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, 03 Dec 2008 01:05:01 EST Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:05:01 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/2008/12/081202133513.htm Performing systematic reviews of nutrition related topics raises unique challenges not often encountered in the field of medicine. In a new article, a team of researchers use specific examples to describe the steps, strengths, and limitations of systematic reviews relevant to nutrition and discuss the factors that impact the results. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081202133513.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081201082353.htm Acupuncture works - but it works equally well with or without needle penetration. This conclusion can be drawn from a treatment study involving cancer patients suffering from nausea during radiotherapy. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081201082353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081125132514.htm Researchers compared green and black tea to soda and orange juice in terms of their short- and long-term erosive effect on human teeth. The study found that the erosive effect of tea was similar to that of water, which has no erosive effect. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081125132514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081117192904.htm An ointment made from indigo naturalis, a dark blue plant-based powder used in traditional Chinese medicine, appears effective in treating plaque-type psoriasis, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of Dermatology. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081117192904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081126075613.htm Media coverage of clinical trials does not contain the elements readers require to make informed decisions. A comparison of the coverage received by pharmaceutical and herbal remedy trials, reported in the journal BMC Medicine, has revealed that it is rarely possible for the lay public to assess the credibility of the described research. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081126075613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081114081010.htm Fiber, antispasmodics and peppermint oil are all effective therapies for irritable bowel syndrome and should become first-line treatments, according to a new study. Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081114081010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081124203658.htm In an editorial in this week's PLoS Medicine, the journal's editors discuss some of the controversies surrounding international food aid, and conclude that "donor-supported food programs are not enough as a long term strategy" for addressing malnutrition. Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081124203658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081117153205.htm Non-white medical students are more likely to embrace orthodox medicine and reject therapies traditionally associated with their cultures. That is one finding from an international study that measures the attitudes of medical students toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). While seemingly counter-intuitive, white students view CAM more favorably than their non-white counterparts, the study authors say. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081117153205.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081110090619.htm Immune cells lose the ability to divide as they age because a part of their chromosomes known as a telomere becomes progressively shorter with cell division. As a result, its disease fighting ability is compromised. A new study finds that a chemical from the Astragalus root, frequently used used in Chinese herbal therapy, can prevent or slow this progressive telomere shortening, which could make it a key weapon in the fight against HIV. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081110090619.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081112194913.htm A study comparing the effects of real and placebo acupuncture on pregnancy rates during assisted reproduction has found that, surprisingly, placebo acupuncture was associated with a significantly higher overall pregnancy rate than real acupuncture. The study is published in Human Reproduction journal. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081112194913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081029141045.htm An estimated 2 million women in the United States are at risk of developing lymphedema, a condition that involves the chronic and abnormal swelling of the arm, chest, neck and/or back, as a complication of breast cancer treatment. While physicians will recommend proven techniques to manage the swelling, researchers have found that patients often won't follow the recommendations, or they will use alternative treatments and not discuss them with their doctors. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081029141045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081026100516.htm Needles are often equated with pain and discomfort; however, for a horse named Gypsy the tiny sharp objects brought about much needed relief as a professor administered acupuncture therapy. Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081026100516.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081023101226.htm Many Ayurvedic medicines can contain dangerous quantities of heavy metals, including lead, mercury, thallium and arsenic, according to clinical toxicology specialists in London writing in the International Journal of Environment and Health. Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081023101226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081017150734.htm In the last few years, the treatment options for prostate problems have expanded. The German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care has assessed new treatments and warns that some new surgical techniques are being heavily promoted without first having been adequately evaluated. Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081017150734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007120423.htm When it comes to understanding the effectiveness and safety of using herbal therapies with other drugs, much is unknown. Now, a researcher will study how black cohosh -- an herbal supplement often used to relieve hot flashes in menopausal women -- interacts with tamoxifen, a common drug used to treat breast cancer. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007120423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081006093020.htm Music therapy can reduce psychological stress among pregnant women, according to research just published in a special complementary and alternative therapy medicine issue of the UK-based Journal of Clinical Nursing. Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081006093020.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007192435.htm New research provides support for the use of St. John's wort extracts in treating major depression. A Cochrane systematic review backs up previous research that showed the plant extract is effective in treating mild to moderate depressive disorders. Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007192435.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001130006.htm An acupressure treatment applied to children undergoing anesthesia noticeably lowers their anxiety levels and makes the stress of surgery more calming for them and their families, anesthesiologists have learned. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001130006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929213000.htm In a two-year multicenter study the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate performed no better than placebo in slowing the rate of cartilage loss in the knees of osteoarthritis patients. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929213000.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929084954.htm Move over, Viagra! Researchers in report that an ancient Chinese herbal remedy known as "horny goat weed" shows potential in lab studies as source for new future drugs to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The study, which provides scientific evidence supporting the herb's well-known use as a natural aphrodisiac. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929084954.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922095431.htm Acupuncture is as effective and longer-lasting in managing the common debilitating side effects of hot flashes, night sweats and excessive sweating (vasomotor symptoms) associated with breast cancer treatment and has no treatment side effects compared to conventional drug therapy, according to a first-of-its-kind study. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922095431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915164519.htm Drinking chamomile tea daily with meals may help prevent the complications of diabetes, which include loss of vision, nerve damage, and kidney damage, researchers in Japan and the United Kingdom are reporting. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915164519.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915174534.htm Massage therapy may have immediate benefits on pain and mood among patients with advanced cancer. In a randomized trial of 380 advanced cancer patients at 15 U.S. hospices, improvement in pain and mood immediately following treatment was greater with massage than with simple touch. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915174534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080909122753.htm Pain is one of the most common symptoms of cancer patients, yet many of them do not receive adequate therapy for the pain caused by their disease or treatments, according to new study. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080909122753.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903172159.htm Researchers believe that acupuncture could be an important alternative, non-drug therapy for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, which causes a hormonal imbalance, interfering with ovulation and ultimately, fertility. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903172159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908185226.htm Patients visiting an ophthalmologist report that prayer is important to their well-being and that God plays a positive role in illness, according to a new report. Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908185226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080826190850.htm One fifth of both US-manufactured and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines purchased via the Internet contain lead, mercury or arsenic. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080826190850.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080821164252.htm Many people sleep better when they are on holiday, and wish that they could sleep as well all the time. But according to the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, it is not only being free of daily worries that can make a difference to sleep. Good bedtime habits can help people to sleep well all year-round. Medication provides short-term relief at best. Sat, 23 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080821164252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811200343.htm Senior community centers in Oregon have successfully adopted an evidence-based Tai Chi program to prevent falls among older adults. Based on this success, the Oregon Department of Human Services has now adopted the Tai Chi program for wider dissemination. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811200343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080808104925.htm Eating oily fish once a week may reduce age-related macular degeneration which is the major cause of blindness and poor vision in adults in western countries and the third cause of global blindness, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080808104925.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804100154.htm Many cancer patients use complementary and alternative methods, most often prayer, relaxation, supplements, meditation, and massage. Meanwhile, the use of other methods, such as biofeedback, homeopathy and acupressure, are relatively uncommon. Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804100154.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080729234300.htm An enriched extract of the 'Indian frankincense' herb Boswellia serrata has been proven to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Research published today in BioMed Central's open access journal Arthritis Research & Therapy has shown that patients taking the herbal remedy showed significant improvement in as little as seven days. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080729234300.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080728081625.htm Have a cookie before breast-feeding, mom? Eating special cookies enriched with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) can increase the level of these potentially healthful fatty acids in breast milk, reports a recent study in the journal Nutrition Research. Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080728081625.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080711214125.htm The natural compound honokiol blocks survival signals from the Ras family of genes in breast, lung and bladder cancer cells. As a drug target, Ras is considered difficult to approach chemically. Honokiol comes from magnolia trees and has been used in Japanese and Chinese herbal medicines. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080711214125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708122441.htm Researchers have examined whether an alternative approach to treating high blood cholesterol may provide an effective treatment option for patients who are unable or unwilling to take statins. The researchers noted that there was a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in both the statin group and the fish oil alternative treatment group. Members of the alternative therapy group also had a substantial reduction in triglycerides, another form of fat found in the blood, and lost more weight. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708122441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707102903.htm Scientists from Germany have recently discovered that extracts of a traditional herbal remedy derived from Tabebuia impetiginosa can act to delay the absorption of dietary fat in animal models. They believe that the extract could be incorporated into a food supplement which may not only reduce obesity, but also lessen the risk of development of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707102903.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080702170607.htm Researchers have found that an over-the-counter Artichoke Leaf Extract (ALE) from the globe artichoke plant can lower cholesterol in otherwise healthy individuals with moderately raised levels. Cardiovascular diseases are the chief causes of death in the UK, and are associated with raised circulating levels of total cholesterol in the plasma. Once plasma cholesterol reaches a certain level, drugs such as statins are often prescribed to help reduce it. Intervention before concentrations reaches these levels may help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases without the need for drugs. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080702170607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080702080624.htm More evidence for the beneficial effect of green tea on risk factors for heart disease has emerged in a new study. The study found that the consumption of green tea rapidly improves the function of (endothelial) cells lining the circulatory system; endothelial dysfunction is a key event in the progression of atherosclerosis. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080702080624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625094533.htm Many people use "alternative" or complementary products because they see them as a more gentle form of medicine. Not all dietary supplements and 'alternative' products are harmless though; a new report urges consumers to be more critical of health claims. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625094533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617094200.htm Researchers have determined the genetic treatment mechanism of Chaiqinchengqi decoction, which is a basic Chinese herbal compound commonly used in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. It can upregulate sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) mRNA expression of pancreatic tissue as well as inhibit the elevation of calcium concentration in pancreatic acinar cells while relieving pancreatic lesions in an acute pancreatitis model of rats. Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617094200.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080620195434.htm More than half of all older adults complain about having difficulties sleeping. Most don't bother seeking treatment. Those who do usually turn to medications, which can lead to other health problems. Now, researchers report that practicing Tai Chi Chih, the Westernized version of the 2,000-year-old Chinese martial art, promotes sleep quality in older adults with moderate sleep complaints. Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080620195434.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617165716.htm A compound found in grape seed extract reduces plaque formation and resulting cognitive impairment in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease, new research shows. The nutritional supplement was as effective as red wine in preventing amyloid beta plaque build up. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617165716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612193833.htm Oral ingestion of pomegranate extract reduces the production of chemicals that cause inflammation. The findings indicate that pomegranate extract may provide humans with relief of chronic inflammatory conditions. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612193833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616223437.htm Malaria in pregnancy threatens the life of both mother and child, and yet there has been very little research on how best to treat it, say malaria experts. Researchers describe a dangerous "catch-22" situation that prevents the health community from knowing whether new drugs, including new malaria drugs, are effective and safe in pregnancy. Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616223437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616145002.htm Two research studies evaluating dietary changes and complementary medicine for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases have just been launched. One study will look at the impact of mind/body medicine on patients suffering from ulcerative colitis and the other will assess how diet impacts patients with Crohn's disease. Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080616145002.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080610161250.htm Children and teens with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who were treated with the herb St. John's wort did not have any greater improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to those who received placebo. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080610161250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080531185839.htm New data from a randomized, controlled trial found that acupuncture provided significant reductions in pain, dysfunction, and dry mouth in head and neck cancer patients after neck dissection. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080531185839.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080605115703.htm A review of recent studies on pain medicine reports that while various approaches and combinations of therapies to treat pain have advantages and disadvantages, researchers don't yet know how to determine which is best for individual patients. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080605115703.htm