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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:
Hawaiian Huna Village: Huna healing based on the Hawaiian tradition of Serge Kahili King, with information, articles, techniques and resources for alternative and complementary healing of body, mind, spirit and circumstancesAina Me Kalani: Non-profit foundation presents conferences and workshops for healing arts including lomilomi, ho'oponopono, and la'au lapa'au. Based in Hilo, Hawaii.
An Introduction To Huna: Article by Peter Eklund, author of the book, Huna Ha Rite: A Program of Spiritual Growth. Indiana, USA.
Field of Dreams: Paul Waters teaches Huna, Hawaiian healing, personal power and higher health, learning from many great contemporary and ancient masters.
Hale Ola Hawaiian Healing Center: lomilomi, massage, hot stones, healing, complementary, alternative, Hawaiian, Hawai'i, Aunty Margaret Machado, big island, shaman, lua, martial arts, medicine, chi gong, qi, laau lapaau, hooponopono, hula, oli, wela pohaku, hot pond, voyager, canoe, Henry Auwae, Papa Auwae, Uncle Henry Auwae, lom...
Hawaiian Huna and Huna Reiki: Huna is a healing practice, a healing energy, a philosophy and a way of life.
Hawaiian Huna Massage (Kahuna Bodywork): The Wisdom of Paradise in Motion: (Kahuna Bodywork) by Rosalie Samet Recapturing the long-forgotten wisdom of the ancient people of Hawaii, this type of bodywork has been practised in the healing temples by Kahuna Priests as a sacred rite of passage for thousands of years.
Hawaiian Huna: Modern Applications of an Ancient Wisdom: Article by Tad and Ardie James.
Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage: Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage in Nanaimo, B.C., offers treatments exclusively for women by Nicola Ney, registered Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage practitioner. Spoil yourself with the sheer bliss of a Hawaiian massage, first practiced in ancient Polynesia by the Master Healers, or Kahunas. Feel your muscle...
Hawaiian Shamanic Bodywork: Wayne Kealohi Powell offers temple-style lomi lomi massage and workshops in Mount Vernon, Washington.
Hidden Mysteries: Article by Joshua David Stone.
Historical and Philosophical Aspects of Lapa'au Traditional Kanaka Maoli Healing Practices: Tap into what it takes for wealth. Easy instruction contains the secrets to becoming a money magnet. Change your financial future Forever. FREE Prosperity Guide.
Huna - Secret Hawaiian Wisdom: Exploring the healing benefits of Huna
Huna Information Site: Describes basic huna principles and meditation techniques.
Huna Kalani: Hawaiian Huna Kalani helps heal your body, mind and relationships
Huna Kane: Monique Dorge, Huna Kane Practitioner/Facilitator is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Huna Kupua: Ken Davison offers classes in San Jose, California.
Huna, Hawaiian Spirituality: Workshops by Keith Darwin Rector, teacher for the Spiritual Unfoldment Network (S.U.N.), founded by Irving Feurst, Oakland, California.
Huna.com: Huna.com...for training and resources in Huna -- Ancient Hawaiian Magical Shamanic Healing and Spiritual Development
Huna: Ancient Hawaiian Healing System: Huna is a 4,000 year old healing system. It is a system of body, mind and spirit healing and is more sophisticated than the Western Interventive,
Huna: The Secret Science Behind Miracles: huna: FREE on-line HUNA newsletter by e-mail!
Ka Hana Pono: Huna - before there was Huna there was Ka Hana Pono... create and live a life of personal power, harmony and balance through an ancient Hawaiian tradition of aligning mind, emotion and body with Spirit greatness
Kahi Loa: Traditional Hawai'ian Healing Massage: Article by Cornelia Biegler.
Kahuna Concepts: Kahuna Concepts: Intuitive healing and intentional living
Kahuna Mist: Kahuna Mist - teaching Kahuna bodywork and ancient Kahuna principles. Training Centre Website.
Kahuna Source: Kahuna Source tells about the teachings of Kahu Abraham Kawai'i, ancient and modern Kahuna training, Kahuna Bodywork courses and schools, Hawaiian massage. Ki'a'i Ho'okahi Weber, author of Kahuna Source, is now Kahuna Sciences teacher at the Australian College of Kahuna Sciences.
Ko'oneva: Kahuna bodywork and movement workshops offered in Stockholm, Sweden. Multilingual site.
Mette Sørensen's Institute of Bodywork: Australia's leading School of Hawaiian Kahuna Massage and Healing - Also providing Spa Equipment and Massage Tables
Ola Pono: Whole-body Health: Tap into what it takes for wealth. Easy instruction contains the secrets to becoming a money magnet. Change your financial future Forever. FREE Prosperity Guide.
Self Identity Through Ho'oponopono: self idenity
Swami's Lomi Lomi Massage: Jerri Lynn Knoblich offers LomiLomi learned directly from the master Aunty Margaret. Big Island of Hawaii.
The Huna Self Help Shop: Here are the Huna resources to solve all your problems and achieve all your goals
What Is Hawaiian Huna: Homepages of Masterworks, the total training provider for Polarity Therapy and Hawaiian Huna
What is Huna Kumpua: Shamanism and alternate ways of viewing reality. Explore our relationship to the inner creative world of Po and the outer created world of Ao.
This directory is based on the Open Directory and may have been modified