A variant of acupuncture, ear stapling (in which a surgical staple is placed in the conchal bowl [photo] of the ear) is promoted to decrease appetite and induce weight loss.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine report 2 patients with infections at the site of needle placement. Continue reading Complications from ear stapling for weight reduction
Researchers at the University of Bonn, in Germany, evaluated the effects of supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (omega-3 fatty acids) on risk factors for calcium oxalate stone formation. Continue reading Omega-3 and the risk of kidney stones
Primary dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation that’s not due to a disease, but to menstruation itself.
There’s “promising evidence” for acupuncture, according to at least 1 group of researchers at Kyung Hee University Medical Center, in Seoul, South Korea. Continue reading Reviews of acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhea
Researchers from the University Hospital Marques de Valdecilla, in Santander, Spain studied the relationship between migraine and smoking. Continue reading The smoking/migraine connection
The risk of heart disease increases significantly in women after menopause mostly because of estrogen deficiency. Soy protein is promoted as a dietary means for reducing this risk.
In this study, researchers at Florida State University, in Tallahassee, examined the effects of soy protein consumption on heart disease risk in postmenopausal women. Continue reading Lack of effect of soy protein on lipids after 1 year
Researchers from Canada and the UK reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Acupuncture for rehabilitation after stroke
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston, tested cognitive behavioral therapy in adults who were also treated with drugs but still experiencing significant symptoms. Continue reading Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD
Researchers at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, in China, reviewed the association between tea consumption and the risk of coronary artery disease (narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart). Continue reading Black tea, green tea, and the risk of heart disease
Researchers at the University of Western Australia, in Crawley, studied B6, B12, and folic acid. Continue reading Do B vitamins and folic acid affect cognitive function?
Researchers at the University of Queensland, in St Lucia, Australia, evaluated tea tree oil + lavender oil. Continue reading Treating head lice, naturally
Otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear, usually caused by infection) affects people of all ages, but is particularly common in young children.
This Cochrane review evaluated studies of children younger than 5 years. Continue reading Does zinc prevent middle ear infections?
An international group of researchers looked for changes in the risk of chronic diseases, depressive symptoms, and fatigue. Continue reading Effects of retirement on chronic disease
Being overweight after breast cancer treatment may increase a woman’s risk for recurrent disease.
Researchers at the University of Arizona, in Tucson found that there are benefits from drinking green tea, but weight loss isn’t one of them. Continue reading Effects of green tea in obese breast cancer survivors
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. Continue reading Balneotherapy for fibromyalgia
Major depressive disorder in elderly individuals is prevalent and debilitating.
Researchers from the Netherlands measured the response to bright light therapy (BLT) in elderly patients with major depressive disorder. Continue reading Light therapy for depressed older people
Aliskiren (Tekturna) is used to treat high blood pressure. It’s poorly absorbed from the intestines (about 2.5%).
Researchers at Helsinki University Central Hospital, in Finland, report that apple and orange juice further reduce the amount that gets absorbed from the intestines. Continue reading Interaction between aliskiren and fruit juice
Researchers at Universite de Toulouse, in France, assessed cannabis-related adverse events leading to hospitalization, and the corresponding annual risk. Continue reading Hospitalizations due to smoking marijuana
Interestingly, the benefits don’t include weight loss, according to researchers at The University of Sydney, in Australia. Continue reading Kung fu for obese adolescents
Fascia is the soft tissue component of connective tissue that supports and protects muscles. Myofascial release is a soft tissue therapy used to treat pain and restricted motion.
Researchers at the University of Almería, in Spain, looked for improvement in pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life. Continue reading Massage-myofacial release therapy in fibromyalgia
Researchers at Chulalongkorn University, in Bangkok, Thailand, reviewed research on exercise options to prevent and cure nonspecific neck pain. Continue reading Which exercise for nonspecific neck pain in office workers?