Tag: CAM

  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) may benefit children and young adults with cancer

    Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) may benefit children and young adults with cancer

    Impression: Option drugs this sort of as acupuncture, hypnosis and herbs and nutritional supplements have proved to be a relief versus aspect outcomes from conventional most cancers procedure, according to researcher Trine Stub.

    Mother and father knowledge unpredicted and traumatic gatherings when their little one is diagnosed with cancer. In addition to the very seriously unwell little one, they have other family and each day obligations, usually together with other kids to show up at to. The treatment is demanding, and several kids and young grownups will have to dwell with the effects for a extensive time.

    Childhood cancer in Norway

    Each individual year, approximately 350 kids and young older people (-19 years) are diagnosed with most cancers in Norway. This corresponds to 3500 persons in 10 several years. Cancer is between the major brings about of loss of life in small children and adolescents worldwide, particularly in substantial-income countries.

    As a end result of professional medical developments and efficient procedure, the survival fee for small children with cancer is nearly 80 for each cent. Even so, lots of survivors will have to deal with the burden of signs and symptoms throughout and soon after most cancers treatment. Parents explain some signs or symptoms derived from cancer treatment method as soreness, fatigue, decline of hunger, and psychological and cognitive difficulties.

    Understandably, mom and dad who deal with a demanding situation because of to their child’s cancer analysis want to do every thing feasible for the child. Consequently, the burden brought about by conventional cancer treatment has led mothers and fathers to find unique supportive treatment treatment options, together with complementary and choice drugs – CAM.

    What do we know about CAM and childhood most cancers?

    There is a absence of know-how pertaining to the use and effect of CAM among kids and youthful older people with cancer. In addition, there is inadequate information and facts about the remedies utilized and the reasons why.

    Some products and treatment options may perhaps interact negatively with standard cancer treatment. For that reason, we – researchers at the National Exploration Centre in Complementary and Option Medication (NAFKAM) – desired to survey this use. At the same time, we needed to examine the feasible results of these remedies by performing a systematic review and meta-analyses based on details from internationally released article content.

    Acupuncture appears to be a great and risk-free treatment method alternative for regular anti-nausea and vomiting treatment in small children and adolescents with cancer.

    What did we come across?

    We involved 20 trials in a analyze that investigated the use of acupuncture, music and artwork treatment, hypnosis, as very well as herbs and dietary supplements to take care of adverse effects of cancer therapy.

    Acupuncture

    Based on details from five trials, we discovered that acupuncture was significantly more effective in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in contrast to the control teams. The participants in the command groups obtained sham acupuncture and regular anti-nausea and vomiting medicines only. Soreness because of to needling and limited acupuncture bands were reported as adverse results.

    Tunes and art remedy

    We found that tunes treatment was useful for pain related with agonizing procedures such as lumbar puncture. This is a method where by a needle is inserted involving two vertebrae to extract spinal fluid. The little ones who been given tunes remedy expert the technique as less unpleasant and frightening as opposed to young children in the manage team.

    In addition, children who obtained artwork remedy had been a lot more bodily energetic, a lot more social, less pressured, and significantly less depressed than small children in the management group. Norwegian hospitals that handle little ones and adolescents with cancer present their sufferers music and artwork therapies.

    Hypnosis

    A person analyze described that people who received hypnosis employed a lot less supplemental anti-nausea and vomiting medicine for the duration of the very first and next courses of chemotherapy. An additional research examined the outcome of hypnosis and aid groups on reducing chemo-treatment-related worry. The period of nausea was considerably shorter for individuals in the hypnosis and help teams as opposed to these in the regulate group.

    Herbs and health supplements

    Herbs and health supplements have been utilized to reduce chemotherapy-induced adverse results these kinds of as oral mucositis, nausea, vomiting, fat decline, and hepatoxicity. Several treatment plans were being helpful for many of the grievances that lowered the children’s top quality of lifetime.

    Zinc was successful for fat loss and minimized the episodes of bacterial infections. The severity of swelling in the oral mucosa was lowered working with Vitamin E and Bovine Colostrum. Glutamine lowered the use of intravenous diet. Milk Thistle minimized the degree of AST enzyme in the liver. The use of probiotics reduced episodes of fever and intravenous antibiotics, while Ginger diminished episodes of nausea and vomiting.

    What does this imply?

    Acupuncture appears to be a great and secure procedure selection for regular anti-nausea and vomiting treatment in children and adolescents with most cancers. The procedure must be supplied by certified acupuncturists who are trained in pediatric acupuncture. This getting is in accordance with formal guidelines for nausea and vomiting in older people and youngsters.

    Tunes and art therapy, as effectively as hypnosis, have a helpful effect on the quite a few grievances youngsters confront in the course of and following most cancers treatment. On the other hand, additional study is desired in advance of we can conclude with certainty.

    It is critical to bear in mind that mothers and fathers must discuss with health care providers or the dealing with physician about the use of these supportive treatment options, as some of these solutions and treatments may interact negatively with traditional cancer cure.

    References:

    • Mora DC, Kristoffersen AE, Overvåg G, Jong MC, Mentink M, Liu JP, Stub T. Complementary and substitute medication (CAM) modalities utilized to deal with adverse effects of anti-most cancers cure between little ones: A systematic critique and meta-examination of randomized regulate trials. BMC Complementary Medication and Therapies. 202222(1):1-21.
    • Stub T, Quandt SA, Kristoffersen AE, Jong MC, Arcury TA. Conversation and information requires about complementary and different medication: a qualitative research of parents of youngsters with most cancers. BMC Complementary Medication and Therapies. 202121(1):85.
    • Stub T, Kristoffersen AE, Overvåg G, Jong MC. An integrative assessment of the information and conversation wants of moms and dads of little ones with cancer regarding the use of complementary and different medicine. BMC Complementary Drugs and Therapies. 202020(1):90.

    Additional Studying:

    The ScienceNorway Researchers’ zone is composed of viewpoints, weblogs and common science items prepared by scientists and researchers from or centered in Norway. Want to lead? Ship us an e mail!

  • Holistic, CAM, and Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Holistic, CAM, and Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s impaired immune response attacks its own joints. It can cause significant pain, swelling, and disability.

    Many people prefer looking for treatment options beyond the standard medications used to treat RA that include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics.

    Holistic medicine has emerged as one potential option. This type of healthcare focuses not only on treating the condition but more widely on preventing a flare-up of the disease and on improving your overall well-being. This article will discuss holistic care and detail the treatments available for rheumatoid arthritis.

    Tim Platt / Getty Images


    What Are CAM Therapies?

    Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is any treatment outside the typical treatment norms of Western medicine. Western medicine is the type of medicine practiced in the United States that includes a healthcare professional treating patients with treatments such as medication, surgery, or radiation. CAM therapies are meant to be an adjunct to (used in addition to) the usual care. Alternative therapies (which usually are not recommended in Western medicine) are meant to replace standard treatments.

    Under the CAM umbrella is a wide variety of potential treatments, some more beneficial than others. Not all should be immediately dismissed, however. Research shows that there are several promising complementary treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. These include but are not limited to supplements, herbal medicines, and dietary changes.

    The Overlap With Holistic Medicine

    Holistic medicine focuses on many aspects of your well-being, including the physical, social, mental, and spiritual components. While it incorporates evidence-based complementary therapies, this style of treatment also strives to achieve a more global focus.

    Taking a holistic approach to care means treating the patient as a whole, rather than addressing the individual symptoms of a disease.

    CAM Works Alongside Your Medication

    While your initial research on certain CAM treatments may be promising, it is important to keep two things in mind.

    First, CAM therapy is meant to complement, not replace, traditional RA medications. The rheumatoid arthritis drugs commonly prescribed by your healthcare provider have much evidence supporting their benefits. Because of this, medications are usually the central focus of any treatment strategy.

    Second, contact your healthcare provider before you begin any new treatment. Many CAM therapies can negatively interact with rheumatoid arthritis medications and lead to harmful side effects.

    Using your prescribed medications and only alternative therapies approved by your healthcare provider gives you the most effective long-term symptom management strategy.

    Integrative Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

    Integrative treatment of rheumatoid arthritis means using a holistic outlook to treat symptoms and improve overall well-being at the same time. This approach frequently includes both complementary treatments and mainstay medications and therapies. The following are some of the most commonly utilized holistic treatments for RA.

    Acupuncture

    Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles into various regions of the body. This ancient Chinese form of medicine is purported to help RA symptoms by inhibiting inflammation, relaxing your muscles, and improving blood flow in the area being treated. These potential benefits are still very hypothetical, however.

    While the evidence for this holistic treatment is still limited, one 2018 review of the research showed that people with RA who had acupuncture had improved daily function and quality of life scores. Importantly, acupuncture had no adverse effects when combined with typical Western medical treatments.

    Tai Chi

    Tai chi is a form of martial arts that may help with rheumatoid arthritis. This exercise involves gentle, rhythmic movements and poses that are thought to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and slow the damage to your joints.

    While some initial research has shown small improvements in function after participating in tai chi, the present evidence is limited and lacks quality. It does appear, however, that the risk of harmful side effects in people with RA is minimal.

    Diet and Supplements

    Making dietary changes has the potential to improve some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. For example, one study found that following the Mediterranean diet (which limits red meat and emphasizes fruits, vegetables, beans, fish, and olive oil) can lead to lower pain levels in people with RA.

    Eating a balanced diet also plays a huge role in maintaining healthy body weight. This limits the strain on joints affected by your condition and may decrease your overall pain levels.

    Several types of supplements have also been suggested as possible holistic treatments. This is because people with RA have been shown to have lower levels of several different molecules in their body, including vitamin D and selenium.

    Unfortunately, research has not reported that supplementation has led to any appreciable benefit. There is some evidence, however, that the use of the supplement glucosamine may improve pain in people with this disease.

    Use Caution

    Mixing herbs or supplements with traditional RA medications can lead to potentially harmful side effects. Because of this, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider before adding a substance to your daily regimen.

    Herbal Medicines

    Several types of herbs have shown promising effects in people with rheumatoid arthritis. For example, cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a vine-like herb that can potentially regulate the faulty immune response in people with this disease.

    Other herbs, like rosehip and Andrographis paniculata, have also demonstrated the ability to reduce inflammation levels or decrease disease activity in people with RA.

    Ginger and turmeric are also frequently recognized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The evidence to support their use with rheumatoid arthritis, however, is still fairly limited.

    CBD and Arthritis Pain Relief

    Recently, the medical use of cannabidiol (CBD) has exploded in popularity. This substance, an extract from the marijuana plant, is nonpsychoactive (not affecting perception or behavior) and has been suggested as a possible treatment for arthritis pain.

    Physiologically, CBD has been shown to activate anti-inflammatory receptors in the body. The substance has also been proven to have analgesic or pain-relieving potential.

    Unfortunately, the benefits of using it to treat rheumatoid arthritis are still unproven. To date, there is minimal evidence proving that CBD alone improves pain or alleviates inflammation in people with RA. Because of the relatively low risk of side effects, it may be worth discussing CBD with your healthcare provider.

    Holistic RA Providers

    Holistic RA providers specialize in treating RA while also ensuring that your overall well-being is addressed. This type of physician is typically well versed in the benefits and evidence behind many different complementary therapies that may be used for rheumatoid arthritis.

    Services

    In addition to offering typical treatments for RA, holistic doctors are also able to refer you to a wide variety of ancillary therapies. In fact, some holistic clinics may even offer some of them in the same building. These wellness-based services might include:

    Cost

    The cost of holistic care varies widely depending on your insurance coverage. Also, while care provided by a rheumatologist (a physician specializing in arthritis care) is commonly covered by most insurance plans, insurance benefits for ancillary holistic treatments like acupuncture or chiropractic care are usually more limited.

    It is worth noting that flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) usually are able to be used for many complementary therapies. Be sure to speak to your insurance carrier to gain more insight into your benefits.

    Where to Find Them

    The Internet is a great resource for locating a holistic RA doctor in your area. It is important, however, to ensure that your physician is a board-certified rheumatologist. This helps confirm that they are a specialist in treating this type of disease and have the training necessary to address your symptoms.

    The American College of Rheumatology’s website offers a search feature to help you locate care closer to you.

    CAM Pros vs. Cons

    CAM therapies have several potential advantages. Many of these treatments can improve your RA symptoms when used along with Western medicine.

    These holistic therapies may also address aspects of your well-being (mental or spiritual) that may be overlooked by traditional medicine. In addition, many CAM treatments are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of more standard medical care.

    There are some potential drawbacks to complementary therapies, however. Many holistic treatments are not strictly regulated by government agencies. Because of this, there is a likelihood that the benefits of these services are being exaggerated.

    In addition, this lack of regulation increases the risk of potential side effects and makes the quality of the treatment you receive more variable. Finally, insurance coverage for CAM therapies usually is lacking, making these options less accessible to many people.

    Summary

    Holistic medicine aims to address your overall well-being instead of simply treating the symptoms of a disease. This approach commonly includes both traditional medications as well as complementary therapies.

    There is some research showing that certain holistic interventions may help to alleviate the pain, inflammation, and disability associated with RA. It is important, however, to speak to your healthcare provider first to ensure each treatment is safe and helpful in your situation.

    A Word From Verywell

    Rheumatoid arthritis is an unpredictable and often frustrating disease. Because of the toll it can take on your body, it is not unusual to look into alternative treatment options.

    While RA is most effectively managed with medication, taking a holistic approach can help ensure that the other areas of your well-being are also being looked after. If you are interested in pursuing complementary treatments for your disease, be sure to have a discussion about holistic medicine with your rheumatologist.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Does holistic treatment for RA help with inflammation?

      When used as an adjunct to more traditional treatments, several holistic interventions may help with inflammation. These include herbs like rosehip or Andrographis paniculata. Dietary modifications that reduce the intake of fried or sugary foods may also decrease inflammatory markers in the body.

    • What’s the most common herbal remedy for RA?

      Many different herbal remedies have been suggested for treating RA symptoms. Among the most effective are cat’s claw and rosehip. Ginger and turmeric may also help with inflammation, though the research is still limited for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

    • Can you experience arthritis pain relief without prescription drugs?

      Medications are still considered to be the gold standard for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. That said, certain nondrug options may also offer pain relief. These include dietary modifications, the use of certain supplements and herbs, and participating in regular aerobic exercise and strengthening.

    • What are free CAM therapies for RA?

      While the evidence supporting them is still somewhat limited, participating in tai chi, yoga, or mindfulness may be beneficial and inexpensive if you have RA. Instruction on these complementary therapies is available for free on the Internet. In addition, many local community and nonprofit centers for older adults offer free or discounted classes.

  • CreakyJoints Survey Reveals Men Are Less Likely to Incorporate Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Into Their Arthritis Management

    CreakyJoints Survey Reveals Men Are Less Likely to Incorporate Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Into Their Arthritis Management

    Upper NYACK, N.Y.–(Business enterprise WIRE)–A new study from CreakyJoints, the intercontinental electronic community for hundreds of thousands of arthritis people and caregivers who seek training, support, advocacy, and patient-centered investigation, finds that women are incorporating extra complementary and option medicine (CAM) into their arthritis management method than males and that amid Hispanic survey individuals, more noticeably reported by no means making use of CAM as opposed to employing it. Prevalent complementary and substitute therapies for arthritis contain tai chi and yoga, massage, acupuncture, meditation, vitamins, and other approaches that might assist a man or woman with arthritis cope with indicators of the working day-to-working day knowledge of living with a persistent condition.

    “At the get started of a new calendar year, several folks replicate on their aims for the subsequent 12 months. We performed this survey to superior fully grasp how men and women with arthritis control their affliction likely further than approved prescription drugs and to get started a conversation about why a holistic, affected individual-centered method is critical to keeping bodily, emotional, and psychological wellness all yr very long,” reported Daniel Hernandez, MD, Director of Medical Affairs and Hispanic Outreach, CreakyJoints.

    In the new survey (n=847), users of the CreakyJoints local community ended up questioned thoughts about their condition(s), the complementary and option therapies they have at any time used for their situation(s), and the therapies they observed practical for their signs and symptoms primarily based on the therapies they earlier chosen. Most study respondents (89{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}) noted applying a kind of complementary or choice remedy for their problem, with the most typical therapies reportedly utilised being nutritional vitamins/minerals (71{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}), massage (48{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}), joint supplements (47{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}), relaxation/thoughts-overall body pursuits (38{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}), therapeutic herbs (34{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}), and yoga (33{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}). The therapies documented useful by the finest proportion of persons who have at any time utilized the therapy ended up therapeutic massage (76{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}), Chi Gong (76{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}), yoga (74{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}), peace/head-physique activities (72{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}), and religious actions (71{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}). Noticeably extra girls reported using CAM than by no means making use of it (89{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} vs 73{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}, p<0.001) while significantly more men reported never using CAM than having ever used it (27{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} vs 11{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}, p<0.001). In terms of race and ethnicity, significantly more white participants reported using CAM than never using it (82{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} vs 71{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}, p=0.007) and significantly fewer Hispanic or Latino participants reported ever using CAM than never using it (13{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} vs 32{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}, p<0.001).

    “An arthritis diagnosis requires a lifetime management commitment and there will be times when a person living with arthritis feels better and worse. Our CreakyJoints survey, and other existing peer-reviewed studies, show that CAM can have a positive impact on the experience of symptoms,” said Dr. Hernandez. “However, our survey also suggests that more education is needed to encourage men and members of the Hispanic community to understand the range of CAM therapies available and to encourage them to speak with the health provider team about which therapy may offer benefit to them.”

    For more information about CAM, visit: https://creakyjoints.org/alternative-medicine/

    Available for free and created by CreakyJoints®, a tool that people living with joint, bone, and inflammatory skin conditions, as well as arthritis and rheumatologic manifestations of gastrointestinal-tract (GI) and skin conditions can use is the ArthritisPower® research registry. With tens of thousands of consented arthritis patients, the ArthritisPower mobile and desktop application allows patients to track their experience of disease (including symptoms and treatments – medications and/or CAM) and participate in voluntary research studies in a secure and accessible manner. To learn more and join ArthritisPower, visit ArthritisPower.org or, in Spanish, ArthritisPower.org.es.

    About the Survey

    The 6-question survey was fielded from December 2, 2021 – December 16, 2021. Participants were recruited via email from the existing CreakyJoints and COVID-19 Patient Support Program mailing lists. Only adult participants diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), osteoarthritis (OA), ankylosing spondylitis/axial spondyloarthritis (AS/axSpA), or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were asked to complete the survey. The sample was primarily female (87{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}) and white (81{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}), with an average (SD) age of 61 (13). A quarter of the participants (25{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}) reported having a form of spondyloarthritis (SpA), 65{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} reported having either RA or JIA, and 10{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} reported having osteoarthritis without a concomitant condition of interest.

    About CreakyJoints

    CreakyJoints® is an international digital community for millions of arthritis patients and caregivers who seek education, support, advocacy, and patient-centered research. We represent patients in English, Spanish, and French through our popular social media channels, our websites, and the 50-State Network, which includes more than 1,700 trained volunteer patient, caregiver, and provider health care activists.

    Part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation, CreakyJoints also has a patient-reported outcomes registry called ArthritisPower® (ArthritisPower.org), which includes tens of thousands of consented arthritis patients who track their disease while volunteering to participate in longitudinal and observational peer-reviewed research. In addition to online and downloadable educational resources, CreakyJoints publishes many arthritis and chronic disease podcast series, available on all major streaming platforms, that provide both patient and provider perspectives. It also hosts PainSpot (PainSpot.org), a digital risk-assessment tool for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, and eRheum (eRheum.org), for telehealth and virtual-care support. All programming is free, always. For more information, visit CreakyJoints.org.

    Find us online:

    CreakyJoints: CreakyJoints.org

    CreakyJoints Español: CreakyJoints.org.es

    CreakyJoints Australia: CreakyJoints.org.au

    CreakyJoints Canada: CreakyJoints.ca

    Global Healthy Living Foundation: ghlf.org

    Facebook: facebook.com/CreakyJoints & facebook.com/GlobalHealthyLivingFoundation

    Twitter: @GHLForg, @CreakyJoints, #CreakyChats

    Instagram: @creaky_joints, @creakyjoints_aus, @creakyjoints_esp

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