They don’t contain ephedra.
This might seem intuitive, but with supplements you can’t be sure until you test.
Continue reading Good news on ephedra-free weight loss products
Surprising results and conclusions from the GERAC acupuncture trials for low back pain
Conflicting findings on the effectiveness of acupuncture are often attributed to flaws in study design and methods. The German Acupuncture Trials (GERAC) were intended to demonstrate that it’s possible to design acupuncture studies in accordance with the standards of good clinical practice.
Here’s what they report. Continue reading Surprising results and conclusions from the GERAC acupuncture trials for low back pain
Bad news for calcium supplements
This review by the Cochrane Collaboration of 19 clinical trials in almost 3000 children treated with calcium or placebo reveals that bone mineral density (BMD) increases the same amount in the hip and spine whether children take calcium supplements or placebo. Continue reading Bad news for calcium supplements
Trigger point acupuncture for neck pain
This study by researchers at Meiji University of Oriental Medicine in Kyoto, Japan concludes it’s effective. But what, exactly, is the meaning of “trigger point?” Continue reading Trigger point acupuncture for neck pain
A bewildering study of acupuncture treatment of dysmenorrhea
Why do CAM journals publish useless studies?
Case in point. Continue reading A bewildering study of acupuncture treatment of dysmenorrhea
Background noise helps ADHD children learn
Göran Söderlund at Stockholm University defended his doctoral thesis recently.
The title? Noise improves cognitive performance in children with dysfunctional neurotransmission. Continue reading Background noise helps ADHD children learn
A very concise review of herbal medicines
Those who read this blog know that one of the main objectives it to provide CAM information as concisely as possible.
Well, I’ve been outdone. Lidie Lajoie gets the award. you can carry it in your pocket.
See what I mean at this pdf.
1/31/07 09:28 JR
Consumer alert: Axcil and Desirin
A company called TWC Global LLC, Inc. has issued a nationwide recall of Axcil and Desirin, which are marketed as sexual enhancement supplements for men and women, respectfully. Continue reading Consumer alert: Axcil and Desirin
Acute liver disease associated with taking aloe vera by mouth
It has been reported in 3 people. Continue reading Acute liver disease associated with taking aloe vera by mouth
New study supports acupuncture to treat rhinitis
According to Acupuncture.com, “The ideal time to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis using acupuncture is at least one month before symptoms normally begin.”
Here’s a study where acupuncture helped ongoing rhinitis symptoms. Continue reading New study supports acupuncture to treat rhinitis
A yoga video demonstrates stress reduction poses
MayoClinic.com has posted a video that introduces five basic yoga poses.
It’s about 5 minutes long and worth a look.
1/23/07 21:14 JR
Results from the Central Sydney Tai Chi Trial
The objective was to determine the effectiveness of a 16-week community-based tai chi program in reducing falls and improving balance. Continue reading Results from the Central Sydney Tai Chi Trial
Update on gundamiti to treat HIV/AIDS
Some people with HIV/AIDS, according to an article from Voice of America, say they have “stopped taking ARVs [anti-retroviral medicines] in favor of the cheaper traditional Gundamiti herb, which costs under Z$2 million (about $38 in US dollars) a month.” That’s about half the cost of the ARVs in Zimbabwe.
But does it work? Continue reading Update on gundamiti to treat HIV/AIDS
Recognizing boundaries between yoga and psychotherapy
A reader adds perspective to the physical vs philosophical value of yoga, so be sure to read the comment.
Dan Charnas has a good article in Yoga Journal where he advises yoga instructors against crossing the line between a physical workout and psychological counseling.
It’s useful for students to consider and applies to other disciplines as well.
Excerpts here.
Continue reading Recognizing boundaries between yoga and psychotherapy
Best foods (and supplements) to lower your cholesterol
MayoClinic.com has posted a review.
Here’s the skinny. Continue reading Best foods (and supplements) to lower your cholesterol
Soft drinks reportedly not a cause of obesity in children
The article abstract is jargon-riddled, but an article in BeverageDaily.com “translates” the results into English. Continue reading Soft drinks reportedly not a cause of obesity in children
Allergic reactions associated with the use of pelargonium
Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants, which includes about 200 species. Extracts have been used to treat respiratory tract and gastrointestinal infections.
Now, more about the allergic reactions to Pelargonium sidoides DC and P. reniforme Curtis, which reportedly have immune modulating properties and antibacterial activity. Continue reading Allergic reactions associated with the use of pelargonium
Financial support for research training and career development in CAM
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) offers research training and career development awards for those seeking a career in CAM research. Continue reading Financial support for research training and career development in CAM
Podcast review of cholesterol-lowering supplements
Dr. Brent Bauer is Director of the Mayo Clinic Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program. He was interviewed for a podcast on cholesterol-lowering supplements, which is available here. Continue reading Podcast review of cholesterol-lowering supplements
The benefits of qigong and other CAM for fibromyalgia
A study at the University of Uppsala, Sweden reports that qigong (chee-kung) has positive and reliable effects regarding fibromyalgia.
Let’s look at these results and review other positive CAM studies in the past year. Continue reading The benefits of qigong and other CAM for fibromyalgia