“Women given sterile water injection have less pain during labor compared to women given acupuncture,” according to researchers at the University of Skövde in Sweden. Continue reading Acupuncture vs water in injections to treat labor pains
Category Archives: K. SPECIAL GROUPS
The value of CAM for pain relief during labor
Professor Michel Tournaire and Dr. Anne Theau-Yonneau have reviewed the literature.
Few publications report a statistically significant reduction in labor pain? Here’s what we know about pain relief and other outcomes. I’ll summarize the more familiar options. Continue reading The value of CAM for pain relief during labor
Acupuncture after spontaneous rupture of membranes at term of pregnancy
In an earlier entry the growing list of studies supporting the role of acupuncture in pregnancy clinics was summarized.
Now, there’s a study showing benefits of acupuncture for augmentation of labor after spontaneous rupture of membranes at term.
Continue reading Acupuncture after spontaneous rupture of membranes at term of pregnancy
Music therapy in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures
Dr. Dan Rudin from Statin Island University Hospital in New York looked at past studies and concluded it’s a “safe and cost-effective measure not to be overlooked.” Continue reading Music therapy in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures
Acupuncture for children
Researchers from Los Angeles reviewed the literature and found acupuncture holds promise but,… surprise … more research is needed.
Here’s what we know today. Continue reading Acupuncture for children
Acupuncture does not reduce the active phase of labor in pregnant women
The women liked the treatment, but it didn’t speed labor. Continue reading Acupuncture does not reduce the active phase of labor in pregnant women
The winner in CAM for 2007
Omega-3 fatty acids, of course
There’s so much good stuff it’s hard to know where to start. Continue reading The winner in CAM for 2007
Using a soy-based moisturizer to treat photoaging
The researchers from Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products show that “a moisturizer containing stabilized soy extracts is safe and effective.” Continue reading Using a soy-based moisturizer to treat photoaging
Peppermint oil is “probably effective”
No consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence is available on peppermint oil (Mentha piperita). So, the authors based their conclusions on the criteria in the strength of recommendation taxonomy (SORT). Continue reading Peppermint oil is “probably effective”
Vitamin D fails to stop geriatric hospital patients from falling
However, it’s important to compare this study design to what has been reported in the past. Continue reading Vitamin D fails to stop geriatric hospital patients from falling
Benefits of honey on night cough and sleep quality in children
Is it a good as dextromethorphan — the cough-suppressant found in many over-the-counter cold and cough medicines?
Researchers from the College of Medicine at Pennsylvania State University Hershey show that it is. Continue reading Benefits of honey on night cough and sleep quality in children
Using light to improve sleep in adults with dementia
Before we start, let’s define “lux.” Even though it won’t help you understand the results of the study. Continue reading Using light to improve sleep in adults with dementia
Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and the risk of asthma in children
Recently, 2 studies (here and here) showed that increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet of pregnant women had many benefits for their children years later.
Unfortunately, modifying the dietary intake of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids during early childhood does not change the risk of getting asthma later on.
Continue reading Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and the risk of asthma in children
Harvard gets specific about seafood, pregnant women, and omega-3
HealthBeat, published by Harvard Health Publications, has an excellent article with solid recommendations about the health benefits and risk of eating seafood.
It’s particularly appropriate in light of recent studies here and here supporting the value of omega-3 fatty acids in pregnant women.
Some useful excerpts
Continue reading Harvard gets specific about seafood, pregnant women, and omega-3
More support for expectant moms to eat the right amount of seafood
For the second time in less than two months, a study of pregnant women concludes that their babies do better if the women make sure they get enough omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy.
In this case, “enough” is more than the 340 grams of seafood per week that’s usually recommended.
This time they ate seafood rather than take supplements.
Continue reading More support for expectant moms to eat the right amount of seafood
Asthma, pregnancy, and progressive muscle relaxation
The effect of pregnancy on asthma is unpredictable. In about one-third of women their asthma gets worse, especially during months 6 to 8.
The results of this 8-week study of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in 64 women in Germany might provide a management option.
Continue reading Asthma, pregnancy, and progressive muscle relaxation
Studying the effects of omega-3 on children with autism
Researchers from the Medical University of Vienna think “omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment for children with autism.” Continue reading Studying the effects of omega-3 on children with autism
No more OTC meds to treat colds in children younger than 6 years old?
“The data that we have now is they don’t seem to work,” said Dr. Sean Hennessy, a University of Pennsylvania epidemiologist and one of the experts who testified to the FDA today.
But what about CAM as an alternative? Continue reading No more OTC meds to treat colds in children younger than 6 years old?
Acupuncture and pregnancy rates following in vitro fertilization
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
Atkins: An effective alternative to the ketogenic diet for epilepsy
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