before treatment, the pre-stress sweat volume in patients was larger than that in healthy controls, however, after Shigyaku-san treatment, their pre-stress sweat volume decreased. With stress, the sweat volume increased in both patients and controls, but the net increase in the patients was larger than that in healthy controls. After Shigyaku-san treatment, the net increase of sweat volume due to stress was smaller than that of pretreatment, however, it did not show a significant difference with that of healthy controls. The palmoplantar skin temperature of the patients before treatment was lower than that of healthy controls. Palmoplantar skin temperature rose with stress loading in healthy controls, but decreased in pretreatment patients. Shigyaku-san treatment reduced the palmoplantar perspiration in palmoplantar hidrosis patients at rest and under stress. Furthermore, it also improved other serious complications, especially coldness of the extremities.

Immunomodulating Activity of Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 in Mice and in Human Volunteers

We performed studies on murine models and human volunteers to examine the immunoenhancing effects of the naturally outdoor-cultivated fruit body of Agaricus brasiliensis KA21 (i.e. Agaricus blazei). Antitumor, leukocyte-enhancing, hepatopathy-alleviating and endotoxin shock-alleviating effects were found in mice. In the human study, percentage body fat, percentage visceral fat, blood cholesterol level and blood glucose level were decreased, and natural killer cell activity was increased. Taken together, the results strongly suggest that the A. brasiliensis fruit body is useful as a health-promoting food.

Knowledge and Attitudes about HIV/AIDS among Homoeopathic Practitioners and Educators in India

This study is designed to assess AIDS knowledge among Homeopathy educators and physicians in India, which has not been evaluated previously. India now has the largest number of HIV infected persons worldwide, with an estimated cumulative 5.1 million infections. Homeopathy is the dominant system among the nationally-recognized alternative or complementary systems of medicine, which collectively provide health care to around 600 million people in India. Homeopathy, with its holistic and patient-centered approach, has a wide reach to people at risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Participants were 68 homeopathy physicians (34 educators and 34 practitioners) who completed a CDC questionnaire measuring HIV/AIDS Knowledge regarding AIDS. This study reports the current level of knowledge of, and attitudes about, HIV/AIDS among homeopathy educators and practitioners. These findings will assist in the development of an education module to equip homeopathic health care personnel to impart accurate AIDS information and prevention counseling to their patients in an efficient manner.

Acupuncture Treatment of Dysmenorrhea Resistant to Conventional Medical Treatment

We evaluated the effect of acupuncture on NSAID resistant dysmenorrhea related pain [measured according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)] in 15 consecutive patients. Pain was measured at baseline (T1), mid treatment (T2), end of treatment (T3) and 3 (T4) and 6 months (T5) after the end of treatment. Substantial reduction of pain and NSAID assumption was observed in 13 of 15 patients (87%). Pain intensity was significantly reduced with respect to baseline (average VAS = 8.5), by 64, 72, 60 or 53% at T2, T3, T4 or T5. Greater reduction of pain was observed for primary as compared with secondary dysmenorrhea. Average pain duration at baseline (2.6 days) was significantly reduced by 62, 69, 54 or 54% at T2, T3, T4 or T5. Average NSAID use was significantly reduced by 63, 74, 58 or 58% at T2, T3, T4 or T5, respectively, and ceased totally in 7 patients, still asymptomatic 6 months after treatment. Our findings suggest that acupuncture may be indicated to treat dysmenorrhea related pain, in particular in those subjects in whom NSAID or oral contraceptives are contraindicated or refused.

Patterns of Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Stroke Patients at Two University Hospitals in Korea

This study measured the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among Korean stroke patients. Questionnaire-based 20-min interviews were conducted at the hospitals by a trained nurse after an outpatient visit. It included questions on demographic information, clinical information and the utilization of CAM. Of 304 stroke-patient respondents, 164 (54%) had used CAM, of which 66% had started taking CAM products following suggestions from family members and other relatives. Of the 57% of users who felt that CAM was effective, 84% considered that it improved the symptoms of stroke and 16% felt it was effective in achieving psychological relaxation. Of the eight CAM categories used by respondents, 92% used traditional Oriental medical treatments, 36% used plant- and animal-derived over-the-counter health care products, 24% used minerals and vitamins, and 11% used manual therapies. The majority of stroke patients (68%) were trying a new type of CAM, and half of the respondents (45%) relied on the knowledge of their general practitioner about CAMs when deciding whether to use them. Most of the stroke patients in this study used CAM, and a half of them reported beneficial effects. Despite the presence of adverse side effects, they tended to be used without discussion with chief physicians, and hence physicians should be actively involved in the usage of CAM.

Acupuncture Research: Strategies for Clinical Evaluation: Workshop Report, York, July 5-8, 2006

This report summarizes a ground-breaking workshop on the strategic direction of acupuncture research which was held in York in early July 2006. Three days were spent discussing the history, the philosophy and the practicalities of researching acupuncture. Attending the workshop were an international group of researchers with varied backgrounds, including acupuncturists, physicians, physiotherapists, sociologists and anthropologists. Supported by the Medical Research Council's Health Services Research Collaboration, Elsevier and others, this workshop was an opportunity to brainstorm the issues and to the concerns in the field and set out directions for research that would tackle some of the major challenges facing the acupuncture research community.

BBC News | Health | World Edition

Donor children 'emotionally well'
Children from assisted conception do as well emotionally as those conceived naturally, research suggests.

Gender 'impacts on transplants'
Women who get a replacement kidney from a male donor are more likely to reject the new organ, scientists suggest.

Tofu 'may raise risk of dementia'
Eating high levels of some soy products - including tofu - may raise the risk of memory loss, research suggests.

Brain imbalance 'cot death key'
More evidence has emerged that a chemical imbalance in the brain may play a key role in cot deaths.

Sulston argues for open medicine
Genome pioneer and Nobel Laureate Sir John Sulston says profits are taking precedence over the needs of patients, particularly in the developing world.

Sporting 'heart screening' call
Screening sportsmen for signs of hidden heart conditions could save lives, a study has concluded.

New way to tackle cancer depression
Researchers say they have found a new treatment for cancer patients suffering depression

'Deadliest' malaria rising in UK
More cases of the most dangerous type of malaria are being brought back to the UK from trips, official figures show.

Call for sex lessons at age four
Two leading sexual health charities call for compulsory sex education for children as young as four.

Woman in India gives birth to twins 'at 70'
A woman said to be aged 70 years of age gives birth to twins after undergoing IVF treatment.

Pull up a chair
Seat designed to aid breastfeeding in public

Health fines
Can Ghana turn its back on the "brain drain"?

Male mother
Gender reassignment is a long process

Fighting fit?
How to get the most out of your gym membership

Medical notes
A comprehensive guide to clinical conditions

From BBC Health
How to avoid the common triggers for asthma

'Mental risk' of Facebook teens
Children growing up alongside social networking websites may have a "dangerous" view of the world, says an expert.

Doctors' own water baby shock
Two doctors who live near a maternity hospital are caught out by their baby's home delivery in the bath.

Denmark 'world's happiest nation'
Denmark is the happiest country in the world, according to a survey published by the US National Science Foundation.

Romanian girl in UK for abortion
An 11-year-old Romanian rape victim is to have an abortion in the UK despite being cleared to have one in Romania.

'Snack-size' won't keep you trim
Buying mini-versions of fattening snacks is not the way to keep weight off, Dutch scientists claim.

Dementia hits oldest women hard
Almost half of all women in their 90s are suffering from dementia, Californian research suggests.

Cold sore virus secret revealed
The secret of how the cold sore virus persists for a lifetime in the body may have been cracked by US scientists.

Woman 'not in danger' if removed
A campaign tries to halt the removal of a pregnant Nigerian woman and her family from the UK after being refused asylum.

Heart disease and stroke
A campaign tries to halt the removal of a pregnant Nigerian woman and her family from the UK after being refused asylum.

Cancer: The facts
The disease tends to affect older people - but can strike at any time.

Pregnancy timeline
A week by week guide to pregnancy taking in how the baby develops, changes to the mother and key scan dates.

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine - Table of Contents

Toward a Sociological Understanding of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0: 1-7.
Abstract Background and objectives: The wide array of treatments and modalities comprising complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) represent a growing option for many individuals. Seeking to better understand this, much research has centered on ...

Chinese Herbal Medicine Tripterygium hypoglaucum Hutch Tablet for Facial Corticosteroid Addiction Dermatitis
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0: 1-1.

Chiropractic Management of Chronic Low-Back Pain: Commentary on Wilkey et al
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 451-452.

Distant Healing of Small-Sized Tumors
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 453-453.

Integrative Patient-Centered Care
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 454-454.

A Yoga-Based Exercise Program to Reduce the Risk of Falls in Seniors: A Pilot and Feasibility Study
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 454-457.

Symptom Characteristics of Kidney-Yin Deficiency and Kidney-Yang Deficiency in Hong Kong Chinese Midlife Women
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 457-460.

Traditional Malian Ointment for Styes
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 461-464.

A Comparison Between Chiropractic Management and Pain Clinic Management for Chronic Low-Back Pain in a National Health Service Outpatient Clinic
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 465-473.
ABSTRACT Objectives: To compare outcomes in perception of pain and disability for a group of patients suffering with chronic low-back pain (CLBP) when managed in a hospital by either a regional pain clinic or a chiropractor. Design: The study was a ...

A Pilot Whole Systems Clinical Trial of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Naturopathic Medicine for the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 475-487.
ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of studying whole systems of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Naturopathic medicine (NM) in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and to determine whether there is ...

A Randomized Pilot Study of Naturopathic Medicine in Multiple Sclerosis
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 489-496.
ABSTRACT Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is high in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), yet there are limited reports on safety and effectiveness of CAM in MS. Naturopathic medicine encompasses a broad range of CAM ...

Narratives of Exceptional Survivors Who Work with Aboriginal Healers
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 497-504.
ABSTRACT Background: The commonalities are described of 47 people who sought traditional aboriginal healers for help with their cancer. All had 10% or less chance of survival at 5 years given the site and stage of their cancer from actuarial table ...

Effects of Verum Acupuncture Compared to Placebo Acupuncture on Quantitative EEG and Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Volunteers
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 505-513.
ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of this single-blind randomized crossover study was to evaluate specific effects of manual acupuncture on central and vegetative nervous system activity measured by quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) and heart rate ...

Development of Protocols for Randomized Sham-Controlled Trials of Complex Treatment Interventions: Japanese Acupuncture for Endometriosis-Related Pelvic Pain
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 515-522.
ABSTRACT Background: Very little research has been conducted in the West to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Japanese acupuncture (JA). The characteristics that define and differentiate JA from Chinese acupuncture styles add specific challenges to the ...

Manual Acupuncture Improved Quality of Life in Cancer Patients with Radiation-Induced Xerostomia
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 523-526.
ABSTRACT Purpose: Radiotherapy-induced xerostomia seriously reduces the quality of life (QOL) for patients with head and neck cancer. This study aimed to investigate the effects of manual acupuncture on objective and subjective assessment of symptom ...

Traditional Chinese Medicine Tongue Inspection: An Examination of the Inter- and Intrapractitioner Reliability for Specific Tongue Characteristics
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 527-536.
ABSTRACT Aim: To examine the reliability of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue inspection by evaluation of inter- and intrapractitioner agreement levels for specific tongue characteristics, achieved by a group of TCM practitioners. Method: Ten (10)...

Correlates of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Utilization in Depressed, Underserved African American and Hispanic Patients in Primary Care Settings
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 537-544.
ABSTRACT Objectives: This study seeks to examine the correlates of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in depressed underserved minority populations receiving medical care in primary care settings. Methods: A prospective study using ...

Protein and Ginger for the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Delayed Nausea
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 545-551.
ABSTRACT Background: Nausea that develops during the period that begins 24 hours after the administration of chemotherapy is called delayed nausea, and occurs in many patients with cancer. Meals high in protein decrease the nausea of motion sickness and ...

The Relationship Between Nonqualified Allopathic Medical Practitioners and Their Patients
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 553-557.
ABSTRACT Objective: According to unpublished data issued by the Sri Lankan health authorities, approximately 40,000 individuals who are not medically qualified are engaged in allopathic medical practice in many parts of the country. Despite the existence ...

Does Mud Pack Treatment Have Any Chemical Effect? A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 559-565.
ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to reveal the efficacy of mud pack treatment in patients with knee osteoarthritis and to find the contribution of chemical factors to the build up of these effects. Methods: Sixty patients were randomly ...

Effects of Group Music Intervention on Depression, Anxiety, and Relationships in Psychiatric Patients: A Pilot Study
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 567-570.
ABSTRACT Objective: To test whether group music therapy is effective for improving depression, anxiety, and relationships in psychiatric patients. Methods: Twenty six patients were non-randomly allocated to either a music intervention group or a routine ...

Ayurvedic Genomics: Establishing a Genetic Basis for Mind?Body Typologies
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 571-576.
ABSTRACT Background: Ayurveda, India's natural health care tradition, has a unique way of classifying human population based on individual constitution or prakriti. Ayurveda's tridosha theory identifies principles of motion (vata), metabolism (pitta), ...

Static Magnetic Field Therapy: Dosimetry Considerations
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 577-582.
ABSTRACT The widespread use of static magnetic field (SMF) therapy as a self-care physical intervention has led to the conduct of numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A recent systematic review of SMF trials for pain reduction concluded that the ...

Statistical Validation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theories
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 583-587.
ABSTRACT The theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated from experiences doctors had with patients in ancient times. We ask the question whether aspects of TCM theories can be reconstructed through data analysis. To answer the question, we ...

Homeopathy and the New Fundamentalism: A Critique of the Critics
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 589-594.
ABSTRACT Though in use for over 200 years, and still benefiting millions of people worldwide today, homeopathy is currently under continuous attacks for being ?unscientific.? The reasons for this can be understood in terms of what might be called a ?New ...

Traditional Chinese Medical Journals Currently Published in Mainland China
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 595-609.
ABSTRACT Background: Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) journals have been playing an important role in scholarly communication in China. However, the information in those periodicals was not enough for international readers. Objective: This study aims to ...

Erratum: Correction
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Jun 2008, Vol. 14, No. 5: 611-611.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Specialist Library

Homeopathy annual evidence update 9-13 June 2008
Selected systematic reviews and RCTs for a range of medical conditions or symptoms

Annual evidence update on CAM for asthma 6 - 9 May 2008
The update includes a summary of recent research on complementary and alternative medicine use in asthma in the UK and selected systematic reviews on acupuncture, breathing techniques, dietary and nutritional therapies, herbal medicine, homeopathy and relaxation techniques.

Latest additions from the Cochrane Library 2008 Issue 2
A list of new and updated Cochrane reviews on herbal medicine, dietary and nutritional therapies, and other CAM therapies or modalities

Additions from the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects in February - March 2008
A list of appraised systematic reviews added to the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) in February - March 2008

Complementary and alternative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis
Editorial for the 2008 National Knowledge Week on Rheumatoid Arthritis organised by the NLH Musculoskeletal Diseases Specialist Library.

Annual evidence update on acupuncture April 2008
Selected systematic reviews, HTA reports and key RCTs for a range of medical conditions or symptoms

A federal approach to professionally-led voluntary regulation for complementary healthcare
The final report of the Federal Working Group which worked towards the creation of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council.

Regulating complementary medical practitioners - an international review
This report reviews the experiences of 16 countries in regards to the issue of regulating the practice, education, training and licensing of complementary medicine.

Poor practice in the unlicensed herbal sector - MHRA warns the public to be vigilant
MHRA press release warning about bad and dangerous practices across parts of the unlicensed herbal sector

Dietary Supplements Labels Database
The Dietary Supplements Labels Database of the US National Library of Medicine offers information about ingredients in more than two thousand selected brands of dietary supplements.

Latest additions from the Cochrane Library 2008 Issue 1
A list of new and updated Cochrane reviews on herbal medicine, dietary and nutritional therapies, and other CAM therapies or modalities

Additions from the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects in January 2008
A list of appraised systematic reviews added to the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) in January 2008

Additions from the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects in December 2007
Trifolium pratense isoflavones in the treatment of menopausal hot flushes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Additions from the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects in November 2007
A list of appraised systematic reviews added to the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) in November 2007.

Warning about dangerous acids found in Chinese medicines
Press release from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) about potentially harmful Traditional Chinese Medicinal products containing aristolochic acids that have been known to cause kidney failure and cancer.

Additions from the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects in Octover 2007
A list of appraised systematic reviews added to the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) in October 2007

Acupuncture for glaucoma
New systematic review from the Cochrane Library 2007 issue 4

Ayurvedic medicine for schizophrenia
New systematic review from the Cochrane Library 2007 issue 4

Chinese herbal medicine for primary dysmenorrhoea
New systematic review from the Cochrane Library 2007 issue 4

Chinese herbal medicines in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy
New systematic review from the Cochrane Library 2007 issue 4

Alternative And Complementary Medicine Articles

3 Quick Herbal Remedies
In recent years the issue of Alternative Healing has skyrocketed to the forefront of the medical field. A 2004 government survey concluded that more than one third of adults use alternative medicine and healing. Here are 3 quick herbal remedies for arthritis, blood pressure and dandruff

Alternative And Complementary Medicine Old Medicine New Synergies
The terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine are often wrongly used as synonyms. Actually, the term alternative medicine refers to medicine systems like Ayurveda or Acupuncture that are used in place of conventional medicine

Alternative Medicine
Alternative Medicine is the use of natural therapy and medicines to restore and maintain health. Alternative medicine is also considered a practice beyond the realm of conventional modern

Alternative Fibromyalgia Therapies
Fibromyalgia is a mysterious disease that is effecting more and more people, as increasing numbers of patients are being diagnosed with this disorder. What is fibromyalgia, and what are some alterative therapies and treatments for this

Alternative Herbal Cures For Ailments
With the increased usage of herbs for treatment of ailments from Common cold to Cancer, there is an increasing need for authentic and unbiased information on various cures using herbs.

Alternative Medicine Is Holistic Western Medicine is Reduction
The major difference between alternative medicine, or what I'll call holistic health, and Western medicine, is in approach. A Western doctor, or MD, sees his duty as searching out disease, diagnosing it, and treating it

Alternative Medicine vs Conventional Medicine Part 1
The term 'alternative medicine' that is so commonly used today is somewhat unsuitable since that would seem to indicate that it is a form of treatment departing from so-called 'traditional' scientific practices and is just a possibility for a cure

Alternative Medicine vs Conventional Medicine Part 2
Alternative medicine (so called) was being used in ancient times long before conventional medicine came on the scene. It is interesting to note that there were not so many diseases plaguing mortals in those days

Alternative Treatment For Cancer
Cancer is an excessive growth of unwanted cells in our body. These excess growth of cells consume a lot of glucose found in the blood and starve the organs that need glucose

Alternative Treatment For Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory disorder characterized by abnormal lung condition in which accumulation of mucus in the lungs is found. Natural asthma remedies are the most preferred way of treating asthma

Ayurveda A Natural Health 101 Article
Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of sub-continental India. With an archeological record going back 7000 years and an unbroken written history dating back to around 1500 B.C., Ayurveda is easily the oldest

Benefits Of Alternative Medicine
With the growing number of people being affected by newly discovered chronic degenerative diseases such as AIDS and chronic fatigue syndrome, Are you worried or wondering....Is it possible to maintain good health?

Complementary Medicine
Complementary Medicine is the use of natural therapy and medicines to restore and maintain health in addition to conventional medicine. Dating back to 420 B.C., around the time of Hippocrates, complementary medicine is also considered a practice beyond the realm of conventional modern medicine

Genital Herpes Natural And Alternative Treatment Remedies
Modern medical science has not been able to produce a cure for the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can only offer pharmaceutical solutions that help ease the pain and speed up recovery from a genital herpes outbreak

Herb Remedies
Herb remedies are made of natural substances that come from plants. Herbs have been valued throughout history. The Bible tells us Kings journeyed many miles to bring frankincense and myrrh as gifts for Jesus.

Inflammatory Arthritis Alternative Treatments
There are two main types of arthritis: inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis. Inflammatory arthritis can be treated naturally without drugs.

Is Alternative Medicine Proven To Work
The most common objection to alternative medicine from conventional physicians is that it is not proven. What doctors mean by this is that alternative medicine has not been rigorously tested the way pharmaceutical drugs have been tested

Natural Alternatives vs Prescription Drugs
Using natural alternatives to prescription drugs is a growing phenomenon. Alternative medicine might be thought of as any health care which is not a part of the mainstream medical establishment.

The True Meaning Of Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine is a type of therapeutic practice that is not considered to be a part of traditional or conventional medical treatment. People use alternative medicine instead of using traditional medical treatment