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Archive for May, 2009
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Wednesday, May 27th, 2009Scientists find acupuncture can help to relieve chronic back pain
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009From
May 12, 2009
Trials involving 638 back pain sufferers have suggested that acupuncture is successful in relieving discomfort, although how it works remains unclear. A “fake” version also produced results, indicating that belief in the therapy may have played a key role in its success.
In the project, known as Spine (stimulating points to investigate needling efficacy), patients were divided into groups to receive standard care alone, with one of two variants of genuine acupuncture or with a placebo.
The simulated acupuncture involved mimicking needle pricks using tooth picks hidden inside guide tubes that did not penetrate the skin. Patients were treated twice a week for three weeks and then weekly for a month. At intervals of eights weeks, six months and a year, the researchers measured back pain symptoms and their impact on quality of life.
Both types of genuine acupuncture — either individually tailored or a standardised treatment — produced a substantial improvement in symptoms and the ability of patients to cope with their condition at eight weeks. By contrast, patients on standard care were only slightly better. The beneficial effects lasted for a year, although they waned over time. However, the placebo “toothpick” treatment turned out to be just as good at combating back pain as real acupuncture.
The findings were published yesterday in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine. Daniel Cherkin, the trial leader from the Group Health Centre for Health Studies, in Seattle, said: “We found that simulated acupuncture produced as much benefit as needle acupuncture. That raises questions about how acupuncture works.”
Dr Cherkin said the results had important implications for patients who found conventional treatments ineffective. “The reduction in long-term exposure to the potential adverse effects of medications is also an important benefit that may enhance the safety of conventional medical care,” he said.
Karen Sherman, also a member of the research team, said that, historically, some types of acupuncture have used non-penetrating needles, possibly explaining the success of the placebo treatment.
“We don’t know why people got back pain relief from the simulated acupuncture,” Dr Sherman said. “Maybe the context in which people get treatment has effects that are more important than the mechanical effects.”
At the eight-week stage, 60 per cent of patients receiving any type of acupuncture had a clinically meaningful improvement in their level of functioning, compared with 39 per cent of those receiving regular care.
At the one-year point, 59 to 65 per cent of those in the acupuncture groups experienced an improvement, compared with 50 per cent of the standard care group.
Back pain is the largest single cause of work-related absence in Britain. Lower back pain, also known as lumbago, affects seven out of ten people at some time in their lives.
Josephine Briggs, director of the US National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which funded the Spine trial, said: “The findings add to the growing body of evidence that something meaningful is taking place during acupuncture treatments. Future research is needed to delve deeper into what is evoking these responses.”
Homeopathy IS More Effective
Wednesday, May 27th, 200922/05/2009
More research evidence has emerged that demonstrates homeopathy is more effective than conventional medicine in the treatment of chronic disease.
The study found that patients with chronic diseases, ranging from headache, low back pain, depression, sleeping disorders, sinusitis, atopic dermitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma, benefited more from homeopathy than conventional medicine. The German researchers studied 315 adults and 178 children over a period of 12 months, with half receiving homeopathic treatment, the other half conventional medical care. In both groups, the health status of patients improved, but improvement was greater in patients on homeopathic treatment.
The homeopathic group reported an improvement in the severity of their illness from 57 to 32 points (judged on a scale of 1 to 100), compared to the conventional group from 59 to 44 points. When ‘quality of life’ was compared, the homeopathic group reported ‘moderate’ improvements in physical ailments (with only ‘small’ improvements reported in the conventional group), and ‘large’ improvements in psychological ailments (compared to ‘moderate’ in the conventional group).
Witt et al: Outcome and costs of homoeopathic and conventional treatment strategies: A comparative cohort study in patients with chronic disorders. Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2005) 13, 79-86.
This study was produced on behalf of the European Information Centre on Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and approved by the EICCAM Scientific Board prior to circulation. They selected the study as part of their main objective - to provide and disseminate understandable, objective and high-quality information on the safety, effectiveness and efficacy of CAM therapies.
This evidence follows closely on a project organised in Northern Ireland that found acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, osteopathy, reflexology and aromatherapy can offer significant health improvements to NHS patients. Patients receiving homeopathic treatment reported an average 54% improvement in their health and wellbeing. (For the full DOHSSPS Report on this project, see Here)
The ARH warmly welcomes these, and other scientific studies, which confirm what millions of homeopathic patients have known for over 200 years - that homeopathy is a safe and effective medical therapy, and it calls upon the NHS to make homeopathic treatment more readily available to patients throughout the UK.
Foods that Help You Sleep
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
| A good night’s sleep is often a challenge.
We live in a fast paced World, and switching off at night can be tricky; it’s all too easy to lie awake thinking and worrying, when all you want is to drift off into a peaceful night. Whilst some people might reach for the sleeping pills, thankfully, there are some simple solutions to be found in your kitchen cupboard So here’s a closer look at some natural ways to give your body the best possible chance of getting the rest and relaxation you need. The Role of Diet in Sleep Whatever you eat and drink during the day, will have a direct impact on the quality and duration of your sleep. Picking the right foods, and eliminating problem ones is especially important for those who struggle with restless nights or insomnia. Pack in the Tryptophan Foods rich in tryptophan are especially important. Tryptophan is converted by enzymes to an amino acid called L-tryptophan, which then produces the brain chemical serotonin. Adequate serotonin levels are absolutely essential if you want a good nights sleep; levels naturally rise as you approach bedtime, but certain foods can give this process a helping hand. Tryptophan is also a precursor of the hormone Melatonin which regulates the sleep / waking cycle. The Role of Calcium and Magnesium Warm milk before bed is an old favourite for good reason! Not only is milk rich in tryptophan, but also calcium; both calcium and magnesium play an important role in your body’ ability to relax. If you suffer from night cramps and twitches, then these two vital nutrients may well need boosting. It is thought that the calcium provided by vegetables is absorbed better than that found in dairy products, but milk and other dairy foods can of course contribute to your body’s daily requirements. Packing your diet with foods rich in calcium and magnesium, is a simple, but highly effective step to improve the quality of your sleeping hours. Indulge in Some Late Night Carbs Now we’re not advocating midnight feasts here, and too much food before bed will have the opposite of the desired effect! But, a small snack around an hour before bed is often helpful (around 200 calories would be a good guideline). Enjoying a carbohydrate rich nibble (with some calcium for good measure) can also help boost those tryptophan levels, but make sure it’s not a sugary snack that will play havoc with your sugar levels. Some good examples would be a small piece of bread or crackers and cheese, dates, figs, a banana or a small bowl of cereal with milk. Carbohydrates also moderately stimulate insulin, which helps to clear other amino acids that compete with tryptophan, If you find you get to sleep fairly well, but wake after just a few hours, this may be due to low blood sugar, and a late night snack will be particularly helpful for you. Protein is best avoided as a late night snack as it is difficult to digest. B is for Bedtime The B-complex may be part of the puzzle for some people. Specifically, some of the B vitamins play an essential role in the production of melatonin, but the whole B complex can play an important role in improving sleep. Coffee, alcohol and certain medications are just some factors that can increase the need for the B Vitamins. Work With Your Metabolism Your main meal should be enjoyed at least two, and preferably four hours before bedtime. Try to get into a pattern with your meal times to give your body a natural rhythm to follow. Eating a large meal close to bedtime stimulates the metabolism and raises your body temperature, neither of which help your body get into sleep mode. Although it’s often not practical for families, it is best to have your largest meal during the day for lunch, and have lighter meals in the evenings. For someone suffering with insomnia, this can be a significant lifestyle change. Limit High Fat Foods In 2008, a small, but fascinating study found that a high fat diet played a significant role in sleep patterns. Participants were carefully studied in a sleep lab, and those that consumed lots of fat during the day woke more during the night, tossed and turned more, exhibited more abnormal breathing patterns and spent less time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. (Natural fats in moderation are essential for your overall health and vitality). Keep caffeine to a minimum Tea and coffee can play havoc with your sleep, so keep these to a minimum, and perhaps even have a time limit – no tea and coffee after lunch for example can really help matters. Caffeine affects the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma amino butyric) which is responsible for slowing down adrenaline in the evening. Careful With the Nightcaps Many people enjoy a small alcoholic beverage in the evening, and although you may find it helps you to sleep, alcohol actually reduces the overall quality of sleep, so if you enjoy a relaxing tipple, make it a small one, a few hours before bedtime. All fluids should be kept to a minimum before bed to ensure you don’t have interrupted sleep due to bathroom trips. Other Steps You can Take to Improve Your Sleep
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Tryptophan rich foods:
Foods rich in Calcium:
Foods for Magnesium:
Foods rich in B Vitamins:
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Allergy Elimination Technique - NAET
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009(Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique) is a non invasive, holistic method of identifying the presence of an allergen and subsequently removing it. Developed from a mix of Eastern and Western medical principles, it removes energy blockages in the body caused by the allergy, hence allowing the body to regain its natural balance.
An allergen is very simply something that the brain sees as a threat to the body’s wellbeing. It disrupts the energy in the body and will eventually lead to an allergic reaction. This reaction may be seen as a rash, hay fever, or in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock. However allergens can contribute to a number of illnesses and complaints which include asthma, eczema, migraine, cardiac arrhythmia, joint pains and arthritis, through to chronic fatigue.
Allergens can affect us on a number of different levels;
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physical
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chemical or nutritional
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emotional
All of these can have equally devastating effects. NAET uses kinesiology to identify if an allergen is present in the body and then treats it accordingly. The body often has a number of subtle allergens disrupting it at a low level, which will each be treated individually. Once an allergen is treated, it must be totally avoided for 25 hours, prior to re-testing and re-introduction. Severe allergenic reactions will require several treatments before a practitioner will suggest any form of re-introduction.
NAET is safe for use on all individuals, and can be used to treat babies, through to the elderly or disabled.
Survey reveals nation’s poor posture - 07 April 2009
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009The number of people with bad posture has risen dramatically over the last two years, experts have revealed.
Research published by the British Chiropractic Association shows that 56 per cent of British people believe they have bad posture, up from just 38 per cent in 2007.
Slouching clearly does not escape young people, as around 60 per cent of 16 to 18-year-olds were found to have undesirable posture.
It also appears to impact on health as 72 per cent of respondents admitted that they had suffered from back pain at some point.
Tim Hutchful, a spokesman for the British Chiropractic Association, said: “Year on year our posture seems to be getting worse and back pain figures are rising, suggesting that the two go hand in hand.
“With the population in an apparent sedentary lifestyle spiral, we are fast becoming a nation of slouch potatoes and it is taking a massive toll on our health.”
Back pain is particularly common among people between the ages of 35 and 55 and is a major cause of workplace absence.
Testimonial for NTA
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009I found the service very caring and professional, the advice I was given was easy to follow and there was always someone there to answer my questions. I felt very taken care of and would definitely use them again
The Health Risks of Cola
Friday, May 22nd, 2009Whilst soft drink manufacturers say the cases are extreme; the number of health problems amonst cola drinkers is on the rise.
Long associated with tooth decay and diabetes, cola is now being linked with muscle problems, softening of the bones and low levels of potassium.
Dr Moses Elisaf, from the University of Ioannina in Greece led a report recently published and studied people consuming more than 2 litres a day of cola.
We agree with the manufacturers that such consumption will only ever be among the minority, but there are cases of people drinking as much as 9 litres a day, surely evidence of the addictive nature of cola (for some)?
In 2007, worldwide consumption of soft drinks reached a staggering, 552 billion litres - that’s 82.5 litres per person and these figures are expected to increase.
The British Soft Drinks Association said: ‘The examples used in this paper by the International Journal of Clinical Practice are all very extreme cases - moderate consumption of cola drinks is completely safe and people can continue to enjoy such drinks as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle.
Sugar free alternatives are often emphasised, but to us, these pose perhaps greater risks due to the aspartame content.
Vitamins and minerals reduce asthma symptoms
Friday, May 22nd, 2009A rash of studies show vital role of vitamins A, C, D, folates, zinc and omega 3
A rash of new studies and a review of 40 older studies spanning 30 years and from all over the world, show the crucial role of basic nutrients in reducing the incidence and severity of asthma.
Researchers in equatorial Costa Rica, found that 175 out of 616 asthmatic children were, incredibly (considering the sunny climate), deficient in vitamin D, and that these particular children needed hospitalization for their asthma more frequently. Their low vitamin D levels were associated with increased Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels (markers of allergy) and asthma severity.
Meanwhile, researchers from the University of Nottingham, have reviewed 40 studies and 30 years of research. They concluded that low dietary intakes of vitamin C, and to a lesser extent, vitamin A, are consistently associated with asthma risk. In the case of vitamin C, this increased risk is 12%.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in the US, reviewed the medical records of more than 8000 people, collecting data on blood levels of folate (of the vitamin B family), respiratory and allergic symptoms, and IgE levels. They found that higher folate levels are associated with lower levels of the IgE allergy marker, fewer reported allergies, fewer episodes of wheezing, and reduced incidence of asthma. The lowest folate levels were associated with a 40% increase in risk of wheezing, a 30% higher risk of elevated IgE, and a 16% higher risk of having asthma as compared to the highest folate levels.
In addition, studies have supported the importance of nutrient synergy in reducing asthma risk. For example, a trial in Egypt, has found that a combined supplement containing omega-3, vitamin C and zinc is associated with significant improvements in asthma measures, lung function, and markers of inflammation in the lungs. This was also found to be the case for each single nutrient.
Asthma on the increase
Asthma is a condition the symptoms of which are recurrent attacks of shortness of breath, wheezing, cough and expectoration of persistent mucus. The condition is also characterized by increased levels of eosinophils in the blood and other signs of an inflammatory immune response, as well as increased serum levels of IgE, an allergy marker.
There has been a sharp increase in the global prevalence of the condition over the last 40 years. Worryingly, this increase is particularly apparent in children.
Many reasons have been suggested for this increase, including increased pollution of air, food, and water, our junk food diet, smoking, early weaning, increased stress on the immune system, increased and early vaccination, and the increase of new allergens such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Testimonial for NTA
Friday, May 22nd, 2009Found initial service and advice on phone very helpful. Therapist put me at my ease straight away, which was great, never having had any alternative therapy before.