Folklore remedies for pain and inflammation support these bracelets to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at The University of York, in the UK studied their effects. Continue reading Static magnets and copper fail to improve arthritis
Category Archives: D. ENERGY THERAPIES
Safety of energy drinks
Energy drinks are consumed by 30% to 50% of adolescents and young adults. The manufacturers claim they are safe.
Researchers at the University of Miami, in Florida reviewed the evidence and came to a different conclusion. Continue reading Safety of energy drinks
Review: Qigong in patients with cancer
Qigong is often used by cancer patients to help manage their symptoms.
Researchers at The University of Hong Kong, in China, evaluated the effectiveness of qigong exercise in cancer care. Continue reading Review: Qigong in patients with cancer
Review: CAM options for carpel tunnel syndrome
Aside from surgery, splinting, exercises, and other alternative therapies have been used.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Review: CAM options for carpel tunnel syndrome
Noninvasive brain stimulation to treat chronic pain
In this Cochrane review, researchers in Australia and the UK evaluated the evidence for directly altering brain activity with electrical stimulation to reduce chronic pain. Continue reading Noninvasive brain stimulation to treat chronic pain
A well-designed study of qigong in type 2 diabetes
Past studies have been criticized because of poor study design, according to Prof. Ernst.
Researchers from Bastyr University tighten up the design and report their results. Continue reading A well-designed study of qigong in type 2 diabetes
Are those using CAM less likely to be immunized?
There’s concern that the use of complementary and alternative medications (CAM) may replace recommended preventive health practices.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, in Pennsylvania conducted a survey to learn more. Continue reading Are those using CAM less likely to be immunized?
Qigong for women with breast cancer
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, Texas, looked for evidence that external qigong treatment could shrink breast cancer tumors and improve quality of life in women with breast cancer awaiting surgery. Continue reading Qigong for women with breast cancer
Electromagnetic therapy for venous leg ulcers
In this Cochrane review, researchers at the University of Malaya, in Kuala Lumpur, reviewed this common, chronic, recurring condition, which has a prevalence in the UK of 1.5 to 3 per 1000 and is estimated to cost the NHS £400m ($720m; €600m) a year. Continue reading Electromagnetic therapy for venous leg ulcers
Review: Qigong for healthcare
Prof. Ernst and colleagues reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Review: Qigong for healthcare
Treating chronic pain with external qigong
An external qigong healer uses gentle touch or non-contact treatment to reach the client’s life energy (qi) and bring it to balance.
It was used along with pharmacotherapy by researchers at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota. Continue reading Treating chronic pain with external qigong
Which exercise for nonspecific neck pain in office workers?
Researchers at Chulalongkorn University, in Bangkok, Thailand, reviewed research on exercise options to prevent and cure nonspecific neck pain. Continue reading Which exercise for nonspecific neck pain in office workers?
Perceived benefit from CAM in people with back pain
Back pain is the second most common reason patients seek ambulatory medical care in the United States.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School, in Boston surveyed the nation about CAM use for back pain. Continue reading Perceived benefit from CAM in people with back pain
An Ernst review: Qigong for diabetes
Prof. Ernst and colleagues reviewed the evidence and found it insufficient. Continue reading An Ernst review: Qigong for diabetes
Relaxation therapy to manage hot flushes
The Cochrane Library has reviewed allopathic and CAM nonhormonal options. Continue reading Relaxation therapy to manage hot flushes
CAM for spinal cord injury pain
Researchers at the University Medical Centre Utrecht and De Hoogstraat, in The Netherlands surveyed the use of CAM in a large group of Dutch patients with spinal cord injury. Continue reading CAM for spinal cord injury pain
Kiko exercises to prevent migraine headache
Researchers from the State University of New York, at Binghamton studied the response to kiko (video here), to prevent headaches.
Here are the results of the first study of this Japanese practice of qigong that uses repetitive coordinated breathing and movement. Continue reading Kiko exercises to prevent migraine headache
Review: CAM treatment of depression and anxiety
Anxiety and depression are among the most common conditions cited by those seeking treatment with complementary and alternative therapies.
Researchers from The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, in Greenville, North Carolina reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Review: CAM treatment of depression and anxiety
Making the connection between static magnets and TMS
The Mayo Clinic Health Letter makes the connection between static magnets and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
You’ll have to subscribe to read the whole article, but it’s interesting that Mayo places both treatments in the same category. Continue reading Making the connection between static magnets and TMS
NCCAM reviews reiki and ayurvedic
 The National Center for Contemporary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has updated their introductory reviews.
Here’s what’s important. Continue reading NCCAM reviews reiki and ayurvedic