The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · May 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialAnemia-related hemogram, uterine artery pulsatility index, and blood pressure for the effects of Four-Agents-Decoction (Si Wu Tang) in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.
We previously reported pain intensity as the primary outcome of Four-Agents-Decoction (Si Wu Tang) for treating primary dysmenorrhea. We further explored other effects of this formula in accordance with the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine on anemia-related hemogram parameters for "nourishing blood" and uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) for "blood stagnation." ⋯ The anemia status evaluated in conventional medicine does not readily explain the effect of "nourishing blood" by Four-Agents-Decoction (Si Wu Tang) from this exploratory study. Although we did not find strong statistical significance of treatment effect, the decreased PI and extra blood pressure elevation may indicate an improvement of "blood stagnation" in the Four-Agents-Decoction group. The added information warrants a further larger clinical trial with an increased power to enhance our understanding of the efficacy, the dose-response relationship, and the mode of action of this ancient formula for treating primary dysmenorrhea.
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J Altern Complement Med · May 2009
A survey of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) awareness among neurosurgeons in Washington State.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by the U.S. population increased significantly in the past 2 decades. To maximize a patient's recovery from a neurosurgical procedure, it is critical that neurosurgeons be aware of the benefits and potential adverse complications of CAM therapies. The survey's purpose was to assess the current patterns of CAM utilization by neurosurgery patients and neurosurgeon knowledge of CAM therapies among Washington State Association of Neurological Surgeons (WSANS) members. ⋯ The use of CAM may influence neurosurgical care; and the role of spirituality and prayer should be further explored. Because CAM utilization is ubiquitous, open discussion and familiarity with CAM treatments are becoming increasingly important in the field of neurosurgery.
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J Altern Complement Med · Apr 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialReduction of conscious sedation requirements by olfactory stimulation: a prospective randomized single-blinded trial.
This study investigated the possibility that olfactory stimulation would decrease sedation needed for colonoscopy and therefore decrease the recovery time needed after conscious sedation. ⋯ Overall, there is no difference between olfactory stimulation and inhaled oxygen with regard to amount of sedation used and recovery times for colonoscopy. An inhaled cherry- scent may not have as great a calming effect as other scents that have been studied.
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J Altern Complement Med · Mar 2009
ReviewSham acupuncture may be as efficacious as true acupuncture: a systematic review of clinical trials.
This study sought to determine whether sham acupuncture is as efficacious as true acupuncture, as defined by traditional acupuncture theories. ⋯ The findings cast doubt on the validity of traditional acupuncture theories about point locations and indications. Scientific rationales for acupuncture trials are needed to define valid controls, and the theoretical basis for traditional acupuncture practice needs to be re-evaluated.
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J Altern Complement Med · Mar 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialIntravenous micronutrient therapy (Myers' Cocktail) for fibromyalgia: a placebo-controlled pilot study.
Intravenous micronutrient therapy (IVMT), and specifically the Myers' Cocktail, is a popular approach for treating fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) among complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, but its efficacy is uncertain. This trial assessed the feasibility, safety, and provided insights into the efficacy of this therapy. ⋯ This first controlled pilot study established the safety and feasibility of treating FMS with IVMT. Most subjects experienced relief as compared to baseline, but no statistically significant differences were seen between IVMT and placebo. The efficacy of IVMT for fibromyalgia, relative to placebo, is as yet uncertain.