In fact, this study found that sham acupuncture had marginally better results. Continue reading Lack of acupuncture’s effect on arm pain due to repetitive use
Category Archives: J. CONDITIONS TO TREAT
Using ginkgo biloba to treat Raynaud’s disease
People with Raynaud’s disease experience cold and pain in their fingers, toes, nose, and ears when exposed to temperature changes or stress.
The World Health Organization recommends using ginkgo to treat Raynaud’s disease.
Actually, the scientific support for this recommendation is minimal –- just one positive study published in 2003. Continue reading Using ginkgo biloba to treat Raynaud’s disease
Better to get vitamin D from food and supplements
That’s the latest recommendation from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
But what about natural sources like sunlight or indoor tanning devices? Continue reading Better to get vitamin D from food and supplements
Modest exercise is good for chronic pain
The main problem is motivating people to stick with the program. Continue reading Modest exercise is good for chronic pain
More evidence: Stroke not associated with chiropractic
In Saskatchewan and Ontario between 1993 and 2004, changes in the incidence of vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) stroke did not correlate with the use of chiropractic care. Continue reading More evidence: Stroke not associated with chiropractic
No convincing evidence for vitamins A, C, E or selenium in treating arthritis
Caution: Marijuana and heart attack patients
Marijuana might pose particular risk for susceptible people with coronary heart disease, according to researchers at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Continue reading Caution: Marijuana and heart attack patients
Massage for chronic pain not related to cancer
Dr. Jennie Tsao from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in California has reviewed the evidence and concludes it depends on the type of pain being treated. Continue reading Massage for chronic pain not related to cancer
Lowering the risk of gallstones with magnesium
The results of this study almost support an old home remedy. Continue reading Lowering the risk of gallstones with magnesium
Treating SAD with blue light
Bright visible-spectrum light therapy is effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Basic research suggests that blue wavelengths approximately 470 nm account for that effectiveness.
To confirm these findings, researchers from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, tested blue light in people with SAD. Continue reading Treating SAD with blue light
Garlic doesn’t lower cholesterol blood levels
“The available evidence from randomized controlled trials does not demonstrate any beneficial effects of garlic on serum cholesterol,” according to researchers from the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur.
I think there’s a consensus brewing. Continue reading Garlic doesn’t lower cholesterol blood levels
Rice as an allergen in children
Researchers at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Australia report the emerging importance of rice — a food commonly thought to be “hypoallergenic” — as a significant trigger of food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). Continue reading Rice as an allergen in children
Treating kidney stones with Ayurvedic Herbmed
Herbmed is an ayurvedic medicine that contains Varuna (Crataeva nurvala) and banana stem (Musa paradisiaca).
Researchers from AMAI Trust Multispecialty Hospital in Pune, India report the results of preliminary research in treating kidney stones. Continue reading Treating kidney stones with Ayurvedic Herbmed
Safety update on melamine in infant formula
Melamine-contaminated products from China have been a topic here for almost 2 years.
Now, the FDA has published guidelines for safe levels. Continue reading Safety update on melamine in infant formula
Effects of therapeutic touch on cancer pain
Therapeutic touch (TT) reduced pain and fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, according to this study by researchers in Iran.
But, how do we account for the placebo effect? Continue reading Effects of therapeutic touch on cancer pain
Should everyone get zinc?
The immune system depends on this essential trace element.
Many (but not all) diseases respond positively when zinc is used to support immunity or correct a zinc deficiency. Continue reading Should everyone get zinc?
Inability to prevent back pain when lifting heavy objects
Common recommendations to prevent back pain have no benefit, according to this review of the medical literature. Continue reading Inability to prevent back pain when lifting heavy objects
FDA warning on 2 weight loss products
A company called Fashion Sanctuary is removing from the market all Zhen De Shou Fat Loss Capsules sold in 10-count blister cards.
In addition, Balanced Health Products, Inc. is voluntarily recalling Starcaps Diet System Dietary Supplement sold in 30-capsule plastic bottles. Continue reading FDA warning on 2 weight loss products
More contaminated foods from China
As an update to yesterday’s discussion about undeclared ingredients in medicine and other products from China, here’s the latest FDA advisory, warning the public not to consume certain dairy products because of possible melamine contamination.
A list of the products and a brief discussion of the dangers of melamine follows. Continue reading More contaminated foods from China
Tung Shueh Pills not legal in the US
A reader who gets pain relief from this Chinese “herbal” product asks why it’s illegal in the US. Continue reading Tung Shueh Pills not legal in the US