Integrative Medicine Alert – October 1, 2011
October 1, 2011
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Heads Up: The Integrative Approach to Migraine Prophylaxis
Migraine headaches affect 11% of the world's population.1 Since 90% of migraineurs experience moderate to severe pain and 35% are bedridden with headache episodes, the World Health Organization has listed migraine among the top 20 disability-causing diseases. -
Sweet! Chocolate for Mind AND Body
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. -
Non-specific Factors Come to the Fore in Study of Biofield Therapy
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. -
No Preventive Manual — Lymphedema Related to Breast Cancer
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.