The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Feb 2015
Review Meta AnalysisThe effects of aromatherapy on sleep improvement: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.
To evaluate the existing data on aromatherapy interventions for improvement of sleep quality. ⋯ Readily available aromatherapy treatments appear to be effective and promote sleep. Thus, it is essential to develop specific guidelines for the efficient use of aromatherapy.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jan 2015
Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) improves quality of life in patients with advanced solid tumors.
Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a native Amazon plant that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. We wanted to assess its activity for symptom management of terminal cancer patients. ⋯ Use of cat's claw might be beneficial in patients with advanced cancer by improving their quality of life and reducing fatigue. The mechanism of action does not seem to be related to the anti-inflammatory properties of this plant.
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J Altern Complement Med · Dec 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialLong-term effectiveness of bee venom acupuncture and physiotherapy in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis: a one-year follow-up analysis of a previous randomized controlled trial.
An earlier randomized controlled trial (RCT) study showed that bee venom acupuncture (BVA) in combination with physiotherapy can be more effective in functional improvement and pain reduction in patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC). The objective of the current study was to examine the long-term effect of BVA in combination with physiotherapy on AC of the shoulder. ⋯ BVA combined with physiotherapy remains clinically effective 1 year after treatment and may help improve long-term quality of life in patients with AC of the shoulder.
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J Altern Complement Med · Oct 2014
Effect of a brief seated massage on nursing student attitudes toward touch for comfort care.
While massage has been removed from nursing curricula, studies have reported massage as safe and effective for stress reduction, relaxation, pain relief, fatigue, and quality of life. ⋯ High-intensity seated massage was more efficacious than low-intensity massage and positively influenced nursing student attitudes toward the inclusion of massage in self-care/patient care. The role of touch for self-care/patient care in the nursing curricula merits reconsideration.
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J Altern Complement Med · Sep 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialAdditional effects of transcranial direct-current stimulation and trigger-point injection for treatment of myofascial pain syndrome: a pilot study with randomized, single-blinded trial.
Chronic pain caused by myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) results in generalized and debilitating conditions. Trigger-point injection (TPI) is the mainstay of MPS management to reduce acute and localized pain. Other adjunctive intervention to modulate the central pain pathway might be helpful if they are combined with TPI. Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), which is a form of neurostimulation, has been reported to be safe and effective in treating chronic pain by changing cortical excitability. ⋯ This study suggests that tDCS over DLPFC may have additional effects with TPI to reduce pain in patients with MPS. tDCS over DLPFC can be used to reverse central pain pathway by modulating cortical plasticity.