health / Alternative medicine
AYUSH comes up with suggestions to fight fluPUDUCHERRY: Taking into consideration expert opinions on preventive measures for flu, the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy is of the view that suggested Ayurveda and Unani interventions could be used for increasing immunity to fight various flu-like conditions.
topix.net Tuesday, October 20, 2009Alternative Medicine Popular Among Rhinosinusitis PatientsMany
people appear to be using alternative medicine to treat chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), according to a recent study. Typically resulting from an allergic reaction or upper respiratory infection, CRS is marked by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Lasting at least 12 weeks, the condition causes symptoms such as nasal congestion, postnasal drip, facial or dental pain, headache, and cough. CRS disorders account for as many as 22 million doctor's office visits each year. For the study, researchers surveyed 75 people about their use of 49 different complementary and alternative treatments, including acupuncture, massage, and aloe vera. Of the respondents, 65 percent reported using such treatments; 30 percent said they used complementary and alternative medicine to treat CRS specifically. The study also found that only 43 percent of those who used complementary and alternative medicine talked to their doctors about their self-care practices. Since herbs and other natural remedies can
About Tuesday, October 20, 2009Meditation May Help Doctors Beat BurnoutTaking up a mindfulness meditation practice may benefit doctors who feel fatigued or stressed out, according to a recent study. For the study, researchers assigned 70 primary care physicians to eight weekly 2 ½-hour sessions of training in mindfulness meditation, followed by 10 monthly 2 ½-hour sessions. Over the course of the program, and at a follow-up, the doctors showed a significant improvement in wellbeing, as well as decreases in burnout and mood disturbance. The study members also showed an increase in empathy and positive changes in how they related to their
patients. The majority of practicing physicians report symptoms of stress and emotional exhaustion, according to the study's authors. A mind-body technique meant to hone your attention, mindfulness meditation has been found to boost mood, lower stress levels, and strengthen the immune system in past studies. Meditation May Help Doctors Beat Burnout originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Friday, October
about.com Tuesday, October 20, 2009Integrative Medicine Program Achieves Center StatusThe Program for Complementary and Integrative Medicine at Wake Forest Baptist has been renamed the Center for Integrative Medicine, reflecting the program's growth and increasing significance at the
medical Center. The program began in 2005 under the direction of Kathi J. Kemper, M.D., M.P.H., professor of pediatrics, social sciences and health policy, and family and community medicine, and the Caryl J. Guth Chair for Integrative Medicine.
medicalnewstoday.com Tuesday, October 20, 2009Inside the Dancing with the Stars Flu OutbreakThey've try to avoid injuries every season, but these days the Dancing with the Stars cast is hoping to protect themselves from the flu bug that's hit the ballroom.
topix.net Tuesday, October 20, 2009Olive Oil Compound May Save Brain From Alzheimer'sNew research suggests that a compound found in extra virgin olive oil may help shield the brain from Alzheimer's
disease. Known as oleocanthal, the compound appears to alter the structure of certain proteins (called ADDLs) thought to contribute to the brain-harming effects of Alzheimer's. ADDLs are toxic substances shown to interfere with nerve cells and, in turn, trigger memory loss and disruption of normal brain function. In lab tests, scientists discovered that oleocanthal changes ADDL structure in a way that may keep them from binding to neural synapses and wreaking havoc on brain health. It's too soon to tell whether consumption of olive oil could help prevent Alzheimer's disease. In previous studies, researchers have shown that natural compounds such as curcumin (an anti-inflammatory agent found in the curry spice turmeric), resveratrol (a compound found in grapes and red wine), and the herb ginkgo biloba may also help fend off Alzheimer's disease. Olive Oil Compound May Save Br
about.com Tuesday, October 20, 2009Tai Chi May Dispel Dizziness, Boost BalanceNew research shows that tai chi may benefit
people with vestibular disorders, a class of conditions that can cause dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and problems with hearing, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and concentration. A gentle Chinese martial art, tai chi combines slow, graceful movement with meditation and deep breathing. For the study, researchers focused on 21 people from an outpatient rehabilitation program. After an eight-week course in tai chi,
patients reported improvements in their vestibular symptoms. The study's authors suggest that tai chi may enhance coordination by promoting relaxation, and that the exercise may be useful to patients whose symptoms fail to
improve with conventional therapy. Past studies indicate that tai chi may also be helpful for people dealing with
diabetes and arthritis pain, as well as for elderly people seeking to reduce their risk of falling. Tai Chi May Dispel Dizziness, Boost Balance originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wedne
about.com Tuesday, October 20, 2009Plant Compound May Aid Cancer TreatmentA natural substance known as chlorophyllin may be useful in the treatment of
cancer, a new study shows. A derivative of chlorophyll (a green pigment found in most plants), chlorophyllin may be 10 times more potent than the commonly used chemotherapeutic drug hydroxyurea when it comes to knocking out colon
cancer cells. In test-tube studies on human cells, investigators found that chlorophyllin caused colon cancer cells to spend more time than normal in the phase in which DNA is duplicated. By slowing up the process of
cancer-cell growth, the study's authors suggest, chlorophyllin may help spur the death of cancer cells. In particular, chlorophyllin significantly decreased levels of ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme crucial to cell growth. Chlorophyllin must be more extensively studied - especially in combination with cancer drugs - before its effects can be tested on humans, the study's authors note. Often touted as a natural immune-booster and detox agent, wheatgrass juice is parti
about.com Tuesday, October 20, 2009Chinese Herbs May Fight DiabetesWhile some Chinese herbal medicines may help reduce your risk of
diabetes, there may not be enough scientific evidence to support their use. That's the finding of a recent review of 16 clinical trials (involving a total of 1,391
people who received 15 different herbal formulas). In traditional Chinese medicine, herbs have long been used to help stop people with impaired glucose tolerance from developing
diabetes. Also known as pre-diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance is marked by higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. Chinese herbal medicine aims to normalize blood sugar levels in a number of ways, such as by boosting function of the pancreas and increasing availability of the blood-sugar-regulating hormone known as insulin. Although this approach shows promise in the treatment of pre-diabetes, more clinical trials need to be carried out to confirm its effectiviness, according to the review's authors. In past studies, natural substances such as cinnamon and ginseng have also been foun
about.com Tuesday, October 20, 2009Natural Remedies for TinnitusTo stop that ringing in your ear, learn about alternative treatments that may help ease tinnitus symptoms.
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