Alternative therapies in health and medicine
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Altern Ther Health Med · Jan 2006
Communication about complementary and alternative medicine: perspectives of primary care clinicians.
People in the United States are using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) increasingly while they are also receiving conventional care. National population-based surveys and studies in primary care settings have documented inadequate communication about CAM between patients and their conventional healthcare providers. Most studies about CAM communication have surveyed urban practices and focused on physicians. Information about how physicians and non-physician in rural areas clinicians communicate with their patients about CAM is needed to develop strategies for improving the quality of care for patients in rural areas. ⋯ Kentucky primary care clinicians are aware of their patients' CAM use and are motivated to learn more about CAM so that they can appropriately advise their patients. They need evidence-based, clinically relevant education about CAM to provide better patient care.
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Altern Ther Health Med · Jan 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of a proprietary Magnolia and Phellodendron extract on weight management: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
To determine the efficacy of a dietary supplement ingredient containing proprietary extracts of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense in helping overweight, otherwise healthy, premenopausal female adults, who typically eat more in stressful situations manage their body weight. ⋯ The results of this pilot clinical study indicate that obese subjects who eat in response to stress may benefit from taking a dietary supplement ingredient containing proprietary extracts of M officinalis and P amurense. The mechanism of action appears to be through reduction of cortisol levels and possibly perceived stress, thereby helping participants maintain body weight. The sample size was small, however, and there was higher attrition in the control group than in the treatment group.
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Altern Ther Health Med · Jul 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialRandomized, controlled trial of breath therapy for patients with chronic low-back pain.
Patients suffering from chronic low back pain (cLBP) are often unsatisfied with conventional medical care and seek alternative therapies. Many mind-body techniques are said to help patients with low back pain by enhancing body awareness, which includes proprioception deficit in cLBP, but have not been rigorously studied in cLBP. Breath therapy is a western mind-body therapy integrating body awareness, breathing, meditation, and movement. Preliminary data suggest benefits from breath therapy for proprioception and low back pain. ⋯ Patients suffering from cLBP improved significantly with breath therapy. Changes in standard low back pain measures of pain and disability were comparable to those resulting from high-quality, extended physical therapy. Breath therapy was safe. Qualitative data suggested improved coping skills and new insight into the effect of stress on the body as a result of breath therapy. Balance measures did not seem to be valid measures of clinical change in patients' cLBP.