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SIO and ASCO recommend mindfulness-based interventions for anxiety, depression in cancer patients

The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) formally recommend mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and other integrative therapies to manage anxiety and depression symptoms in adults living with cancer.

16 Aug 2023

Differences in genetics, lifestyle factors likely have unique effects on CVD risk in Asian Americans

Asian Americans have significant differences in genetics, socioeconomic factors, culture, diet, lifestyle, health interventions and acculturation levels based on the Asian region of their ancestry that likely have unique effects on their risk for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published today in the Association's flagship, peer-reviewed journal Circulation.

8 May 2023

Fan therapy may offer relief for patients with advanced cancer experiencing breathlessness

Blowing air from a fan into the face of patients with advanced cancer experiencing breathlessness, and other nonpharmacologic interventions, may offer symptom relief, according to new research directed by Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center investigators.

10 Dec 2020

Charity seeks out non-drug approaches to treat Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s UK is launching a new funding program to support innovative studies into non-drug treatments for Parkinson’s.

17 Mar 2020

Combined treatment using complementary medicine and standard care helps reduce preoperative anxiety

A new study conducted at the University of Haifa has some complementary things to say about complementary medicine.

29 Sep 2016

Johns Hopkins receives $1.9M NIH grant to establish new center for sleep research

More than one-quarter of the adult population of the U.S. suffers from sleep disturbances known to contribute to life-threatening illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia as well as depression, chronic pain, and fatigue. Often such sleeplessness is a consequence of obesity, lifestyle, and work.

27 Nov 2012

Reflexology can help cancer patients manage their symptoms and perform daily tasks

A study led by a Michigan State University researcher offers the strongest evidence yet that reflexology - a type of specialized foot massage practiced since the age of pharaohs - can help cancer patients manage their symptoms and perform daily tasks.

14 Nov 2012

Homeopathy could soon be declared “baseless and unethical” in Australia

Homeopathy is a branch of alternative medicine based on the principles of “like-cures-like” and “ultra-dilutions”. The first principle says substances that can cause symptoms can be used in diluted form to treat the same symptom in an illness, and the second says the more dilute a substance is, the more potent it is.

14 Mar 2012

End alternative medicine degrees say scientists

A group of more than 400 doctors, medical researchers and scientists are urging universities to close down alternative medicine degrees.

30 Jan 2012

Inpatient integrative medicine program can have significant impact on pain: Study

Non-traditional therapies relieve pain among a wide range of hospitalized patients as much as 50 percent, according to a first-of-a-kind study in the Journal of Patient Safety.

6 Mar 2010

Biological-based therapies are alternative medicines for women recovering from breast cancer

Biological-based therapies such as diet supplements and vitamins are the most popular complementary and alternative medicines for women recovering from breast cancer, according to a Michigan State University researcher working to create a support intervention for women in treatment for the disease.

12 Feb 2010

IVF treatment not to be combined with alternative therapies

Women who are desperately trying to get pregnant might want to avoid complementary and alternative medicine. The common belief is that it won't hurt to try alternative fertility treatments before reverting to in vitro fertilization (IVF). But a new study from Denmark finds that the success of IVF treatment is 30% lower among women who have used alternative medicine.

19 Aug 2009

Complementary therapies in assisted reproduction may diminish the effectiveness of medical treatment for infertility in women

Many women use complementary or alternative therapies (CATs) to resolve fertility problems, even though there is little evidence that they are effective.

4 Jul 2007

Insufficient evidence exists to support the use of complementary and alternative therapies to relieve menopause

Complementary and alternative therapies show little benefit in treating menopause symptoms.

25 Jul 2006

Top British doctors say NHS complementary therapies jeopardises provision of effective medicine

A group of eminent British doctors are saying that complementary or alternative therapies such as homeopathy should not be offered on the National Health Service (NHS).

24 May 2006

Reflexology popular amongst women receiving chemotherapy

Researchers at Michigan State University are finding that many women who are receiving chemotherapy while in the late stages of breast cancer are turning to a complementary therapy known as reflexology to help them cope.

9 Oct 2005

Study confirms health benefits of cobblestone walking for older adults

A recently completed study by scientists at the Oregon Research Institute (ORI) in Eugene confirmed earlier findings from a pilot study that walking on a cobblestone mat surface resulted in significant reductions in blood pressure and improvements in balance and physical performance among adults 60 and over.

29 Jun 2005

More clinical trials needed to evaluate the benefits of complementary therapies for cancer patients

Prof Leslie Walker says that many people benefit from relaxation therapy, hypnotherapy and guided imagery in which patients are taught to visualise their bodies' defences vanquishing tumours and promoting good health.

18 Nov 2004

BBC focuses on the rise of complementary or alternative medicines

Broadcaster Anna Ford investigates why people are turning to CAM in a new six part BBC Radio Four series, The Other Medicine. Is there any evidence that CAM works, is it harmful and should the CAM industry, worth £1.6 billion a year, be made more available on the NHS?

20 Sep 2004

Prince Charles has called for more research into the benefits of complementary therapies for cancer patients

His Royal Highness was speaking at a conference hosted by five major charities, including The Prince of Wales’s Foundation for Integrated Health of which he is President.

28 Jun 2004