Pain and Opioid Use: Evidence for Integrating Acupuncture Into Treatment Planning.

The epidemics of pain and opioid use pose unique challenges. Comprehensive approaches are required to address minds, bodies and spirits of individuals who live with pain and/or opioid use. The lack of an effective "quick fix" for either condition necessitates developing effective, innovative and multi-disciplinary avenues for treatment.

Long-Lasting Reduction of Blood Pressure by Electroacupuncture in Patients with Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Acupuncture at specific acupoints has experimentally been found to reduce chronically elevated blood pressure. To examine effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) at select acupoints to reduce systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP) in hypertensive patients. Two-arm parallel study.

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.

Influence of comorbidities on improvement of fibromyalgia symptoms when treated with acupuncture: a short report.

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is associated with chronic widespread pain, mood alteration, and disability. A definitive treatment plan has not been identified. The genesis of FMS is unclear and generally occurs in women.

Interactive atlas of histology: a tool for self-directed learning, practice, and self-assessment.

Purpose: An interactive atlas of histology was developed for online use by chiropractic students to enable them to practice and self-assess their ability to identify various histological structures. This article discusses the steps in the development, implementation, and usefulness of an interactive atlas of histology for students who take histology examinations.

Methods: The atlas was developed by digitizing images imported through a video-microscope using actual microscope slides.

Do chiropractors identify with complementary and alternative medicine? Results of a survey.

Objectives: Chiropractic in the United States exhibits characteristics of both mainstream health care and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The purpose of this project was to investigate the opinions of a sample of chiropractic faculty and practitioners on the appropriate classification of their profession, in terms of CAM versus mainstream.

Design: This was a descriptive study conducted by means of an electronically administered survey to a sample of chiropractic college faculty and practicing chiropractors.

Herbal treatments of asthma: a systematic review.

Background: Asthma is a condition, often chronic, characterized by respiratory symptoms, variable airflow limitation and/or airway hyper-reactivity with symptoms causally related to family history, environmental influences, exposure to viruses and allergens as examples. The high economic burden associated with asthma is associated primarily with health care costs, missed work or school days. This systematic review was conducted to determine the study quality of articles investigating ayurvedic/collateral herbs, the effectiveness/efficacy and safety profile, as reported in the studies.

Ayurvedic and collateral herbal treatments for hyperlipidemia: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs.

Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both developing and developed countries. An underlying cause of IHD involves retention and deposit of serum lipids in coronary arteries, decreasing blood flow. Drugs (conventional and herbal) are used to lower levels of serum cholesterol to help prevent IHD.

Effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Context: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder associated with pain, mood state alteration, and disability. A structured and effective treatment plan for palliative care has not been established. The genesis of FMS is not clear.

Safety and effectiveness of an L-lysine, zinc, and herbal-based product on the treatment of facial and circumoral herpes.

Context: L-lysine, an essential amino acid, inhibits normal replication of Herpes simplex virus (HSV), shortening the normal course and duration of the disease. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a combination of L-lysine with botanicals and other nutrients in relieving the symptoms of facial and circumoral herpes.

Methods: This small pilot study was conducted using an outcome (open-label) model.

Dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula) and Bai guo (Gingko biloba) enhance learning and memory.

Context: An exploration of the usefulness of several common Chinese herbs used for Acquisition and Retention singly or in combination is required.

Objective: To test (1) whether Gingko biloba (Bai guo) in combination with Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) or Gingko biloba (GB) alone could enhance memory acquisition and retention of normal human subjects, better than a placebo and (2) to investigate whether the overall health status can be affected by these supplements.

Design: A double blind randomized placebo controlled trial design was used to determine the efficacy of these two products compared to placebo.

The effectiveness of Commiphora mukul for osteoarthritis of the knee: an outcomes study.

Context: Ayurveda, the traditional system of healthcare in India, has many remedies for Osteoarthritis (OA). One of the ingredients most commonly found in Ayurvedic arthritis formulas is guggul, an oleoresin of the herb Commiphora mukul (CM). The authors have conducted both preclinical and clinical investigations of guggul for reduction of pain, stiffness, and improved function, and to determine tolerability in older patients with a diagnosis of OA of the knee.