Showing papers in "Forschende Komplementarmedizin in 2012"
TL;DR: A consistent definition of CAM, a core set of CAMs with country-specific variations and a standardised reporting strategy to enhance the accuracy of data pooling would improve reporting quality.
Abstract: Background: Studies suggest that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used in the European Union (EU). We systematically reviewed data, reportin
208 citations
TL;DR: There is an extraordinary diversity with regard to the regulation of CAM practice, but not CAM medicinal products, and individual states within culturally similar regions should harmonize their CAM legislation and regulation.
Abstract: Objective: The study aims to review the legal and regulatory status of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the 27 European Union (EU) member states and 12 associated states, and at the EU/European Economic Association (EEA) level. Methods: Contact was established with national Ministries of Health, Law or Education, members of national and European CAM associations, and CAMbrella partners. A literature search was performed in governmental and scientific/non-scientific websites as well as the EUROPA and EUR-lex websites/ databases to identify documents describing national CAM regulation and official EU law documents. Results: The 39 nations have all structured legislation and regulation differently: 17 have a general CAM legislation, 11 of these have a specific CAM law, and 6 have sections on CAM included in their general healthcare laws. Some countries only regulate specific CAM treatments. CAM medicinal products are subject to the same market authorization procedures as other medicinal products with the possible exception of documentation of efficacy. The directives, regulations and resolutions in the EU that may influence the professional practice of CAM will also affect the conditions under which patients are receiving CAM treatment(s) in Europe. Conclusion: There is an extraordinary diversity with regard to the regulation of CAM practice, but not CAM medicinal products. This will influence patients, practitioners and researchers when crossing European borders. Voluntary harmonization is possible within current legislation. Individual states within culturally similar regions should harmonize their CAM legislation and regulation. This can probably safeguard against inadequately justified over- or underregulation at the national level.
81 citations
TL;DR: There is evidence from the health-related research literature to support the positive association of clinical empathy with improved therapeutic outcomes in a wide range of clinical settings.
Abstract: This paper seeks to give an overview of the role of clinical empathy in therapy and in the physician-patient relationship. Researchers have offered definitions of empathy in the clinical context, and a number of validated measures exist. There is evidence from the health-related research literature to support the positive association of clinical empathy with improved therapeutic outcomes in a wide range of clinical settings. Clinical empathy is also understood to be a crucial component of the physician-patient therapeutic relationship. Barriers to the development and expression of empathy in the clinical context are explored, and ways of enhancing empathy discussed.
69 citations
TL;DR: This first final version of a questionnaire to assess Yang-Xu constitution with considerable face and content validity may serve as a basis to develop an advanced Yang- Xu questionnaire.
Abstract: Background Nowadays, the individual differences are emphasized in personalized medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which prescribes tailored treatment based on each patient's different body constitution may provide new strategy to break the bottleneck of modern medicine (MM). Therefore, to integrate TCM into MM, an objective, reliable and rigorous diagnostic tool is necessary for the assessment of TCM constitution of each individual. This study aimed to develop a provisional version of the Yin-Xu Constitution Questionnaire (BCQ-), because evaluating the level of individual's Yin deficiency (Yin-Xu) by his manifestations is frequently involved in TCM clinical trials. Methods The provisional version of BCQ- was developed using a step-by-step approach: 1) to form the research team and select a panel of 26 experts who had both MM and TCM educational background and professional training for Delphi method; 2) to generate questionnaire items from literature review and Delphi process, refine these items to be colloquially acceptable, and evaluate their face and content validities by Delphi process again; 3) to evaluate the difficulty of answering these questions by a pilot study with 81 participants whose age ranged from 20 to 60 years. Results After 2 rounds of Delphi process, 22 colloquially appropriate questions were established and answered without difficulty by the 81 participants. Conclusions This provisional version of BCQ- appeared to have considerable face and content validities and may be the basis to develop an advanced Yin-Xu questionnaire. The reliability and validity of BCQ- were further tested in the second part of the study.
56 citations
TL;DR: This paper will demonstrate the superior fit and practical advantages of using complex adaptive systems (CAS) and related modeling approaches to develop the scientific basis for WS-CAM and offer an alternative perspective on cause, beyond the simple reductionism of mainstream mechanistic ontology and more parsimonious than the historical vitalism of WS- CAM.
Abstract: Whole systems complementary and alternative medicine (WS-CAM) approaches share a basic worldview that embraces interconnectedness; emergent, non-linear outcomes to treatment that include both local and global changes in the human condition; a contextual view of human beings that are inseparable from and responsive to their environments; and interventions that are complex, synergistic, and interdependent. These fundamental beliefs and principles run counter to the assumptions of reductionism and conventional biomedical research methods that presuppose unidimensional simple causes and thus dismantle and individually test various interventions that comprise only single aspects of the WSCAM system. This paper will demonstrate the superior fit and practical advantages of using complex adaptive systems (CAS) and related modeling approaches to develop the scientific basis for WS-CAM. Furthermore, the details of these CAS models will be used to provide working hypotheses to explain clinical phenomena such as (a) persistence of changes for weeks to months between treatments and/or after cessation of treatment, (b) nonlocal and whole systems changes resulting from therapy, (c) Hering's law, and (d) healing crises. Finally, complex systems science will be used to offer an alternative perspective on cause, beyond the simple reductionism of mainstream mechanistic ontology and more parsimonious than the historical vitalism of WS-CAM. Rather, complex systems science provides a scientifically rigorous, yet essentially holistic ontological perspective with which to conceptualize and empirically explore the development of disease and illness experiences, as well as experiences of healing and wellness.
55 citations
TL;DR: To gain knowledge on citizens’ needs and attitudes to CAM across Europe further research is required on how citizens across Europe obtain information about CAM and the needs they may have for trustworthy information sources andcitizens’ perspectives on the quality of care and safety of CAM provision and products.
Abstract: Background: Surveys from several European countries suggest a European-wide increase in the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). To safeguard citizens’ rights concerning their healthcare, it is critical to gain an overview of citizens’ attitudes and to understand their expectations and needs regarding CAM. Methods: A review of literature was undertaken, based on systematic searches of the following electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, CINHAL, AMED, PsycINFO and PsycArticles; 189 articles met inclusion criteria. Articles were analysed thematically and their reporting quality assessed. Results: Despite the limited availability of research-based knowledge about citizens’ attitudes and needs concerning CAM in many European countries, some trends can be noted. Many citizens hold positive attitudes to CAM and wish for increasing access to CAM provision. Citizens call for impartial, reliable and trustworthy information to support informed decision-making, and some citizens wish for greater support and involvement of biomedical healthcare professionals in facilitating their healthcare choices. While citizens value distinct aspects of CAM practice, they are also critical consumers and support clear regulatory and educational frameworks to ensure the quality and safety of CAM provision and medicinal products. Conclusion: To gain knowledge on citizens’ needs and attitudes to CAM across Europe further research is required on 3 main issues: i) how citizens across Europe obtain information about CAM and the needs they may have for trustworthy information sources, ii) the local situations for accessing CAM and iii) citizens’ perspectives on the quality of care and safety of CAM provision and products.
46 citations
TL;DR: The CAMbrella working group on terminology was to explore the existing CAM terminologies and to develop a pragmatic definition of CAM that is acceptable Europewide, which can then be used to systematically research its prevalence and legal status and to investigate the citizens’ demands on CAM and the perspectives of providers of CAM in Europe.
Abstract: Background: The terms used for defining complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) including the methods, procedures and therapies vary greatly. The task of the CAMbrella working group on terminology was to explore the existing CAM terminologies and to develop a pragmatic definition of CAM that is acceptable Europewide. This can then be used to systematically research, e.g., its prevalence and legal status and to investigate the citizens’ demands on CAM and the perspectives of providers of CAM in Europe. Methods: Terms and definitions were collected from both scientific and non-scientific sources. The terms and definitions identified were analysed and discussed among the CAMbrella working group participants on several occasions with the aim of arriving at a consensus. Results: We developed a proposal for a pragmatic European definition of CAM: ‘Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) utilised by European citizens represents a variety of different medical systems and therapies based on the knowledge, skills and practices derived from theories, philosophies and experiences used to maintain and improve health, as well as to prevent, diagnose, relieve or treat physical and mental illnesses. CAM has been mainly used outside conventional health care, but in some countries certain treatments are being adopted or adapted by conventional health care.’ Conclusion: Developing a uniform, pragmatic pan-European definition of CAM was complicated by a number of factors. These included the vast diversity of existing definitions, systems, disciplines, procedures, methods and therapies available within the EU.
45 citations
TL;DR: Nonlinear dynamical complex systems science provides models and methods for examining interactions across organizational scales, from genomic/proteomic/metabolomic networks to individuals and social groups, and NDS theory-driven study designs have the potential for greater external and model validity than biomedically driven efficacy studies.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the worldview hypotheses and research design approaches from nonlinear dynamical complex systems (NDS) science that can inform future studies of whole systems of complementary an
40 citations
TL;DR: The concurrent validity showed that higher Yin-Xu scores were associated with lower hemoglobin, and the reliable and valid BCQ– is a reliable, valid, and potentially useful instrument for evaluating the Yin- Xu constitution in clinical research and practice.
Abstract: Introduction: Assessing an individual’s level of Yang deficiency (Yang-Xu) by its manifestations is a frequent issue in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical trials. To this e
39 citations
TL;DR: CAM provision in the EU is maintained by approximately 305,000 registered medical doctors and non-medical practitioners, with a huge variability in its national regulatory management, which makes any direct comparison across the EU almost impossible.
Abstract: Background: The demand for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment in the European Union (EU) has led to an increase in the various CAM interventions available to the public. Our aim was to describe the CAM services available from both registered medical practitioners and registered non-medical practitioners. Methods: Our literature search comprised a PubMed search of any scientific publications, secondary references and so-called grey literature, a search of government websites and websites of CAM organisations to collect data in a systematic manner, and personal communications, e.g., via e-mail contact. Due to the different reliability of data sources, a classification was developed and implemented. This weighted database was condensed into tables and maps to display the provision of CAM disciplines by country, showing the distribution of CAM providers across countries. Results: Approximately 305,000 registered CAM providers can be identified in the EU (∼160,000 non-medical and ∼145,000 medical practitioners). Acupuncture (n = 96,380) is the most available therapeutic method for both medical (80,000) and non-medical (16,380) practitioners, followed by homeopathy (45,000 medical and 5,800 non-medical practitioners). Herbal medicine (29,000 practitioners) and reflexology (24,600 practitioners) are mainly provided by non-medical practitioners. Naturopathy (22,300) is dominated by 15,000 (mostly German) doctors. Anthroposophic medicine (4,500) and neural therapy (1,500) are practised by doctors only. Conclusion: CAM provision in the EU is maintained by approximately 305,000 registered medical doctors and non-medical practitioners, with a huge variability in its national regulatory management, which makes any direct comparison across the EU almost impossible. Harmonisation of legal status, teaching and certification of expertise for therapists would be of enormous value and should be developed.
38 citations
TL;DR: This study shows that HMHR are used by Swiss farmers for the treatment of different livestock diseases and in general, the farmers were satisfied with the outcome of the applications.
Abstract: Summary Background: This study investigated the extent of traditional knowledge and use of homemade herbal remedies for livestock by farmers in 3 Swiss cantons (Aargau, Zurich, Schaffhausen). The study focused on organic farms. Methods: At 21 farms, 24 farmers aged 36–83 years were interviewed with a semi-structured, detailed questionnaire. For each homemade herbal remedy, the plant species, mode of preparation, source of knowledge, and application were gathered. Satisfaction of the farmers with the application was estimated with the aid of a visual analogue scale. Results: Information on a total of 165 homemade remedies was collected of which 123 contained a single plant species only (homemade mono-species herbal remedies, HMHR). The 123 HMHR were selected for this paper. They corresponded to 150 different applications and originated from 43 plant species from 30 families. Plants belonging to the families of Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Apiaceae were used most frequently. The single most applied species were Matricaria recutita L., Calendula officinalis L., Symphytum officinale L., and Coffea arabica L. For each formulation, 1–4 different applications were mentioned, most of them for cattle. The main applications are related to a) skin alterations and sores, b) gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases as well as c) infertility and diseases of the female genitalia. Approximately half of the applications were used during the last 12 months prior to the interview. Conclusion: This study shows that HMHR are used by Swiss farmers for the treatment of different livestock diseases. In general, the farmers were satisfied with the outcome of the applications.
TL;DR: Criteria that distinguish aggravation from adverse effect were found and may ensure patient safety and support therapists in identifying an ‘undesirable effect of a remedy’.
Abstract: Background: Homeopathic aggravation is a temporary worsening of existing symptoms following the administration of a correct homeopathic prescription. The aim of this study was to explore and compose criteria that may differentiate homeopathic aggravations from adverse effects. Material and Methods: A qualitative approach was employed using focus group interviews. 2 interviews, with 11 experienced homeopaths, were performed in Oslo, Norway. The practitioners have practiced classical homeopathy over a period of 10–32 years. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the text data. The codes were defined before and during the data analysis. Results: We found that aggravations were subtle and multifaceted events. Moreover, highly skilled homeopaths are required to identify and report aggravations. Adverse effect may be defined as an ‘undesirable effect of a remedy’. This definition is pragmatic, flexible, and more in line with the holistic paradigm that the homeopaths represent. 8 criteria that distinguish aggravation from adverse effect were found. Highly sensitive persons hold a unique position regarding safety, as it is important to identify these patients in order to treat them correctly and avoid undesirable effects of the treatment. Conclusion: This study rigorously explored homeopaths’ views and experience on aggravation and adverse effects. The 8 criteria developed in this study may ensure patient safety and support therapists in identifying an ‘undesirable effect of a remedy’.
TL;DR: There is a positive attitude regarding the concept of CAM, but there is a reluctance to refer or to initiate discussion with patients regarding CAM practices, which may be attributed to a lack of knowledge.
Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) of primary health care (PHC) physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: A crosssectional study including all physicians working at PHC centers in the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia, was carried out from the beginning of April 2010 to the end of June 2010. Using a self-administered questionnaire, 1,113 physicians answered questions regarding their socio-demographic data, and knowledge, attitudes and utilization of CAM. Results: About 8% of the participants had attended a continuous medical education or a training activity. Most of them were unfamiliar with reflexology, energy healing, aromatherapy, ozone therapy, homeopathy, or chiropractic care (77.4, 71.3, 71.2, 67.2, 65.7, and 63.9%, respectively). On the other hand, most physicians felt that they could understand and feel comfortable about counseling patients about Ruqyah (spiritual healing), honey and bee products, dietary supplements, massage therapy, relaxation, herbal medicine, and cupping (40.3, 38.3, 34.9, 34.4, 25.8, 22.8, and 21.4%, respectively). More than half (51.7%) of the physicians used CAM for themselves or their family, but only 14.2% referred their patients to CAM practitioners. 85.1% of studied physicians agreed that physicians should have knowledge about CAM therapies commonly used in the region. 82.5% agreed that health authorities should have a role in regulating CAM, and 75.7% agreed that the physicians’ knowledge about CAM practices leads to better patient outcome. Conclusion: There is a positive attitude regarding the concept of CAM, but there is a reluctance to refer or to initiate discussion with patients regarding CAM practices, which may be attributed to a lack of knowledge.
TL;DR: The stronger interplay between systems dedicated to endogenous analgesia, affective processing, amygdala, memory, and self-projective thinking following acupuncture supports the notion that acupuncture is a mind-body therapy which helps to reintegrate important neural dimensions of inner life and to establish psychophysical pain homeostasis.
Abstract: As a complementary medical procedure, acupuncture has a significant impact on the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Though the physiological mechanisms behind this method are still unclear, acupuncture has been claimed to rely also on changes in the central nervous system. Recent functional imaging studies indicate that the so-called default mode network (DMN) which consists of cortical midline structures and lateral parietal regions plays an important role in these processes. This brief overview describes the effects of analgesic acupuncture on the DMN architecture. The stronger interplay between systems dedicated to endogenous analgesia (periaqueductal gray), affective processing (anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala), memory (hippocampus), and self-projective thinking (DMN) following this therapy supports the notion that acupuncture is a mind-body therapy which helps to reintegrate important neural dimensions of inner life and to establish psychophysical pain homeostasis.
TL;DR: This qualitative study investigates body image in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain, its influence on their everyday life and any changes linked to traditional cupping therapy.
Abstract: Background: In conditions such as phantom limb pain and low back pain body image is distorted. This qualitative study investigates body image in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNP), its influence on their everyday life and any changes linked to traditional cupping therapy. Methods: The study was conducted with a convenience sample of 6 patients with CNP from a larger randomised controlled trial (RCT) on cupping. The data came from body image drawings and semi-structured interviews. The latter were analysed using Mayring’s content analysis techniques. Results: The patients’ drawings showed apparent body image distortions with elements that were missing or deformed. The interviews showed that pain was the predominant perception, influencing patients’ body perception. Patients saw their pain as beyond their control, using mostly passive strategies to cope. After cupping, patients reported less pain and improved pain perception. These changes were reflected in their drawings. Conclusion: Patients with CNP experienced apparent body image distortions, which traditional cupping therapy appeared to improve. Additional research is needed to further explore this link.
TL;DR: The I-CAM-Q has low face validity and low acceptability, and is likely to produce biased estimates of CAM use if applied in England, Romania, Italy, The Netherlands or Spain.
Abstract: Background: No questionnaire specifically measuring the core components of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use has been validated for use across Euro
TL;DR: There was broad consensus that a mixed methods approach is the most suitable for gathering conclusive knowledge about CAM and most authors vote for the use of commonly accepted research methods to evaluate CAM.
Abstract: Background: In the last 2 decades there has been a large increase in publications on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). However, CAM research methodology was heterogeneous and often of low quality. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate scientific publications with regards to general issues, concepts and strategies. We also looked at research priorities and methods employed to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological research of CAM in the past to identify the basis for consensus-based research strategies. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search for papers published between 1990 and 2010 in 7 electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science, PsychArticles, PsycInfo, CINAHL, EMBASE and Cochrane Library) on December 16 and 17, 2010. In addition, experts were asked to nominate relevant papers. Inclusion criteria were publications dealing with research methodology, priorities or complexities in the scientific evaluation of CAM. All references were assessed in a multistage process to identify relevant papers. Results: From the 3,279 references derived from the search and 98 references contributed by CAM experts, 170 papers fulfilled the criteria and were included in the analysis. The following key issues were identified: difficulties in past CAM research (e.g., randomisation, blinding), utility of quantitative and qualitative research methods in CAM, priority setting in CAM research and specific issues regarding various CAM modalities. Conclusions: Most authors vote for the use of commonly accepted research methods to evaluate CAM. There was broad consensus that a mixed methods approach is the most suitable for gathering conclusive knowledge about CAM.
TL;DR: Preliminary evidence that healing clay jojoba oil facial masks can be effective treatment for lesioned skin and mild acne vulgaris is given.
Abstract: Background: External application of clay facial masks is a cosmetic procedure generally used to reduce skin lesions and to improve overall skin condition.
TL;DR: An imaging system and algorithm for quantitative analysis of the tongue to provide the traditional techniques of Kampo with greater objectivity and the color change in 30 s was found to vary.
Abstract: Background: In Kampo medicine (Japanese traditional herbal medicine), the appearance of the tongue contains a lot of useful information for diagnosis. However, an
TL;DR: This report is an updated version of Deliverable 1 and replaces the version submitted to EC in January 2011 and contains new wording on preliminary CAM terminology and definitions.
Abstract: *This report is an updated version of Deliverable 1 and replaces the version submitted to EC in January 2011. Deliverable name Preliminary CAM terminology and definitions Work package No. 1 Lead beneficiary 7 (UZH) Contributing beneficiaries 4 (UNIBE), 5 (US), 8 (ComCAM), 9 (KI), 10 (SMBH), 11 (SAS) Estimated indicative person months 18 Nature of deliverable Report Dissemination level RE=Restricted to a group specified by the consortium (including Commission Services) Delivery date month 20 Authors of this report (lead author in bold print) B Uehleke, T Falkenberg, K von Ammon, K Santos, G Lewith, A Lazarus, P Roberti di Sarsina Further WP1 members involved
TL;DR: The step ahead for genuine Integrative Medicine seems to be neither towards a reductionistic analytical view on single components nor towards a pure synthetic holistic view being reductionistic on the other side of the river, so the solution lies in ‘synthesis additionally to analysis.
Abstract: ‘The whole is more than the sum of its parts’ [1]. This quote by Aristotle, one of the most influential instigators in occidental philosophy, science and taxonomy, is timeless. Yet at the same time this very idea also points towards an unheralded treasure in the development of a globalized 21st century medicine: the active rediscovery of an enormous hibernating potential for meta-integration of medical knowledge worldwide. Essentially it has always been there, dormant to a greater or lesser extent, especially when we look at prominent evergreens of present-day healthcare debates like disease prevention and health promotion. In this context it is not at all surprising that the WHO’s still non-amended definition of health from 1948 [2] was already more or less articulated about 1,700 years ago in the Ayurvedic classical text Sushruta Samhita [3]. There, health is comprehensively defined as a complex physiological balance added to psycho-sensual happiness and contentment of the soul. For the purpose of realization and implementation of this Aristotelian completeness axiom, and similar concepts from most other cultures around the globe, in medicine, we are now being invited to move on beyond the traditional realms of discussion, particularly in the context of Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Issues about demarcation from modern evidence-based medicine and/or a rigorous orientation to holism in charged atmospheres might innervate our egos. However, it will only delay processes of integrating global healthcare. Therefore, the step ahead for genuine Integrative Medicine seems to be neither towards a reductionistic analytical view on single components nor towards a pure synthetic holistic view being reductionistic on the other side of the river. The solution lies in ‘synthesis additionally to analysis.’[4] This is where systems thinking [5] and whole medical systems thinking [6] come into play and might lead us to a way of bridging and transcending reductionism in medicine in all areas. Whole medical systems are eo ipso complete and coherent systems of medical theory and practice that have evolved, and continue evolving, in different regions, cultures and time periods around the globe, independently from modern western medicine, e.g. Traditional European, Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, Arabian systems of medicine, Kampo, Anthroposophy, Homeopathy, etc. It is interesting to reflect on the fact that, alongside the continuing renaissance of our own flourishing European heritage in this field [7], some whole medical systems of Asian origin are not only thriving as officially acknowledged healthcare systems, but have a continuous mainstream medical tradition since more than 2,000 years on a continent currently bearing more than 60% of the world’s population. Here, the most well-known traditional Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, can spearhead as pars pro toto for all others for a particular reason: on top of its inbound coherence it possesses an inherent outbound quality of openness to its surrounding realities. In South Asia, Ayurveda is recognized by the state and is viewed on equal terms with conventional medicine. Within India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, it is applied in a living environment of approximately 1.4 billion people alongside other systems of care. Ayurvedic medicine is in much the same way as Traditional Chinese Medicine fully recognized as a medical science by the WHO. According to the Association of Ayurvedic Physicians of India, there are currently approximately 450,000 Ayurvedic physicians and more than 250 universityaffiliated colleges and Ayurveda universities in India alone [8]. In addition to its key role in a number of Asian healthcare systems, it is playing a growing role in international Integrative Medicine contexts, especially in Europe and North America. Ayurvedic medicine is characterized by a complex and multidimensional approach focusing on the delivery of treatments individualized to the person and disease [9] including: modification of lifestyle, dietary treatments, relaxation and meditation techniques, physical therapies, yoga, herbal medicine, as well as a broad range of highly specialized manual techniques and cleansing procedures. Furthermore, Ayurveda’s and most other whole medical systems’ therapeutic concepts are focusing on the fundamental
TL;DR: Maoto may be useful, particularly in cases of influenza with low sensitivity to oseltamivir and in patients aged ≤5 years for whom the use of zanamivIR is difficult.
Abstract: Background: In an influenza season where reduced effectiveness of oseltamivir was observed, we investigated the effectiveness of Maoto for influenza infection in
TL;DR: Both creams were aesthetic with respect to sensory evaluation and T. chebula topical cream showed a positive rejuvenating effect on human skin.
Abstract: Background: This study aimed to formulate a water-in-oil emulsion (formulation) of Terminalia chebula versus its vehicle (base) as control, and investigate its ef
TL;DR: An overview of a workshop to identify and discuss analytical techniques that can be used to study phenomena from a complex/nonlinear dynamical sciences perspective and develop working research projects/ protocols to collaboratively study patient-centered responses to CAM treatments is provided.
Abstract: In recent years, investigators have discovered significant limitations in applying biomedical cause-effect assumptions and using conventional efficacy study designs to assess the clinical outcomes of whole systems of complementary and alternative medicine (WS-CAM). A group of WS-CAM researchers has been working collaboratively since 2001 to address the limitations of studies evaluating WS-CAM and discern ways to conduct research that would capture the complexity of such systems and the synergistic effects between the various elements of the system and would take into account treatment individualization and/or the patient-centered nature of treatment systems. In 2009, 14 complexity scientists from systems biology, psychology and the social sciences were invited to attend a workshop with these CAM scientists to (a) identify and discuss analytical techniques that can be used to study phenomena from a complex/nonlinear dynamical sciences perspective, (b) establish working relationships with these researchers, and (c) develop working research projects/ protocols to collaboratively study patient-centered responses to CAM treatments. This paper provides an overview of the workshop goals and outcomes, introducing this special issue of Forschende Komplementarmedizin.
TL;DR: By revealing the use of Bryophyllum preparations in so many other indications than preterm delivery, the data clearly show the urgent need to conduct additional clinical trials.
Abstract: Background: The use of preparations from Bryophyllum pinnatum for tocolysis (or to arrest labor) is supported by observations obtained mainly a
TL;DR: This combination of extracts can be recommended as topical treatment for wound healing because of its epithelizing, anti-erythematous, and anti-edematous properties.
Abstract: Background: Venous ulcers (ulcus cruris venosum) are a common chronic disease that requires continuing treatment and significantly influences a patient‘s way of life. The therapeuti
TL;DR: This paper presents state space grids (SSGs) as a mathematically less intensive methodology for processoriented research beyond traditional qualitative and quantitative approaches in whole systems of complementary and alternative medicine (WS-CAM) and illustrates the possibilities for clinically relevant, process-focused hypotheses.
Abstract: This paper presents state space grids (SSGs) as a mathematically less intensive methodology for processoriented research beyond traditional qualitative and quantitative approaches in whole systems of
TL;DR: The ICD-10 symptom scale examined in the current population was found to have fair correlation with the HAMD-17 as well as, in face of the limited variance of the patients’ condition, acceptable sensitivity and specificity.
Abstract: Background: In outpatient settings diagnostic classification of depressive symptoms is mostly descriptive based on ICD-10. Depending on clinical experience and co
TL;DR: An overview of some of the key models and methods from nonlinear dynamical systems that are better equipped for empirical testing of CAM outcomes on broadband biopsychosocial processes are presented.
Abstract: The patient-healer relationship has an increasing area of interest for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) researchers. This focus on the interpersonal context of treatment is not surprising as dismantling studies, clinical trials and other linear research designs continually point toward the critical role of context and the broadband biopsychosocial nature of therapeutic responses to CAM. Unfortunately, the same traditional research models and methods that fail to find simple and specific treatment-outcome relations are similarly failing to find simple and specific mechanisms to explain how interpersonal processes influence patient outcomes. This paper presents an overview of some of the key models and methods from nonlinear dynamical systems that are better equipped for empirical testing of CAM outcomes on broadband biopsychosocial processes. Suggestions are made for CAM researchers to assist in modeling the interactions among key process dynamics interacting across biopsychosocial scales: empathy, intra-psychic conflict, physiological arousal, and leukocyte telomerase activity. Finally, some speculations are made regarding the possibility for deeper cross-scale information exchange involving quantum temporal nonlocality.
TL;DR: A centralised EU CAM research centre fostering a broad CAM R&D agenda with the responsibility for implementing the relevant findings of CAMbrella is recommended to facilitate international collaborative efforts and minimise the risk of investment failure.
Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to analyse global research and development (R&D) strategies for traditional medicine (TM) and complementary and alternat