In October 2010 the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) conducted a telephone survey. Continue reading CAM use among older Americans
Category Archives: NCCAM
Review: CAM for arthritis
Prof. Ernst and colleague evaluated the evidence on CAM treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Continue reading Review: CAM for arthritis
Probiotics improve a person’s health
This Cochrane Review assessed the effectiveness and safety of probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory infections (URTIs). Continue reading Probiotics improve a person’s health
Comparing 2 massage techniques to treat chronic back pain
Researchers in the US compared 2 types of massage and usual care. Continue reading Comparing 2 massage techniques to treat chronic back pain
Acupuncture to treat hiccups in cancer patients
Researchers at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), National Institutes of Health, in Bethesda, Maryland tell us acupuncture may be a clinically useful. Continue reading Acupuncture to treat hiccups in cancer patients
Echinacea to treat the common cold?
In a study sponsored by the NCCAM, researchers from the US and Australia looked for potential benefits. Continue reading Echinacea to treat the common cold?
NCCAM-sponsored study of tai chi to treat fibromyalgia
Researchers at Tufts Medical Center, in Boston reported their findings in that bastion of allopathic medicine, The New England Journal of Medicine. Continue reading NCCAM-sponsored study of tai chi to treat fibromyalgia
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
Placebo as CAM in mainstream medicine
 Despite what we hear about the importance of evidence-based medicine, about half of the doctors in this survey say they prescribe placebo treatments “on a regular basis.” Continue reading Placebo as CAM in mainstream medicine
Thinking of taking valerian to help you sleep?
Before you do, consider these quotes. Continue reading Thinking of taking valerian to help you sleep?
Acupuncture is effective for back pain, but…
It’s just that the selection of acupoints and penetration of the needles appeared to be unimportant, according to the SPINE (Stimulating Points to Investigate Needling Efficacy) researchers. Continue reading Acupuncture is effective for back pain, but…
Future directions for acupuncture research
There’s an online newsletter, CAM at the NIH, posted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) that you might want to check out.
This issue lists priorities for future acupuncture research. Continue reading Future directions for acupuncture research
Cost-effective naturopathic care for low back pain
In this study by researchers in Canada and the US, combining several treatments under the umbrella of naturopathic care was better than simply giving advice. Continue reading Cost-effective naturopathic care for low back pain
CAM use in the US
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that approximately 38% of adults and 12% of children use some form of CAM. Continue reading CAM use in the US
Challenges in CAM research today
 Here are the thoughts of Dr. Margery Gass (photo), who is Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. Continue reading Challenges in CAM research today
Cranial manipulation and echinacea for middle ear infection
 Among the more common complementary therapies used in young children with recurrent otitis media are Echinacea purpurea and cranial osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
This study, by researchers at the University of Arizona, is the first well-designed study of each treatment. Continue reading Cranial manipulation and echinacea for middle ear infection
Complementary and integrative medicine at Johns Hopkins
 The Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center opened Sept. 2nd in Baltimore, Maryland. Continue reading Complementary and integrative medicine at Johns Hopkins
Review of black cohosh for menopause
Prof. Ernst has reviewed black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) to treat menopausal symptoms. Continue reading Review of black cohosh for menopause
Time to Talk
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has launched an educational campaign to encourage the discussion of CAM use.
The program is aimed at patients, healthcare professionals, and professional and community organizations. Continue reading Time to Talk
Aromatherapy: Feel good or make well?
Here’s a hint.
The most comprehensive study of aromatherapy failed to show improvement in immune status, wound healing, or pain control. Continue reading Aromatherapy: Feel good or make well?