health / Alternative medicine
Mind-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 Wednesday, November 04, 2009Interim Study Data Demonstrate Eligen(R) B12 Oral Formulation Achieves Comparable Results To B12 InjectionEmisphere Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB:EMIS) announced that interim data from an ongoing study demonstrated its high-dose oral Eligen® B12 (1000mcg) performed as well as or better than B12 injections in individuals with Vitamin B12 deficiency. Normal levels of serum B12 and active B12 were achieved by 100 percent of those study participants who have currently taken Eligen® B12 (1000mcg) 15 days into the 90-day study when the first blood samples were taken.
medicalnewstoday.com Wednesday, November 04, 2009Acupressure May Aid Diabetes PatientsAcupressure may boost health in
people dealing with type 2
diabetes, according to a recent study. A long-practiced Chinese therapy similar to acupuncture, acupressure stimulates certain points on the body in order to
improve the flow of vital energy (called "chi" or "qi") and, in turn, enhance wellbeing. Unlike acupuncture, however, acupressure involves the application of manual pressure (typically with the fingertips) rather than the insertion of needles. For the study, 64 people with type 2
diabetes were treated with standard diabetes medications and assigned to a diet and exercise program designed to control hypertension and hyperglycemia. A subset of study members also received a 90-minute session of acupressure therapy four to six times per week. At the end of the three-year study, participants who'd received acupressure had significantly lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol - as well as higher levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol - compared to
patients who
about.com Wednesday, November 04, 2009Researchers Find Yoga May Be Effective For Chronic Low Back Pain In Minority PopulationsResearchers have found that yoga may be more effective than standard treatment for reducing chronic low back pain in minority populations.
Science Daily Wednesday, November 04, 2009Prayer Treatments Covered In Health Care Reform BillsPrayer treatments may get a boost in health care legislation, raising debate about what constitutes healing and the separation of church and state. The
medicalnewstoday.com Wednesday, November 04, 2009Insurers OK drug alternativesAcupuncture, not pain pills that 'make me loopy,' is what Cynde Durnford-Branecki wants for her aching back, and a treatment costs her only a $20 copayment.
topix.net Wednesday, November 04, 2009PAKISTAN: Uphill struggle in battle against breast cancerAnecdotal evidence suggests
breast cancer is on the rise in Pakistan but budgetary constraints, bogus healers and a lack of awareness is hampering early diagnosis, according to healthcare professionals.
topix.net Wednesday, November 04, 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 Wednesday, November 04, 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 Wednesday, November 04, 2009Natural Breast Cancer DefenseNatural remedies may aid in the prevention of
breast cancer, while alternative therapies could benefit women coping with the
disease.
About Wednesday, November 04, 2009 1 2 3
Archived alternative medicine news stories.
Available news archives.