Colon cleansing (aka colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy) works like an enema. The patient lies on a table and up to 60 liters of water (with or without herbs) are pumped through the rectum. Fluids and waste are expelled through a tube. The procedure may be repeated several times.

Researchers at Georgetown University School of Medicine, in Washington, DC, reviewed its use. (more…)

Researchers at the University of Schleswig-Holstein Medical Center, in Kiel, Germany, studied whether the timing of aquatic therapy influences clinical outcomes. (more…)

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. (more…)

Reduced aerobic capacity in people osteoarthritis of the lower limbs affects independence and the ability to perform everyday activities.

Researchers at Universidad de Extremadura, in Spain, reviewed exercise programs and the ability to perform activities require sustained aerobic metabolism. (more…)

Researchers at East Carolina University, in Greenville, North Carolina, studied the response to hydrotherapy (immersion or bathing) in women in spontaneous labor. (more…)

There’s a growing recognition of the importance of physical exercise to reduce pain in knee and hip joints.

Researchers at Universidad de Extremadura, in Spain, compared the effectiveness of exercise programs on pain in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. (more…)

Researchers in Germany reviewed the effects of water-based exercises on disability after stroke. (more…)

Researchers at the Istanbul Medical Faculty, in Turkey, studied the effects of balneotherapy alone and with physical therapies on the respiratory and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. (more…)

Researchers at IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, in Italy report the combination is better than endurance training alone. (more…)

 There’s evidence that hydrotherapy has short-term beneficial effects on pain and quality of life, according to reviewers at Technische Universität München, in Germany. (more…)

Regular exercise helps protect the heart. Yet, many elderly patients with heart failure find it difficult to exercise on land.

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg, in Sweden measured the effects of hydrotherapy (training in warm water) on heart function. (more…)

Medscape has published a review.

Here’s a summary of CAM options. (more…)

There’s one hospital in Sweden where anthroposophic medicine is practiced. Here is a study of its effect in 60 women who received conventional breast cancer treatment with and without anthroposophic care.

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