Effects of acupuncture for cancer pain and quality of life - a case series.

Background: Many cancer patients seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) including acupuncture to manage their cancer-related symptoms or side effects of treatments. Acupuncture is used to manage cancer pain and improve quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to conduct a preliminary study on a case series to evaluate the feasibility of acupuncture for treating cancer pain and to collect preliminary data on the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating cancer pain and improving QoL.

A systematic review of single chinese herbs for Alzheimer's disease treatment.

The objectives here are to provide a systematic review of the current evidence concerning the use of Chinese herbs in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to understand their mechanisms of action with respect to the pathophysiology of the disease. AD, characterized microscopically by deposition of amyloid plaques and formation of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, has become the most common cause of senile dementia. The limitations of western medications have led us to explore herbal medicine.

Randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for neck pain: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the effectiveness and efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of neck pain.

Data Sources: The following computerized databases were searched from their inception to January 2008: MEDLINE (PubMed), ALT HEALTH WATCH (EBSCO), CINAHL, and Cochrane Central.

Review Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for neck pain.