A negative review of homeopathy published in 2005 reverberates still in blogs, journals, and press releases.
A reader comments, and I wax philosophical. But let’s start with summary of the issues. Continue reading Cooking the books against homeopathy?
More than 50 major hospitals and clinics throughout the United States offer energy healing to patients
This study by researchers from the University of Washington concluded, “Neither reiki nor touch improved the symptoms of fibromyalgia.” Continue reading Does reiki complement pain control in fibromyalgia?
The New York Times reports there’s “a new early warning system for fast-spreading flu outbreaks, called Google Flu Trends.” Continue reading Feeling ill? Google “flu”
HemOnc Today has reviewed the historic and current role of arsenic in the mainstream treatment of cancer today.
Here’s a brief summary of its current use. Continue reading Arsenic in modern medicine
After 6 months, twice as many smokers who chose hypnotherapy remained smoke free compared to those going “cold turkey,” according to this report at last year’s meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians. Continue reading Hypnotherapy for smoking cessation
The Harvard Women’s Health Watch has published recommendations to lower the risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.
I supplemented their recommendations with references. Continue reading Recommendations from Harvard for bone health
Those are the findings of the Physicians’ Health Study II — an 8-year study of vitamin E and vitamin C in men.
Should we apply these findings to everyone? Continue reading Vitamins E and C fail to prevent heart disease
Patients with higher A1C may benefit, according to researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. Continue reading The effect of alcohol on the control of diabetes
It’s effective and safe as add-on therapy following major operations, according to researchers at the VA Hospitals in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Indianapolis, Indiana. Continue reading Massage to help treat pain after surgery
Reviewers from the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland believe acupuncture should complement conventional care of low back pain. Continue reading A review of acupuncture for low back pain
Professor Ernst and colleagues have reviewed the evidence.
They’re not convinced. My view is less negative.
Continue reading Acupuncture to treat hot flashes in breast cancer
Acupuncture did not reduce the need for induction methods or the duration of labor in women with a postterm pregnancy.
Postterm pregnancy, also called a prolonged pregnancy, extends beyond 42 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. As many as 10% of pregnancies are postterm. Continue reading No benefit from acupuncture to induce labor
Dr. John Ashton from the University of Otago in New Zealand tells an interesting story about the potential for acetaminophen (paracetamol; Tylenol) to act as a “better” cannabinoid. Continue reading Using acetaminophen to get safer cannabinoid effects
Researchers from Italy and the US studied changes in psychological symptoms, reasoning, abuse, tolerability, quality of life, fatigue, and ability to control movement in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who had never before been exposed to cannabis. Continue reading Response to cannabis by non-smokers with MS
Researchers from Canada and Scotland studied an automated system designed to assist people with dementia get through activities of daily living –- in this case hand washing -– and reduce caregiver burden. Continue reading COACHing people with dementia to better self care
Is there a role for omega-3, red yeast rice, and garlic in preventing cardiovascular problems? Continue reading 3 CAM options to replace statins???
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is used to treat symptoms of menopause.
Prof. Ernst and a colleague from the University of Naples Federico II in Italy delve into the scientific literature on its safety. Continue reading Safety of black cohosh
Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a form of pneumonia that occurs in hospitalized patients receiving assisted breathing (mechanical ventilation) through a tube for at least 48 hours.
Researchers in Sweden conducted a study to evaluate the value of a probiotic to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria along the breathing (endotracheal or tracheostomy) tube. Continue reading Novel use of probiotics in critically ill patients
Reviewers from The University of Sheffield in the UK report that based on the available research, “chiropractic care is associated with improved outcomes in pregnancy-related low back pain.”
The studies are weak, however. Continue reading Chiropractic for pregnancy-related back pain
Another result from Tuesday’s US election — 63% of voters in Michigan approved of letting people who are ill grow their own pot. Continue reading Michigan voters say OK to medical marijuana