The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Sep 2011
ReviewThe role of spinal manipulation, soft-tissue therapy, and exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review of the literature and proposal of an anatomical explanation.
The premise that lung function can regulate chest wall mobility is an accepted concept. Descriptions of the primary and accessory respiratory structures do not usually include spinal components as a part of these classifications. The case for including these components as a part of the respiratory mechanism and their role in the development of dyspnea and chest wall rigidity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is reviewed. ⋯ Delaying the onset of dyspnea permits more exercise to be performed before dyspnea develops. Spinal manipulation and soft-tissue therapy have the potential to deliver such a delay. Because exercise tolerance is considered to be a strong predictor of quality of life and survival in COPD, any increase in exercise capacity would therefore improve prognosis for the disease.
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J Altern Complement Med · Sep 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of lavender oil on stress, bispectral index values, and needle insertion pain in volunteers.
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether lavender oil aromatherapy can reduce the bispectral index (BIS) values and stress and decrease the pain of needle insertion in 30 volunteers. ⋯ Lavender aromatherapy in volunteers provided a significant decrease in the stress levels and in the BIS values. In addition, it significantly reduced the pain intensity of needle insertion.
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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.