Alternative Medicine

Blood flow and respiratory rates can synch with music, indicating that music could one day be a therapeutic tool for blood pressure control and rehabilitation, according to a study by Italian researchers published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Star Trek scanners that fix injuries with beams of light may not be science fiction after all. A new optical technology that lines up living cells and controls their movements has opened the door to better artificial tissues and wounds that heal faster with less scarring.

For years, scientists have used the energy in laser light to drill microscopic holes or as tweezers or traps to direct and maneuver small pieces of matter. Guiding entire cells, though, has proven difficult because the lasers used for manipulation tend to damage the structural units of living organisms.

Push-ups, crunches, gyms, personal trainers - people have many strategies for building bigger muscles and stronger bones. But what can one do to build a bigger brain? Meditate.

That's the finding from a group of researchers at UCLA who used high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to scan the brains of people who meditate. In a study published in the journal NeuroImage and currently available online (by subscription), the researchers report that certain regions in the brains of long-term meditators were larger than in a similar control group.

More than 100 naturopathic doctors and supporters will descend on Capitol Hill Monday to advocate for an overhaul of the nation’s health care system. Advocates from across the country will ask their Members of Congress to support H.Con.Res.58, a resolution that would transform the health care system from one that manages disease to one rooted in prevention, health promotion, and wellness.

There is a recently published report on the risks of herbal supplements for patients undergoing surgery in the March/April issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. The study points out that between 40-70% of patients tend to underreport the use of complementary medicines to their doctors. The authors mention that the reasons for this range from patients feeling that their physician won’t understand or won’t approve or may not have any knowledge about the supplements.

A new Cochrane review did not find serious side effects relating to the use of homeopathic medicine in patients having orthodox cancer care.

“Furthermore, there was no indication that the homeopathic medicine interfered with conventional cancer care,” said lead author Sosie Kassab, M.D., director of Complementary Cancer Services at the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital.

We take breathing for granted. Few of us take time out from our busy days to recognize the powerful benefits of taking time out to fill our lungs with life-giving, energizing breath. When we learn to breathe deeply to relax, we can often overcome stress in as little as ten minutes. The mind quiets when we breathe deeply, and the heart rate slows. Carbon dioxide is eliminated and the body detoxifies when we breathe deeply.

In an effort to address the current economy, healthcare crisis, and improve life for all, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is working hard to re-educate the public on how plants make a difference in supporting personal and global health.

Recent research has focused on the disease fighting properties of natural compounds. We are finally getting the news that plant derivatives really can provide us with good health – on many levels.

Turmeric has been used in India for its powerful medicinal properties for centuries. A new study shows that turmeric has powerful healing powers. The cancer and infection fighting ability of turmeric was found by University of Michigan researchers by using a special technique that allowed scientists to watch how turmeric has earned the name “holy powder” in India.

If you are looking for an alternative to medications for motion sickness, or nausea in general, try the FDA motion sickness band from Hammacher Schlemmer. The motion sickness band lasts comes with a lifetime warranty, batteries that last two years, and sells for $139.