Dr. Sabina Lim, writing for the World Health Organization (WHO), has reported on the WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (WHO Standard), which was released in 2009. Continue reading WHO sets standards for acupuncture
Long-term effects of soy in diabetics
There were positive effects on predictors of heart and kidney complications in diabetics with kidney disease. Continue reading Long-term effects of soy in diabetics
CAM for procedural pain
 It’s the discomfort experienced by patients during medical procedures required to give drugs or conduct tests (eg, heel stick, circumcision, or inserting a needle in a blood vessel).
The evidence for several CAM options in infants was reviewed by researchers at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in California. Continue reading CAM for procedural pain
Lowering cholesterol with phytosterols
 Researchers from Wageningen University in The Netherlands reviewed the research on the LDL (bad) cholesterol–lowering effects of different phytosterol doses. Continue reading Lowering cholesterol with phytosterols
Omega-3 and insulin resistance: Reviewing the evidence
 Insulin resistance occurs when cells in the body no longer respond to insulin. The cause in most cases isn’t known but appears to be linked to obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.
Researchers from the University of California at Davis reviewed the evidence on the potential for omega-3 fatty acids to prevent insulin resistance. Continue reading Omega-3 and insulin resistance: Reviewing the evidence
Marijuana and the risk of oral cancer
 Researchers from Washington State and Illinois report no association between marijuana use and increased oral-cancer risk. Continue reading Marijuana and the risk of oral cancer
Giving magnesium to women at risk for preterm birth
Babies born too early (preterm) have a higher risk of dying in the first weeks of life, and those who survive often have damage in the form of cerebral palsy
This Cochrane review identified positive effects of magnesium sulphate when given to women at risk of preterm birth. Continue reading Giving magnesium to women at risk for preterm birth
Multivitamins: Little value in postmenopausal women
 Multivitamins have little or no influence on the risk of common cancers, cardiovascular disease, or total mortality in postmenopausal women, according to the Women’s Health Initiative study. Continue reading Multivitamins: Little value in postmenopausal women
A multi-herb formula for respiratory tract health
Sinupret is a popular herbal product in Germany.
Here’s a summary from Medical News Today, based on a monograph by the American Botanical Council (ABC). Continue reading A multi-herb formula for respiratory tract health
Benefits of diet in people with high blood pressure
Weight loss is recommended in all major guidelines for antihypertensive therapy.
In this study from Germany, body weight and blood pressure (BP) were lowered with diet or orlistat (Xenical). Continue reading Benefits of diet in people with high blood pressure
Doctors who seek acupuncture training
Courses in acupuncture are increasingly available to doctors. Here’s a study of the outcomes of this education. Continue reading Doctors who seek acupuncture training
Atrial fibrillation in marijuana smokers
“Whenever a young patient without predisposing factors develops AF (atrial fibrillation), the possibility of marijuana smoking should be examined as a potential cause.”
After searching the medical literature, 7 case reports were identified for review. Continue reading Atrial fibrillation in marijuana smokers
Acupuncture to treat heartburn
“Adding acupuncture is more effective than doubling the proton pump inhibitor dose,” according to researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson. Continue reading Acupuncture to treat heartburn
Benefits of massage in women with breast cancer
 Researchers from the Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology in Berlin, Germany report benefits in women with early stage breast cancer. Continue reading Benefits of massage in women with breast cancer
Soy and colorectal cancer risk in women
 Researchers from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee studied the relationship between eating soy food and the risk of colorectal cancer risk in women. Continue reading Soy and colorectal cancer risk in women
Tai chi in Parkinson’s disease
Professor Ernst from the Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter & Plymouth UK has reviewed the literature and concludes that studies of “tai chi for PD (Parkinson’s disease) are feasible but scarce.” Continue reading Tai chi in Parkinson’s disease
Magnetic acupuncture for post-op nausea and vomiting
 This study assessed magnetic acupressure to prevent nausea and vomiting following ear-nose-throat (ENT) or gynecological surgeries.
But should we apply these findings to other forms of acupuncture? Continue reading Magnetic acupuncture for post-op nausea and vomiting
Benefits of yoga in breast cancer patients
 According to this study, yoga might have a role in managing psychological distress in early breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy. Continue reading Benefits of yoga in breast cancer patients
Effect of tai chi on blood pressure
Researchers from Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston have reviewed the medical literature. Continue reading Effect of tai chi on blood pressure
Benefits of omega-3 in kidney dialysis
HDL (good) cholesterol went up, while triglyceride levels declined.
And, there’s more. Continue reading Benefits of omega-3 in kidney dialysis