Complementary therapies in medicine
-
Complement Ther Med · Aug 2013
ReviewPlant extracts with appetite suppressing properties for body weight control: a systematic review of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials.
As obesity has reached epidemic proportions, the management of this global disease is of clinical importance. The availability and popularity of natural dietary supplements for the treatment of obesity has risen dramatically in recent years. ⋯ According to the findings from this systematic review, the evidence is not convincing in demonstrating that most dietary supplements used as appetite suppressants for weight loss in the treatment of obesity are effective and safe. A balance between conclusive findings by double blind RCTs and advertisement is required to avoid safety concerns and dissatisfaction from consumers.
-
Complement Ther Med · Jun 2013
ReviewPrevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)-use in UK paediatric patients: a systematic review of surveys.
This systematic review is aimed at estimating the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)-use by paediatric populations in the United Kingdom (UK). ⋯ Many paediatric patients in the UK seem to use CAM. Paediatricians should therefore have sufficient knowledge about CAM to issue responsible advice.
-
Complement Ther Med · Jun 2013
ReviewA narrative review of yoga and mindfulness as complementary therapies for addiction.
This paper reviews the philosophical origins, current scientific evidence, and clinical promise of yoga and mindfulness as complementary therapies for addiction. Historically, there are eight elements of yoga that, together, comprise ethical principles and practices for living a meaningful, purposeful, moral and self-disciplined life. Traditional yoga practices, including postures and meditation, direct attention toward one's health, while acknowledging the spiritual aspects of one's nature. ⋯ Because very few studies have been conducted on the specific role of yoga in treating or preventing addiction, we propose a conceptual model to inform future studies on outcomes and possible mechanisms. Additional research is also needed to better understand what types of yoga and mindfulness-based interventions work best for what types of addiction, what types of patients, and under what conditions. Overall, current findings increasingly support yoga and mindfulness as promising complementary therapies for treating and preventing addictive behaviors.
-
Complement Ther Med · Apr 2013
ReviewUse of complementary and alternative medicine by children in Europe: published data and expert perspectives.
Few data document the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Europe, with even fewer investigating use by children. ⋯ This precursor for further surveys indicates that CAM appears to be popular not only among adults in Europe, but also for children. Development of a pan-European definition of CAM use and CAM therapies are required to achieve surveys comparable between European countries. Additionally, more research investigating the efficacy and potential adverse effects of CAM therapies is needed because of increasing CAM use by children in Europe.
-
Complement Ther Med · Apr 2013
ReviewComplementary and alternative medicine in paediatrics in daily practice--a European perspective.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used by both adults and children in Europe. Diverse cultural, ethnic and historical preconditions in European countries result in broad differences between the types of CAM practiced, prevalence of CAM use and integration in the health system. To date, no survey of CAM availability to paediatric patients in Europe exists. ⋯ Every child in Europe has access to CAM treatment, mainly in private practices, whereas CAM outpatient clinics and inpatient services for children are rare. This is in contrast to adult treatment facilities, many of which offer CAM services, and the high percentage of European children using CAM.