Acupuncture appears to be a common complementary option in fertility clinics.
This study from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center in Camden, New Jersey concludes, “Acupuncture performed twice weekly during the follicular and luteal phase does not seem to improve pregnancy rates following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).” Continue reading Acupuncture and pregnancy rates following in vitro fertilization
How many of these recommendations from the American Heart Association relate to complementary lifestyle changes discussed on this blog?
Continue reading 2007 Guidelines for Preventing Cardiovascular Disease in Women
Among patients with epilepsy who follow a ketogenic diet, complete seizure control after 2 years is achieved in 24% — a 90% reduction in seizures is achieved in 52%. Unfortunately, only about 50% of patients (often children) can stay with the diet.
Now, a study reported during the annual meeting of the American Epilepsy Society concludes that seizure control with the Atkins diet is a possible alternative.
Continue reading Atkins: An effective alternative to the ketogenic diet for epilepsy
Several years ago, a Cochrane review concluded, “Overall, the existing evidence supports the value of acupuncture for the treatment of idiopathic headaches. However, the quality and amount of evidence are not fully convincing.”
In the past year, 2 studies and another literature review have provided further support for acupuncture to reduce the risk of migraine. Continue reading The status of acupuncture to treat migraine
The most prominent neurochemical change in patients with Alzheimer’s disease is a deficiency of choline acetyltransferase, the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of acetylcholine.
Polygalae radix is thought to be a useful component of kami-untan-to because it increases the activity of choline acetyltransferase. This study evaluated this Japanese herbal (kampo) medicine in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Continue reading The effect of kihito extract granules in people with Alzheimer’s disease
According to a study presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists 2007 Annual Meeting, about 1 in 4 people with chronic pain also have inadequate blood levels of vitamin D. Continue reading Vitamin D deficiency in people with chronic pain
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
Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett is a health psychologist and a board certified lactation consultant from the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Her work focuses on family violence and perinatal health.
Here are her thoughts on postpartum depression. Continue reading Why new mums get depressed and what to do about it
Raynaud’s disease causes some areas of the body (fingers, toes, tip of the nose and ears) to feel numb and cool in response to cold temperatures or stress. During a Raynaud’s attack, the arteries become narrow and limit blood flow to affected areas.
During the American Academy of Family Physicians 2007 Annual Scientific Assembly Ginkgo biloba was reportedly less effective than the calcium channel blocker nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia). Continue reading Ginkgo biloba vs nifedipine to treat Raynaud’s disease
A study reported during the American Academy of Family Physicians 2007 Annual Scientific Assembly concluded, “tai chi is comparable to but not quite as effective as a brisk walk for raising heart rate variability.” Continue reading Effect of tai chi vs a brisk walk on heart rate variability
That’s the main message in this article. However, the authors include their experience in treating 44 patients with sudden and painful low back pain.
Continue reading Norwegian hospital offers chiropractic thru the orthopedic department
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction involves face pain, clicking sounds, and limited movement of the jaw. About 33% of the population has it; fewer need treatment.
This study suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy plus biofeedback is cost-effective treatment.
Continue reading Behavioral training and biofeedback to treat temporomandibular dysfunction
Researchers from the University of Western Sydney in Australia reviewed 40 years of research that compared calcium with or without vitamin D in older adults.
They looked at the ultimate outcome of treatment — fracture rate associated with osteoporotic bone loss. Continue reading Preventing fractures in older people
In preparation for the upcoming weight management conferences in Europe, here is what we know about the value of herbals as an aid to weight loss.
Continue reading Herbal supplements for weight loss: What works, what doesn’t
As summarized here, JELIS is the acronym for “Japan EPA Lipid Intervention Study.” It showed that adding eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) — an active component of omega-3 fatty acids — to low-dose statin therapy lowered the risk for certain major problems involving the heart.
The results are finding their way into mainstream recommendations for hypercholesterolemia treatment. Continue reading Incorporating the JELIS results in cholesterol-lowering treatment plans
On a recent trip to Paris I was told that the reason there are no fat Parisian women is because they understand portion control in their diet. Restaurants in France serve smaller portions. Nobody complains because … well … they’re in Paris, after all.
Here’s a typical American approach to portion control, from Dr. Mary Ellen Camire and Megan Blackmore writing in the latest edition of Food Technology magazine.
Continue reading Innovation in portion control to treat obesity
Researchers from the Free University in Brussels used hypnosis to treat 28 patients who failed to respond to conventional treatments. It was either added to ongoing treatment or used alone. Continue reading Hypnosis to treat alopecia areata?
Garlic (Allium sativum) is one of the most commonly used supplements.
But based on the results of this review by Professor Ernst at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth in the UK, it’s most useful to simply season food. Continue reading Garlic: What’s it good for?
Earlier posts on this topic here and here might leave readers with the impression that the scientific literature doesn’t support glucosamine to help treat osteoporosis.
Considering it’s one of the most commonly used supplements, it’s worth another look. Continue reading Defining the benefits of glucosamine for osteoarthritis