The C.A.M. Report
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fair, Balanced, and to the Point

Archive for the 'NCCAM' Category

CAM use among older Americans

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

In October 2010 the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) conducted a telephone survey. (more…)

Review: CAM for arthritis

Monday, October 10th, 2011

Prof. Ernst and colleague evaluated the evidence on CAM treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. (more…)

Probiotics improve a person’s health

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

This Cochrane Review assessed the effectiveness and safety of probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory infections (URTIs). (more…)

Comparing 2 massage techniques to treat chronic back pain

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

Researchers in the US compared 2 types of massage and usual care. (more…)

Acupuncture to treat hiccups in cancer patients

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

Researchers at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), National Institutes of Health, in Bethesda, Maryland tell us acupuncture may be a clinically useful. (more…)

Echinacea to treat the common cold?

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

In a study sponsored by the NCCAM, researchers from the US and Australia looked for potential benefits. (more…)

NCCAM-sponsored study of tai chi to treat fibromyalgia

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Researchers at Tufts Medical Center, in Boston reported their findings in that bastion of allopathic medicine, The New England Journal of Medicine. (more…)

NCCAM reviews reiki and ayurvedic

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

 The National Center for Contemporary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has updated their introductory reviews.

Here’s what’s important. (more…)

Placebo as CAM in mainstream medicine

Saturday, July 11th, 2009

 Despite what we hear about the importance of evidence-based medicine, about half of the doctors in this survey say they prescribe placebo treatments “on a regular basis.” (more…)

Thinking of taking valerian to help you sleep?

Friday, July 10th, 2009

Before you do, consider these quotes. (more…)

Acupuncture is effective for back pain, but…

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

It’s just that the selection of acupoints and penetration of the needles appeared to be unimportant, according to the SPINE (Stimulating Points to Investigate Needling Efficacy) researchers. (more…)

Future directions for acupuncture research

Friday, February 27th, 2009

There’s an online newsletter, CAM at the NIH, posted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) that you might want to check out.

This issue lists priorities for future acupuncture research. (more…)

Cost-effective naturopathic care for low back pain

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

In this study by researchers in Canada and the US, combining several treatments under the umbrella of naturopathic care was better than simply giving advice. (more…)

CAM use in the US

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that approximately 38% of adults and 12% of children use some form of CAM. (more…)

Challenges in CAM research today

Monday, October 6th, 2008

 Here are the thoughts of Dr. Margery Gass (photo), who is Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. (more…)

Cranial manipulation and echinacea for middle ear infection

Sunday, October 5th, 2008

 Among the more common complementary therapies used in young children with recurrent otitis media are Echinacea purpurea and cranial osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).

This study, by researchers at the University of Arizona, is the first well-designed study of each treatment. (more…)

Complementary and integrative medicine at Johns Hopkins

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

 The Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center opened Sept. 2nd in Baltimore, Maryland. (more…)

Review of black cohosh for menopause

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

Prof. Ernst has reviewed black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) to treat menopausal symptoms. (more…)

Time to Talk

Saturday, June 7th, 2008

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has launched an educational campaign to encourage the discussion of CAM use.

The program is aimed at patients, healthcare professionals, and professional and community organizations. (more…)

Aromatherapy: Feel good or make well?

Monday, March 3rd, 2008

Here’s a hint.

The most comprehensive study of aromatherapy failed to show improvement in immune status, wound healing, or pain control. (more…)