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NCCAM Featured Content
September Is Healthy Aging Month
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0500
The older population is growing rapidly, and the aging of the "baby boomers," born between 1946 and 1964 (and who begin turning age 65 in 2011), will accelerate this growth. Healthy Aging Month was designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older. Many older Americans use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to improve their health and maintain wellness. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) conducts and supports research on many conditions associated with aging and provides information on how to be an informed consumer.
Paying for CAM Treatment
Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:00:00 -0500
If you are using (or thinking about using), you may have financial questions about paying for treatment. This fact sheet answers some frequently asked questions on this topic. To find out more about any topic or resource that is mentioned. What are some questions to ask about paying for CAM treatment? Some questions to ask a CAM practitioner or his office staff are: What does the first appointment cost? What do followup appointments cost? How many appointments does someone with my condition typically need? Are there any additional costs (such as for tests, equipment, or supplements)? If you have a health insurance plan, some other questions are: Do you accept this insurance? What has your experience been with coverage by this insurance company for my condition? Do I file the claim forms, or do you take care of that? If it would be difficult for you to pay the full fee at each visit, you can ask: Could you arrange a payment plan over time? Do you offer a sliding-scale fee? (Sliding-scale fees are determined by people's income and ability to pay.)
Executive Summary of Meditation for Health Purposes Workshop
Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:00:00 -0500
The purpose of the meeting was to articulate potential goals and directions for research on the mechanisms and efficacy of meditation practices for a variety of health concerns. Experts from a range of disciplines and with a wide range of involvement in the field of meditation research were asked to critically examine the current state of science on meditation for health, and to identify existing or potential intersections and contributions from their fields to further this area of science. This group developed a set of critical questions and approaches that could better inform future research in this area.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine - current issue
eCAM: Early Harvest
Cooper, E. L. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Second World Ayurveda Congress (Theme: Ayurveda for the Future)--Inaugural Address: Part II
Mashelkar, R. A. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Can Vitex Agnus Castus be Used for the Treatment of Mastalgia? What is the Current Evidence?
Carmichael, A.R. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
There have been many treatments suggested for the management of mastalgia; one of these is the fruit extract of Vitex Agnus castus L. commonly known as Agnus castus, an extract of a deciduous shrub native to Mediterranean Europe and Central Asia. It is postulated that A. castus suppresses the stress-induced latent hyperprolactinemia which is a release of supra-physiological levels of prolactin in some patients in response to stressful stimuli. It is postulated that A. castus could be effective in the treatment of cyclical mastalgia by inhibiting the release of excess prolactin by blocking Dopamine-2 receptor type on pituitary. The adverse events following A. castus treatment are mild and reversible. The aim of this review is assess the efficacy of A. castus in the treatment of mastalgia. Data from randomized and non-randomized studies regarding the efficacy and safety of A. castus is reviewed in a systematic fashion. It is concluded that A. castus can be considered as an efficient alternative phytotherapeutic agent in the treatment of mastalgia.
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine - Latest articles
Pharmacokinetic and metabolic effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in healthy volunteers receiving the HIV protease inhibitor indinavir
Adriana SA Andrade, Craig Hendrix, Teresa L Parsons, Benjamin Caballero, Chun-su Yuan, Charles W Flexner, Adrian S Dobs and Todd T Brown Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among HIV-infected patients to reduce the toxicity of antiretroviral therapy. Ginseng has been used for treatment of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, a common side effect of some HIV-1 protease inhibitors (PI). However, it is unknown whether American ginseng (AG) can reverse insulin resistance induced by the PI indinavir (IDV), and whether these two agents interact pharmacologically. We evaluated potential pharmacokinetic interactions between indinavir and AG, and assessed whether AG improves IDV-induced insulin resistance. Methods: After baseline assessment of insulin sensitivity using the insulin clamp technique, healthy volunteers received IDV 800 mg q8 h for 3 days and then IDV and AG 1g q8h for 14 days. IDV Pharmacokinetics and insulin sensitivity were assessed before and after AG co-administration. Results: There was no difference in the IDV area-under-the-curve after the co-administration of AG, compared to IDV alone (n=13). Although insulin-stimulated glucose disposal per unit of insulin (M/I) decreased by an average of 14.8 +/- 5.9% after 3 days of IDV (from 0.113 +/- 0.012 to 0.096 +/- 0.014 mg/kgFFM/min per muU/ml of insulin, p=0.03, n=11), M/I remained unchanged after co-administration of IDV and AG. Conclusions: IDV decreases insulin sensitivity, which is unaltered by AG co-administration. AG does not significantly affect IDV pharmacokinetics.
Kihi-to, a herbal traditional medicine, improves Abeta(25-35)-induced memory impairment and losses of neurites and synapses
Chihiro Tohda, Rie Naito and Eri Joyashiki Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: We previously hypothesized that achievement of recovery of brain function after the injury requires the reconstruction of neuronal networks, including neurite regeneration and synapse reformation. Kihi-to is composed of twelve crude drugs, some of which have already been shown to possess neurite extension properties in our previous studies. The effect of Kihi-to on memory deficit has not been examined. Thus, the goal of the present study is to determine the in vivo and in vitro effects of Kihi-to on memory, neurite growth and synapse reconstruction. Methods: Effects of Kihi-to, a traditional Japanese-Chinese traditional medicine, on memory deficits and losses of neurites and synapses were examined using Alzheimer's disease model mice. Improvements of Abeta(25-35)-induced neuritic atrophy by Kihi-to and the mechanism were investigated in cultured cortical neurons. Results: Administration of Kihi-to for consecutive 3 days resulted in marked improvements of Abeta(25-35)-induced impairments in memory acquisition, memory retention, and object recognition memory in mice. Immunohistochemical comparisons suggested that Kihi-to attenuated neuritic, synaptic and myelin losses in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Kihi-to also attenuated the calpain increase in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. When Kihi-to was added to cells 4 days after Abeta(25-35) treatment, axonal and dendritic outgrowths in cultured cortical neurons were restored as demonstrated by extended lengths of phosphorylated neurofilament-H (P-NF-H) and microtubule-associated protein (MAP)2-positive neurites. Abeta(25-35)-induced cell death in cortical culture was also markedly inhibited by Kihi-to. Since NF-H, MAP2 and myelin basic protein (MBP) are substrates of calpain, and calpain is known to be involved in Abeta-induced axonal atrophy, expression levels of calpain and calpastatin were measured. Treatment with Kihi-to inhibited the Abeta(25-35)-evoked increase in the calpain level and decrease in the calpastatin level. In addition, Kihi-to inhibited Abeta(25-35)-induced calcium entry. Conclusion: In conclusion Kihi-to clearly improved the memory impairment and losses of neurites and synapses.
Mapping patterns of complementary and alternative medicine use in cancer: an explorative cross-sectional study of individuals with reported positive "exceptional" experiences
Johanna Hok, Carol Tishelman, Alexander Ploner, Anette Forss and Torkel Falkenberg Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: While the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer patients is common and widespread, levels of commitment to CAM vary. "Committed" CAM use is important to investigate, as it may be associated with elevated risks and benefits, and may affect use of biomedically-oriented health care (BHC). Multiple methodological approaches were used to explore and map patterns of CAM use among individuals postulated to be committed users, voluntarily reporting exceptional experiences associated with CAM use after cancer diagnosis. Method: The verbatim transcripts of thirty-eight unstructured interviews were analyzed in two steps. First, manifest content analysis was used to elucidate and map participants' use of CAM, based on the National Center for Complementary Medicine (NCCAM)'s classification system. Second, patterns of CAM use were explored statistically using principal component analysis. FindingsThe 38 participants reported using a total of 274 specific CAM (median=4) consisting of 148 different therapeutic modalities. Most reported therapies could be categorized using the NCCAM taxonomy (n=224). However, a significant number of CAM therapies were not consistent with this categorization (n=50); consequently, we introduced two additional categories: Spiritual/health literature and Treatment centers. The two factors explaining the largest proportion of variation in CAM usage patterns were a) number of CAM modalities used and b) a category preference for Energy therapies over the categories Alternative Medical Systems and Treatment centers or vice versa. DiscussionWe found considerable heterogeneity in patterns of CAM use. By analyzing users' own descriptions of CAM in relation to the most commonly used predefined professional taxonomy, this study highlights discrepancies between user and professional conceptualizations of CAM not previously addressed. Beyond variations in users' reports of CAM, our findings indicate some patterns in CAM usage related to number of therapies used and preference for different CAM categories.
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September Is Healthy Aging Month
Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0500
The older population is growing rapidly, and the aging of the "baby boomers," born between 1946 and 1964 (and who begin turning age 65 in 2011), will accelerate this growth. Healthy Aging Month was designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older. Many older Americans use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to improve their health and maintain wellness. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) conducts and supports research on many conditions associated with aging and provides information on how to be an informed consumer.
Paying for CAM Treatment
Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:00:00 -0500
If you are using (or thinking about using), you may have financial questions about paying for treatment. This fact sheet answers some frequently asked questions on this topic. To find out more about any topic or resource that is mentioned. What are some questions to ask about paying for CAM treatment? Some questions to ask a CAM practitioner or his office staff are: What does the first appointment cost? What do followup appointments cost? How many appointments does someone with my condition typically need? Are there any additional costs (such as for tests, equipment, or supplements)? If you have a health insurance plan, some other questions are: Do you accept this insurance? What has your experience been with coverage by this insurance company for my condition? Do I file the claim forms, or do you take care of that? If it would be difficult for you to pay the full fee at each visit, you can ask: Could you arrange a payment plan over time? Do you offer a sliding-scale fee? (Sliding-scale fees are determined by people's income and ability to pay.)
Executive Summary of Meditation for Health Purposes Workshop
Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:00:00 -0500
The purpose of the meeting was to articulate potential goals and directions for research on the mechanisms and efficacy of meditation practices for a variety of health concerns. Experts from a range of disciplines and with a wide range of involvement in the field of meditation research were asked to critically examine the current state of science on meditation for health, and to identify existing or potential intersections and contributions from their fields to further this area of science. This group developed a set of critical questions and approaches that could better inform future research in this area.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine - current issue
eCAM: Early Harvest
Cooper, E. L. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Second World Ayurveda Congress (Theme: Ayurveda for the Future)--Inaugural Address: Part II
Mashelkar, R. A. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Can Vitex Agnus Castus be Used for the Treatment of Mastalgia? What is the Current Evidence?
Carmichael, A.R. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
There have been many treatments suggested for the management of mastalgia; one of these is the fruit extract of Vitex Agnus castus L. commonly known as Agnus castus, an extract of a deciduous shrub native to Mediterranean Europe and Central Asia. It is postulated that A. castus suppresses the stress-induced latent hyperprolactinemia which is a release of supra-physiological levels of prolactin in some patients in response to stressful stimuli. It is postulated that A. castus could be effective in the treatment of cyclical mastalgia by inhibiting the release of excess prolactin by blocking Dopamine-2 receptor type on pituitary. The adverse events following A. castus treatment are mild and reversible. The aim of this review is assess the efficacy of A. castus in the treatment of mastalgia. Data from randomized and non-randomized studies regarding the efficacy and safety of A. castus is reviewed in a systematic fashion. It is concluded that A. castus can be considered as an efficient alternative phytotherapeutic agent in the treatment of mastalgia.
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine - Latest articles
Pharmacokinetic and metabolic effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in healthy volunteers receiving the HIV protease inhibitor indinavir
Adriana SA Andrade, Craig Hendrix, Teresa L Parsons, Benjamin Caballero, Chun-su Yuan, Charles W Flexner, Adrian S Dobs and Todd T Brown Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among HIV-infected patients to reduce the toxicity of antiretroviral therapy. Ginseng has been used for treatment of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, a common side effect of some HIV-1 protease inhibitors (PI). However, it is unknown whether American ginseng (AG) can reverse insulin resistance induced by the PI indinavir (IDV), and whether these two agents interact pharmacologically. We evaluated potential pharmacokinetic interactions between indinavir and AG, and assessed whether AG improves IDV-induced insulin resistance. Methods: After baseline assessment of insulin sensitivity using the insulin clamp technique, healthy volunteers received IDV 800 mg q8 h for 3 days and then IDV and AG 1g q8h for 14 days. IDV Pharmacokinetics and insulin sensitivity were assessed before and after AG co-administration. Results: There was no difference in the IDV area-under-the-curve after the co-administration of AG, compared to IDV alone (n=13). Although insulin-stimulated glucose disposal per unit of insulin (M/I) decreased by an average of 14.8 +/- 5.9% after 3 days of IDV (from 0.113 +/- 0.012 to 0.096 +/- 0.014 mg/kgFFM/min per muU/ml of insulin, p=0.03, n=11), M/I remained unchanged after co-administration of IDV and AG. Conclusions: IDV decreases insulin sensitivity, which is unaltered by AG co-administration. AG does not significantly affect IDV pharmacokinetics.
Kihi-to, a herbal traditional medicine, improves Abeta(25-35)-induced memory impairment and losses of neurites and synapses
Chihiro Tohda, Rie Naito and Eri Joyashiki Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: We previously hypothesized that achievement of recovery of brain function after the injury requires the reconstruction of neuronal networks, including neurite regeneration and synapse reformation. Kihi-to is composed of twelve crude drugs, some of which have already been shown to possess neurite extension properties in our previous studies. The effect of Kihi-to on memory deficit has not been examined. Thus, the goal of the present study is to determine the in vivo and in vitro effects of Kihi-to on memory, neurite growth and synapse reconstruction. Methods: Effects of Kihi-to, a traditional Japanese-Chinese traditional medicine, on memory deficits and losses of neurites and synapses were examined using Alzheimer's disease model mice. Improvements of Abeta(25-35)-induced neuritic atrophy by Kihi-to and the mechanism were investigated in cultured cortical neurons. Results: Administration of Kihi-to for consecutive 3 days resulted in marked improvements of Abeta(25-35)-induced impairments in memory acquisition, memory retention, and object recognition memory in mice. Immunohistochemical comparisons suggested that Kihi-to attenuated neuritic, synaptic and myelin losses in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Kihi-to also attenuated the calpain increase in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. When Kihi-to was added to cells 4 days after Abeta(25-35) treatment, axonal and dendritic outgrowths in cultured cortical neurons were restored as demonstrated by extended lengths of phosphorylated neurofilament-H (P-NF-H) and microtubule-associated protein (MAP)2-positive neurites. Abeta(25-35)-induced cell death in cortical culture was also markedly inhibited by Kihi-to. Since NF-H, MAP2 and myelin basic protein (MBP) are substrates of calpain, and calpain is known to be involved in Abeta-induced axonal atrophy, expression levels of calpain and calpastatin were measured. Treatment with Kihi-to inhibited the Abeta(25-35)-evoked increase in the calpain level and decrease in the calpastatin level. In addition, Kihi-to inhibited Abeta(25-35)-induced calcium entry. Conclusion: In conclusion Kihi-to clearly improved the memory impairment and losses of neurites and synapses.
Mapping patterns of complementary and alternative medicine use in cancer: an explorative cross-sectional study of individuals with reported positive "exceptional" experiences
Johanna Hok, Carol Tishelman, Alexander Ploner, Anette Forss and Torkel Falkenberg Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: While the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer patients is common and widespread, levels of commitment to CAM vary. "Committed" CAM use is important to investigate, as it may be associated with elevated risks and benefits, and may affect use of biomedically-oriented health care (BHC). Multiple methodological approaches were used to explore and map patterns of CAM use among individuals postulated to be committed users, voluntarily reporting exceptional experiences associated with CAM use after cancer diagnosis. Method: The verbatim transcripts of thirty-eight unstructured interviews were analyzed in two steps. First, manifest content analysis was used to elucidate and map participants' use of CAM, based on the National Center for Complementary Medicine (NCCAM)'s classification system. Second, patterns of CAM use were explored statistically using principal component analysis. FindingsThe 38 participants reported using a total of 274 specific CAM (median=4) consisting of 148 different therapeutic modalities. Most reported therapies could be categorized using the NCCAM taxonomy (n=224). However, a significant number of CAM therapies were not consistent with this categorization (n=50); consequently, we introduced two additional categories: Spiritual/health literature and Treatment centers. The two factors explaining the largest proportion of variation in CAM usage patterns were a) number of CAM modalities used and b) a category preference for Energy therapies over the categories Alternative Medical Systems and Treatment centers or vice versa. DiscussionWe found considerable heterogeneity in patterns of CAM use. By analyzing users' own descriptions of CAM in relation to the most commonly used predefined professional taxonomy, this study highlights discrepancies between user and professional conceptualizations of CAM not previously addressed. Beyond variations in users' reports of CAM, our findings indicate some patterns in CAM usage related to number of therapies used and preference for different CAM categories.
Sites:
Color Therapy: Work of Suza Scalora. Photographic color studies, meditations, meanings, and thought feedback.Distant healing: everything is light everything is energy. colour is the rainbow bridge between the subtle and the material. Human life' is seen as a subtle and dynamic balance between spirit and matter
Aura and Color Therapy: Colour Energy is the leading source for colour and aura products, services and education, color therapy energy and wellness products
Aura Light: Aura Light Colour Harmonics Vibrational Aromatic Essences for your Chakras, Healing and Transformation made with Vibrational Essences, Gem Elixirs, Essential Oils, Herbal Energies, Stellar Patterning, Love and Light.
Awakening Images: Colorful MANDALAS for healing the Earth, uplifting consciousness, & supporting health, peace, wellness. Notecards, prints and murals available of these powerful images which are to be shared & spread throughout the world
Brooker Colour Therapy: Colour Therapy The Alternative Therapy
Color and Light Therapy: health, herbs, medicine, nutrition, diet, drugs, free, education, science, books, love, heart, Tibet, doctor, holistic, antivirus, cancer, color, therapy, depression, saffron, Ayurveda, God, Buddha, Re, Guru, Mah, Florida, wholesale, prayer., health, herbs, medicine, nutrition, diet, drugs, free,...
Color Energy Education Systems: Colour Energy Education System--The only colour school system based on the seven levels of intelligence...Red-Body/Physical Intelligence, Orange-Social/Creative Intelligence, Yellow-Knowledge/Mental Intelligence, Green-Empathy/Feeling Intelligence, Blue-Communication/Leadership Intelligence, Indi...
Color the Secret Influence: Color the Secret Influence by Dr. Kenneth Fehrman and Cherie Fehrman provides new information about the physiological, psychological and sociological effects of color. It helps people to better understand how color affects every aspect of their lives and to learn to use color to their advantage.
Color Therapy Center: Online Store and Database organized by color. Aura-Soma, flower essences, gem elixirs and bath body products. Color info related to energy anatomy, chinese medicine, symbolism and Feng Shui.
Color Therapy Healing (Chromotherapy) Resources and Equipment: Introduces the modality of healing through colour and acupuncture, an ancient art derived from the Atlantean teachings. Our range of products include the Chromotherapy Torch, a Workbook, and the Crystal Light Balancing Essences.
Color Therapy/Chromotherapy: Colors, and how they can be utilized in healing ourselves.
ColorLight MindBody Healing: Color Light Therapy Live-Streaming Color Light Therapy Sessions SAD Light Products Natural Alternative Healing Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine Homeopathic Medicine Seasonal Affective Disorder Depression circulation blood pressure colds flu immune system allergy grief pain ache Alternative healing thera...
ColorVibration.com: Free Info and products for Color Healing, Color Therapy, Aura reading and Vibrational healing. Detailed information on our Aura Camers. Learn how Color and Light can change your life!
Colour Therapy: How to use colours, what the colours mean, and colour plates to view for well-being.
Colour Therapy Healing: Colour Therapy Healing.com, the best source of information about Colour Therapy, including the Chakras, colour treatment, colour history, what colour is and more..
Essential Color. Freda Rose Woolsgove, Consultant.: faeriefizz faeries by freya perry
Healing with the Rainbow Rays: Articles, book reviews and spiritual journeys. Workshops worldwide by Alijandra.
Homepage of Phoenix Enterprises: Welcome to www.colourconscious.com! Raising colour awareness for health and wellbeing
Institute for Chromotherapy: The Institute for Chromotherapy(IFCT) is an environment targeted towards deep healing using light, color and energy motion techniques. In addition, IFCT yields training in these particular disciplines and modalities for such healing.
Light Years2: Explanation of the Chakras. Healing color samples and product links. Color therapy, chromo therapy. Boby balancing light treatments.
Lightfield Systems: Color and sound therapies using the pulse reading technique of Dr. Paul Nogier to find precisely matching resonance frequencies and colors. Tools, trainings, and sessions.
Living Your Colors: Living Your Colors offers color consultation for image, relationships, career, decoration, health, spiritual progress and more.
Lumia Therapy: The #1 Resource for Color & Light Therapy Product, Service and Education.
Penelope's Cosmic Colors: Penelope's Cosmic Colors - Using Color to Raise Consciousness. Meta-physical consultaions, information, readings and gift items.
Rays of Color: Explains how specific colors can help heal and restore well being.
Renergy: Renee Ganger colour therapy, light therapy and reflexology
Spirit Art: spirit airline reservation home page air.com ticket airline.com airway air
Swami Devageet - C.H. Newman: Offers light-as-colour, electronic gem therapy, hypnosis, and elucidation (dialoguing with somatic centres) therapies in the United Kingdom.
The Astrology of Colour: Astrology pages of UK astrologer, Deborah Houlding. Featuring astrological services, articles, tips and tools for beginners, lunar cyles and planetary details. Features Deborah Houlding's Horary Astrology Course and details of workshops, seminars and events.
This directory is based on the Open Directory and may have been modified