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RESEARCH & ARTICLES
Acupuncture
Allergies
Arthritis
Back Pain
Cancer
Car Accident
Digestion
Environment & Health
EFA
Exercise
Feng Shui
Food & Supplements
Headaches & Migraines
Heart Health
Herbs
Immune System
Lifestyle
Men's Health
Mind-Body
Neuropathic Pain
Pharmaceutical Side Effects
Skin Health
Sleep
Soft Tissue Injury
Sports Injury & Performance
Stop Smoking
Stress
Travel
Weight Issues
Women's Health
Workplace Wellness
Acupuncture
 WHO (World Health Organization) reports on acupuncture
The World Health Organization's description on TCM
Positive Health Acupuncture Updates
Research database updates on acupuncture
Acupuncture.com
A general site on acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Medicine.net
Easy-to-read overview on acupuncture
How does acupuncture work?
Even Forbes writes about acupuncture. How does acupuncture work? Some proposed possibilities discussed here.
Acupuncture activates the brain
Acupuncture
has a measurable, if mysterious, effect on the brain, UK scientists
have found. The study adds to evidence that patients benefit from
acupuncture not simply because of their expectations.
Acupuncture Enhances Generation of Nitric Oxide and Increases Local Circulation
Acupuncture enhances generation of nitric oxide and increases local
circulation. This may be a possible mechanism of action for how
acupuncture treats pain. Another study here shows that acupuncture
stimulates specific brain activity during treatment of chronic
neuropathic pain. And the last study here shows that Chinese herbs can
be used to reduce chemotherapy-induced toxicity.
A Mechanism of how Acupuncture Relieves Pain The study showed that
acupuncture increases the binding availability of mu-opioid receptors in regions
of the brain that process and weaken pain signals—specifically the cingulate,
insula, caudate, thalamus and amygdala. By directly stimulating these chemicals,
acupuncture can affect the brain's long-term ability to regulate pain, the study
found.
Researcher patents use of acupuncture on plants
Here's a strange one!!! Acupuncture treats plants!
President Obama Wants Acupuncture He recognizes that acupuncture can be at
least as effective as more invasive treatments, but a challenge is that policy
makers and insurance companies thing mostly short-term.
Wade Turns to Acupuncture to Soothe His Ailing Knee
NBA player Dwyane Wade says he's scared of needles. Once
again, though, they're helping him get ready for the playoffs.
Allergies
 Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis
The results of this randomized-controlled clinical
trial suggest that traditional Chinese therapy may be an
efficacious and safe treatment option for patients with seasonal
allergic rhinitis.
To head off allergies, expose your kids to pets and dirt early. Really.
Here's the new wisdom: Early exposure to pets, peanuts and intestinal
worms might actually be good for you, because they program the
developing immune system to know the difference between real threats,
such as germs, and Aunt Millie's cat.
For Allergy and Asthma, Herbs Can Help and Harm
Research study found that while dexamethasone suppressed the immune
system, a Chinese herbal formula had a better, more selective effect in
treating allergic asthma.
Acupuncture Pins Down Allergy Relief
With seaonal allergies
torturing one-third of Americans, ancient acupuncture can provide a new kind of
relief. While over-the-counter medications often come with unwanted
side-effects, acupuncture does not. This makes it a welcome alternative for
people looking for a new way to combat allergies this season.
Arthritis
Arthritis Society of BC and Yukon
MDs discuss the benefits of acupuncture:
"Rapson believes acupuncture has a
major role to play in the treatment of arthritis, including autoimmune
forms, such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. 'Not only is there
relief of pain, but there's also an anti-inflammatory effect, evidenced
by decreased swelling and increased range of motion in the involved
joints,' she says, 'and osteoarthritis (OA) responds to acupuncture
most of the time." Rapson wryly echoes Wilson by observing that western
medicine isn't always as effective as they'd like. A truly unbiased
study would reveal, in fact, "that a lot of the treatment is
symptomatic and doesn't get at the underlying cause, and it's under
these circumstances that 1 feel it's appropriate to switch paradigms.'"
Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis
These studies show that acupuncture can help patients with knee OA.
A large U.S. study of 570 patients over 26 weeks and a Spanish
study of 97 patients over 12 weeks.
Acupuncture Helps Knee Osteoarthritis
Another article on same large U.S. study.
Acupuncture treatment of patients waiting for arthroplasty surgery.
Acupuncture can ease the discomfort while waiting for an
operation and perhaps even serve as an alternative to surgery. Seven
patients have responded so well that at present they do not want an
operation. (USD 9000 saved per operation).
Acupuncture: Oh Those Aching Joints
A WebMD feature from "Psychology Today" Magazine
Arthritis Responds to Weather
Acupuncture United Press International - Oct. 19Washington Post
Researchers told attendees at the American College of Rheumatology's
annual meeting that they have compiled valid data indicating changes in
temperature or atmospheric pressure can cause increases in joint pain.
Marc Hochberg, MD, MPH, a professor in the School of Medicine, says the
studies " . . . allow us to conclude that traditional Chinese
acupuncture is an effective intervention for the relief of pain and
improvement of function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee."
ZHEREBKIN, Eastern Europe, conducted a randomised controlled
clinical trial to study the efficacy of the multi-modality treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involving acupuncture (A) treatment.Methods:
Measures assessed included the number of the inflamed joints, the joint
index, duration of morning rigidity and a visual scale of pain.Results:
Combining treatment of RA with
Acupuncture was found to more effectively lower the values for the
joint index and the visual scale of pain.Conclusions: The results of
this trial indicated that acupuncture may improve the results of drug
treatment.Zherebkin VV.
The use of acupuncture reflexotherapy in treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Lik Sprava 6: 175-7. Nov-Dec 1997. Acupuncture for
Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study With
Long-Term Follow-Up. Articles Clinical Journal of Pain. 17(4):296-305,
December 2001.Carlsson, Christer P. O. M.D., Ph.D.; Sjolund, Bengt H.
M.D., Ph.D. Abstract: Objective: The authors sought to determine
whether a series of needle acupuncture treatments produced long-term
relief of chronic low back pain. Design: A blinded placebo-controlled
study with an independent observer. The patients were randomized to
receive manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture, or active placebo (mock
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). Subjects were examined
and monitored by an investigator who was blinded to the treatment
given. Setting: A tertiary-level pain clinic at a Swedish university
hospital. Patients: Fifty consecutive patients (33 women, 17 men; mean
age, 49.8 years) with chronic low back pain (mean pain duration, 9.5
years) and without rhizopathy or history of acupuncture treatment were
included in the study. Interventions: Treatments were given once per
week for 8 weeks. Two further treatments were given during the
follow-up assessment period of 6 months or longer. Outcome Measures:
The independent observer made a global assessment of the patients 1, 3,
and 6 months after treatment. The patients kept pain diaries to score
pain intensity twice daily, analgesic intake, and quality of sleep
daily, and activity level weekly. Results: At the 1-month independent
assessment, 16 of 34 patients in the acupuncture groups and 2 of 16
patients in the placebo group showed improvement (p <0.05).The
authors found a long-term pain-relieving effect of needle acupuncture
compared with true placebo in some patients with chronic nociceptive
low back pain. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
Back Pain
Health Sciences Institute--Back pain relief
A meta-analysis of 33 studies on acupuncture to treat chronic lower
back pain showed acupuncture to be more effective than sham (fake)
acupuncture, and as effective as painkillers. (Note: without the side
effects of painkillers)
Back Pain Acupuncture "Effective"
Acupuncture for low back pain is cost-effective and works, according to medical researchers.
Cancer
Chinese Medicine and Cancer
A detailed overview on TCM and its treatment of cancer.
Car Accident
Treatment of whiplash injuries of the cervical spine with acupuncture
Acupuncture proved an effective form of therapy for treatment of
accident patients with whiplash injuries, representing a valuable
supplement to the field of rehabilitation
Chronic neck pain: a comparison of acupuncture treatment and physiotherapy
Both physiotherapy and acupuncture treatment groups improved in reduced
pain, improved range of motion, and better overall health following
treatment for chronic neck pain. Acupuncture was slightly more
effective in patients who had higher baseline pain scores.
Acupuncture treatment of whiplash injury
Acupuncture can treat tinnitus (ringing of ears) due to whiplash injury.
Digestion
Acupuncture may relieve heartburn symptoms
Acupuncture may work on heartburn by controlling the stomach valve which controls stomach acid flow.
Chinese herbal medicine effective in IBS
An Australian study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association lends strong scientific support to the traditional use of Chinese herbs in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Environment and Health
“Au naturel” cleaning tips for the bathroom
Chemical residue can linger even after you’ve rinsed well. There is a better way to get clean!
Children polluted with chemicals: report
Flame retardants, mercury and lead were just some of the toxic
chemicals found in the bodies of children and their parents in a
cross-Canada study of pollution in people.
Let's dish on dish soap
Potential risks from exposure to conventional dish detergents includes
central nervous system disorders, damage to the immune system,
respiratory disturbances, and headaches.
The myth of “throw away” convenience
Last year North American consumers used 83,000 tons of disposable
wipes? This amount would fill 9,000 18-wheel trucks stretching out more
than 100 kilometres!
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Fish Oil May Help Ease Back Pain
Fish oil supplements containing omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) might help treat neck and back pain, a new study shows.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Metabolic Syndrome
Omega-3 EFAs to treat obesity, high cholesterol, and poor blood sugar regulation.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Dementia
Omega-3 EFAs to treat dementia and Alzheimer's.
Exercise
Chinese Baoding Balls: A Complete Guide
You've probably seen Baoding balls in gift shops and tourist-traps in
Chinatowns the world over. Branch out and try this ancient
practice, for strength, flexibility, agility, and better overall health.
Feng Shui
Top 10 Air-Purifying Plants: Feng Shui to the Rescue!
Numerous research shows that indoor pollution is much worse that the
outdoor one. Is there a feng shui solution? Yes, there is, indoor
plants! This is a list of top ten air-purifying plants, as defined by
NASA research in the early 1980s.
Food/Supplements
 10 nutrition blunders
Avoid common mistakes that can spoil your plans for eating right.
Chocolate Can Help Protect You Against Skin Damage
Dietary flavanols from cocoa contribute to endogenous photoprotection,
improve dermal blood circulation, and affect cosmetically relevant skin
surface and hydration variables.
Dairy-Free: How Can You Get Your Calcium & Vitamin D?
A quiz on calcium and vitamin D in common foods.
Vitamin D May Protect Against Cancer
Research suggests that taking at least 1,000 international units (IU)
of vitamin D daily can slash the risk of breast, colon, and other
cancers
Eat for energy
A list of key energy nutritients and their rich food sources.
Iron Rich Foods
All about iron.
Honey Could Be Healthy Alternative To High-fructose Corn Syrup In Halloween Candy
Getting back to the basics for sweetening foods.
The Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup
Some nutritionists and natural food
advocates believe that consumption of high fructose corn syrup should
be avoided due to its possible links with obesity and diabetes.
Study Links Cola to Bone Loss in Women
Researchers found that drinking cola soft drinks on a regular basis was associated with lower bone mineral density in the hip.
The healthy fridge makeover
Put your refrigerator at the top of your cleaning list and take note of
healthier items you can grab the next time you're at the grocery store.
Buy Local, In-season Fruits and Vegetables
Local, in-season produce is one of life’s joys. It’s easy
to prepare, often needing only a wash before eating out of hand. And
it’s usually the most affordable way to buy fresh vegetables and
fruits. Buying local also helps to build a
sustainable community food system, which can improve the health of the
community, the natural environment and individuals.
10 great calcium-rich foods
Tasty ways to boost your bone health.
Decaf Coffee Isn't Caffeine-Free
Sticking to decaf isn't going to eliminate caffeine from your coffee.
Healthy Diet Deemed Responsible for High School Students’ Good Behavior
Imagine a high school where students actually behave--no discipline
problems, no acting out, no violence to speak of--and where students
actually concentrate on their schoolwork. This is the case at one
Wisconsin high school. What's their trick? Good food.
Power Cooking
Ways to chop, saute and stir your way to better health.
Spring cleansing
A story on cleansing from a Vancouver writer.
Taiwanese researchers produce multicoloured rice to whet appetite
With Taiwanese youngsters increasingly drawn to western hamburgers and
fries, government researchers are trying to lure them back with
something more traditional--sort of: rainbow-coloured rice.
Top 10 must-have foods
If you want to improve your health and achieve optimal wellness, eating
the right foods can help you reach your goals. The following energy-
and immunity-boosting foods can keep you feeling great all year long.
Wendy's is Changing to 'Healthy' Cooking Oil, or is It?
Fast food restaurants are making changes, but are they actually good
enough? Short answer is no, but read this article for the reason.
The Amazing Statistics and Dangers of Soda Pop
Just how unhealthy is pop?
Associations between coffee consumption and inflammatory markers in healthy persons
A relation exists between moderate-to-high coffee consumption and
increased inflammation process. This relation could explain, in part,
the effect of increased coffee intake on the cardiovascular system.
Magnesium Intake from Food andSupplements Is Associated with Bone Mineral Density in Healthy Older White Subjects.
Greater magnesium intake was significantly related to higher Bone Mass Density in white women and men.
Headaches & Migraines
Acupuncture for Headaches & Migraines
A study of 401 patients of acupuncture versus sham-acupuncture patients
demonstrated that acupuncture significantly reduced the number of
headaches per year as well as decreased the amount of medication taken,
the number of doctor visits, and the number of sick days off work.
Acupuncture as Effective as Drug Therapy for Migraines & Headaches
A large Italian study examined the effectiveness of acupuncture versus
a variety of pharmacological therapies in treating migraines.
Their results revealed that patients given acupuncture experienced
fewer migraine episodes, missed fewer days from work, and suffered no
side effects compared to patients on conventional drug therapy. They
also found acupuncture to be more cost-efficient.
Acupuncture Cuts Tension Headache Rates By Almost Half
Science Daily —
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for tension headache, cutting
rates for sufferers by almost half, shows a study on bmj.com this week.
A randomized controlled study of 160 patients found acupuncture to
be effective in treating migraines. Do you
know anyone who gets headaches or migraines?
Heart Health
Acupuncture Lowers High Blood Pressure
Acupuncture helps lower elevated blood pressure, according to new research.
Blood Pressure Changes With Acupuncture Comparable to Those With ACE
Inhibitor Monotherapy A study billed as the first rigorous,
randomized trial in the West to test acupuncture against a sham
needle technique to treat hypertension suggests that, performed
properly, acupuncture may produce blood pressure changes on par with
monotherapy in mild-to-moderate hypertension.
Herbs
 Chinese Herbs May Produce More Drugs
as researchers discover that about 62 percent of the species of Chinese
herbs were found to contain chemicals with characteristics required for
activity against at least one disease and 53 percent against two or
more diseases.
Immune System
Two studies find flu treatments fall short
The first is a meta-analysis of 37 years of research which found that
flu shots may not be as effective in preventing the illness in the
elderly as commonly thought. The second study found that many influenza
viruses have developed high rates of resistance to our most common
antiviral drugs.
Air ionisers wipe out hospital infections
Repeated airborne infections of the bacteria acinetobacter in an
intensive care ward have been eliminated by the installation of a
negative air ioniser.
New information regarding Tamiflu
Health Canada is informing Canadians of international reports of
hallucinations and abnormal behaviour, including self harm, in patients
taking the antiviral drug Tamiflu.
Chinese Herb May Treat Autoimmune Diseases: Study Shows Herb From
Hydrangea Root Targets Specific Immune Responses
Lifestyle
18 Caveats On How Not To Change
Why is it not obvious that trying to exit an old story by simply
writing a “better ending” only recreates the same story,
and ensures that we remain in it?
Men's Health
Men Find Health Benefits with Acupuncture
As recent studies show that men's health has been steadily declining,
acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help many of the common ailments
that men face.
Mind-Body
The effects of emotions on health
Three astonishing experiments with DNA which proves that DNA can heal itself according to the "feelings" of the individual.
Neuropathic Pain
ABUAISHA and colleagues, Department of Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, University of Manchester, UK studied the use of acupuncture to determine its efficacy for pain relief for peripheral diabetic neuropathy.Methods:
46 diabetic patients suffering chronic painful peripheral neuropathy
participated in the study. 29 (63%) patients were already receiving
standard medical treatment. Patients initially received up to 6 courses
of classical acupuncture analgesia over a period of 10 weeks, using
traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture points.Results: 46 patients
completed the study. 34 (77%) showed significant improvement in primary
and/or secondary symptoms (P <0.01).
Pharmaceutical Side Effects
Drug for Bones Is Newly Linked to Jaw Disease
Millions of people treated for bone diseases such as osteoporosis may
be at risk for developing a potentially serious jawbone condition that
seems to be triggered by having teeth pulled.
COX-2 Inhibitors and NSAIDs Have Cardiotoxic Effects
Further information on the cardiotoxicity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
inhibitors and regular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
has come from 2 systematic reviews published in the September 12 Early
Release issue of JAMA.
Painkillers Worsen Heart Failure
Common painkillers raise the risk of heart failureheart failure-related hospitalization in people over 60, a new study shows.
Study casts more doubt on the safety of popular pain killers
With prescription drugs Vioxx and Bextra already pulled from the
market, a study has raised disturbing questions about the heart safety
of long-term use of over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil,
Motrin and Aleve.
Arthritis Drugs May Up Cancer Risk
Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis patients who take the newer
biologic medications have a threefold increase in cancercancer risk
over patients who don't take them, a new analysis suggests
Suppressed
bone turnover by bisphosphonates increases microdamage accumulation and
reduces some biomechanical properties in dog rib.
Bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax found to make bone weaker.
Possible Painkiller Link to Birth Defects
The study is one of the first to link use of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- such as prescription Motrin,
Naprosyn, Voltaren -- during the first trimester of pregnancy to birth
defects. But the findings must be confirmed, researchers say, and birth
defects experts who were not involved with the study agree.
Federal Jury Finds Merck Negligent in Vioxx Case
A federal jury on Thursday found Merck & Co. Inc. was negligent and
knowingly made misrepresentations about its withdrawn pain medicine,
Vioxx.
Skin Health
Foodie Beauty Boosters
These foods are not only healthy for your insides, they'll act as hors
d'oeuvres for your skin too. So get munching and clear up your skin at
the same time!
Sleep
Acupuncture increases nocturnal melatonin secretion and reduces insomnia and anxiety: A preliminary report
Acupuncture was shown to be effective in treating insomnia and in decreasing anxiety.
Effects of acupuncture therapy on insomnia
The results of this review suggest that acupuncture may be an effective intervention for the relief of insomnia.
Soft Tissue Injury
Observations on clinical therapeutic effect in treating soft tissue injuries by acupuncture
Acupuncture treatment on soft tissue disease based on TCM syndrome differentiation theory is thus shown to be effective.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Blame Genes, Not Overuse
A new study shows that carpal tunnel syndrome may be more closely linked to genetics than to excessive typing or hand use.
Sports Injury & Performance
Chicago's last Super team was one for ages
What links the Superbowl champions of 1985 and acupuncture? An injured
quarterback who was persistent about his treatment of choice.
Stop Smoking
Save Your Cigarette Money
How much is your cigarette habit costing you?
Stress
Chronic stress can shorten your cells' lifespan
Increasing
scientific evidence suggests that prolonged psychological stress takes
its toll on the body, but the exact mechanisms by which stress
influences disease processes have remained elusive. Now, scientists
report that psychological stress may exact its toll, at least in part,
by affecting molecules believed to play a key role in cellular aging
and, possibly, disease development.
Women, Stress, and Friendship
A landmark UCLA study suggests that women respond to stress with a
cascade of brain chemicals that cause us to make and maintain
friendships with other women. It's a stunning finding that has turned
five decades of stress research—most of it on men—upside
down.
Slow Down, You Move Too Fast!
Carl Honoré, a recovered "speedaholic," had an epiphany three
years ago that caused him to slow down the hectic pace of his life.
Travel
Jetlag Treatments
Recently, an informal study was conducted by a group of acupuncturists
that were traveling from the United States to China. They divided
into two groups. One group acted as a control and went about
their normal business. The other group used acupressure
treatments on their Horary Points while traveling. The control group
experienced jet lag symptoms lasting from 3 days to 2 weeks. The
group that treated themselves with acupressure experienced no jet lag
symptoms at all; in fact, they could perform at normal levels
immediately. On the return trip, the groups switched and the
results were similar.
Weight Issues
The Dream Diet: Losing Weight While You Sleep
Lose weight while you sleep. It sounds like something you'd hear on a
late night infomercial -- just around the time you are reaching for
that bag of cookies because, well, you can't sleep.
Healthy Eaters' No-Calorie Diet Secret
People who drink lots of water tend to have healthier diets than those who favor other beverages.
Women's Health
Diet for Combating Estrogen Dominance
These dietary guidelines are a natural and easy way to improve perimenopause symptoms.
Estrogen Deficiency: The Wrong Idea About Menopause
The results of the Women’s Health Initiative require that society
no longer view menopausal women as “estrogen deficient” and
therefore needing “estrogen replacement.” Menopause is as
normal for women as a period or being pregnant (if we choose). I once
joked that calling menopause an estrogen deficiency disease is like
saying a headache is an "aspirin-deficiency” condition.
An old study, but still relevant:
Acupuncture treats menstrual cramps.
Estrogen dominance, womens' problems, amenorrhea, and menopause
Excessive estrogens and stagnation of blood circulation are the major
cause of most women's problems including breast, uterine and ovarian
cancers. According to Dr. John R. Lee in his book "What Your Doctor May
Not Tell You About Menopause: the Breakthrough Book on Natural
Progesterone" (Warner Books, 1996), estrogen dominance is the cause of
most women's chronic health problems.
Acupuncture eases tamoxifen-related hot flashes
Workplace Wellness
5 Career-Busting Illnesses
Health conditions such as ADHD, addiction, depression, anxiety
disorder, and sleep problems can indeed exact a staggering toll on the
business budget.
Mental Health at Work--10 Tips for Managers
10 steps managers can take to reduce workplace stress.
Your computer may be a pain in the neck
If you're reading this article with hunched shoulders and a craned
neck, your "computer slump" could one day give way to what some
physical therapists call "postural syndrome."
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