The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Apr 2012
Comparative StudyThe pulse spectrum analysis at three stages of pregnancy.
This study is the first to detect the radial pulses of the three diagnosis positions (inch, bar, and cubit) in both wrists (six positions) by pulse spectrum analysis. The purpose of this study was to identify the difference among pulses of the six positions at three stages of pregnancy and to examine whether the results of this study agree with the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which states that the cubit pulse shows unique changes for an expectant woman and that the pulse changes coincide with the progression of gestation. ⋯ The cubit pulse is unique for pregnant women, which is consistent with the theory of TCM. In addition, the pulse conditions at the three stages of pregnancy are dissimilar.
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J Altern Complement Med · Apr 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialReduction in nausea and vomiting in children undergoing cancer chemotherapy by either appropriate or sham auricular acupuncture points with standard care.
Over 40% of children with cancer have reported that chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are the two most distressing side-effects of treatment even when antiemetic drugs have been used. ⋯ These preliminary findings did show evidence that AAP is acceptable to the children and their parents to prevent/treat CINV. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the AAP and SAP groups in the prevention/treatment of CINV. There were clinical trend differences between the groups, which may due to the small sample size. In a larger study, it would be important to determine whether the effects of the AAP and SAP treatment are independent of any psychologic effects, such as the researcher's increased presence in both treatment groups.
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J Altern Complement Med · Mar 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialIs the diurnal profile of salivary cortisol concentration a useful marker for measuring reported stress in acupuncture research? A randomized controlled pilot study.
This pilot study on the use of traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) to treat chronic stress explored the use of the diurnal salivary cortisol profile as a potential outcome measure. ⋯ This pilot study suggests that TCA could reduce stress and increase the morning rise of the cortisol profile; however, this was not distinguishable from the effect of attention only. Further work with a larger sample is necessary to provide a definitive answer regarding whether this could be sustained with more TCA treatments. The morning cortisol increase could be a useful outcome measure for monitoring the effects of treatment on perceived stress.
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J Altern Complement Med · Feb 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialThe analgesic effect of thermal therapy after total knee arthroplasty.
Pain induced by surgery is a dynamic symptom, which may be quite variable even in the same surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect of far infrared rays on the patients during the postoperative period of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The selection and application of analgesic methods after the orthopedic surgery are therefore valuable for advanced studies. ⋯ This study demonstrated that the FIR can lower the NRS of pain and thus reduce the discomfort experienced by the patient. Findings indicated that effective application of FIR decreased the serum level of IL-6 and ET-1, which represent the subjective indicator of pain.
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J Altern Complement Med · Feb 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialHegu acupuncture for chronic low-back pain: a randomized controlled trial.
Acupuncture has long been employed for the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, very few studies have characterized the effectiveness of the different acupuncture modes for CLBP. ⋯ Both acupuncture modes have beneficial and persistent effectiveness against CLBP compared with the usual care group; Hegu acupuncture is significantly more effective than standardized acupuncture, especially in the long term.