The existing reviews of massage therapy (MT) research are either limited to infants, adults, or were conducted prior to the publication of the most recent studies using pediatric samples. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of pediatric MT are reviewed. A literature search yielded 24 RCTs of pediatric MT, defined as the manual manipulation of soft tissue intended to promote health and well-being in recipients between 2 and 19 years of age. Because RCTs of pediatric MT varied considerably in the amount and types of data reported, quantitative and narrative review methods were both used. Singledose and multiple-dose effects were examined separately. Among single-dose effects, significant reductions of state anxiety were observed at the first session (g 1⁄4 0.59, P < 0.05) and the last session (g 1⁄4 1.10, P < 0.01) of a course of treatment. Effects for salivary cortisol (g 1⁄4 0.28), negative mood (g 1⁄4 0.52) and behavior (g 1⁄4 0.37) were non-significant. Three of eleven multiple-dose effects were statistically significant. These were trait anxiety (g 1⁄4 0.94, P < 0.05), muscle tone (g 1⁄4 0.90, P< 0.01) and arthritis pain (g1⁄4 1.33, P< 0.01). Results of studies not permitting effect size calculation were judged to be generally consistent with quantitative results. MT benefits pediatric recipients, though not as universally as sometimes reported. Numerous weaknesses endemic to MT research (e.g. low statistical power, frequent failure to report basic descriptive statistics) are identified, and recommendations for future pediatric MT research are discussed.

/pdf/evidence-based-complementary-and-alternative-medicine-3phhxc1n7u.pdf

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Humans are extraordinary creatures, with the unique ability among animals to imitate and so copy from one another ideas, habits, skills, behaviours, inventions, songs, and stories. These are all memes, a term first coined by Richard Dawkins in 1976 in his book The Selfish Gene. Memes, like genes, are replicators, and this enthralling book is an investigation of whether this link between genes and memes can lead to important discoveries about the nature of the inner self. Confronting the deepest questions about our inner selves, with all our emotions, memories, beliefs, and decisions, Susan Blackmore makes a compelling case for the theory that the inner self is merely an illusion created by the memes for the sake of replication.

http://people.morrisville.edu/~reymers/readings/SOCI201/Into%20the%20Internet%20-%20Blackmore%201999.pdf

The Meme Machine

http://homeopathy1.gr/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Neural-mechanism-underlying-acupuncture-analgesia.ZhaoZQ-2008.pdf

Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia.

Traditionally, acupuncture is embedded in naturalistic theories that are compatible with Confucianism and Taoism. Such ideas as yin-yang, qi, dampness, and wind represent East Asian conceptual frameworks that emphasize the reliability of ordinary, human sensory awareness. Many physicians who practice acupuncture reject such prescientific notions. Numerous randomized, controlled trials and more than 25 systematic reviews and meta-analyses have evaluated the clinical efficacy of acupuncture. Evidence from these trials indicates that acupuncture is effective for emesis developing after surgery or chemotherapy in adults and for nausea associated with pregnancy. Good evidence exists that acupuncture is also effective for relieving dental pain. For such conditions as chronic pain, back pain, and headache, the data are equivocal or contradictory. Clinical research on acupuncture poses unique methodologic challenges. Properly performed acupuncture seems to be a safe procedure. Basic-science research provides evidence that begins to offer plausible mechanisms for the presumed physiologic effects of acupuncture. Multiple research approaches have shown that acupuncture activates endogenous opioid mechanisms. Recent data, obtained by using functional magnetic resonance imaging, suggest that acupuncture has regionally specific, quantifiable effects on relevant brain structures. Acupuncture may stimulate gene expression of neuropeptides. The training and provision of acupuncture care in the United States are rapidly expanding.

/pdf/acupuncture-theory-efficacy-and-practice-4qxivuoquv.pdf

Acupuncture: theory, efficacy, and practice.

A method for mediating social and behavioral influence processes through an interactive telecommunications guidance system for use in medicine and business (10) that utilizes an expert (200) such as a physician, counselor, manager, supervisor, trainer, or peer in association with a computer (16) that produces and sends a series of motivational messages and/or questions to a client, patient or employee (50) for changing or reinforcing a specific behavioral problem and goal management. The system (10) consists of a client database (12) and a client program (14) that includes for each client unique motivational messages and/or questions based on a model such as the transtheoretical model of change comprising the six stages of behavioral change (100) and the 14 processes of change (114), as interwining, interacting variables in the modification of health, mental health, and work site behaviors of the client or employee (50). The client program (14) in association with the expert (200) utilizes the associated 14 processes of change (114) to move the client (50) through one of the six stages of behavioral change (100) when appropriate by using a plurality of transmission and receiving means. The database and program are operated by a computer (16) that at preselected time periods sends the messages and/or questions to the client (50) through use of a variety of transmission means and furthermore selects a platform of behavioral issues that is to be addressed based on a given behavioral stage or goal (100) at a given time of day.

Method for mediating social and behavioral processes in medicine and business through an interactive telecommunications guidance system

https://www.holistictherapypractice.com/online/userfiles/documents/EAcu_-_mechanisms_and_application_-_Ullet.pdf

Electroacupuncture: Mechanisms and clinical application.

Background.In 1983, the Southern Medical Journal advised its readers that a scientific basis might underlie the popular practice of ancient Chinese acupuncture. Recent studies have proven this to be correct, and a 1997 National Institutes of Health consensus panel recommended acupuncture as

http://dns2.asia.edu.tw/~ysho/JS%20Han/Publications/PDF/Sou%20Med%20J91,%201115.pdf

Traditional and evidence-based acupuncture: history, mechanisms, and present status.

This study investigated the use of the skin potential recording technique for the identification of acupuncture loci, or loci with markedly different electrical characteristics than loci located at random on the skin. Acupuncture loci described in the Chinese literature were identified on the upper arms of 8 subjects. These loci are bilaterally symmetrical, and their electrical characteristics are stable over time. The "waveform" of the potential is variable, though the preponderance of loci demonstrate decreasing negativity with respect to adjacent skin areas.

George A. Ulett

Papers

Electroacupuncture: Mechanisms and clinical application.

Traditional and evidence-based acupuncture: history, mechanisms, and present status.

Acupuncture loci: techniques for location.

The missouri automated mental status examination: Development, use and reliability

A Statewide Electronic Data-Processing System