• Title/Summary/Keyword: alternative medicine

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A Study on Korean Medical Students' Perception Towards Complementary Alternative Medicine (보완대체의학에 대한 한의대생의 인식 조사)

  • Kim, Ji-Young;Jung, Duk-Jin;Lee, Jae-Hyok
    • Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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    • v.25 no.2
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    • pp.143-152
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    • 2014
  • Objectives: The purpose of this research is to examine the perceptions that current Korean medical students have towards the practice and efficacy of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM). Methods: A survey questionnaire was given to 91 Korean medical students assessing their attitudes towards CAM. Results: 1) Most students (82.4%) expressed concern about CAM. 2) Many students (59.3%) expressed a positive attitude towards the efficacy of CAM. No surveyed student (0%) thought the efficacy of CAM was due to the placebo effect. 3) Many students (75.8%) posited that Korean Medicine would ultimately absorb CAM to facilitate the development of Korean medicine. 4) Most surveyed students (87.9%) answered they planned to integrate the use of CAM in their clinical practice. Conclusions: The survey questionnaire results suggests that Korean medical students have a positive perception toward CAM. They also have an affirmative attitude towards the clinical use of CAM.

Preparedness of Siddha system of medicine in practitioner perspective during a pandemic outbreak with special reference to COVID-19

  • Rajalakshmi, S.;Samraj, K.;Sathiyarajeswaran, P.;Kanagavalli, K.
    • CELLMED
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    • v.10 no.4
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    • pp.29.1-29.6
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    • 2020
  • COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease-2019) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus-2). This new viral disease was unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. As of November 16th 2020, it affects about 54.3 million populations, death troll increased to 1.32 million cases in worldwide. Whereas in India 8.85 cases are infected with COVID-19, of which 1, 30, 112 cases were died. Till now there has been no specific anti-virus drug or vaccines are available for the treatment of this disease, the supportive care and non-specific treatment to the symptoms of the patient are the only options in Biomedicine, the entire world turns its attention towards alternative medicine or Traditional medicine. Siddha medicine is one of the primordial systems of medicine practiced in the southern part of India, it dealt a lot about pandemic, and its management. This review provides an insight into Pandemic in Siddha system and its management in both ancient history and modern history, National and state level Government policies related to current pandemic, World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on usage of unproven drug during infectious disease outbreak, Preparedness of Siddha system during a pandemic outbreak Challenges and Recommendations.

Challenges and opportunities in integrating complementary and alternative medicine into mainstream of the Malaysian healthcare system

  • Tahir, Nurul Ain Mohd;Thomas, Paraidathathu;Li, Shu Chuen
    • CELLMED
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    • v.5 no.4
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    • pp.23.1-23.6
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    • 2015
  • Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice is still popular among the Malaysian population nowadays although western or allopathic medicine is the first line of treatment. Dissatisfaction with health services and therapeutic effects of western medicine or preference for holistic, integrative approach in treatment are common reasons favouring the increasing popularity of CAM practices. The efforts toward integration of CAM and western medicine in Malaysia were rather slow and in a piece-meal fashion. Strategic efforts in strengthening government and self-regulation among practitioners, formalizing education, promoting research, and cultivating national and international networks are necessary to achieve an integrative system. Regulations to restrict the practice and sale of CAM products to licensed practitioners, strict and mandatory registration of the practitioners, inclusion of CAM in essential medicines list, and pricing regulations must be comprehensively discussed. Development of curriculum, offers of scholarship and incentives, promotion of courses and seminars for professionals is necessary to increase the numbers of CAM experts. Malaysia should follow the efforts of other countries on the production and documentation of local CAM data, allocation of funding, and establishment of research centres to assess the efficacy of potentially useful local products. Local and international collaboration in research and continuous education is important for exchange of knowledge and skills. In conclusion more coordinated efforts in regulation of CAM practice and products, formalizing CAM training and education would significantly move the process forward and allow the public to enjoy more health benefits from CAM practice in Malaysia.

Factors Associated with Discontinuation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Korean Cancer Patients

  • Kim, So Young;Kim, Kyung Sook;Park, Jong Hyock;Shin, Ji-Yeon;Kim, Sung Kyeong;Park, Jae Hyun;Park, Eun Cheol;Seo, Hong Gwan
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.14 no.1
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    • pp.225-230
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    • 2013
  • Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine patient characteristics and other factors associated with discontinuation of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer patients in Korea. Methods: A national, multicenter, cross-sectional survey of cancer patients was performed in which 674 of 2,661 patients were analyzed for their use of CAM after cancer diagnosis. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the factors related to CAM discontinuation. Results: Among the surveyed cancer patients, 25.3% (674 of 2,661) had used CAM, whereas 38.3% (258 of 674) of those with CAM experience had discontinued CAM therapy. The most frequently used form of CAM was herbs (43.5%). The major reasons for the discontinuation of CAM included absence of effects (23.9%), financial burden (22.9%), and physician opposition (13.7%). Other factors associated with the discontinuation of CAM included metastatic cancer (OR = 2.06), a long duration of cancer treatment (OR = 3.34), dissatisfaction (OR = 4.34), and side effects (OR = 4.23) of CAM therapy. Conclusions: For cancer patients to correctly employ CAM therapy, increase their satisfaction, and reduce their side effects, efforts should be made to analyze the cost effectiveness of CAM, and valid information must be provided to physicians and cancer patients.

Prevalence and Alternative Treatment of Head-Lice Infestation in Rural Thailand: A Community-Based Study

  • Singhasivanon, On-uma;Lawpoolsri, Saranath;Mungthin, Mathirut;Yimsamran, Surapon;Soonthornworasiri, Ngamphol;Krudsood, Srivicha
    • Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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    • v.57 no.5
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    • pp.499-504
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    • 2019
  • Head-lice infestation, pediculosis capitis, remains a public-health burden in many countries. The widely used first-line pediculicides and alternative treatments are often too costly for use in poor socio-economic settings. Ivermectin has been considered an alternate treatment for field practice. This study was composed of 2 parts, a cross-sectional survey and an intervention study. The main objectives were to determine the prevalence and potential factors associated with head-lice infestation, and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral ivermectin administration. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 890 villagers in rural areas along Thai-Myanmar border. Females with infestations were eligible for the intervention study, and 181 participated in the intervention study. A post-treatment survey was conducted to assess acceptance of ivermectin as a treatment choice. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and a generalized-estimation-equation model adjusted for cluster effect. The study revealed the prevalence of head-lice infestation was 50% among females and only 3% among males. Age stratification showed a high prevalence among females aged <20 years, and among 50% of female school-children. The prevalence was persistent among those with a history of infestation. The major risk factors were residing in a setting with other infected cases, and sharing a hair comb. The study also confirmed that ivermectin was safe and effective for field-based practice. It was considered a preferable treatment option. In conclusion, behavior-change communication should be implemented to reduce the observed high prevalence of head-lice infestation. Ivermectin may be an alternative choice for head-lice treatment, especially in remote areas.

Needle aspiration as therapeutic management for suppurative cervical lymphadenitis in children

  • Baek, Mee-Young;Park, Kyung-Hee;We, Ju-Hee;Park, Su-Eun
    • Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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    • v.53 no.8
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    • pp.801-804
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    • 2010
  • Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the needle aspiration alternative to open surgical drainage of children with suppurative cervical lymphadenitis requiring surgical drainage. Methods: From January 1998 to June 2008, we retrospectively reviewed 38 children treated with needle aspiration as management with suppurative cervical lymphadenitis instead of open surgical drainage. Results: All 38 children underwent only 1 puncture. Two patients (5.2%) out of 38 patients experienced reformation of an abscess and all recovered completely after re-treatment with antibiotics. Minor complications were detected in 2 patients (5.2%). One complication originated from remnant necrotic tissue and the other involved formation of a small scar in two patients, which resolved spontaneously. There were no major complications. Conclusion: Needle aspiration can be a simple, safe, and effective alternative procedure to open surgical drainage of children with suppurative cervical lymphadenitis requiring surgical drainage.

Effect of Sho-Seiryu-To (XIAO-QING-LONG-TANG) on skin itching and peripheral eosinophil level in three elderly patients

  • Murata, Kohji;Toriumi, Yoshitaka;Kamei, Tsutomu
    • Advances in Traditional Medicine
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    • v.5 no.2
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    • pp.167-171
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    • 2005
  • Sho-Seiryu-To is known to be effective against allergic diseases, but its effect on skin itching has not been reported. We observed the effect of Sho-Seiryu-To on three elderly patients who, desoite using an anti-allergic drug, has severe chronic skin itching with peripheral eosinophilia. All three patients decreased their peripheral eosinophilia and improved their skin condition within eight weeks. We conclude that Sho-Seiryu-To could be capable of treating elderly patients with chronic skin itching and peripheral eosinophilia.

Exploratory Study on Application of the Alternative Medicine to the Users of Welfare Facilities for the Aged people (노인복지시설 이용자의 대체의학 적용에 관한 탐색적 연구)

  • Kim, Seok Hyeon
    • Proceedings of the Korean Society of Computer Information Conference
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    • 2017.07a
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    • pp.176-177
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    • 2017
  • 고령화 시대에 있어서 노인복지시설을 이용하는 많은 노인들이 본인의 의지와 관계없이 일반적으로 경험하게 되는 건강관리 관련 프로그램은 대체의학과 밀접한 관계를 가지고 있다. 따라서 대체의학을 노인관련 의료복지에 적용함으로써 노인성질환에 대한 예방과 치료에 활용하고 치료를 통하여 노인의료복지의 수준을 제고하는데 노력을 할 필요성이 있다. 본 논문은 노인들의 일상생활에서의 대체의학의 요법을 통해서 포괄적인 건강증진을 위한 실천적 방안을 제시하고자 하였다.

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Study for Level of Evidence and Recommendation of Anticancer Effect for the Materials of Green Vegetable Juice by Using Natural Standard Methodology (Natural Standard Methodology를 이용한 녹즙재료의 항암효과에 대한 근거 및 권고수준에 대한 연구)

  • Yoo, Hwa-Seung
    • Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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    • v.17 no.1
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    • pp.11-19
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    • 2008
  • Objective : We designed this study to analyse the anti-cancer effects of materials of green vegetable juice by using the natural standard methodology and apply the results to new studying and evaluating methods. Methods : We investigated the main stream of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), the methodology of natural standard, guideline in CAM, and concrete 15 green vegetable juice in cancer therapy. Results : There are 15 graded materials of green vegetable juice that associated with cancer in natural standard contents. Most of them get grade C, unclear or conflicting scientific evidence. Conclusion : Natural Standard aims to provide high-quality, reliable information about CAM therapies to clinicians, patients, and healthcare institutions. We have to acquire more reliable evidence in future.

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Status and Prospects of the Utilization of Medicinal Plants in the Philippines

  • Waje, Catherine K.
    • Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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    • 2005.11a
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    • pp.11-16
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    • 2005
  • Utilization of herbal medicine has been an intrinsic part of Philippine culture for many centuries. In spite of tremendous development in the field of modern medicine, traditional and alternative medicine will continue to flourish and take an important role in meeting the basic health needs of the people. The National Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plant (NIRPROMP), the lead government institution for herbal medicinal research had already validated ten medicinal plants and is currently studying new batch of medicinal plants. Five of the ten clinically-tested medicinal plants have been elevated to herbal medicinal drugs that are now being commercially manufactured in the different parts of the country. Research on medicinal plants takes longer time as the nature of medical research dictates it to be. It must adhere to the internationally accepted standards of medicinal research in the Philippines was observed making alternative medicine an effective health delivery system to the people.

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