If you expect aromatherapy to cure a major illness, you will probably be disappointed, according to AromaWeb — a source of practical information on this complementary treatment.

The available scientific evidence (such as it is) supports this statement. The Natural Standard website (which charges a membership fee) conducted literature reviews on the various applications of aromatherapy and concluded that even for the best documented conditions (eg, anxiety and agitation), the data are conflicting and based on small, poorly designed trials.

However, to conclude from this that aromatherapy is to be avoided would be excessive. Its current use is not intended to replace standard medical care but complement it. If using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, improves your sense of psychological and physical well being, by all means, indulge yourself.

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Cerebral palsy results from injury to or abnormal development of the brain, with various problems in movement, posture, and other behavioral functions.

Researchers at the Graduate School of Education and Ewha Music Rehabilitation Center, in Seoul, Korea, studied the effects of Therapeutic Instrument Music Performance (TIMP) for fine motor exercises in adults with cerebral palsy.

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Belief in God is common and tied to mental health and illness in the general population.

Researchers at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, in Belmont, Massachusetts, studied its relevance to psychiatric patients. (more…)

Sleep bruxism (nocturnal tooth grinding) causes hypersensitive teeth, aching jaw muscles, and headaches. There may even be tooth damage and loss.

Researchers at Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China, reviewed the evidence. (more…)

It’s reported that 55% of patients with ovarian cancer acknowledge a fear of dying, and 32% experience loss of hope in their fight against this illness.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School, in Boston, examined CAM and its influence on hopelessness in these patients. (more…)

The American Heart Association has summarized the blood pressure-lowering effects of several alternative approaches and provided recommendations for their use.

Here’s what we know in people with blood pressure (BP) levels higher than 120/80 mmHg. (more…)

Various topical emollients can affect the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) radiation during phototherapy of psoriasis.

Researchers at the University of Arizona, in Tucson, reviewed the evidence. (more…)

Researchers at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, in Chicago evaluated the effectiveness of an inpatient integrative medicine consult service for pain management. (more…)

Only a third of patients with depression respond fully to antidepressant drugs, and little evidence exists regarding the best next-step treatment for patients with resistant symptoms.

Researchers in the CoBalT study (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) at the University of Bristol in England examined cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as an adjunct to usual care (including pharmacotherapy) for primary care patients with treatment-resistant depression compared with usual care alone. (more…)

Approximately 30% of people over 65 years of age living in the community fall each year.

This Cochrane review updates what we know. (more…)

There’s lots of interest, but nobody ever reviewed the evidence before this.

Researchers at the College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Massachusetts, accepted the challenge. (more…)

Clinicians in California described their clinical practice, which uses the simultaneous interview technique (SIT). (more…)

Researchers in Finland and Germany studied the first year of life. (more…)

It’s reported that the personal importance of religion or spirituality is associated with a lower risk for major depression.

Researchers at Columbia University, in New York City, examined this association in adults. (more…)

Treating chronic pain is challenging. Often, the reason for the pain isn’t clear and may require combinations of treatments before finding relief, if then.

Researchers at the Centre Mémoire de Ressources et de Recherches, in Paris, France assessed the usefulness of their music intervention to manage patients with chronic pain. (more…)

Different theories attempt to explain the relaxation response to lavender aromatherapy.

This study suggests there’s another reason. (more…)

Psychosocial factors are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, but the effects of psychosocial factor treatment on heart disease are uncertain.

Researchers at Uppsala University Hospital, in Sweden, studied the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on the recurrence of cardiovascular disease. (more…)

Patients with Parkinson’s disease have impaired balance, which affects function and increases the risk of falling. Exercise is routinely encouraged by healthcare providers, but few programs have been proven effective.

Researchers at the Oregon Research Institute, in Eugene, studied whether a tailored tai chi program could improve postural control in patients with Parkinson’s disease. (more…)

Apathy is prevalent among patients with Alzheimer’s disease and is associated with greater morbidity and worse outcomes.

Researchers in Spain report that the music+art combination reduced apathy in patients with mild or moderate dementia. (more…)

Researchers at the University of Witten/Herdecke, in Germany, reviewed the evidence. (more…)