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 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:05:01 EDT 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/2009/06/090626084633.htm Many animals and people experience chronic joint pain. In dogs, a common source of joint pain is hip dysplasia, a developmental defect of the hip joint. Implantation of gold into the soft tissues around the hip joints of dogs with dysplasia can relieve pain and lessen stiffness for several years. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626084633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629081135.htm Exercise and electro-acupuncture treatments can reduce sympathetic nerve activity in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, according to a new study. The finding is important because women with PCOS often have elevated sympathetic nerve activity, which plays a role in hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, obesity and cardiovascular disease. The study also found that the electro-acupuncture treatments led to more regular menstrual cycles, reduced testosterone levels and reduced waist circumference. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629081135.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623150133.htm Greater influence over everyday life, emotional support, and cultural and recreational activities help to enable teenage girls to withstand stress. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623150133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622103820.htm Researchers are reporting new evidence that the ordinary vinegar — a staple in oil-and-vinegar salad dressings, pickles, and other foods — may live up to its age-old reputation in folk medicine as a health promoter. They are reporting new evidence that vinegar can help prevent accumulation of body fat and weight gain.  Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622103820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616103213.htm Tai chi has been found to have positive health benefits for musculoskeletal pain. The results of the first comprehensive analysis of tai chi suggest that it produces positive effects for improving pain and disability among arthritis sufferers. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616103213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609072719.htm Meditation may be an effective behavioral intervention in the treatment of insomnia, according to new research. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609072719.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605175332.htm An extract of ginkgo biloba shows scientific evidence of effectiveness against one common and hard-to-treat type of pain, according to animal data. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605175332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608071943.htm A new study finds that many women with breast cancer take antioxidant supplements while undergoing cancer treatment, even though the consequences of doing so are unknown. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608071943.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609220607.htm The labeling for the first homoeopathic product to get a license from the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency should be illegal, because they breach Unfair Trading regulations, argues a senior scientist. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609220607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601182922.htm The results of a new analysis have provided good evidence to suggest that tai chi is beneficial for arthritis. Specifically, it was shown to decrease pain with trends towards improving overall physical health, level of tension and satisfaction with health status. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601182922.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090522154508.htm Results of a phase I clinical trial of a novel herb-based therapeutic called Zyflamend have demonstrated that the therapy is associated with minimal toxicity and no serious adverse events in men at high-risk for developing prostate cancer. Mon, 25 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090522154508.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521161528.htm Reorganizational Healing, an emerging concept for wellness, healing and personal growth, is explored in depth in an article in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521161528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511164228.htm Three types of acupuncture therapy -- an individually tailored program, standard therapy and a simulation involving toothpicks at key acupuncture points -- appear more effective than usual care for chronic low back pain, according to a new article. Fri, 15 May 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511164228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090513215410.htm Laboratory experiments have demonstrated the immunological effects of ginseng. Researchers have shown that the herb, much used in traditional Chinese and other Asian medicine, does have anti-inflammatory effects. Thu, 14 May 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090513215410.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090505132144.htm Scientists report that gene expression profile study is a “promising strategy to individualize and improve tumour treatment”, reducing toxicity and increasing its efficiency. Their work has permitted to study in depth the molecular response mechanisms to medicines, and will be useful to design other pharmacological treatments according to the patient’s genetic characteristics. Tue, 12 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090505132144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090505132224.htm Researchers are attempting, with the help of a special African tea, to develop a new treatment for type-2 diabetics. The tea is used as a treatment in traditional Nigerian medicine and is produced from the extract of Rauvolfia Vomitoria leaves and the fruit of Citrus aurantium. The scientists have recently tested the tea on patients with type-2 diabetes and the results are promising. Mon, 11 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090505132224.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507164405.htm Scientists have blown open the myth that massage after exercise improves circulation to the muscle and assists in the removal of lactic acid and other waste products. Massage actually impairs blood flow to the muscle after exercise, and it therefore also impairs the removal of lactic acid from muscle after exercise. Fri, 08 May 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507164405.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430194803.htm Possible anti-obesity effects of white tea have been demonstrated in a series of experiments on human fat cells (adipocytes). Researchers have shown that an extract of the herbal brew effectively inhibits the generation of new adipocytes and stimulates fat mobilization from mature fat cells. Thu, 07 May 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430194803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090505162450.htm As the FDA warns consumers to stop using Hydroxycut products, a new editorial shows that this FDA warning is not unique. Wed, 06 May 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090505162450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090419202029.htm Everyday foods, beverages, and spices contain healthful compounds that help us fight harmful inflammation. And, in doing that, these phytochemicals—the resveratrol in red wine or the catechins in green, white and black teas, for instance—may also reduce our risk of diseases associated with chronic inflammation, including cancer and diabetes. Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090419202029.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420151232.htm Twice weekly acupuncture treatments relieve debilitating symptoms of xerostomia -- severe dry mouth -- among patients treated with radiation for head and neck cancer, researchers report. Sat, 25 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420151232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090419200847.htm About half of adults in the United States report consuming dietary supplements regularly. What they may not know is that some of these supplements contain caffeine, even if it's not listed on the label. Now, scientists have analyzed a number of caffeine-containing products to explore caffeine levels in segments of the U.S. dietary supplement market. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090419200847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090417084012.htm Lou Gehrig's disease is believed to involve an interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. One environmental factor is diet. With oxidative stress (which damages the cells) a common concern in ALS pathology, researchers have examined what role antioxidants might play. Coffee is a potent dietary antioxidant, and recently been used to study the disease in an animal model. The findings indicate that coffee appears to be beneficial for males with ALS but not for females. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090417084012.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415074945.htm Exercise programs are an effective option for preventing falls among older people living in the community. There is less evidence at present for the effectiveness of other interventions, such as home safety improvements and vitamin D supplements, according to researchers who carried out a systematic review of the available evidence. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415074945.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415170848.htm Up to 80 percent of patients who have surgery complain of nausea and vomiting afterwards, but stimulating an acupoint in their wrists can help reduce these symptoms, finds a new evidence review. Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415170848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415074942.htm Drugs and radiotherapy given for cancer can cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, dermatitis, and menopausal symptoms. Around a third of patients with cancer use complementary therapies, including homeopathic medicines, to try to reduce these side effects. In a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, researchers examined recent evidence for the safety and effectiveness of homeopathic medicines used in this way. Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415074942.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090406083420.htm Today, more children than ever are being treated with complementary and alternative therapies. Recent studies indicate that about 30 percent of healthy children and up to 50 percent of children with chronic disease are using some kind of alternative therapy. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090406083420.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090413180653.htm Approximately one in four practicing clinicians appear to be aware of two major federally funded clinical trials of alternative therapies, and many do not express confidence in their ability to interpret research results, according to a new report. Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090413180653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090408140206.htm Taking herbal food supplements is certainly not free of risk. Since 2005, the poison emergency centers in the German cities of Freiburg and Goettingen have registered a total of 17 patients with health problems after taking Chinese slimming capsules. Sat, 11 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090408140206.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090408145348.htm Cancer patients who wore acupressure wristbands had much less nausea while receiving radiation treatment, making the bands a safe, low-cost addition to anti-nausea medication, according to a new study. Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090408145348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090407074949.htm Acupuncture cannot be shown to have any positive effect on hot flashes during menopause. This is the conclusion of a systematic review of literature. Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090407074949.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090329205453.htm Mixing tea tree oil and silver or putting them in liposomes, greatly increases their antimicrobial activity and may minimise any side effects. New research shows that although both tea tree oil and silver -- as silver nitrate -- are effective against a range of micro-organisms, when low concentrations of the two agents were combined, their antimicrobial activity increases. Mon, 06 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090329205453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324200934.htm Herbal medicines could benefit patients suffering from gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders that cannot be treated using conventional drug therapy. In a new study, researchers reviewed data on Japanese herbal medicines and found them to be effective in reducing the symptoms of GI disorders such as functional dyspepsia, constipation and postoperative ileus. Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324200934.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324171417.htm Chemists in Taiwan are reporting that an ingredient in licorice -- widely used in various foods and herbal medicines -- appears to block the absorption of cyclosporine, a drug used by transplant patients to prevent organ rejection. This drug interaction could potentially result in illness and death among transplant patients and others taking cyclosporine and licorice together, they caution. Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090324171417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323211917.htm New guidelines proposed by a group of international experts will help better study the prevalence and geography of counterfeit and other poor quality medicines that threaten public health across the world. Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323211917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326215100.htm People are advised to wait a few minutes before drinking a cup of freshly-boiled tea today as a new study finds that drinking very hot tea (70 degrees C or more) can increase the risk of cancer of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326215100.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323110458.htm A new study of stroke survivors found they did better at balance control after practicing tai chi than did a control group doing more conventional exercises. Tai chi requires no equipment and can be practiced at home, making it an inexpensive form of therapy. Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323110458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090321103803.htm Cancer patients who are malnourished experience significantly greater levels of psychological distress than those who are more adequately nourished, according to new results. Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090321103803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309162007.htm Men with higher vitamin C intake appear less likely to develop gout, a painful type of arthritis, according to a new report. Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309162007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305183128.htm A new study shows that drinking green tea may help reduce periodontal disease. Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305183128.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309162115.htm Researchers found promising results in an exploratory study involving yoga practice by older adults who expressed a fear of falling. After a 12-week, twice weekly hatha yoga class, taught by a professional yoga therapist, study participants reported a reduced fear of falling, increased lower body flexibility and a reduction in their leisure constraints. Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309162115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090313080100.htm Researchers have recently treated many of the large number of Tibetan refugee monks who fled violent religious persecution. These individuals arrived in Boston suffering from symptoms of traumatic stress, interfering with their meditative practice. The monks were diagnosed by their traditional healers as having "srog-rLung," a life-wind imbalance. Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090313080100.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312125401.htm Primary care physicians report that they are more likely to ask patients with autism about complementary alternative medicine use and desire more CAM education for this population. The study of 539 US physicians explores the attitudes and practices of primary care physicians caring for children with autism using CAM treatments. Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312125401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090304132621.htm Various grape extracts and their compounds were found to be effective at inhibiting Helicobacter pylori, one of the leading causes of gastritis in humans. Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090304132621.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305141656.htm Serious flaws in a recent study, which concluded that high doses of vitamin C reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs in the treatment of cancer, are revealed in the current issue of Alternative and Complementary Therapies. Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305141656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090223091806.htm Drinking at least three cups of green or black tea a day can significantly reduce the risk of stroke, and the more you drink, the better your odds of staving off a stroke, according to new research. Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090223091806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090224230707.htm Women undertaking a ten week program of 75 minute Restorative Yoga classes gained positive differences in aspects of mental health such as depression, positive emotions, and spirituality (feeling calm/peaceful) compared to the control group. The study shows the women had a 50 percent reduction in depression and a 12 percent increase in feelings of peace and meaning after the yoga sessions. Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090224230707.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217104443.htm Researchers have discovered that 73 percent of patients receiving Non-Contact Therapeutic Touch experienced a significant reduction in pain, had fewer requests for medication, and slept more comfortably following surgery. Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217104443.htm