Researchers at the Center for Integrative Medicine, at the University of Maryland, in Baltimore, reviewed the effects of acupuncture on pregnancy success rates when added to in vitro fertilization.
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea, reviewed the evidence for treatment. And, researchers from the University of Manchester, in the UK reviewed the response to self-needling maintenance treatments.
The American Heart Association has summarized the blood pressure-lowering effects of several alternative approaches and provided recommendations for their use. Here’s what we know in people with blood pressure (BP) levels higher than 120/80 mmHg.
Studies of acupuncture to treat chronic pain have largely failed to demonstrate an advantage of traditional acupuncture over sham acupuncture. Researchers at the University of Michigan and Harvard Medical School studied whether the degree of enhanced sensitivity to experimental-pressure pain (hyperalgesia) may be a factor in determining whether a patient responds to sham acupuncture treatment.
Maintenance acupuncture is recommended following successful clinic-based acupuncture. Researchers at the University of Manchester, UK, assessed the effectiveness of self-maintenance acupuncture in the management of cancer-related fatigue (CRF).
Researchers from the US, Germany, and China studied the proposed benefits. The results offer an opportunity to compare acupuncture to other treatment options.
Researchers at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, in Chicago evaluated the effectiveness of an inpatient integrative medicine consult service for pain management.
Although it’s widely used for chronic pain, there’s controversy as to its value. Now, researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, in New York City, reviewed the evidence in 4 chronic pain conditions.
Clinicians in California described their clinical practice, which uses the simultaneous interview technique (SIT).
Fast Company reports that a new system links to a readout and shows how much electrical activity the needles are stimulating in a patient’s muscles.
Last year, the Canadian Thoracic Society clinical practice guidelines, advised there was insufficient evidence to support the routine use of acupuncture to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Since then, 2 more studies have been published.
Researchers in Winnipeg, Manitoba surveyed the prevalence of CAM use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Former Medical Director, of the Rosenthal Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, at Columbia University Medical Center, in New York City, Dr. James Dillard, reviewed the evidence. Here’s what we know.
Aside from surgery, splinting, exercises, and other alternative therapies have been used. Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University reviewed the evidence.
Acupuncture is commonly used for pain control, but doubts about its effectiveness and safety remain. Prof. Ernst and colleagues reviewed the evidence.
Ms. Elaine Hirsh is a reader of this blog and has authored this comment on several issues that should concern people who opt to use CAM options. She is interested in a wide range of topics ranging from education to technology to public policy. She is currently working as a writer for a masters degree … Continue reading Ethics of alternative vs traditional medicine
Acupuncture is often recommended for obstetrical and gynecological (Ob/Gyn) conditions. Prof. Ernst has reviewed the evidence.
Cardiac tamponade (aka pericardial tamponade) is an emergency condition in which fluid accumulates in the pericardium (the sac in which the heart is enclosed). Prof. Ernst and colleague reviewed the evidence.
Standard therapies are of limited value for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Researchers at Swinburne University of Technology, in Australia, reviewed the value of CAM, self-help techniques, and lifestyle interventions.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy can produce severe neurological deficits and neuropathic pain. Researchers at the University Medical Center, in Hamburg, Germany, evaluated the response to acupuncture.