The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2005
Clinical TrialThe effect of Ting point (tendinomuscular meridians) electroacupuncture on thermal pain: a model for studying the neuronal mechanism of acupuncture analgesia.
The aim of this study was to characterize the role of Ting points (TP) in acute pain management and its potential use in functional imaging studies by quantitatively assessing: (1) the change in peripheral thermal thresholds before and after the electroacupuncture (EA); and (2) the corresponding behavioral feedback of thermal pain stimulation and the de qi sensation of EA. ⋯ EA at the TP has an inhibitory effect on the C-fiber afferents. The analgesic benefit observed is most likely A-delta afferent mediated. Further correlation studies in functional imaging may provide defining data for the observed analgesic mechanism.
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2005
Clinical TrialIyengar yoga for treating symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knees: a pilot study.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Guidelines for the medical management of osteoarthritis (OA) emphasize the use of nonpharmacologic interventions including exercise. Implementation of an exercise program can be difficult for patients, and little is known about the benefits of alternative therapies such as yoga. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of using yoga in the tradition of B.K.S. Iyengar to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. ⋯ This pilot study suggests that yoga may provide a feasible treatment option for previously yoga-naive, obese patients >50 years of age and offers potential reductions in pain and disability caused by knee OA. Future studies should compare yoga to other nonpharmacologic interventions for knee OA, such as patient education or quadriceps-strengthening exercises.
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2005
Safety of homeopathic injectables for subcutaneous administration: a documentation of the experience of prescribing practitioners.
The aim of this study was to chart the experiences of homeopathic injectables prescribing practitioners with regard to safety issues and the extent in which these practitioners would feel restricted in case subcutaneously administered homeopathics were banned. ⋯ The study suggests that homeopathic injectables have a very low risk profile. A very small number of severe adverse reactions (anaphylactic reaction, feverish symptoms, aversion/anxiety against injections, and asthma) have been reported with products with a concentration higher than 1:10,000.
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J Altern Complement Med · Aug 2005
Physicians and complementary and alternative medicine cancer therapies in Greece: a survey.
To assess the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) cancer therapies and attitudes toward them in a nonrandom sample of physicians in Greece. ⋯ Greek physicians in our sample displayed little interest in CAM. However, media and Internet coverage may generate a greater demand for these methods in the future in Greece and physicians will thus need to be better informed.
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J Altern Complement Med · Jun 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialTranscutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation versus ondansetron in the prevention of postoperative vomiting following pediatric tonsillectomy.
Postoperative retching and vomiting is an important cause of morbidity that may lead to patient discomfort, distress, and complications. Stimulation of acupuncture points has been shown to be effective in the prevention as well as treatment of PONV. The current treatments of choice are the 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3-antagonists, such as ondansetron. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and side-effects of either transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) or Ondansetron compared to a control group receiving no treatment in the prevention of postoperative retching and vomiting. SUBJECT AND DESIGN: This randomized, controlled, prospective study was carried out in a group of 90 children (in three equal randomly assigned groups), aged between 4 and 12 who underwent tonsillectomy under general anesthesia. In the first group, electrical stimulation via surface electrodes on acupoints Neiguan and Shangwan was performed (20 Hz, 5 minutes). The second group received a single dose of Ondansetron (0.15 mg . kg(-1)). No treatment was given to the control group. ⋯ Application of TEAS on sedated children is an easy, painless, reliable and effective method for the prophylaxis of postoperative retching and vomiting in pediatric tonsillectomy.