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It would be fair to say that nearly all formal clinical research begins before it is even recognized as such. Observant clinicians note patterns, or what appear to be patterns, in those they treat.
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The term "reiki" (pronounced "ray-key") comes from two Japanese words, rei, meaning universal spirit, and ki, meaning life energy. Therapies based on this non-physical, vibrational life energy are known as biofield therapies, which include therapeutic touch and healing touch.
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In a lengthy intervention trial, antibiotic prophylaxis against recurrent urinary tract infections in premenopausal women was more effective than a cranberry extract; however, development of antibiotic resistance was significant.
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The study authors reviewed observational data on chocolate consumption and the risk of cardiometabolic disease, and found strong evidence of a protective effect. The wide variety of methods employed across studies, among other issues, make cause and effect assumptions premature, though they do fall in line with previous data suggesting chocolate's health benefits.
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In a prospective study of women with breast cancer who had undergone axillary node dissection, use of manual lymphatic drainage techniques over 5 months provided no additional preventive benefit with respect to development of arm lymphedema over general preventive lifestyle measures and individualized exercise therapy.
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This blinded, randomized, controlled trial found that a biofield therapy and a mock treatment did not differ in their effectiveness in relieving cancer-related fatigue, although they both were significantly better than control. The biofield therapy did lead to significantly greater cortisol variability, which is associated with fatigue.
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A very low energy diet followed by a weight maintenance program results in significant improvements in weight, obstructive sleep apnea, metabolic factors, and quality of life for at least a year.
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In a small 5-week pilot trial examining the use of magnesium for the treatment of hot flashes, women with a history of breast cancer experienced improvements in hot flash frequency and severity, but no significant impact on overall quality of life.
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Regular coffee consumption is associated with a prominent decrease in fatal or metastatic prostate cancer.
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In a shocking series of findings, this well-done prospective study showed that in men older than age 55 years a higher proportion of serum omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA, actually may increase the risk for high-grade prostate cancer.
