January National Links
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine is an open access journal publishing original peer-reviewed research articles in complementary and alternative healthcare interventions, with a specific emphasis on those that elucidate biological mechanisms of action. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (ISSN 1472-6882) is indexed/tracked/covered by PubMed, MEDLINE, CAS, Scopus, EMBASE and Google Scholar.
www.biomedcentral.com
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE - Using ancient Chinese medical techniques, a small team of military doctors here has begun treating wounded troops suffering from severe or chronic pain with acupuncture.
The technique is proving so successful that the Air Force will begin teaching "battlefield acupuncture" early next year to physicians deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan, senior officials will announce tomorrow.
The initiative marks the first high-level endorsement of acupuncture by the traditionally conservative military medical community, officials said.
www.baltimoresun.com
www.eurekalert.org
www.thaindian.com
www.medindia.net
www.airforcetimes.com
People with Raynaud's syndrome really suffer in the winter. In this condition, blood vessels in the hands and feet constrict. Fingers may turn white or blue and be painful or numb. The colder the temperature, the worse the symptoms.
Acupuncture may be helpful. One small study found that acupuncture reduced attacks by 63%, compared with a 27% reduction in the control patients (Journal of Internal Medicine, February 1997).
www.latimes.com
As director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Dr. Mitch Katz faces the largest cuts of any city agency. He's already sliced $17 million out of his budget, and has now been asked by the mayor to find another $100 million in savings - 25 percent of his budget. He noted that earlier this year he proposed cuts to AIDS programs that provide services like acupuncture and herbal therapy, but those cuts were rejected by Newsom. They're now back on the table. "We're not against complementary therapy (for AIDS), but it's my job to make sure people get primary medical care first," he said. "We may have to let go of some of these programs. It doesn't mean we can't get them back someday.
www.sfgate.com
A new nationwide survey reveals 41% of U.S. adults, ages 60 to 69, use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). As a result, these consumers can learn the basics of CAM therapies—including massage therapy, meditation, chiropractic, acupuncture, vitamins and herbal supplements—by reading “Complementary and Alternative Medicine,” the latest topic on NIHSeniorHealth, the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Web site designed especially for older adults.
A leading organization of gastroenterologists has released new guidelines on the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The guidelines, issued by the American College of Gastroenterology and published in the January issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology, essentially replace a 2002 document.
The new guidelines encompass existing evidence on conventional treatments for IBS as well as new therapies (probiotics, for example) and alternative therapies (acupuncture and more).
www.14wfie.com
Cisco Systems' sleek new on-site health clinic looks more like a pampering day spa than a medical facility for the company's employees and their dependents.
The clinic, which opened for patients Nov. 24 at the networking equipment-maker's San Jose headquarters, is part of the company's new $38 million LifeConnections Center, which also includes an employee child care center that can accommodate 400 children and a 48,000-square-foot gym.
The Cisco clinic is staffed with four family-practice physicians and an internist, and the center hopes to add a pediatrician. It also offers physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic services, health coaching and a pharmacy operated by Walgreens.
www.sfgate.com
A herb used in Chinese therapy may provide succour to HIV patients as well as help in other immuno-deficiency and age-related diseases, according to researchers.
"The ability to enhance telomeric activity and anti-viral functions of CD8 T-lymphocytes suggests that this strategy could be useful in treating HIV disease, as well as immuno-deficiency and increased susceptibility to other viral infections associated with chronic diseases or ageing," a researcher said in a study conducted at UCLA AIDS Institute, Los Angeles.
The study has found that a chemical from the astragalus root, often used in Chinese herbal therapy, can prevent or slow the progressive telomere shortening, which can make it a key weapon in the fight against AIDS.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
“In July, I encouraged people to start using their flexible spending account funds to avoid the predictable year-end 12 Days of Christmas-style spending spree (three flu shots, two pairs of glasses, and a refill of Metamucil). Chances are you didn't pay attention.
So, I combed through the IRS list of eligible expenses to find options you may not have considered (Here's the full IRS list). Check with your employer before proceeding, because companies can edit the list of expenses their employees can claim.
Newly eligible this year: pregnancy test kits, annual check-ups, and full-body scans. Other possibilities:”
Acupuncture: Hurt your back schlepping gifts around? Try this alternative.
www.usnews.com
The Journal of Accord Integrative Medicine (JAIM) (ISSN 1932-4642) is proud to announce the latest issue. This is a free online journal. If you would like to view the current issue, here is the link:
www.accordinstitute.org