Showing papers in "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2005"

Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part I—Neurophysiologic Model

Abstract: Mind–body interventions are beneficial in stress-related mental and physical disorders. Current research is finding associations between emotional disorders and vagal tone as indicated by heart rate variability. A neurophysiologic model of yogic breathing proposes to integrate research on yoga with polyvagal theory, vagal stimulation, hyperventilation, and clinical observations. Yogic breathing is a unique method for balancing the autonomic nervous system and influencing psychologic and stress-related disorders. Many studies demonstrate effects of yogic breathing on brain function and physiologic parameters, but the mechanisms have not been clarified. Sudarshan Kriya yoga (SKY), a sequence of specific breathing techniques (ujjayi, bhastrika, and Sudarshan Kriya) can alleviate anxiety, depression, everyday stress, post-traumatic stress, and stress-related medical illnesses. Mechanisms contributing to a state of calm alertness include increased parasympathetic drive, calming of stress response systems, neur...

Finding common ground: patient-centeredness and evidence-based chronic illness care.

Abstract: Health outcomes for patients with major chronic illnesses depend on the appropriate use of proven pharmaceuticals and other therapeutic technologies, and effective self-management by patients. Effective chronic illness care then bases clinical decisions on the best, rigorous scientific evidence, or evidence-based medicine. Effective support for patient self-management includes efforts to increase patient participation in care and collaborative goal-setting and planning of treatment. These interventions appear somewhat consistent with recent conceptualizations of patient-centered care. The consistent delivery of proven therapies and information and support for self-management requires practice systems organized for that purpose. The Chronic Care Model is a compilation of those practice system changes shown to improve chronic care. This paper explores the concept of patient-centeredness and its relationship to the Chronic Care Model. We conclude that the Model is both evidence-based and patient-centered and...

Sudarshan Kriya Yogic breathing in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and depression. Part II--clinical applications and guidelines.

Abstract: Yogic breathing is a unique method for balancing the autonomic nervous system and influencing psychologic and stress-related disorders. Part I of this series presented a neurophysiologic theory of the effects of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY). Part II will review clinical studies, our own clinical observations, and guidelines for the safe and effective use of yoga breath techniques in a wide range of clinical conditions. Although more clinical studies are needed to document the benefits of programs that combine pranayama (yogic breathing) asanas (yoga postures), and meditation, there is sufficient evidence to consider Sudarshan Kriya Yoga to be a beneficial, low-risk, low-cost adjunct to the treatment of stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, stress-related medical illnesses, substance abuse, and rehabilitation of criminal offenders. SKY has been used as a public health intervention to alleviate PTSD in survivors of mass disasters. Yoga techniques enhance well-being, mood, attention, mental focus, and stress tolerance. Proper training by a skilled teacher and a 30-minute practice every day will maximize the benefits. Health care providers play a crucial role in encouraging patients to maintain their yoga practices.

Medicinal benefits of green tea: Part I. Review of noncancer health benefits.

Abstract: Tea, in the form of green or black tea, is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Extracts of tea leaves also are sold as dietary supplements. However, with the increasing interest in the health properties of tea and a significant rise in scientific investigation, this review covers recent findings on the medicinal properties and noncancer health benefits of both green and black tea. In Part II, a review of anticancer properties of green tea extracts is presented. Green tea contains a unique set of catechins that possess biological activity in antioxidant, anti-angiogenesis, and antiproliferative assays potentially relevant to the prevention and treatment of various forms of cancer. Although there has been much focus on the biological properties of the major tea catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) and its antitumor properties, tea offers other health benefits; some due to the presence of other important constituents. Characteristics unrelated to the antioxidant properties of green an...

A Brief but Comprehensive Lifestyle Education Program Based on Yoga Reduces Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract: Objectives: The objective of the study was to study the short-term impact of a brief lifestyle intervention based on yoga on some of the biochemical indicators of risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Design: The variables of interest were measured at the beginning (day 1) and end (day 10) of the intervention using a pre–post design. Setting: The study is the result of operational research carried out in our Integral Health Clinic (IHC). The IHC is an outpatient facility which conducts 8-day lifestyle modification programs based on yoga for prevention and management of chronic disease. A new course begins every alternate week of the year. Subjects: The study is based on data collected on 98 subjects (67 male, 31 female), ages 20–74 years, who attended one of our programs. The subjects were a heterogeneous group of patients with hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and a variety of other illnesses. Intervention: The intervention consisted of asanas (postures), pranayam...

Efficacy of yoga on pregnancy outcome.

Abstract: Objective: To study the efficacy of yoga on pregnancy outcomes. Design and setting: Three hundred thirty five (335) women attending the antenatal clinic at Gunasheela Surgical and Maternity Hospital in Bangalore, India, were enrolled between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy in a prospective, matched, observational study; 169 women in the yoga group and 166 women in the control group. Methods: Women were matched for age, parity, body weight, and Doppler velocimetry scores of umbilical and uterine arteries. Yoga practices, including physical postures, breathing, and meditation were practiced by the yoga group one hour daily, from the date of entry into the study until delivery. The control group walked 30 minutes twice a day (standard obstetric advice) during the study period. Compliance in both groups was ensured by frequent telephone calls and strict maintenance of an activity diary. Main outcomes: Birth weight and gestational age at delivery were primary outcomes. Results: The number of babies with birth wei...

Medicinal Benefits of Green Tea: Part II. Review of Anticancer Properties

Abstract: Currently there is wide interest in the medicinal benefits of green tea (Camellia sinensis). Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, and extracts of tea leaves are also sold as dietary supplements. Green tea extracts contain a unique set of catechins that possess biologic activity in antioxidant, antiangiogenesis, and antiproliferative assays that are potentially relevant to the prevention and treatment of various forms of cancer. With the increasing interest in the health properties of tea and a significant rise in their scientific investigation, it is the aim of this review to summarize recent findings on the anticancer and medicinal properties of green tea, focusing on the biologic properties of the major tea catechin, (–)-epigallocatechin and its antitumor properties.

Iyengar yoga for treating symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knees: a pilot study.

Abstract: Objectives: The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Guidelines for the medical management of osteoarthritis (OA) emphasize the use of nonpharmacologic interventions including exercise. Implementation of an exercise program can be difficult for patients, and little is known about the benefits of alternative therapies such as yoga. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of using yoga in the tradition of B.K.S. Iyengar to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Design: Participants were instructed in modified Iyengar yoga postures during 90-minute classes once weekly for 8 weeks. Subjects: Participants met ACR criteria for osteoarthritis of the knee and completed a medical history and physical examination, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2 (AIMS2), Patient Global Assessment (GA) by Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Physician GA by VAS, and 50-foot Walk Time before and following an 8-week course of yoga instruc...

The integration of complementary therapies in Australian general practice: results of a national survey.

Abstract: Methods: Australian general practitioners' (GPs) attitudes toward and use of a range of complementary therapies (CTs) were determined through a self-administered postal survey sent to a random sample of 2000 Australian GPs. The survey canvassed GPs' opinions as to the harmfulness and effectiveness of CTs; current levels of training and interest in further training; personal use of, and use in practice of, CTs; referrals to CT; practitioners; appropriateness for GPs to practice and for government regulation; perceived patient demand and the need for undergraduate education. Results: The response rate was 33.2%. Based on GPs' responses, complementary therapies could be classified into: nonmedicinal and nonmanipulative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga, and hypnosis, that were seen to be highly effective and safe; medicinal and manipulative therapies, including chiropractic, Chinese herbal medicine, osteopathy, herbal medicine, vitamin and mineral therapy, naturopathy, and homeopathy,...

Classification of human population based on HLA gene polymorphism and the concept of Prakriti in Ayurveda.

Abstract: Background: Correlating phenotypes with genotypes remains the major postgenomic challenge. Attempts to correlate phenotype characteristics associated with ethnicity, geographical divisions, or diseases to genotypes have had limited success. This means that current approaches for identifying phenotypes associated with haplotypes may be inadequate. Objectives: We hypothesize that a human phenome based on Ayurveda could provide an appropriate approach. Specifically, there could be a genetic basis for the three major constitutions (Prakriti) described in Ayurveda. The Prakriti classification is based on differences in physical, physiological, and psychologics characteristics and is independent of racial, ethnic, or geographical considerations. It may provide an appropriate means of classifying phenotypes to be considered collectively for genotyping. Design: As a pilot study to test the hypothesis, we evaluated 76 subjects both for their Prakriti and human leucocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1 types. The genomic DNA wa...

Homeopathic Treatment for Chronic Disease: A 6-Year, University-Hospital Outpatient Observational Study

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to assess health changes seen in routine homeopathic care for patients with a wide range of chronic conditions who were referred to a hospital outpatient department. Design: This was an observational study of 6544 consecutive follow-up patients during a 6-year period. Setting: Hospital outpatient unit within an acute National Health Service (NHS) Teaching Trust in the United Kingdom. Participants: Every patient attending the hospital outpatient unit for a follow-up appointment over the study period was included, commencing with their first follow-up attendance. Main outcome measure: Outcomes were based on scores on a 7-point Likert-type scale at the end of the consultation and were assessed as overall outcomes compared to the initial baseline assessments. Results: A total of 6544 consecutive follow-up patients were given outcome scores. Of the patients 70.7% (n = 4627) reported positive health changes, with 50.7% (n = 3318) recording their improvement as better (+2) or...

Treatment of fibromyalgia with formula acupuncture: investigation of needle placement, needle stimulation, and treatment frequency.

Abstract: Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate whether typical acupuncture methods such as needle placement, needle stimulation, and treatment frequency were important factors in fibromyalgia symptom improvement. Design/settings/subjects: A single-site, single-blind, randomized trial of 114 participants diagnosed with fibromyalgia for at least 1 year was performed. Intervention: Participants were randomized to one of four treatment groups: (1) T/S needles placed in traditional sites with manual needle stimulation (n = 29): (2) T/0 traditional needle location without stimulation (n = 30); (3) N/S needles inserted in nontraditional locations that were not thought to be acupuncture sites, with stimulation (n = 28); and (4) N/0 nontraditional needle location without stimulation (n = 2 7). All groups received treatment once weekly, followed by twice weekly, and finally three times weekly, for a total of 18 treatments. Each increase in frequency was separated by a 2-week washout period. Outcome meas...

A pilot prospective study on the consultation and relational empathy, patient enablement, and health changes over 12 months in patients going to the Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital.

Abstract: Objective: To relate prospectively initial consultation characteristics—length, empathy, and patient enablement— with perceived health changes in patients going to the Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital (GHH). Methods: Consecutive outpatients completed the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) measure and the Patient Enablement Instrument (PEI) immediately after their first consultations, again at 3 months, and the PEI also at 12 months. The Short Form–12 was completed immediately before and the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome (MYMOP) Profile during the first consultation, and both were repeated at 3 and 12 months. Perceived changes in main complaint and well-being were assessed using the Glasgow Homoeopathic Outcome Scale (GHHOS). Results: Empathy score at first consultation was highly predictive of ongoing empathy score at 3 months (Spearman's rho, 0.572, p < 0.0001). Empathy scores at first consultation also correlated significantly with enablement score at first consultation (rho, 0.325, p < 0.0001) ...

Evidence for correlations between distant intentionality and brain function in recipients: a functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis.

Abstract: This study, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology, demonstrated that distant intentionality (DI), defined as sending thoughts at a distance, is correlated with an activation of certain brain functions in the recipients. Eleven healers who espoused some form for connecting or healing at a distance were recruited from the island of Hawaii. Each healer selected a person with whom they felt a special connection as a recipient for DI. The recipient was placed in the MRI scanner and isolated from all forms of sensory contact from the healer. The healers sent forms of DI that related to their own healing practices at random 2-minute intervals that were unknown to the recipient. Significant differences between experimental (send) and control (no send) procedures were found (p = 0.000127). Areas activated during the experimental procedures included the anterior and middle cingulate area, precuneus, and frontal area. It was concluded that instructions to a healer to make an intentional conne...

Complementary and alternative medicine for low-back pain in pregnancy: a cross-sectional survey.

Abstract: Objective: To identify common treatments used for low-back pain (LBP) during pregnancy. Design: A two-part anonymous survey. Setting/location: New Haven, Connecticut. Subjects: Pregnant women and providers of prenatal health care (nurse educators, nurse midwives, and obstetricians). Results: We found that the majority of pregnant women who participated in our survey (61.7%) reported that they would accept complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy as treatment for LBP during pregnancy. Similarly, 61% of providers of prenatal health care in our sample reported that they would consider using CAM as treatment for LBP during pregnancy. Massage (61.4%), acupuncture (44.6%), relaxation (42.6%), yoga (40.6%), and chiropractic (36.6%) were the most common CAM therapies recommended for LBP in pregnancy by the providers of prenatal health care in our sample. Conclusions: This two-part survey study found that both providers of prenatal health care and pregnant women in New Haven county are likely to use CA...

Homeopathy for Menopausal Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract: Objectives: To carry out a preliminary trial evaluating the effectiveness of two types of homeopathy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors. Design: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled Settings/location: Private medical clinic, Seattle, WA. Subjects: Women with a history of breast cancer who had completed all surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment and who had an average of at least three hot flashes per day for the previous month. Interventions: Subjects were randomized to receive either an individualized homeopathic single remedy, a homeopathic combination medicine, or placebo. Patients were seen by homeopathic providers every 2 months for 1 year. Outcome measures: Hot flash frequency and severity, Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI), Short Form 36 (SF-36). Results: There was no significant difference found in the primary outcome measure, the hot flash severity score, although there was a positive trend in the single remedy group during the first 3 months of t...

The effect of group aerobic exercise and t'ai chi on functional outcomes and quality of life for persons living with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to assess the usefulness of two interventions in a group rehabilitation medicine setting to determine strategies and exercise guidelines for long-term care of the HIV/AIDS population with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Design: This was a randomized clinical trial investigating the effects of tai chi (TC) and aerobic exercise (EX) on functional outcomes and quality of life (QOL) in patients with AIDS. Setting: Two outpatient infectious disease clinics in a Mid-Atlantic state were the setting. Subjects and intervention: Thirty-eight (38) subjects with advanced HIV (AIDS) were randomized to one of three groups: TC, EX, or control. Experimental groups exercised twice weekly for 8 weeks. Outcome measures: The primary outcomes included QOL as measured by the Medical Outcomes Short Form (MOS-HIV) and Spirituality Well-Being Scale (SWB). Functional measures included the functional reach (FR) for balance, sit and reach (SR) for flexi...

Analysis of the inhibitory potential of Ginkgo biloba, Echinacea purpurea, and Serenoa repens on the metabolic activity of cytochrome P450 3A4, 2D6, and 2C9.

Abstract: Objective: To study the potential of three top-selling herbal products, Ginkgo biloba, Echinacea purpurea, and Serenoa repens to inhibit the in vitro enzymatic activity of three of the most important drug metabolizing enzymes, cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4, 2D6, and 2C9. Methods: High throughput CYP inhibition screening was used to test the inhibitory capacity of extracts of commercially available herbal medications on the metabolism of CYP enzyme substrates. Results: S. repens showed potent inhibition of the metabolic activity of all three CYPs tested. The effects of G. biloba and E. purpurea varied. E. purpurea demonstrated mild inhibition of CYP3A4 activity with 7- benzyloxy-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin (BFC) as the model substrate, but mild inducing effects in the presence of the model substrate resorufin benzyl ether (BzRes). Little effect on CYP2D6 and moderate inhibition of CYP2C9 was seen with both E. purpurea and G. biloba. G. biloba also showed mild-to-moderate inhibition of CYP3A4 depending on the mod...

A single-blinded, randomized pilot study evaluating the aroma of Lavandula augustifolia as a treatment for mild insomnia.

Abstract: Background: Insomnia is the most common of all sleep complaints and is under-researched. The current treatments of choice are conventional hypnotics agents, but these have potential for serious adverse reactions. Uncontrolled and anecdotal evidence suggests that lavender oil is an effective treatment for insomnia, but this has not been formally investigated. Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate the proposed trial methodology and the efficacy of Lavandula augustifolia (lavender) on insomnia. Interventions: Interventions consisted of Lavandula augustifolia (treatment) and sweet almond oil as placebo/control. The aroma was supplied via an Aromastream device (Tisserand Aromatherapy, Sussex, UK). Design: This was a pilot study with randomized, single-blind, cross-over design (baseline, two treatment periods, and a washout period, each of 1 week duration). Subjects and setting: Volunteers with defined insomnia treated on a domiciliary basis participated in the study. Outcome measures: Outcomes we...

Research on Homeopathy: State of the Art

Abstract: In this paper, we review research on homeopathy from four perspectives, focusing on reviews and some landmark studies. These perspectives are laboratory studies, clinical trials, observational studies, and theoretical work. In laboratory models, numerous effects and anomalies have been reported. However, no single model has been sufficiently widely replicated. Instead, researchers have focused on ever-new models and experiments, leaving the picture of scattered anomalies without coherence. Basic research, trying to elucidate a purported difference between homeopathic remedies and control solutions has also produced some encouraging results, but again, series of independent replications are missing. While there are nearly 200 reports on clinical trials, few series have been conducted for single conditions. Some of these series document clinically useful effects and differences against placebo and some series do not. Observational research into uncontrolled homeopathic practice documents consistently strong therapeutic effects and sustained satisfaction in patients. We suggest that this scattered picture has to do with the fourth line of research: lack of a good theory. Some of the extant theoretical models are reviewed, including placebo, water structure, silica contamination, energy models, and entanglement models. It emerges that local models, suggesting some change in structure in the solvent, are far from convincing. The nonlocal models proposed would predict that it is impossible to nail down homeopathic effects with direct experimental testing and this places homeopathy in a scientific dilemma. We close with some suggestions for potentially fruitful research.

Variability in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnoses and herbal prescriptions provided by three TCM practitioners for 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Objective: To ascertain if previous findings of low levels of agreement of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pattern diagnoses made by TCM practitioners in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) ...

Meditation reduces sympathetic activation and improves the quality of life in elderly patients with optimally treated heart failure: a prospective randomized study.

Abstract: Objective: We tested whether meditation can reduce sympathetic activation, evaluated by norepinephrine blood levels (NE), and improve quality of life in elderly persons with congestive heart failure (CHF). Design and Setting: This was a prospective, randomized study conducted from April 2000 to October 2001 in an ambulatory care teaching hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Subjects: We studied 19 patients with CHF, 74.8 ± 6.7 years old, receiving diuretics, optimal doses of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II inhibitor, maximum tolerated carvedilol dose (23.1 ± 13.6 mg) and spironolactone 25 mg (10 patients). Interventions: After 2 months of optimal treatment with carvedilol, patients were randomized into two groups. The meditation group (M) was provided an audiotape, 30 minutes long, to listen to at home, twice a day, for 12 weeks, plus a weekly meeting. The control group (C) just had weekly meetings. Main Outcome Measures: We determined before and after 14 ± k1 weeks, NE (in pg/mL); ...

A critical review of randomized controlled trials of static magnets for pain relief.

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this review was to establish whether there is evidence for or against the efficacy of static magnets to produce analgesia. Methods: A systematic literature review was undertaken of studies that compared the use of static magnets with an appropriate control for the treatment of pain. Study methods, their quality, and outcome were also reviewed. Results: Overall, 13 of the 21 studies reported a significant analgesic effect due to static magnets. Of the 18 better quality studies with 3 points or more on the quality assessment, 11 were positive and six were negative, and in one there was a non-significant trend towards a positive analgesic effect. In two of the negative studies, there are concerns over adequacy of magnet power for the type of pain, and in the other study of duration of exposure to the magnetic field. If these two studies are excluded on the grounds of inadequate treatment, then 11 out of 15 (73.3%) of the better quality studies demonstrated a positive effect of static ma...

A pilot, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of individualized homeopathy for symptoms of estrogen withdrawal in breast-cancer survivors.

Abstract: Objective: To pilot an investigation of individualized homeopathy for symptoms of estrogen withdrawal in breast cancer survivors. Design: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient department of a National Health Service (NHS) homeopathic hospital. Participants: Fifty-seven (57) women met inclusion criteria and 53 were randomized to the study. Intervention: After 2 weeks of baseline assessment, all participants received a consultation plus either oral homeopathic medicine or placebo, assessed every 4 weeks for 16 weeks. Outcome measures: The primary outcome measures were the activity score and profile score of the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP). Results: Eighty-five percent (85%) (45/53) of women completed the study. There was no evidence of a difference seen between groups for either activity (adjusted difference =–0.4, 95% confidence interval CI –1.0 to 0.2, p = 0.17) or profile scores (adjusted difference = –0.4, 95% CI –0.9 to 0.1, p = 0.13) using this ...

Sociodemographic Determinants of the Utilization of Specific Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Analysis Based on a Nationally Representative Survey Sample

Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate the relationships between selected sociodemographic factors and the use of particular types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the general U.S. population. CAMs make up a heterogeneous group of practices. Although it is well established that sociodemographic factors impact the use of conventional medicine, it is unclear which, if any, influence the use of particular types of CAM. Design: Data from a 1997–1998 nationally representative survey (n = 2055) was examined using descriptive and univariate analyses. Results: The impact of particular sociodemographic factors was found to vary by type of CAM considered. Whites used more CAM than non-Whites except in the case of prayer. Users of CAM tended to be better educated than nonusers with the exception of prayer, self-prayer, and use of a lay midwife. Women used more CAM than men, especially weight-change diet. Conclusions: As with conventional medicine use, the patterns of CAM use vary by individual type of therapy con...

Integrative health care: how can we determine whether patients benefit?

Abstract: Objective: Evaluation of integrative health care (IHC) models is becoming increasingly important. One of the areas that requires further attention is the development of an appropriate set of outcom...

Communication About Symptoms in Primary Care: Impact on Patient Outcomes

Abstract: Background and purpose: Good communication is an integral part of a healing relationship. Our study's purpose was to explore the relationship between patient-doctor communication about physical symptoms and patient outcomes Methods: Five hundred (500) consecutive adults presenting with physical symptoms were surveyed. Previsit surveys assessed for patient symptom characteristics, illness worry, stress, expectations, functional status (MOS SF-6), and mental disorders (PRIME-MD). Immediately postvisit, patients were asked about their satisfaction (Rand-9), the presence of unmet expectations, and what the clinicians did for them; clinicians were asked what they did for the patients and also completed a 10-item measure of how difficult the encounter was from their perspective (DDPRQ). At 2 weeks, patient surveys assessed symptom outcome, functional status (MOS SF6), and satisfaction. Results: There was a high degree of agreement between clinician and patient reports about concrete actions during the encounter...

Electroacupuncture Attenuates Inflammation in a Rat Model

Abstract: Background: Acupuncture has traditionally been used in China and is being increasingly applied in Western countries to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammatory disease. However, clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture have yielded inconsistent results, and the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture-produced anti-inflammation are unclear. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) on inflammation in a rat model. Materials and methods: Four experiments were conducted on male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8–9 per group). Inflammation was induced by injecting complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) subcutaneously into the plantar surface of one hind paw of the rat. Experiment 1: To determine the effect of EA (10 and 100 Hz) versus sham treatment on inflammation. Experiment 2: To investigate the involvement of the adrenal glands on the effect of EA treatment using adrenalectomized (ADX) rats. Experiment 3: To determine the effects ...

Incorporation of fasting therapy in an integrative medicine ward: evaluation of outcome, safety, and effects on lifestyle adherence in a large prospective cohort study.

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to implement fasting therapy in an inpatient integrative medicine ward and to evaluate safety, acceptance, and effects on health-related outcomes and lifestyle...

Cranial manipulation can alter sleep latency and sympathetic nerve activity in humans: a pilot study

Abstract: Objective: To determine if cranial manipulation is associated with altered sleep latency. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of cranial manipulation on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) as a potential mechanism for altered sleep latency. Design: Randomized block design with repeated measures. Setting: The Integrative Physiology and Manipulative Medicine Departments, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX. Subjects: Twenty (20) healthy volunteers (12 male, 8 female; age range, 22–35 years) participated in this investigation. Interventions: Subjects were exposed to 3 randomly ordered treatments: compression of the fourth ventricle (CV4), CV4 sham (simple touch), and control (no treatment). Outcome measures: Sleep latency was assessed during each of the treatments in 11 subjects, using the standard Multiple Sleep Latency Test protocol. Conversely, directly recorded efferent MSNA was measured during each of the treatments in the remaining 9 subjects, using standard micron...