The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialA feasibility study exploring the role of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a common and disabling gynecologic condition affecting between 5% and 15% of women of childbearing age. Conventional medical intervention has unpleasant side-effects, and symptoms frequently return after treatment. Preliminary evidence suggests Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) may contribute to the treatment of endometriosis. ⋯ the methodology successfully allowed individualized CHM decoctions to be tested rigorously. There are nonspecific contextual effects from CHM that require further investigation. Provisional data were generated to warrant a larger, more-definitive study.
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2011
Clinical TrialAcupuncture for symptom management in hemodialysis patients: a prospective, observational pilot study.
Patients undergoing hemodialysis suffer from a variety of complications related to end-stage renal disease. This prospective, observational pilot study aims to determine the feasibility, safety, and possible benefits of acupuncture for symptom management in patients undergoing hemodialysis. ⋯ Acupuncture seems feasible and safe for symptom management in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Future controlled trials are needed to confirm the benefits of acupuncture.
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2011
Clinical TrialDry needling for myofascial pain: prognostic factors.
The study objectives were to evaluate outcomes in patients who have received dry needling treatments and to identify predictors of pain and disability. ⋯ Dry needling is an effective treatment for reducing pain and pain interference. However, long pain duration, high pain intensity, poor quality of sleep, and repetitive stress are associated with poor outcomes. Treatment outcome depends not only on the dry needling protocol, but also on disease characteristics and patient demographic profile.
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2011
Clinical TrialWhat to wear when practicing oriental medicine: patients' preferences for doctors' attire.
The patient's impression of the doctor is an important factor in a clinical consultation, and the doctor's attire also plays a great role in promoting trust and confidence in the patients. Previous studies have shown that a doctor in a white coat will appear more professional, confident, and trustworthy. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the influence of a doctor's attire applies for both Western and Oriental medical doctors. ⋯ The preference about doctors' attire symbolizes the perception of patients regarding their doctor's image. Taking the historical and symbolic meaning of the doctor's white coat together, this clear preference of patients for the white coat might imply that patients require a more scientific and professional image, regardless of whether the doctors are Western or Oriental medical doctors.
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2011
Complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and Accountable Care Organizations: the train is leaving the station.
Legislation that supports the establishment of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) was recently enacted into law as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and in 2012 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will begin contracting with ACOs. Although ACOs will play a significant role in reform of the U. ⋯ S. CAM services.