Complementary therapies in medicine
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Complement Ther Med · Mar 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe impact of site specificity and needle manipulation on changes to pain pressure threshold following manual acupuncture: a controlled study.
To investigate the contribution of two principal features that underlie traditional Chinese acupuncture: site specificity and application of needle manipulation. ⋯ Both manipulation and site of needling contributed significantly to the elevation of PPT following acupuncture. Distribution of effects on PPT did not support either neural segmental or Traditional Chinese Medicine channel theories. Psychological and physiological nonspecific effects appeared to play a minimal role in changes to PPT.
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Complement Ther Med · Dec 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialRelief of chronic neck and shoulder pain by manual acupuncture to tender points--a sham-controlled randomized trial.
To compare the effects of real acupuncture to tender points for neck and shoulder pain and stiffness (Japanese: katakori) with those of sham acupuncture. ⋯ Acupuncture applied to tender points appears to have short-term effects on neck and shoulder pain and stiffness, but this study was unable to demonstrate any long-term superiority over sham acupuncture.
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Complement Ther Med · Sep 2002
Comparative StudyCross-cultural differences in GPs' attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine: a survey comparing regions of the UK and Germany.
To investigate whether there is a difference in general practitioners' attitudes towards CAM in the UK and Germany. ⋯ There are small national differences in referring patients to various CAM modalities. Both nations have an overall positive attitude toward and a high interest in CAM. Lack of scientific evidence and information on training opportunities were important points that were continuously raised by GPs in both countries.
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Complement Ther Med · Jun 2002
Comparative StudyComplementary cancer care in Southampton: a survey of staff and patients.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used by one in ten of the UK population yearly and 47% during their lifetime. One-third of cancer patients seek some form of CAM treatment during their illness. ⋯ The use of CAM for cancer care in Southampton is widespread and consistent with its use nationally. There is a clearly expressed need for CAM treatments by patients and a willingness to pay. Two-thirds of the cancer care staff responding wished to receive training in and provide these therapies. There are some misconceptions among patients about the role of CAM in cancer care which need to be discussed and resolved. We believe that all cancer care units should have clear policies on the use of CAM for cancer patients.