The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Oct 2013
CommentAcupuncture adverse events in China: a glimpse of historical and contextual aspects.
The article by He and colleagues, "Adverse Events Following Acupuncture: A Systematic Review of the Chinese Literature for the Years 1956-2010" is an important and timely contribution. In this commentary, the article is reviewed and issues are highlighted about how to interpret and contextualize the results of their study. ⋯ The article by He and colleagues highlights the issue that almost all AEs associated with acupuncture in the modern period are due to the administration of the therapy rather than the therapy itself. Future prospective studies can address some of the shortcomings identified in this review.
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialProspective, randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy and acupuncture on motor function and daily activities in patients with ischemic stroke.
To assess the value of acupuncture for promoting the recovery of patients with ischemic stroke and to determine whether the outcomes of combined physiotherapy and acupuncture are superior to those with physiotherapy alone. ⋯ Acupuncture is less effective for the outcome measures studied than is physiotherapy. Moreover, the therapeutic effect of combining acupuncture with physiotherapy was not superior to that of physiotherapy alone. A larger-scale clinical trial is necessary to confirm these findings.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jul 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyRandomized controlled trial for Salvia sclarea or Lavandula angustifolia: differential effects on blood pressure in female patients with urinary incontinence undergoing urodynamic examination.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inhalation of Salvia sclarea (clary sage; clary) or Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) essential oil vapors on autonomic nervous system activity in female patients with urinary incontinence undergoing urodynamic assessment. STUDY DESIGN, LOCATION, AND SUBJECTS: This study was a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial carried out in 34 female patients with urinary incontinence. ⋯ These results suggest that lavender oil inhalation may be inappropriate in lowering stress during urodynamic examinations, despite its antistress effects, while clary oil inhalation may be useful in inducing relaxation in female urinary incontinence patients undergoing urodynamic assessments.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jul 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialMassage therapy for patients with metastatic cancer: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
The study objectives were to determine the feasibility and effects of providing therapeutic massage at home for patients with metastatic cancer. ⋯ The study results showed that it is feasible to provide therapeutic massage at home for patients with advanced cancer, and to randomize patients to a no-touch intervention. Providing therapeutic massage improves the quality of life at the end of life for patients and may be associated with further beneficial effects, such as improvement in pain and sleep quality. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to substantiate these findings.
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Although pediatric patients with chronic pain often turn to complementary therapies, little is known about patients who seek academic integrative pediatric care. ⋯ Patients with chronic pain who seek integrative care may benefit from the kind of coordinated, integrated, comprehensive care provided in a medical home.