The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
-
J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2005
ReviewCochrane systematic reviews in acupuncture: methodological diversity in database searching.
Since the early 1970s, the efficacy of acupuncture for treating clinical conditions has been evaluated in several hundred randomized trials. Results from these trials have been synthesized in systematic reviews. A well-designed systematic review provides the highest level of evidence for establishing the efficacy of a clinical intervention. ⋯ Considerable methodological diversity exists in the comprehensiveness of database searches for Cochrane systematic reviews on acupuncture. This diversity makes the reviews prone to bias and adds another layer of complexity in interpreting the acupuncture literature.
-
J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2005
Clinical TrialThe effect of Ting point (tendinomuscular meridians) electroacupuncture on thermal pain: a model for studying the neuronal mechanism of acupuncture analgesia.
The aim of this study was to characterize the role of Ting points (TP) in acute pain management and its potential use in functional imaging studies by quantitatively assessing: (1) the change in peripheral thermal thresholds before and after the electroacupuncture (EA); and (2) the corresponding behavioral feedback of thermal pain stimulation and the de qi sensation of EA. ⋯ EA at the TP has an inhibitory effect on the C-fiber afferents. The analgesic benefit observed is most likely A-delta afferent mediated. Further correlation studies in functional imaging may provide defining data for the observed analgesic mechanism.
-
J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2005
Clinical TrialIyengar yoga for treating symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knees: a pilot study.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Guidelines for the medical management of osteoarthritis (OA) emphasize the use of nonpharmacologic interventions including exercise. Implementation of an exercise program can be difficult for patients, and little is known about the benefits of alternative therapies such as yoga. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of using yoga in the tradition of B.K.S. Iyengar to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. ⋯ This pilot study suggests that yoga may provide a feasible treatment option for previously yoga-naive, obese patients >50 years of age and offers potential reductions in pain and disability caused by knee OA. Future studies should compare yoga to other nonpharmacologic interventions for knee OA, such as patient education or quadriceps-strengthening exercises.
-
J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2005
Safety of homeopathic injectables for subcutaneous administration: a documentation of the experience of prescribing practitioners.
The aim of this study was to chart the experiences of homeopathic injectables prescribing practitioners with regard to safety issues and the extent in which these practitioners would feel restricted in case subcutaneously administered homeopathics were banned. ⋯ The study suggests that homeopathic injectables have a very low risk profile. A very small number of severe adverse reactions (anaphylactic reaction, feverish symptoms, aversion/anxiety against injections, and asthma) have been reported with products with a concentration higher than 1:10,000.
-
J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2005
Physicians and complementary and alternative medicine cancer therapies in Greece: a survey.
To assess the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) cancer therapies and attitudes toward them in a nonrandom sample of physicians in Greece. ⋯ Greek physicians in our sample displayed little interest in CAM. However, media and Internet coverage may generate a greater demand for these methods in the future in Greece and physicians will thus need to be better informed.