Browse Integrative Medicine Articles by Topic

Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the Treatment of Crohn’s Disease

This randomized, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that acupuncture and moxibustion treatment in patients with Crohn’s disease significantly improved the patient’s CD symptoms, quality of life, mucosal inflammation, serum hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein levels compared to the control group.

Live Longer: Substitute in Whole Grains

When adjusted for possible confounding variables, this analysis of U.S. men and women found an association between higher whole grain intake and lower mortality from all causes, including cardiovascular disease, but no association for cancer mortality.

The Disruptive Effects of Tablet Readers on Sleep Patterns

The use of light-emitting tablet devices prior to bedtime negatively impacts sleep patterns through disturbances in circadian rhythms.

Aromatherapy: A Replacement for Antidepressants?

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of an oral preparation of the essential oil of lavender showed that it is more effective for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder than either placebo or an SSRI.

Curcuminoids for Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Levels in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome

Bioavailable cucuminoids were found to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration were each significantly improved after short-term (8 weeks) of supplementation with curcuminoids. Meta-analysis of eight other studies investigating the impact of curcuminoids on various health parameters, including serum CRP concentration, also found a significant reduction of CRP with curcuminoid supplementation.

Managing IBS with Semi-permanent Embedded Fibers at Acupuncture Sites

Catgut-embedded acupuncture, which involves embedding fibers of animal intestines into the skin at acupuncture points, improved abdominal pain, constipation, and bloating as well as symptoms of depression among patients with irritable bowel syndrome compared to both sham acupuncture and conventional drug therapy.

Blueberry Consumption Improves Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Postmenopausal Women with Hypertension

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that consumption of freeze-dried blueberry powder twice daily for 8 weeks improved blood pressure and measurements of arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with pre- or stage 1 hypertension.

Topical Curcumin for Treatment of Lactational Mastitis

In comparison to placebo, topical curcumin improves markers of lactational mastitis within 72 hours of administration.

Gut Check — Mindfulness in the Setting of Ulcerative Colitis

Disappointing results from this double-blind, time-/attention-controlled study would cast doubt on the potential benefits of mindfulness-based stress reduction for people with moderately severe ulcerative colitis were it not for the presence of significant shortcomings in study methodology.

Do Multivitamin-mineral Supplements Protect Against CVD Mortality?

An association was found between decreased death from cardiovascular disease and U.S. women’s use of multivitamin-mineral supplements when taken for at least 3 years. A similar association was not found for men, nor for either gender after use of multivitamins without minerals.