Articles tagged with Alternative Medicine
Researchers at Kent State University found that guided imagery significantly reduced patients' chronic pain experiences, making it easier to control. The study, published in Pain Management Nursing, suggests alternative therapies like guided imagery can complement medication therapy for effective pain management.
A study found that 34.9% of people over 65 with anxiety or depression used complementary or alternative medicine, compared to 26.5% without mental symptoms. However, fewer than 20% used CAM to treat their condition, a surprising finding.
A Stanford survey of 781 US women aged 40-60 found that nearly all reported experiencing menopausal symptoms, with many turning to herbal products and soy supplements instead of hormone therapy. Despite risks associated with hormone therapy, the study highlights the need for physicians to learn more about alternative therapies.
A patient on warfarin developed life-threatening internal bleeding after consuming chamomile tea and lotion. Chamomile's synergistic effect with warfarin highlights the potential dangers of mixing herbal remedies with prescribed medications.
A study found that 45% of heart patients use complementary or alternative medicines, but only 39% believe their doctors should know. Physicians must educate patients on risks and provide safe alternatives to prevent life-threatening interactions with prescribed cardiac medications.
The updated guidelines focus on prolonging life, reducing morbidity, and improving quality of life for patients with chronic heart failure. New neurohormonal antagonists, ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics are key components of therapy.
Transcatheter occlusion of PFO and left atrial appendage eliminates key sources of cardiac embolism, preventing strokes. Alternative to blood thinning therapy, this procedure is safe and effective in preventing stroke, with a lower recurrence rate compared to standard treatment.
Researchers found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is as effective as electro-shock therapy in alleviating severe depression. However, TMS has fewer side effects, particularly memory impairment. Patients treated with TMS showed significant improvement in mood without affecting the hippocampus.
A recent OHSU study suggests that ginkgo biloba may improve attention in MS patients with cognitive impairment, with minimal side effects. The study found that patients taking ginkgo performed better on a test measuring attention and executive functions compared to those receiving a placebo.
A Georgetown University researcher reveals hidden sponsorship of articles and lectures in medical journals, compromising patient care. A public database is needed to disclose conflicts of interest.
A new study finds that DHEA therapy is effective in reducing depression symptoms and improving sexual functioning in individuals with midlife-onset depression. Six weeks of DHEA treatment resulted in a 50% reduction in depression scores, compared to placebo, suggesting its potential as a second-line treatment option.
A survey of pediatricians found that only a few were knowledgeable about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, with most citing concerns about side effects or delays in seeking medical care. Despite this, 87% of patients had asked their pediatrician about CAM therapies in the past three months.
A study by Associate Professor Lily Stojanovska investigates the mechanisms of resilience in menopausal women, revealing three significant themes: coping with life's challenges, displaying resilience or not, and searching for tools to cope. The findings support education guidelines for improving women's resilience during menopause.
A national survey found that 35 percent of respondents used prayer for health concerns. Prayer is most often directed towards wellness and used in conjunction with conventional medical care. People who use prayer report high levels of perceived helpfulness, but rarely discuss their use with physicians.
A study found that nearly half of rural North Carolina adults use home remedies for various health conditions. The most common remedies used were honey-lemon-vinegar-whiskey for respiratory issues, herbs for cardiovascular conditions, and teas for general well-being.
Dr. Eric Winer emphasizes the importance of rigorous testing for complementary and alternative therapies (CAMs) due to safety concerns and limited scientific evidence. Many CAMs have not undergone thorough evaluation, leading to potential interactions with standard treatments.
A study found that 29.8% of Ontario men diagnosed with prostate cancer used complementary medicine, highlighting the need for awareness and discussion among clinicians. The most commonly used products were natural health supplements like vitamin E, saw palmetto, and selenium, which may interact with conventional therapies.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has announced a new research fellowship program to support outstanding researchers in CAM. The fellowship aims to prepare the next generation of leaders in CAM research, with a focus on clinical, translational, and laboratory-based studies.
Researchers are exploring alternative methods to conventional medical care for treating women's health issues, antibiotic-resistant infections, melanomas, and coronary heart disease. Nutritional and botanical therapies are being investigated as potential alternatives to traditional treatments.
Researchers at Emory University have developed an innovative technique for biventricular resynchronization that minimizes risks and eliminates ionizing radiation. The new approach uses tiny incisions and specialized tools to connect leads to the heart, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional methods.
NCCAM is offering grants to establish new research centers focused on complementary and alternative medicine. The centers will support program project grants, developmental cooperative agreements, and planning grants for international institutions.
Researchers are studying the effects of Bacopa monniera on cognitive function in people over 65. The 50-participant clinical trial aims to maximize cognitive function and assess the supplement's impact on short-term memory, attention, and reaction time.
A new survey reveals that over 65% of IBS patients in the US experience debilitating symptoms, with 97% consulting healthcare professionals in the past three months. The study also shows significant economic burdens, with $258 average spend on GI disorders per month.
A recent study found that Australians now spend significantly more on unproven therapies compared to prescribed pharmaceuticals, with a notable increase in the use of alternative treatments and consultations. This trend is concerning, as many alternative medicines have not been rigorously tested or proven safe.
A study found that nearly all patients with cancer reported improved well-being from using alternative therapies, but used these therapies primarily for general health, not as a substitute for conventional medicine. Cancer patients who were female, college-educated, or younger were more likely to use alternative treatments.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University are conducting a study on Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy (MBAT) to reduce psychological stress and medical symptoms in cancer patients. The therapy combines creative expression, meditation, and art-making to improve overall quality of life.
A study published in Science identifies guggulipid as a target for developing drugs to lower cholesterol. The extract, combined with a cholesterol-lowering diet, reduced cholesterol levels by up to 20%. Researchers are now studying the biochemical reasons behind this effect and its potential impact on other medications.
A new study reveals that rats with chronic pain from inflammation were more tolerant of painful heat stimuli and had less swelling when fed a diet based on soy protein. The findings suggest that a soy diet may reduce the need for opioid medications, which are often associated with severe side effects.
The U-M Medical School is developing an interdisciplinary CAM curriculum, integrating theory, evidence, and practice to enhance learning. The program aims to increase medical students' knowledge of CAM, promoting a deeper understanding of the healing relationship between physician and patient.
A two-year study of postmenopausal monkeys found tibolone improved bone mineral density while reducing cardiovascular risks compared to estrogen-based treatments. However, it may offer advantages in breast and uterine safety over other options.
The Rush College of Nursing will integrate information on CAM therapies into undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula and develop continuing education programs for faculty and practicing nurses. The program aims to equip nurses with expertise to assess CAM use, critically appraise therapy safety, and provide patient guidance.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that African-American patients receive fewer heart procedures than white patients, despite having a higher risk of heart disease. Researchers suggest various factors, including patient education and physician attitudes, may contribute to these disparities.
A community-based therapeutic care component is being touted as a more effective and cost-efficient way to treat malnutrition during famine. The strategy aims to improve coverage, provide socioeconomic benefits, and reduce death rates from starvation.
The journal launches a series on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), classifying over 200 therapies into eight categories. ACP-ASIM opposes the legalization of physician-assisted suicide, citing concerns about inadequate care at end-of-life.
A preliminary study by University of Florida researchers suggests that magnetic stimulation may be a safe and revolutionary treatment for patients with clinical depression who do not respond to standard medications. After two weeks of daily magnetic treatment, the 10 patients evaluated in the study showed improvement in tests that rate...
Millions of patients mix prescription medicines with alternative therapies without informing their doctors, raising concerns about herb-drug interactions. Studies have shown that herbs like St. John's wort and ginkgo can be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and memory problems, but may also cause side effects.
A comprehensive approach to cancer treatment is needed, considering a patient's total life situation, including stress, environmental toxins, and nutritional deficiencies. Research highlights the importance of evaluating alternative and complementary therapies, which have poorly documented effectiveness but are widely used by patients.
Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 21 women with cancer, revealing their experiences with alternative and complementary therapies. The study highlights the importance of patients having better information about treatment options, including a mix of conventional and holistic approaches.
A study found that high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with seed implant therapy had poorer outcomes compared to radical prostectomy and external beam radiation. The researchers suggest that high-risk patients should discuss alternative treatment options with their physicians.