Researchers at Aalborg University in Denmark studied the effects of improvisational music therapy on attention behaviors in autistic pre-school children. Continue reading Music therapy and autistic children
Category Archives: Art, Music, Dance
CAM for cancer survivors: The Sloan-Kettering view
Three members of the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City have published their views. Continue reading CAM for cancer survivors: The Sloan-Kettering view
CAM preferences among children with chronic pain
You won’t be surprised to learn that pain of longer duration and greater impairment make children more willing to use CAM.
But which CAM options do they choose? Continue reading CAM preferences among children with chronic pain
More US hospitals offering CAM
A survey of more than 6000 US hospitals by the American Hospital Association reveals that among 1400 responders, the percentage of hospitals offering at least one CAM service increased from 8% in 1998 to 27% in 2005. Continue reading More US hospitals offering CAM
Music for pain and anxiety in children
Researchers from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada report, that “music is effective in reducing anxiety and pain in children undergoing medical and dental procedures.” Continue reading Music for pain and anxiety in children
Cost-effectiveness of music therapy in palliative care
Reminiscence music reportedly reduces the symptoms of depression in patients with dementia. It’s also effective for agitation and disruptive behavior in patients with dementia, and makes it easier to provide care.
Now, researchers from the Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Santa Clara, California report that music therapy makes fiscal sense as well. Continue reading Cost-effectiveness of music therapy in palliative care
Benefits of music therapy in children with cancer
Researchers from no fewer than 11 centers in the US report that music therapy helps with coping-related behaviors in hospitalized children receiving cancer treatment. Continue reading Benefits of music therapy in children with cancer
The value of music therapy for substance abuse treatment
According to researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia, music therapy is a promising approach to improving engagement in substance abuse treatment groups. Continue reading The value of music therapy for substance abuse treatment
Group music therapy for schizophrenia
Musical activity diminished negative symptoms and improved interpersonal contact, according to researchers in Bedburg-Hau, Germany. Continue reading Group music therapy for schizophrenia
Using music therapy to treat depression
There’s not much information available, but it appears that music therapy is accepted by patients and improves their mood. Continue reading Using music therapy to treat depression
The value of CAM for pain relief during labor
Professor Michel Tournaire and Dr. Anne Theau-Yonneau have reviewed the literature.
Few publications report a statistically significant reduction in labor pain? Here’s what we know about pain relief and other outcomes. I’ll summarize the more familiar options. Continue reading The value of CAM for pain relief during labor
Music therapy in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures
Dr. Dan Rudin from Statin Island University Hospital in New York looked at past studies and concluded it’s a “safe and cost-effective measure not to be overlooked.” Continue reading Music therapy in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures
Anthroposophy is no better than conventional treatment for low back pain
Anthroposophy is a philosophy that maintains your response to your surroundings can be modified by virtue of a prescribed method of self-discipline.
OK, but my conclusion about the results of this study of anthroposophy differs from that of the researchers.
Here’s why. Continue reading Anthroposophy is no better than conventional treatment for low back pain
Effects of acupuncture plus relaxation response on quality of life in HIV
Treatment advances have transformed HIV/AIDS into a chronic manageable disease in which quality of life has become an important health outcome.
This study by researchers from Boston University reports on the benefits of combined relaxation response achieved using soft music plus acupuncture in patients with HIV/AIDS. Continue reading Effects of acupuncture plus relaxation response on quality of life in HIV
Using biofeedback to treat functional constipation
Pelvic floor dyssynergia-type constipation occurs when pelvic muscles contract instead of relaxing when a person strains to defecate. It’s “functional” because the muscles needed to defecate aren’t working properly.
Are you still with me on this?
Continue reading Using biofeedback to treat functional constipation
Music-exercise video aids recovery from total knee replacement
Following total knee replacement, patients must perform exercises several times a day. It’s a painful part of recovery.
Here’s an innovative application of music therapy developed by Dr. Thomas Ryan from Michigan State University to help motivate patients do their exercises.
Continue reading Music-exercise video aids recovery from total knee replacement
Background noise helps ADHD children learn
Göran Söderlund at Stockholm University defended his doctoral thesis recently.
The title? Noise improves cognitive performance in children with dysfunctional neurotransmission. Continue reading Background noise helps ADHD children learn
Butterbur for prevention of childhood migraine
Proponents say butterbur (Petadolex; Petasites hybridus) reduces the frequency of migraines in adults, although it doesn’t treat them once they occur.
Here are the results of a study in children. Continue reading Butterbur for prevention of childhood migraine
Dissapointing recommendations to treat Alzheimer’s disease
These recommendations, from a group of experts, take a narrow view of Alzheimer’s disease. They focus on early detection and the use of existing prescription drugs.
That’s fine as far as it goes, but what about those with advanced Alzheimer’s? Why not develop a more comprehensive approach?
If I might quote Paul Harvey, “here’s the rest of the story.” Continue reading Dissapointing recommendations to treat Alzheimer’s disease
CAM options for symptom management in children with cancer
Ms. Jennifer Rheingans is a nurse educator for pediatrics at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Florida. In the Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing she reviews nonpharmacological therapies as a potential source of assistance for children with symptoms due to cancer treatment.
Symptoms and CAM options are listed below. Continue reading CAM options for symptom management in children with cancer