Studies suggest that soy relieves neuropathic pain in animals and reduces pain and improves range of motion in people with osteoarthritis.
Based on this, researchers from the Mayo Clinic thought it reasonable to look for benefits of soy in people with fibromyalgia. Continue reading Testing soy shakes for fibromyalgia
Reviewers from Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina conclude it’s better than sham acupuncture and even drugs. Continue reading Reviewing acupuncture to treat chronic headache
Researchers from Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main in Germany took a detailed look at reports of liver toxicity associated with taking kava.
They uncover potential risks associated with taking this popular herbal. Continue reading Risk factors for liver toxicity from kava
This is the second review published this year, and the second to conclude “there is no evidence for a causal relationship between treatment by black cohosh and the observed liver disease.” Continue reading Black cohosh not associated with liver disease, again
It’s mostly in your head. Continue reading Benefits of biofeedback in older women with urge urinary incontinence
Once again, less is more. Continue reading More evidence against intensive whiplash treatment
“The notion that acupuncture may lower high blood pressure is inconclusive, according to reviewers from the Sangji University in Kangwondo, South Korea. Continue reading Is there a role for acupuncture to lower blood pressure?
A while back, there was a toothbrush that played music to encourage kids to brush their teeth. That was fun.
Now, researchers from Tzu Chi University in Taiwan have studied the potential benefits of music therapy for a more serious activity — root canal treatment. Continue reading More tooth tunes? Music therapy during root canal
An international group of researchers report that peppermint oil is “more effective than placebo in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).”
It compared favorably to fiber and antispasmodic drugs too. Continue reading Success with peppermint oil for IBS symptoms
Get out your MP3 player if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
As the researchers from the University of Hamburg state in their ivory tower way, “Auditory distraction might… serve as an intervention for the reduction of dyspnea [difficulty breathing] during exercise in this patient group.” Continue reading Music helps breathing in people with COPD
I do. Although I was never sure if it made a difference.
Now, researchers from Uppsala University Hospital in Sweden report that eating 1 enriched egg each day leads to changes that might lower the risk for diabetes and death due to cardiovascular disease. Continue reading Should you buy omega-3 enriched eggs?
Researchers from Tufts University in Boston reported during the American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans that drinking 3 cups of hibiscus tea daily for 6 weeks lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP) by about 7 mmHg in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive subjects. Continue reading Hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure
It’s known that religiosity and the personal importance of religion are associated with lower levels of alcohol use among both adolescents and college students.
This study looked at the influence of the religious beliefs of close friends and typical college students on alcohol use. Continue reading Religion and the influence of social contacts on alcohol use
The Traverse City Record-Eagle has a story about a pilgrimage to China to learn about tuina (aka Tui Na).
Here’s what we know about tuina and research that’s been published in 2008. Continue reading Tuina: Chinese manipulative therapy
The concept of energy density can help you feel satisfied with fewer calories, according to MayoClinic.com.
In this study, eating a lower energy density breakfast was associated with better weight control. Continue reading Benefits of a lower energy dense breakfast
More than 50 major hospitals and clinics throughout the United States offer energy healing to patients
This study by researchers from the University of Washington concluded, “Neither reiki nor touch improved the symptoms of fibromyalgia.” Continue reading Does reiki complement pain control in fibromyalgia?
The New York Times reports there’s “a new early warning system for fast-spreading flu outbreaks, called Google Flu Trends.” Continue reading Feeling ill? Google “flu”
HemOnc Today has reviewed the historic and current role of arsenic in the mainstream treatment of cancer today.
Here’s a brief summary of its current use. Continue reading Arsenic in modern medicine
After 6 months, twice as many smokers who chose hypnotherapy remained smoke free compared to those going “cold turkey,” according to this report at last year’s meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians. Continue reading Hypnotherapy for smoking cessation
The Harvard Women’s Health Watch has published recommendations to lower the risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.
I supplemented their recommendations with references. Continue reading Recommendations from Harvard for bone health