The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialYoga training improves quality of life in women with asthma.
Individuals with asthma frequently suffer with a decrease in quality of life. Yoga has been shown to improve autonomic function in the healthy population and has been used as an alternative therapy to help improve symptoms associated with various diseases. ⋯ Yoga training improved quality of life in women with mild-to-moderate asthma and resulted in decreased parasympathetic and increased sympathetic modulation in response to an IFE.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jul 2012
Clinical TrialEfficacy of traditional Japanese herbal medicines-Keishikajutsubuto (TJ-18) and Bushi-matsu (TJ-3022)-against postherpetic neuralgia aggravated by self-reported cold stimulation: a case series.
It has been reported that postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in patients over 60 years of age is aggravated under cold stimulation and is often difficult to treat. Keishikajutsubuto (TJ-18) and Bushi-matsu (TJ-3022) are traditional Japanese herbal medicines and have long been used to treat neuralgia and arthralgia, which are aggravated following cold stimulation. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined TJ-18 and TJ-3022 therapy in cases of PHN aggravated by self-reported cold stimulation. ⋯ TJ-18 and TJ-3022 combination treatment is a promising means of treating intractable PHN, which has a self-reported tendency to aggravate pain under cold stimulation.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jun 2012
Comparative StudyUtilization of group-based, community acupuncture clinics: a comparative study with a nationally representative sample of acupuncture users.
Acupuncture utilization in the United States has increased in recent years, but is less common among racial/ethnic minorities and those of low socioeconomic status. Group-based, community acupuncture is a delivery model gaining in popularity around the United States, due in part to low-cost treatments provided on a sliding-fee scale. Affordable, community-based acupuncture may increase access to health care at a time when increasing numbers of people are uninsured. To assess the population using local community acupuncture clinics, sociodemographic factors, health status, and utilization patterns compared to national acupuncture users were examined. ⋯ Study findings suggest that local community acupuncture clinics reach individuals of a broad socioeconomic spectrum and may allow for increased frequency of treatment. Limited racial diversity among community acupuncture clients may reflect local demographics of Portland. In addition, exposure to and knowledge about acupuncture is likely to vary by race and ethnicity. Future studies should examine access, patient satisfaction, frequency of treatment, and clinical outcomes of group-based models of community acupuncture clinics located in racially and socioeconomically diverse communities.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jun 2012
Western acupuncture in a NHS general practice: anonymized 3-year patient feedback survey.
The purpose of this study was to observe the response to Western acupuncture performed in a National Health Service (NHS) general practice. Outcomes, patient experience, impact on conventional therapies, and appropriateness of acupuncture in general practice were assessed. ⋯ This survey demonstrates the application of Western acupuncture within a NHS general practice administered by an individual GP. The patients' response scores from an anonymized questionnaire showed beneficial outcomes from acupuncture; patients also perceived that the treatment negated secondary care referral and reduction or cessation of pain-relieving medication.
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J Altern Complement Med · May 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on motion sickness induced by rotary chair: a crossover study.
Motion sickness (MS) is evoked by the conflict among somatosensory, visual, and vestibular input. Some of the MS symptoms and signs are mediated by activation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a maneuver used for pain control, was found to influence cardiovascular responses through ANS reflex, and to enhance motor function, visuospatial abilities, postural control, and cognitive function. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of TENS on MS. ⋯ Sympathetic activity increased but parasympathetic activity decreased during MS. TENS was effective in reducing MS symptoms as well as alleviating cognitive impairment.