http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/alternative_medicine/ From yoga techniques to acupuncture to herbal supplements, learn all about alternative therapies, medicines and nutrition. en-us Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:05:01 EST Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/alternative_medicine/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100209191441.htm Some doctors are now offering pediatric patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses acupuncture therapy to help ease the pain and negative side effects like nausea, fatigue and vomiting caused by chronic health conditions and intensive treatments. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100209191441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100209183337.htm A forensic pathologist has sounded a worldwide warning of the potential lethal dangers of herbal medicines if taken in large quantities, injected, or combined with prescription drugs. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100209183337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100204101736.htm New research about the effects of acupuncture on the brain may provide an understanding of the complex mechanisms of acupuncture and could lead to a wider acceptability of the treatment. Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100204101736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100204075105.htm Researchers have shown that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for depression during pregnancy. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100204075105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100201171409.htm More and more Americans are turning to herbal remedies to help manage chronic conditions or promote general health and wellness. But many of today's popular herbal supplements, including St. John's wort, gingko biloba, garlic and even grapefruit juice can pose serious risks to people who are taking medications for heart disease, according to a review article. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100201171409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127113749.htm Restrictions should be placed on the use of Ginkgo biloba -- a top-selling herbal remedy -- because of growing scientific evidence that Ginkgo may increase the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy and could reduce the effectiveness of anti-seizure drugs, a new report concludes. Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127113749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100114091217.htm Postoperative ileus is a common problem in patients who have major abdominal surgery. The duration is usually short, but prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) may lead to increased hospital stay and costs. Acupuncture is often used to treat gastrointestinal disorders in China, but it is still not known whether it is effective for preventing or treating PPOI. Information from a study group may help surgeons choose appropriate therapy for PPOI after abdominal surgery. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100114091217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100120083743.htm The largest national survey of its kind that measured medical students' attitudes and beliefs about complementary and alternative medicine found that three-quarters of them felt conventional Western medicine would benefit by integrating more CAM therapies and ideas. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100120083743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111122643.htm Regularly practicing yoga exercises may lower a number of compounds in the blood and reduce the level of inflammation that normally rises because of both normal aging and stress, a new study has shown. The study showed that women who routinely practiced yoga had lower amounts of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in their blood. Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111122643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112165108.htm Green tea can reduce the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Benefits were also seen in non-smokers. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112165108.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100105100023.htm Researchers have discovered that patients with chronic hepatitis C virus who consumed more than 308 mg of caffeine daily had milder liver fibrosis. The daily amount of caffeine intake found to be beneficial is equivalent to 2.25 cups of regular coffee. Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100105100023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100104114559.htm St. John's wort is not an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) according to new research. While antidepressants are frequently used to treat IBS, to date, no study has examined the success of using the herbal supplement St. John's wort in treating IBS. Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100104114559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100104151929.htm Millions of Americans with significant or chronic pain associated with their medical problems are being under-treated as physicians increasingly fail to provide comprehensive pain treatment -- either due to inadequate training, personal biases or fear of prescription drug abuse. Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100104151929.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025091138.htm Just three months of physical activity reaps heart health benefits for older adults with type 2 diabetes by improving the elasticity in their arteries -- reducing risk of heart disease and stroke, researchers say. Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025091138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091229105908.htm Not only is acupuncture as effective as drug therapy at reducing hot flashes in breast cancer patients, it has the added benefit of potentially increasing a woman's sex drive and improving her sense of well-being, according to a new study. Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091229105908.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091229164938.htm Older adults who used the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba for several years did not have a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to adults who received placebo, according to a new study. Wed, 30 Dec 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091229164938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030095507.htm For pulmonary ailments, certain medieval physicians had a useful medical textbook on hand offering detailed information remarkably similar to those a modern doctor might use today. Sun, 27 Dec 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030095507.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091221212734.htm The carcinogen aristolochic acid, which was found in many prescribed Chinese herbal products including Guan Mu Tong, is associated with an increased risk of urinary tract cancer, according to a new study. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091221212734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091217094907.htm New research has found that an alternative therapy may be possible for treating some types of hypertension using an enzyme called ACE2. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091217094907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091215160653.htm Laboratory experiments suggest that the resin of certain trees of the Middle East, known commonly as the "myrrh" of the Christmas story, may have cholesterol-lowering properties. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091215160653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091216203451.htm The medical establishment and politicians must do more to crack down on alternative medicine, argues one leading scientist. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091216203451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091206184438.htm Recent research into the availability of 'Spice' drugs online raises new concerns about its mood altering effects. Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091206184438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091204172757.htm Scientists have discovered two new metabolic pathways by which products of lipid peroxidation and some drugs of abuse, known as 4-hydroxyacids, are metabolized. The pathways were identified by a combination of metabolomics and mass isotopomer analysis. The findings shed new light on the mechanism of action of the drug of abuse gamma-hydroxybutyrate, also known as "the date rape drug." Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091204172757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091203090057.htm Despite popular belief and some marketing claims, researchers have found that Chinese "herbal" cigarettes that combine medicinal herbs with tobacco are just as addictive and no safer than regular cigarettes. Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091203090057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091126083418.htm A new study reaffirms that some patients with HIV experience an improved quality of life following their diagnosis. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091126083418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121216.htm Heart rate variability, a sign of a healthy heart, has been shown to be higher in yoga practitioners than in non-practitioners, according to new research. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121216.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118101359.htm Scientists examined the protective effect of green tea extract on hepatic fibrosis in vitro and in vivo in dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced rats. Their study demonstrates that green tea administration can effectively improve liver fibrosis caused by DMN, and may be used as a therapeutic option and preventive measure against hepatic fibrosis. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118101359.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091124204322.htm Scientists have tested the pain relieving properties of Hyptis crenata -- Brazilian mint. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091124204322.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119101207.htm A nutritionist in Nigeria says that malnutrition and iron deficiency in schoolchildren could be reduced in her country by baking up snail pie. She explains snail is not only cheaper and more readily available than beef but contains more protein. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119101207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117184537.htm Alternative health remedies are increasingly important in the health care marketplace. A new study explores how consumers choose among the many available remedies. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117184537.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105084848.htm Green tea extract has shown promise as cancer prevention agent for oral cancer in patients with a pre-malignant condition known as oral leukoplakia, according to researchers. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105084848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104101541.htm Researchers have found that yoga may be more effective than standard treatment for reducing chronic low back pain in minority populations. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104101541.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029102417.htm Researchers have determined that patients over 65 years of age with knee osteoarthritis who engage in regular Tai Chi exercise improve physical function and experience less pain. Tai Chi is a traditional style of Chinese martial arts that features slow, rhythmic movements to induce mental relaxation and enhance balance, strength, flexibility, and self-efficacy. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029102417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029111913.htm Biofield therapies -- Reiki, therapeutic touch and healing touch -- are promising complementary interventions for reducing the intensity of pain in diverse conditions, anxiety for hospitalized patients and agitated behaviors in dementia. A review of the science behind biofield therapies has now been published. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029111913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122956.htm Antioxidant extracts of the leaves of the Gingko biloba tree may protect cells from radiation damage, according to a new study. The discovery may one day be used to help reduce side effects in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019134713.htm Many wheelchair-using children with neurological disorders have much colder hands and feet than other children, and most receive no special help even though they have had these problems for a long time. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019134713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014174016.htm Kidney specialists should weigh the potential quality of life for frail elders with end-stage renal disease in opting for dialysis over more conservative therapies, a nephrologist and a palliative care specialist suggest in an editorial. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014174016.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006191316.htm More research is required to establish whether Chinese herbal medicines can reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes, according to researchers. Although herbal medicines are widely used in Asian countries to treat pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance or IGT), the precursor of the disease, researchers say there is still not enough hard scientific evidence to confidently recommend their use. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006191316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091004140951.htm A new study suggests that a growing segment of patients are turning to complementary and alternative medical therapies to help treat the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091004140951.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091004141000.htm Tai Chi, a form of Chinese martial arts often practiced for its health benefits, may be an effective treatment option for patients who suffer from dizziness and balance disorders (also known as vestibular disorders). Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091004141000.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928131208.htm New research has identified patterns that may help breast cancer patients at risk of serious joint pain from aromatase inhibitors. In a recent study, researchers found that estrogen withdrawal may play a role in the onset of arthralgia during treatment: Women who stopped getting their menstrual periods less than five years before starting breast cancer treatment were three times more likely to experience these pains than those who reached menopause earlier. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928131208.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916103424.htm Researchers are reporting new evidence that green tea -- one of the most popular beverages consumed worldwide and now available as a dietary supplement -- may help improve bone health. They found that the tea contains a group of chemicals that can stimulate bone formation and help slow its breakdown. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916103424.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914173010.htm New research shows that a common, over-the-counter pain salve rubbed on the skin during a heart attack could serve as a cardiac-protectant, preventing or reducing damage to the heart while interventions are administered. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914173010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909151919.htm An animal study has shown that adding ascorbic acid and sugar to green tea can help the body absorb helpful compounds and also demonstrates the effectiveness of a model that could reduce the number of animals needed for these types of studies. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909151919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909103013.htm Scientists are reporting a major improvement in their potential new treatment for facial wrinkles that could emerge as an alternative to Botox and cosmetic surgery. The noninvasive technique combines high-intensity light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a lotion made of green tea extract. It works 10 times faster than a similar anti-wrinkle treatment that uses LEDs alone, the researchers say. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909103013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817143604.htm The polyphenols found in red wine are thought to help prevent Alzheimer's disease, and new research has shown that some of those compounds in fact reach the brain. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817143604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820124044.htm Polycystic ovary syndrome, a common condition among women, can be relieved by the use of acupuncture and exercise, a new study by researchers in Sweden suggests. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820124044.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130556.htm The common belief is that it won't hurt to try alternative fertility treatments before reverting to in vitro fertilization (IVF). But a new study finds that the success of IVF treatment is 30 percent lower among women who have used alternative medicine. The researchers included over 700 IVF users over a 12-month period. Women who had first tried a combination of alternative treatments, such as reflexology, acupuncture, or herbal and aromatherapy, had significantly lower pregnancy rates after IVF treatment. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130556.htm