During a cruise last spring I took some classes in Pilates. We used blue spongy yoga mats, and I remember thinking to myself each time I picked one from the pile in the corner, “Are these things ever cleaned?
Category Archives: Yoga
Allopathic recommendations for non-drug treatment of low back pain
Researchers from Oregon Health and Science University in Portland have published an article on the evidence supporting treatment guidelines from the American Pain Society and American College of Physicians. Continue reading Allopathic recommendations for non-drug treatment of low back pain
US News and World Report on CAM integration
At the US News website, Avery Comarow has a positive report on CAM use in US hospitals. Continue reading US News and World Report on CAM integration
Yoga asana sessions increase brain GABA levels
Depression and anxiety disorders are associated with low GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels, and these disorders have been successfully treated with pharmaceutical agents designed to increase GABA levels.
This study suggests that the practice of yoga should be explored as a treatment for disorders with low GABA levels. Continue reading Yoga asana sessions increase brain GABA levels
Regulating CAM in the UK
Presently, “Anyone can set themselves up as an acupuncturist, homoeopath, herbalist, or other complementary therapist,” reports TimesOnLine.
This will change in April 2008. Continue reading Regulating CAM in the UK
Measuring physical exertion with hatha yoga
Does a typical yoga practice result in sufficient physical activity to improve and maintain cardiovascular fitness? Continue reading Measuring physical exertion with hatha yoga
Healthy holiday gift suggestions
Give your family and friends holiday gifts that help them eat healthier or become more active.
Twelve healthy suggestions
School children are learning yoga for stress control
The Miami Herald reports that the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a pressure-packed time for kids.
To address this need, companies offering a yoga curriculum and teacher training have cropped up nationwide, according to the article, with some adding academics to the stretches.
Some examples in Florida.
Continue reading School children are learning yoga for stress control
Integrating CAM into traditional cancer treatments in Chicago
The Cancer Integrative Medicine Program at Rush University Medical Center focuses on dealing with the emotional, psychological, and spiritual effects of cancer. Continue reading Integrating CAM into traditional cancer treatments in Chicago
Treating low back pain: Guidelines from the mainstream
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain have been published in the Annals of Internal Medicine by the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society.
Here are recommendations #6 and #7. Continue reading Treating low back pain: Guidelines from the mainstream
Yoga and quality of life in breast cancer patients
It appears to enhance emotional well-being and mood, according to researchers in New York. Continue reading Yoga and quality of life in breast cancer patients
Low use of CAM for weight reduction
Other than dietary supplements, the use of CAM for weight loss is relatively low, according to researchers at the University of South Carolina, Columbia.
How low? Continue reading Low use of CAM for weight reduction
Limits of long-term narcotic use to treat back pain and CAM options
Narcotic drugs (opioids) are commonly prescribed for short-term relief of chronic back pain, but their long-term (greater than 16 weeks) effectiveness has never been proved.
Also, opioid abuse occurs in 24% of cases.
What’s this got to do with CAM?
Continue reading Limits of long-term narcotic use to treat back pain and CAM options
A new tool to test the biological effects of biofeedback, meditation, and yoga
OK. Stay with me on this.
Kevin Tracey, MD is director and CEO of The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in New York. A well-respected researcher, Dr. Tracey discovered that the brain controls the immune system via the vagus nerve. Now he’s investigating the role of a molecule called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) as part of the immune system’s weapons against foreign invaders. TNF can cause pain and redness to an injury or infection. In excessive amounts, it can also cause shock and death.
What’s this got to do with CAM?
Maybe a lot.
Continue reading A new tool to test the biological effects of biofeedback, meditation, and yoga
Yoga for chronic back pain
Here are the results from 3 studies of yoga for chronic back pain.
Should you tell your doctor you practice yoga?
Yes, according to Dr. Timothy McCall who is an editor on Yoga Journal.
Even though you doctor probably doesn’t know much about yoga, there are some safety issues that deserve discussion.
Continue reading Should you tell your doctor you practice yoga?
Pilates for low back pain
Lynda Lippin (photo) is a Pilates teacher and personal trainer. “I started practicing the method because of chronic back pain. After trying physical therapy and yoga, it was doing Pilates regularly that got me out of pain.”
She also mentions a study that supports her view. Continue reading Pilates for low back pain
Avoiding injury in the yoga lotus position
Tina Juan is an author, TV host, and health club owner. On her Restorative yoga helps treat hot flushes
And, women like practicing yoga too. Continue reading Restorative yoga helps treat hot flushes
Complementary therapies for cancer-related fatigue
Reviewers from the Mayo Clinic are not ready to support any single CAM option, but some warrant further study, in their opinion. Continue reading Complementary therapies for cancer-related fatigue