A survey by Mr. Jonathan Koffman at King’s College London School of Medicine reveals the problem with music therapy. Perhaps we can offer a solution. Continue reading What, exactly, is music therapy…or a music therapist, for that matter?
UGLI fruit: The exotic tangelo from Jamaica
Dr. Irene just brought one home from the Stop-&-Shop. And it is homely, but very good.
Cut the ulgi (UHG-lee) fruit across, and it looks like a grapefruit. Peel back the pliable skin, and the segments separate to form bite-sized pieces that taste like a mild orange, but with more juice.
Excellent. Continue reading UGLI fruit: The exotic tangelo from Jamaica
Effectiveness of CBT and OBT in fibromyalgia
Improvements in physical functioning, pain, and distress, have been reported in patients receiving operant-behavioral (OBT) or cognitive behavioral treatments (CBT) for the fibromyalgia syndrome. And the benefits lasted for 12 months (the end of the study) compared to another group that received placebo therapy.
Wow! Impressive, considering there’s no FDA-approved treatment for fibromyalgia.
But what are OBT and CBT?
Continue reading Effectiveness of CBT and OBT in fibromyalgia
Acupuncture is not very effective treatment for major depression
It might help some people, but more effective options are available.
Continue reading Acupuncture is not very effective treatment for major depression
Overweight: The symptom, not the problem
Michelle Morand is Founder and Director of The CEDRIC Centre. a few years ago she published a book titled, Food is not the problem: Deal with what is! Continue reading Overweight: The symptom, not the problem
Low vitamin D levels lower the response to treatment of hepatitis C
Researchers from Italy report that low vitamin D is linked to severe fibrosis and a poor response to interferon treatment. Continue reading Low vitamin D levels lower the response to treatment of hepatitis C
Weight bearing yoga in postmenopausal women
Researchers from Chulalongkorn University, in Bangkok, Thailand studied changes in bone resorption and the quality of life of the postmenopausal women. Continue reading Weight bearing yoga in postmenopausal women
Is there a role for milk thistle treatment of liver toxicity in leukemia?
Milk thistle is often used to treat chemotherapy-associated liver toxicity.
Researchers from the US studied it in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Continue reading Is there a role for milk thistle treatment of liver toxicity in leukemia?
A quick review of Ginkgo
As part of the Charms & Harms series in the Journal of Primary Care, Dr. Joanne Barnes, from the University of Auckland, in New Zealand distilled the evidence.
Here’s what we know. Continue reading A quick review of Ginkgo
Fish oil lowers risk of breast of cancer
Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, in Seattle, Washington tell us, “There have been no prospective studies of the association between the long-term use of these supplements (omega-3 fatty acids and others] and breast cancer risk….” until now.
This and other recent breakthroughs are summarized below. Continue reading Fish oil lowers risk of breast of cancer
Managing nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy
They’re among the cardinal signs of early pregnancy — experienced by 50% to 80% of women.
Let’s focus on CAM options from this review by researchers at the University of Utah and the University of California at San Francisco. Continue reading Managing nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy
Acupuncture to improve exercise in patients with heart failure
Researchers at the University Hospital of Heidelberg, in Germany tested the value of acupuncture. Continue reading Acupuncture to improve exercise in patients with heart failure
Reviewing pomegranate research
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) told POM Wonderful that their UK billboard showing a bottle of pomegranate juice and a hangman’s noose, and proclaims the juice can “cheat death” must be taken down.
ASA says “We considered the evidence… but concluded that it fell short of showing any direct relation between consuming the product and a longer life.”
So, what’s the evidence? Continue reading Reviewing pomegranate research
Effect of religious attitudes on suicide risk
A sense of religious affiliation may help protect people from attempting suicide, according to researchers at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg during the American Psychiatric Association meeting in 2009. Continue reading Effect of religious attitudes on suicide risk
Effect of acupuncture in atopic eczema
Prof. Florian Pfab from the Technische University Munchen, in Germany has reported that acupuncture prevents histamine-induced itching.
In this study Prof. Pfab and colleagues report its effect on the wheal and flare response in adults with atopic eczema. Continue reading Effect of acupuncture in atopic eczema
Benefits of massage during chronic tension headache
Researchers in the US and Spain observed benefits after a single session. Continue reading Benefits of massage during chronic tension headache
Glucosamine for chronic low back pain due to degenerative lumbar osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) occurs as cartilage breaks down and wears away. This causes the bones under the cartilage to rub together, resulting pain, swelling, and loss of joint motion.
Although glucosamine is increasingly used by these patients, researchers at Oslo University Hospital Outpatient Clinic in Norway tell us little was known about the effectiveness of glucosamine for this condition until now. Continue reading Glucosamine for chronic low back pain due to degenerative lumbar osteoarthritis
Iyengar yoga for chronic low back pain.
Iyengar is a form of yoga that uses props, such as belts and blocks, as aids in performing the positions (asanas).
Researchers from West Virginia University, in Morgantown report several benefits. Continue reading Iyengar yoga for chronic low back pain.
Acupunture for hot flashes in men with prostate cancer
Hot flashes are a common side effect of androgen ablation therapy — a well-established treatment for various stages of prostate cancer.
Researchers at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, in Brooklyn, New York, report positive effects with acupuncture. Continue reading Acupunture for hot flashes in men with prostate cancer
Consumer Alert: Que She
This “all-natural blend of Chinese herbs” will get this year’s award for the most fraudulently labeled supplement. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Que She