Does dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes) accounts for 5% to 10% of all patients with diabetes.

Now, The Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY) reports an association between high dietary intake of omega-3 and a lower incidence of type 1 diabetes. Continue reading Does dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of type 1 diabetes?

Flexion-distraction vs active exercise for chronic low back pain

“Flexion-distraction [FD] involves the use of a specialized table [see photo] that gently distracts or stretches the spine,” says Dr. Arn Strasser from the Center for Chiropractic & Pain Rehabilitation in Portland, Oregon.

OK, but how does it compare to an active trunk exercise (ATE) protocol (see photo below) as performed by physical therapists?

Continue reading Flexion-distraction vs active exercise for chronic low back pain

Surprising results and conclusions from the GERAC acupuncture trials for low back pain

Conflicting findings on the effectiveness of acupuncture are often attributed to flaws in study design and methods. The German Acupuncture Trials (GERAC) were intended to demonstrate that it’s possible to design acupuncture studies in accordance with the standards of good clinical practice.

Here’s what they report. Continue reading Surprising results and conclusions from the GERAC acupuncture trials for low back pain

A very concise review of herbal medicines

Those who read this blog know that one of the main objectives it to provide CAM information as concisely as possible.

Well, I’ve been outdone. Lidie Lajoie gets the award. you can carry it in your pocket.

See what I mean at this pdf.

1/31/07 09:28 JR

Recognizing boundaries between yoga and psychotherapy

A reader adds perspective to the physical vs philosophical value of yoga, so be sure to read the comment.

Dan Charnas has a good article in Yoga Journal where he advises yoga instructors against crossing the line between a physical workout and psychological counseling.

It’s useful for students to consider and applies to other disciplines as well.

Excerpts here.
Continue reading Recognizing boundaries between yoga and psychotherapy

Allergic reactions associated with the use of pelargonium

Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants, which includes about 200 species. Extracts have been used to treat respiratory tract and gastrointestinal infections.

Now, more about the allergic reactions to Pelargonium sidoides DC and P. reniforme Curtis, which reportedly have immune modulating properties and antibacterial activity. Continue reading Allergic reactions associated with the use of pelargonium