Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice

Title page/Editorial board

2012-05-01

Investigating complementary and alternative medicine in maternity care: The need for further public health/health services research

Jon Adams, Amie Steel — 2012-05-01

The relationship between complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and maternity care has attracted much attention over recent years and there has been a movement towards developing and promoting an evidence-base to help understand the interface between CAM, midwifery and wider mainstream maternity care.

Availability of complementary and alternative medicine for people with cancer in the British National Health Service: Results of a national survey

2012-01-05

Abstract: This study assessed access to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies for people with cancer within the British National Health Service. CAM units were identified through an internet search in 2009. A total of 142 units, providing 62 different therapies, were identified: 105 (74.0%) England; 23 (16.2%) Scotland; 7 (4.9%) each in Wales and Northern Ireland. Most units provide a small number of therapies (median 4, range 1–20), and focus on complementary, rather than alternative approaches. Counselling is the most widely provided therapy (available at 82.4% of identified units), followed by reflexology (62.0%), aromatherapy (59.1%), reiki (43.0%), massage (42.2%). CAM units per million of the population varied between countries (England: 2.2; Wales: 2.3; Scotland: 4.8; Northern Ireland: 5.0), and within countries. Better publicity for CAM units, greater integration of units in conventional cancer treatment centres may help improve access to CAMs.

Short- and long-term effects of a lactose-restricted diet and probiotics in children with chronic abdominal pain: A retrospective study

L.E. Ockeloen, J.M. Deckers-Kocken — 2011-12-19

Abstract: Objective: To determine the short- and long-term effect of treatment in children with chronic abdominal pain (CAP).Methods: A database with the results of H2 breath test of children with CAP was created. All children with an abnormal test result were included and classified as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or lactose intolerant (LTI). SIBO was treated with probiotics and LTI with a lactose-restricted diet. CAP was evaluated 5 months and 15 months after the test.Results: 37 children (41%) were included. 17 LTI children (94%) improved after 5 months and 11 children (61%) after 15 months (P<0.05). Seven SIBO children improved after 5 months and 4 children after 15 months. In the combination group all 4 children improved after 5 months and 3 children after 15 months.Conclusion: Children with CAP caused by LTI or SIBO had less CAP after 5 months. This positive effect persists only in half of the children.

Therapeutic effects of calcium & vitamin D supplementation in women with PCOS

2012-02-22

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of calcium & vitamin D supplementation in infertile women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and to assess levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in these patients.Methods: In a case control study, 100 infertile PCOS women based on a randomly divided into two groups. Group I (n = 50) were treated with metformin 1500 mg/day, and group II (n = 50) treated with metformin 1500 mg/day plus Calcium 1000 mg/day and Vitamin D 100000 IU/month for 6 months. Patients were followed by transvaginal sonography at first, 3 and 6 months later for evaluating dominant follicle.BMI, menstrual regularity, follicle diameter, pregnancy, serum 25-OH-vitamin D level were matured and compared in two groups.Results: BMI decreased almost significantly (25.49 ± 1.88 vs 26.28 ± 2.15, p: 0.054) in group II. A better improvement was gained in regulating menstrual abnormalities (70% vs 58%, p: 0.211), follicle maturation (28% vs 22%, p: 0.698), and infertility (18% vs 12%, p: 0.401) in group II compared with group I, but these results were not statistically significant. Eighty three percent of all the PCOS patients showed vitamin D deficiency while 35% were severely deficient. The serum 25-OH-vitamin D mean levels were 13.38 ± 6.48 ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency was recompensed in 74% of the PCOS patients who had taken calcium & vitamin D supplementation. There was no correlation between BMI and 25-OH-VD before and after the treatment (p ≥ 0.01).Conclusion: This study showed the positive effects of calcium & vitamin D supplementation on weight loss, follicle maturation, menstrual regularity, and improvement of hyperandrogenism, in infertile women with PCOS.

The chiropractic care of a child with extremity tremors concomitant with a medical diagnosis of conversion disorder

Joel Alcantara, Rebecca Adamek — 2012-02-13

Abstract: Objective: To describe the care of a patient with spinal and cranial dysfunctions and medically diagnosed with conversion disorder.Clinical features: The patient was an 11-yr-old girl presented by her parents with complaints of uncontrollable tremors of both arms and right leg. Conversion disorder was diagnosed following negative examination findings for an organic etiology. Prior to institutionalization, her parents requested a “second opinion” from a clinical psychologist that eventually led to chiropractic referral.Intervention and outcome: Care was provided using spinal manipulation to sites of spinal and cranial dysfunctions. With subsequent visit, the patient’s tremors improved. Following 12 chiropractic visits, the patient’s symptoms resolved. Long-term follow-up revealed continued resolution of the symptoms of tremors.Conclusion: This case report provides supporting evidence that patients with ballistic tremors of possible unknown organic etiology may benefit from chiropractic care. We support further research in this field.

The effects of deep breathing on ‘tension–anxiety’ and fatigue in cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy

Yuka Hayama, Tomoko Inoue — 2011-11-11

Abstract: Aims: We investigated the effect of deep breathing intervention on ‘tension–anxiety’ and fatigue in Japanese women with gynaecological cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy.Setting: A total of 23 patients were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 11) and control (n = 12) groups.Intervention: Deep breathing was practised in the intervention group, but not in the control group. Deep breathing comprised a 10-min breathing program comprising abdominal breathing, thoracic breathing and breathing with arms raised. Using the Profile of Mood States-Short Form (Japanese version) and the Cancer Fatigue Scale, the effects were assessed pre- and post-chemotherapy.Results: ‘Tension–anxiety’ and fatigue of the intervention group were relieved more than those of the control group.Conclusions: The findings indicated that deep breathing intervention is likely to ameliorate the ‘tension–anxiety’ and fatigue in patients with gynaecological cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy.

How Natural Therapists enhance positive expectations of patients

Thomas Dellmann, Kurt Lushington — 2011-08-24

Abstract: Objective: To examine if Natural Therapists purposely enhance patient expectations, and if so which strategies are used in clinical practice.Method: Interviews were conducted with ten experienced Australian Natural Therapists using semi-structured questionnaires. Data was analysed using grounded theory.Results: The Natural Therapists in the present study reported that they spent considerable time and effort to deliberately enhance positive expectations. Strategies included an enthusiastic delivery of the therapeutic scope of the practitioner’s modality and the practitioner’s capacity to diagnose and treat disease based upon their training and experience, and confidence in patients’ self-efficacy, with an emphasis on personal strengths and positive aspects of patients’ health. The therapists claimed to be optimistic, but at the same time realistic, cautioning against false hope, particularly in serious or terminal diseases. In order to enhance patient expectation greater emphasis should be placed on these strategies in the training of Natural Therapists.

Guided visualization interventions on perceived stress, dyadic satisfaction and psychological symptoms in highly stressed couples

Kim R. Rogers, Katherine Hertlein, Donna Rogers, Chad L. Cross — 2011-12-05

Abstract: This study focused on the effect of a brief CBT-based relaxation/guided visualization intervention on perceived stress, dyadic satisfaction and psychological symptoms. This study also tested the hypothesis that indicators of global orientation including Sense of Coherence and Differentiation of Self would mediate between perceived stress and symptoms of physical, psychological and relational distress. A three session intervention used guided visualization scripts which incorporated relaxation and controlled breathing techniques as well as a CBT approach that focused on stress management and internal locus of control. Results indicated that after the intervention, participants showed lower levels of perceived stress and lower levels of dyadic distress, as well as lower psychological and physical complaints as reported with the Symptom Checklist-90-R. Both Sense of Coherence and Differentiation of Self were mediators for the effect of perceived stress on the number of endorsed symptoms.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use by Malaysian oncology patients

2011-11-14

Abstract: The current study sought to evaluate Malaysian oncology patients’ decision making about the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for the management of their care.Patients were interviewed across three major Malaysian ethnic groups, Malay, Chinese and Indian. Thematic content analysis identified four central themes: Conceptualizing CAM, the decision making process; rationale given for selecting or rejecting CAM and barriers to CAM use. Participants generally used the term ‘traditional medicine’, referred to locally as ‘ubat kampung’, meaning medicine derived from ‘local traditions’.Mixed reactions were shown concerning the effectiveness of CAM to cure cancer and the slow progression of CAM results and treatment costs were cited as major barriers to CAM use. Concerns regarding safety and efficacy of CAM in ameliorating cancer as well as potential interactions with conventional therapies highlighted the importance of patients’ knowledge about cancer treatments.

Complementary alternative medicine use among a sample of Muslim Jordanian oncology patients

Laila M. Akhu-Zaheya, Esraa M. Alkhasawneh — 2011-11-11

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies among a sample of Muslim Jordanian patients diagnosed with cancer.Method: Interviews using a modified structured questionnaire from Lengacher et al. survey with a convenient sample of 123 patients diagnosed with cancer.Result: Of 123 participants, 54.5% were men, with a mean age of 44.5 years (26.8%) had some college education and 82.9% were living in urban areas. The mean number of the therapies used was 6.6 (SD = 4.3, R = 0–17). There was a significant positive moderate correlation between the time since diagnosis and the number of CAM therapies used (r = 0.3, P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between chemotherapy as a treatment modality and the number of CAM therapies used (r = 0.4, P < 0.05). The highest usage of dietary and nutritional supplements occurred with honey, olive oil, black seeds, and dates. The highest stress reducing CAM techniques included reading the Holy Qur’ãn, praying, and Ruqya. Other CAM treatments involved ZamZam water, cinnamon, black seeds oil, and the use of a plant called Zaamtoot (primrose).Conclusion: Even though a range of CAM therapies are used by Jordanian oncology patients it is suggested that both patients and medical staff be educated about the possible benefits or harmful effects of using these treatments.

Birth made easy

Charlotte Anne Kenyon — 2012-01-27

As a midwife and an advocate of clinical hypnotherapy, I view self-hypnosis as a positive and beneficial tool for pregnant and labouring women. Therefore I approached this book with enthusiasm.

The photographic Atlas of acupuncture

Lisa Layfield, Anita Mehrez — 2011-11-11

The superimposing of underlying anatomy onto photographic images to assist accuracy of point location is an idea that works well. However, the style of photograpy and the bizarre postures of some of the models in this Atlas render this good idea less than effective. Some of the models are on tip-toes, with their legs crossed – not a position I often find patients presenting for treatment in – and particularly useless for locating the bladder channel, one of the channels in which the model was in this particular playboy-esque pose!

Needling Techniques for Acupuncturists: Basic Principles and Techniques

Peter A. Mackereth, Paula Maycock — 2011-10-17

This 80-page small book aims to introduce students of acupuncture to needling techniques and be a handy source of information. The book is scattered with numerous diagrams and comes with a DVD.

Total Health the Chinese Way

Stephanie Downey — 2010-12-02

This book explores why we get ill and how to get better within the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine. As long ago as 200 BC the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Cannon) stressed the importance of a balanced lifestyle and preventive actions to aid health and longevity. A fine doctor, it proclaims, acts even before there is anything wrong.

Fusion of western and traditional medicine for heart patients

Denise Rankin-Box — 2012-02-13

In December 2011, the first Ayurvedic program in India was opened to incorporate EECP® therapy in its natural healing program.

Hypnova training: Clinical hypnosis certificate and diploma courses

Ursula James — 2011-05-27

Run by Ursula James, Visiting Teaching Fellow Oxford University Medical School and her team of skilled hypnotherapy practitioners and trainers, these courses are useful for both personal and professional live.

The College of Medicine in the UK welcomes Government announcement that practitioners of herbal medicine are to be statutorily regulated

2011-03-07

The register will be administered by the Health Professions Council, the independent statutory body that ensures practitioners meet proper standards of qualifications, training, professional skills and conduct.

Botanica2012 an international conference of clinical aromatherapy and plant therapeutics 7-10th September 2012 Trinity College Dublin www.botanica2012.com

2012-05-01