health / Alternative medicine
The Royal treatmentWhen our immune systems are not in tip-top shape and are exposed to a new virus to which our bodies have had no previous exposure and therefore no immunity, we are vulnerable.
topix.net Monday, November 02, 2009More insurers are paying for alternative remediesEDITOR'S NOTE: Ten years and $2.5 billion in research have found no cures from alternative medicine.
topix.net Monday, November 02, 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 Monday, November 02, 2009Guided Imagery for Stomach PainGuided imagery may help kids cope with functional abdominal pain, a new study suggests. A condition common among children, functional abdominal pain is marked by an ongoing stomach discomfort with no identifiable underlying cause. The study included 34 children (ages 6 to 15), all of whom had been diagnosed with functional abdominal pain. Each study member received standard
medical care, and 19 participants were also assigned to eight weeks of guided imagery treatment. The treatment consisted of four biweekly, 20-minute guided-imagery sessions, as well as daily sessions that lasted ten minutes each. Study results showed that 73.3 percent of children in the guided-imagery group reduced their pain by half or more by the end of the treatment course, while just 26.7 of kids receiving only standard care had the same level of improvement. Guided imagery is a self-care technique that involves achieving deep relaxation by imagining yourself in a peaceful place. Previous studies show that the
about.com Monday, November 02, 2009Magnetic Therapy Can't Conquer Arthritis PainWearing a magnetic bracelet won't help you fight arthritis pain, according to a new study. Magnetic bracelets are a form of magnetic therapy, a type of alternative medicine based on the theory that magnetic fields can promote healing when administered directly to the body. For the study, researchers recruited 45
people (ages 50 or over) who suffered from osteoarthritis. For 16 weeks, each participant wore one of four devices in a random order: two wrist straps with differing levels of magnetism, a demagnetized wrist strap, and a copper bracelet. Study results showed no significant difference between the devices in terms of their ability to reduce pain, ease stiffness, and
improve physical function. While magnetic therapy may not help relieve osteoarthritis pain, past research suggests that other alternative approaches (such as acupuncture, yoga, and glucosamine supplements) may help manage the condition. Magnetic Therapy Can't Conquer Arthritis Pain originally appeared on About.com A
about.com Monday, November 02, 2009Garlic for Heart HealthTo tap into the heart-healthy effects of garlic, consider choosing the freshly crushed herb over the dried variety. In a recent study, researchers found that fresh-crushed garlic may be richer in hydrogen sulfide (a compound said to relax the blood vessel and stimulate circulation). For the study, investigators fed freshly crushed garlic and processed garlic to lab rats recovering from simulated heart attacks. While both types of garlic reduced damage to the heart, the fresh-crushed form more effectively restored blood flow to the aorta. The study's authors attribute this effect to the presence of hydrogen sulfide, a substance that dried garlic is unable to produce. Past studies have shown that garlic may moderately cut cholesterol and help keep blood pressure in check. A popular cold remedy, garlic has also been found to possess virus-fighting properties. Garlic for Heart Health originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 21:34:02.Permalin
about.com Monday, November 02, 2009Color TherapyLearn about the healing effects of color and find out what health imbalances and energy centers, or chakras, each color is associated with.
About Monday, November 02, 2009What's your detox diet IQ?Test your knowledge of detox diets with this quiz.
About Monday, November 02, 2009Mind-Body Medicine for Cancer FatigueNew research shows that taking up a mind-body exercise program could help
cancer patients fight fatigue. A common side effect of chemotherapy, fatigue may make cancer patients more prone to depression. For the study, researchers focused on 269 cancer patients (ages 20 to 65) who were undergoing chemotherapy or treatment for advanced
disease. For six weeks, study members joined in an exercise program that included three weekly high-intensity workout sessions (lasting 90 minutes each and combining cardiovascular exercise with strength training) and one weekly body-awareness session (including practices such as stretching, deep breathing, and Pilates). The program also involved four weekly half-hour sessions of relaxation training, as well as two weekly half-hour massage sessions. Among the 235 participants who completed the study, researchers observed a decrease in fatigue and an increase in vitality. What's more, the study members showed improvements in physical functioning, as well as
about.com Monday, November 02, 2009
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