health / Alternative medicine
Bluffer's guide: HomeopathyHomeopathy is an alternative therapy that treats
patients with highly diluted remedies made from plants and minerals which claim to trigger the body's natural system of healing.
topix.net Friday, November 06, 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 Friday, November 06, 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 Friday, November 06, 2009FDA Warns Consumers On Sexual Enhancement ProductsThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers that Stiff Nights, a
product marketed as a dietary supplement for sexual enhancement, contains an ingredient that can dangerously lower blood pressure and is illegal. Over the past several years, the FDA has found
medicalnewstoday.com Friday, November 06, 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 Friday, November 06, 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 Friday, November 06, 2009Flaxseed For Lower CholesterolEating flaxseed may help cut your cholesterol, according to a recent research review. Sifting through 28 studies (with a total of more than 1,500 participants), investigators found that consumption of flaxseed was linked to significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. However, flaxseed did not appear to considerably alter levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. What's more, flaxseed's cholesterol-lowering effects were more apparent in females (especially postmenopausal women) and
people with higher cholesterol levels. Rich in fiber and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed has been shown to benefit people with
diabetes, menopausal symptoms, and high blood pressure in previous studies. Since whole flaxseeds may pass through your intestine undigested, nutrition experts often suggest grinding flaxseed (in a coffee grinder, for instance) before adding it to cereals, smoothies, and other foods. Flaxseed For Lower Cholesterol originally appeared on About.com A
about.com Friday, November 06, 2009The Detox DietDetox diet - Learn about the detox diet, take the quiz, get a sample two-week detox diet plan, read common questions, get recipes, and more.
About Friday, November 06, 2009Stool - What's Healthy?Alternative practitioners often ask clients about their stool as part of their assessment. Find out what normal stool should look like and learn about the different types of abnormal stool.
About Friday, November 06, 2009
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