Researchers at Monash University, in Victoria, Australia, examined the scientific evidence for the use of CAM to stimulate labor. Continue reading Review: CAM options to induce labor
Category Archives: Acupuncture/ pressure
Predictors of a positive response to acupuncture for chronic pain
Researchers in Germany searched the records from almost 10,000 patients for predictors of a positive response. Continue reading Predictors of a positive response to acupuncture for chronic pain
Acupuncture as a treatment for PMS
Acupuncture is often used in obstetrics and gynecology. But is it useful to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
Researchers at Kyung Hee University, in Seoul, Korea, reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Acupuncture as a treatment for PMS
Acupuncture to prevent dry mouth after radiation therapy
Xerostomia (dry mouth) after head/neck radiation is a common problem among cancer patients, and available treatments are of little benefit.
Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center determined whether acupuncture can prevent xerostomia among head/neck patients undergoing radiotherapy. Continue reading Acupuncture to prevent dry mouth after radiation therapy
Safety of acupuncture in children
Researchers at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, reviewed the adverse events associated with needle acupuncture in children. Continue reading Safety of acupuncture in children
CAM Archive: Flawed study designs in acupuncture
A couple of years ago Prof. Ernst evaluated the risk of bias in studies of acupuncture that use the A + B versus B study design. Continue reading CAM Archive: Flawed study designs in acupuncture
Review of CAM for fibromyalgia
Most people suffering from fibromyalgia use a variety of complementary or alternative medicine treatments to manage their symptoms.
Prof. Ernst has updated his review of the CAM options from a year ago. Continue reading Review of CAM for fibromyalgia
Acupuncture to prevent migraine
Available studies suggest that acupuncture is at least as effective as, or possibly more effective than, prophylactic drug treatment.
Here’s the latest from researchers in China. Continue reading Acupuncture to prevent migraine
Review: Acupuncture to treat ADHD
In this Cochrane review, researchers at Sichuan University, in Chengdu, China, looked for evidence supporting the use of acupuncture in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Continue reading Review: Acupuncture to treat ADHD
Review: Acupuncture for autism spectrum disorders
Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and lack of flexibility of thought and behavior.
In this Cochrane review, researchers at The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, in China, report on the effectiveness of acupuncture to improve autistic features. Continue reading Review: Acupuncture for autism spectrum disorders
Acupuncture to treat endometriosis pain
Women with endometriosis may complain of chronic pelvic pain, most notably dysmenorrhea.
Researchers at the University of Western Sydney, in Australia, reviewed the evidence for acupuncture. Continue reading Acupuncture to treat endometriosis pain
Is there benefit from acupuncture in palliative care?
Researchers at the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, compared acupuncture to nurse-led supportive care in patients with incurable cancer. Continue reading Is there benefit from acupuncture in palliative care?
Limits of CAM: Dyspnea in patients with COPD
Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) is a cardinal symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its severity and magnitude increase as the disease progresses, leading to significant disability and a negative effect on quality of life.
Here are the Canadian Thoracic Society clinical practice guidelines, with emphasis on CAM. Continue reading Limits of CAM: Dyspnea in patients with COPD
CAM for insomnia?
It’s probably one of the most popular uses of CAM.
Researchers in Australia reviewed the evidence. Continue reading CAM for insomnia?
Punching holes in the claims for acupuncture
Acupuncture is commonly used for pain control, but there are doubts about its effectiveness and safety.
Prof. Ernst and colleagues are critical of acupuncture as a treatment of pain. Here, they summarize reports of serious adverse effects published since 2000. Continue reading Punching holes in the claims for acupuncture
Another review of acupuncture to treat uremic pruritus
Uremic pruritus (itchiness) is a common, bothersome symptom in people with end-stage kidney disease that doesn’t always respond to conventional care.
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, in Daejeon, reviewed the evidence for acupuncture. Continue reading Another review of acupuncture to treat uremic pruritus
Physicians rate acupuncture for pain management
Researchers at Harvard Medical School, in Boston, collected information from pain physicians and referral physicians who manage the care of patients in pain. Continue reading Physicians rate acupuncture for pain management
Reviewing non-pharmacological options to prevent migraine
At the University of Turin, in Italy, researchers reviewed the evidence.
And contributors to the US Headache Consortium tell us why it’s important. Continue reading Reviewing non-pharmacological options to prevent migraine
Acupuncture to treat hiccups in cancer patients
Researchers at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), National Institutes of Health, in Bethesda, Maryland tell us acupuncture may be a clinically useful. Continue reading Acupuncture to treat hiccups in cancer patients
Is acupuncture safe for children with cancer and low platelet counts?
Acupuncture is frequently used to manage the side effects associated with cancer therapy.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center, in New York City, studied the safety of acupuncture in patients with cancer treatment-related thrombocytopenia.
Continue reading Is acupuncture safe for children with cancer and low platelet counts?