A recent study (retrospective case series on 10 patients with head and neck cancer; all diagnosed with stage III/IV squamous cell carcinoma) reported in the .....  |
An in vitro study on the effects of ultrasound - with and without the addition of curcumin - has demonstrated that curcumin significantly enhances ..... |
A new study has shown that an extract from Panax ("all-heal" in Greek) ginseng ("man root" in Chinese) extract (PGE) provides protection against..... |
A comprehensive study by researchers from Washington State University Regents published online in PLos ONE has concluded that, despite recent prognostications.... |
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A 12-week study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, comparing the effects of yoga vs walking - both of which are known to have beneficial effects ..... |
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A new study in the journal 'Cell', undertaken by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, has found that fish oil works on a particular receptor on cells ..... |
A new study by McGill University researchers provides evidence that cannabis may offer relief to patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain...... |
A recent study from Liverpool University has found that extracts from plantain - a type of banana - could be effective in treating patients with Crohns disease....
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The
Complementary Medical Exhibition you can't afford to miss:
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Get Your Article Published 
We appreciate that many of you will have stories, research and other fascinating articles that you would like to submit to The CMA for our consideration for publication in this e-newsletter (and in our Journal - "With Our Complements").
To help you we have prepared a handy set of guidelines that you should read before sending your articles.
Click here to read our submission guidelines. |
 A recent study (retrospective case series on 10 patients with head and neck cancer; all diagnosed with stage III/IV squamous cell carcinoma) reported in the Journal of Integrated Cancer Therapy (Aug 2010) concludes that acupuncture reduced the severity and duration of the radiation-induced side effects of chemo. At the start of their weekly conventional acupuncture and electro-acupuncture treatments (given after their chemoradiation therapy (CRT) 7 of the 10 were dependent on feeding tubes. By the end of the study 6 of these 7 were able to have their feeding tubes removed and patients 9 of the 10 patients reported various degrees of subjective improvement in swallowing functions, xerostomia, pain, and fatigue levels.
Read more here
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Curcumin (and Ultrasound) Effective in Killing Cancer Cells
An in vitro study on the effects of ultrasound - with and without the addition of curcumin - has demonstrated that curcumin significantly enhances the ultrasound-induced death of cancer cells (nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells).
The researchers found that the combination of ultrasound and curcumin significantly increased the necrotic or late apoptotic rate by up to 31% compared with control.
They conclude that this combination treatment using curcumin and ultrasound together could be used therapeutically to manage malignant tumours.
Read more here Back to top |
Ginseng Ameliorates (Radiation-Induced) Hematological and Biochemical Alterations in Cells
A new study has shown that an extract from Panax ("all-heal" in Greek) ginseng ("man root" in Chinese) extract (PGE) provides protection against radiation-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in mice.
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses Panax ginseng to promote Yang energy, to improve circulation and to increase blood supply. It is considered to revitalise and aid recovery after illness.
It has been identified as an adaptogen (a product that increases the body's resistance to stress), an aphrodisiac and has been used to treat type II diabetes.
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Organic Farms Produce Better Fruit, Leave Healthier Soil
A comprehensive study by researchers from Washington State University Regents published online in the journal 'PLos ONE' has concluded that, despite recent prognostications from many general nutritionists, organic farms do produce better food products - certainly when it comes to fruit - and leave the soil healthier for the next crop.
The study analysed 31 chemicals and soil qualities including soil DNA and also analysed the taste, nutritional properties and overall quality of 3 separate varieties of strawberry grown on 13 conventional farms against those grown on 13 organic farms in California.
The conventional farms were using methyl bromide, which depletes ozone - but which is about to be replaced by the highly toxic chemical - methyl iodide.
Lead researcher Professor Reganaol explained,
"There is no paper in the literature that comprehensively and quantitatively compares so many indices of both food and soil quality at multiple sampling times on so many commercial farms...(and) we also show you can have high quality, healthy produce without resorting to an arsenal of pesticides."
The study proved that on almost every major indicator, the organic fields and fruit were equal to or better than their conventional counterparts.
The key findings showed that the organic strawberries had significantly higher antioxidant activity and concentrations of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds, had longer shelf life and had more fundamental 'strawberry' in the strawberry.
Furthermore their DNA analyses proved that the soil on the organic farms had more total and unique genes and greater genetic diversity.
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A 12-week study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, comparing the effects of yoga vs walking - both of which are known to have beneficial effects on mood and anxiety (γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic activity is reduced in mood and anxiety disorders) - has shown that yoga is associated with a greater improvement in mood and anxiety than a metabolically matched walking exercise.
In the study healthy subjects with no significant medical/psychiatric disorders were randomised to yoga (19) or a metabolically matched walking intervention (15) for 60 minutes 3 times a week for 12 weeks.
Mood and anxiety scores were measured every 4 weeks and before each magnetic resonance spectroscopy scan. Scan 1 was at baseline. Scan 2, obtained after the 12-week intervention, was followed by a 60-minute yoga or walking intervention, which was immediately followed by Scan 3
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A new study in the journal 'Cell', undertaken by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, has found that fish oil works a particular receptor on cells, GPR120 - found on the surface of macrophages, which, when activated, blocks inflammatory processes.
The researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids activate this macrophage receptor, resulting in a broad range of anti-inflammatory effects and improved systemic insulin sensitivity.
Lead researcher Jerrold Olefsky explained,
"The omega-3 fatty acids switch on the receptor, killing the inflammatory response. Our work shows how fish oils safely do this, and suggests a possible way (towards) treating the serious problems of inflammation in obesity and in conditions like diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease through simple dietary supplementation."
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A study amongst Metabolic Syndrome sufferers (117 men and women) undertaken at the University of Cordoba, Spain, has found that a low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate diet had lead to a number of detrimental health effects. But this 'bad' diet - when supplemented with omega 3's ameliorated these effects. The researchers explained,
"Postprandial abnormalities associated with [Metabolic Syndrome] can be attenuated with [low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate omega-3 and [high monounsaturated fat] diets." Read more here |
Running Your Practice More Profitably:
 Those of you who have already attended a "Developing YOUR Professional Practice (and making more profit) - Even in a Recession" workshop will have worked with The Complementary Medical Association's 'Professional Income Calculator'. Whether you use this tool to make it easy - or work it out yourself with a calculator and spreadsheet (or pen and paper) - you MUST set yourself financial targets.
In order to be successful it is imperative that you look at the number of clients you see every year? Then consider how many you want to see. There are lots of factors to take into consideration: Remember that 'burn-out' is a real issue for many practitioners and that you'll want (and even need) to take holidays and of course there are days when you might be sick and unable to work. Do you want to work weekends? Bank Holidays? Will you work early mornings? Late evenings? Perhaps you only want to work a limited number of hours every week?
Begin your calculations by working out how many hours you want to work every year. (Some of your 'working' hours may be taken up with phone calls? Book keeping? Chasing no-shows, etc)
Next, work out how many clients you can see in that amount of practice/working/client-facing time and how much you charge (per hour - or whatever the time span your therapy takes). Multiply the two numbers together and you'll find your MAXIMUM potential income for the year.
Remember: You've got to take your costs out of this ('office rent'; council taxes; electricity, water, gas; phone; helpers; paper; print; computers; accounting etc.).
At the end of this you'll see how much (working that number of hours; with a 'full' patient schedule; and with your current costs) you will have to live on.
If this number isn't enough.....you have to change some of your assumptions: Charge more? Work longer hours? Cut your costs? As mentioned above, The Complementary Medical Association's online "Professional Income Calculator that we give all our workshop attendees access to makes all these sums easy but they are possible to work out for yourself - given some patience and time.
The most important point to bear in mind is as a skilled practitioner, you provide a hugely important service to the public and it is imperative for you to be able to maintain and grow your practice in order to continue to offer your excellent services.This article is an extract from a Running Your Practice More Profitably series in the latest Complementary Medical Association Journal - "With Our Complements."
all-day workshop with Jayney Goddard.
(Plus - as a special offer to readers of this e-newsletter you can take advantage of our exclusive 'Early-Bird' Recession Buster discount if you book before the 29th September.)
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A new study by McGill University researchers provides evidence that cannabis may offer relief to patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain.
The results published in the latest issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal, show that low doses (25mg) of inhaled cannabis containing approximately 10% THC (the active ingredient in cannabis), smoked as a single inhalation using a pipe three times daily over a period of five days, offered modest pain reduction in patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain (pain associated with nerve injury) within the first few days.
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Banana to Treat Crohns Disease?
A recent study from Liverpool University has found that extracts from plantain - a type of banana - could be effective in treating patients with Crohns disease.
The researchers have found that plantain soluble fibres prevent the uptake and transport of sticky E. Coli through the gut wall - a task they accomplish with the help of special M-cells.
A spokesperson for the researchers said,
"This research shows that different dietary components can have powerful effects on the movement of bacteria through the bowel. We have known for some time the general health benefits of eating plantain and broccoli, which are both high in vitamins and minerals, but until now we have not understood how they can boost the body's natural defenses against infection common in Crohn's patients. Our work suggests that it might be important for patients with this condition to eat healthily and limit their intake of processed foods."
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Greetings!
Here's the latest breaking news on the most recent developments in Complementary and Natural Healthcare research - across the field.
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Find out "How to Run Your Practice More Profitably - Even in a Recession"
Next all-day Workshop with Jayney Goddard on 6th October
Click here to find out more and to book or call us on 0845 1298434 to reserve your seat as these events sell out very quicklyBook before midnight 29th September to take advantage of the "Early Bird" Recession-Buster discount! |
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What is The CMA?
As you probably know, The Complementary Medical Association is one of the world's largest Professional Membership bodies for highly qualified Complementary Medical Practitioners, CAM Students and Training Colleges. However, there is so much more to us than that - More . . . |
Latest Complementary Medicine and Natural HealthCare World News
Altruistic Bacteria
Even bacteria occasionally take one for the team. The bugs
typically develop drug resistance by acquiring genetic mutations that fend off
antibiotics; eventually the survivors and their offspring take over the colony,
and the drugs stop working altogether.
Blackcurrant Juice May Help Prevent Aches And Strains of Exercise
A new
study has shown that drinking blackcurrant juice can help prevent aches and
strains during exercise. Researchers say
compounds called flavonoids in the berries protect the body from the stresses
of working out.
Seaweed Extract Could Help Fight Acne Woes in Teens
An active ingredient from a type of brown seaweed could be the solution to spots and
oily skin. Found off the coast of Brittany, one extract was found to be
significantly more effective than a dummy face wash, scrub or gel, claimed the
manufacturer behind the OXY range, Mentholatum.
Cinnamon Extracts to Reduce Diabetes and Heart Disease Risks
A study led by U.S. Department
of Agriculture (USDA) chemist Richard
Anderson suggests that a water soluble extract of
cinnamon, which contains antioxidative compounds, could help reduce risk
factors associated with diabetes and heart disease.
Narcolepsy Cases Sparks GSK Pandemic Vaccine Probe
The European Medicines Agency
launched a review on 27 August of a putative link between GlaxoSmithKline's
Pandemrix pandemic H1N1 vaccine and a handful of cases of narcolepsy - a rare
sleeping disorder. A temporal association between vaccination and development
of the disease has been reported in 15 children in Finland and six in Sweden,
although that by no means proves the vaccine caused them.
Black rice rivals pricey blueberries as source of healthful antioxidants
Health conscious consumers who
hesitate at the price of fresh blueberries and blackberries, fruits renowned
for high levels of healthful antioxidants, now have an economical alternative,
scientists reported at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical
Society (ACS). It is black rice, one variety of which got the moniker
"Forbidden Rice" in ancient China because nobles commandeered every grain for
themselves and forbade the common people from eating it.
Third-hand Smoke Identified as Potent, Enduring Carcinogen
Residual
nicotine from cigarette smoke reacts with nitrous acidon indoor
surfaces to form carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines(TSNAs).
This is one finding of a potentially seminal new articlepublished
recently in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of
the United States of America (2010;107:6576-6581).
Top Ten Snack Trends 2010
The Food Channel presents its Top Ten Snack
Trends of the Year. The list is based on research conducted by The Food Channel
in conjunction with CultureWaves�, the International Food Futurists, and Mintel
International. Here are the trends we see shaping how we snack.
1. Chip and Dip 2.0.
When it comes to snacking, we're seeing new varieties push the old chip and dip
duo aside.
2. Small and Sensational.
Grazing is the new snacking.
3. The Drink Shift.
This trend is all about the "halo of health" around drinks made with fruit or
antioxidants.
4. Goin' Nuts.
There's been a lot of talk about how good nuts are for you, and our snacking
habits are adjusting accordingly.
5. Fruits: The Low Hanging
Snack. The trend here is the mainstreaming
of new types of fruit, and the redefinition of locally-grown to mean
locally-sourced.
6. Cruising the Bars.
What's new is that the bars are offered in dairy free, gluten free, non GMO, organic, soy free, cholesterol free, trans fat free, and
casein free.
7. Sweet and Salty.
What we're seeing now is that the barrier is removed. We dip our pretzels in
Nutella and we eat our fruit with a side of popcorn.
8. Yogurt, Redefined.
The new gold standard for yogurt is, of course, the increased health value
found with probiotics.
9. Bodaciously Bold.
Bold flavors are almost becoming de regeur.
10. Nostalgia's New Again.
After all, a snack without a bit of "I-hope-no-one-catches-me" decadence isn't
really worth the trouble!
Fruit and vegetable intake and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus: British Medical Journal systematic review
and meta-analysis:
Increasing daily intake of green leafy vegetables could
significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and should be investigated
further.
B Vitamins and the Aging Brain Examined
In that B vitamins have been reported to nourish the brain, U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutritionist Lindsay H. Allen has collaborated
in ongoing research that has taken a closer look at the role these nutrients
may play in preventing decline in brain function.
Effects of capsinoid ingestion on energy expenditure and lipid oxidation at rest and during exercise
The ingestion of 10 mg of capsinoids increased
adrenergic activity, energy expenditure, and resulted in a shift in substrate
utilization toward lipid at rest but had little effect during exercise or
recovery. The changes we observed confirm previous data on the thermogenic and
metabolic effects of capsinoids at rest and further promote its potential role
as an adjunct weight loss aid, in addition to diet and exercise.
'Wellness' Goes Mainstream
An interest in "wellness" used to be something
exotic. And to the extent consumers gave any thought to the concept, it was
often defined simply as the absence of illness. But "wellness" is now
very much a mainstream preoccupation, and one that's viewed more broadly as a
marker for quality of life. A report released this month by The Hartman Group,
a consultancy/research firm that has made a specialty of analyzing Americans
attitudes and behaviors in this area, takes a detailed look at what wellness
now means to various consumer cohorts and how this affects their engagement with
products and services, especially foods.
Moderate chocolate consumption linked to lower risks of heart failure
Eating moderate
amounts of chocolate is linked to lower risks of heart failure among
middle-aged and older women, compared to eating no chocolate at all.
Previous Global Health News:
Vitamin D and Risk of Cognitive Decline in Elderly Persons
A recent study in the journal Archives of International Medicine, has shown that low levels of vitamin D are
associated with substantial cognitive decline in the elderly
population (6-year study period), which, they believe, raises important new
possibilities for treatment and prevention of cognitive decline.
Nine out of 10 diabetics were found vitamin D deficient, and those with the lowest vitamin D levels had the worst blood sugar control
Earlier this week, safety concerns prompted an FDA
advisory panel to nearly recommend pulling Avandia - the most commonly
prescribed diabetes drug - from the market. By a narrow margin, the panel voted
to allow the it to stay on the market - provided it added a set of new warnings and restrictions to its labeling
and use and asked its maker, GlaxoSmithKline, to stop enrolling new
participants in a trial comparing it to a rival drug called Actos.
Evidence Builds to Show that Vitamin D Deficiency May Cause Diabetes
A recent study, presented at the annual meeting of
the Endocrine Society suggests that vitamin D deficiency may cause or promote
diabetes.
Vitamin D and Parkinson's Disease?
A recent study published in the Archives of Neurology
by Knekt et al. provides preliminary data supporting future interventional studies
of the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of Parkinson Disease.
Michelangelo Leaves Spinal Cord Images - Hidden in Sistine Chapel Fresco
Great pictures to look at in this study which
claims that Michelangelo, who was an accomplished anatomist, as well as quite a
good painter, appears to have hidden an image of the brainstem and spinal cord
in one of his depictions of God in the Sistine Chapel's ceiling. This study by
a neurosurgeon and a medical illustrator from Johns Hopkins is published in the
May Neurosurgery.
Stem cell technique regrows joints
Researchers in the US have, for the first time
ever, succeeded in completely regenerating an entire joint surface from scratch
by using stem cells.
The research took place in 10 live rabbits and the
researchers said this was the first study in which joint regeneration actually
happened inside the animal's body, using stem cells. Lead researcher Jeremy Mao
(Columbia University Medical Center)said that regulations do not permit doctors
to use these techniques immediately, however, even though the joints his team
was able to produce would theoretically benefit people.
Pluripotent stem cells not as 'useful' for development as embryonic stem cells?
Adult cells
that have been reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) do
not completely let go of their past, perhaps limiting their ability to function
as a less controversial alternative to embryonic stem cells for basic research
and cell replacement therapies, according to researchers at Children's Hospital
Boston, John Hopkins University and their colleagues.
Resveratrol Proven to Suppress Inflammation in Humans
Resveratrol, an extract from the skins of grapes and found
naturally in red wine - has been known to be able to prolong life in yeast and
lower animals due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has now
been shown to suppress inflammation in humans.
White Button Mushrooms Boost Immune System?
The results of a recent study in the US suggest that
white button mushrooms may promote our body's immune function by increasing the
production of antiviral and other proteins that are released by cells seeking
to protect and repair tissue.
Cancer-Fighting Roles of Various Plants - Including Strawberries
A number
of studies are under way - exploring the medical effects of various plants - at
the US's Agricultural
Research Service's
Western Human Nutrition Research Center in California.
The
focus is on the role that these plants may play in preventing cancer and other
diseases. One of the plants currently being studied is the strawberry and
researchers have started to investigate the role that certain compounds in
strawberries may have in combating cancer. The results indicate that there are
3 compounds of interest at work here: ellagic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin -
and they have found that these can kill, or severely damage certain lines of
leukemia cells.
Music Helps to Boost Learning
Researchers from Northwestern University in the
States explain; ".....this effect of music training suggests that, akin to
physical exercise and its impact on body fitness, music is a resource that
tones the brain for auditory fitness," the researchers urge that: "the role of
music in shaping individual development deserves consideration."
Meditation Boosts Attention Span
People who utilize Buddhist meditation techniques
enjoy sharpened attention skills and ability to focus.
Exercise Helps to Stave Off Dementia
A team from Harvard Medical School have reported
that more intense physical activity may help slash the risk of age-related
cognitive decline.
Their conclusions are
that; moderate
to heavy physical activity is associated with a reduced risk for dementia, for
up to two decades of follow-up. Their data emphasise that a reduced risk of
dementia may be one additional health benefit to adults of maintaining at least
moderate physical activity.
Cashew Compound May Help Ward Off Diabetes
Canadian team reports that cashew seed extracts
help to improve the body's response to insulin, thereby showing promise as an
effective anti-diabetic.
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