Complementary Medicine / 31.07.2024

Editors' note:  Please do not delay an evaluation from your health care provider before beginning any traditional or complementary health care plan or supplement.  An evaluation and possible imaging may be necessary to adequately evaluate and diagnose your condition.   Advise your medical provider of any supplements you are taking as they may have side effects or interact with other medications you are taking. For millennia, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has intrigued individuals with its all-encompassing approach to health and wellbeing. One area where TCM shines is in addressing issues related to digestive health, an area broadly encompassed by gastroenterology in modern western medicine. The benefits of Chinese medicine for digestion are multifaceted, with its holistic approach focusing not only on relieving symptoms but also on treating underlying issues causing gastrointestinal distress. Chinese medicine comprises numerous disciplines, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, Tai-Chi, cupping therapy, and dietary therapy. Each technique plays a crucial role in promoting overall wellbeing, including digestive health, allowing TCM to offer unique, tailored treatments for a wide array of digestive issues. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cognitive Issues, Exercise - Fitness, JAMA / 01.11.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Peter A. Harmer, PhD, MPH, AT-Ret, FACSM Senior Associate Research Scientist Oregon Research Institute MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Decline in various aspects of cognitive function, such as memory, executive function, and multitasking ability is common as we age. The rate and extent of decline varies among older adults but approximately 20% of those aged 65+ will experience clinically relevant mild cognitive impairment, which places them at increased risk of progressing to Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. It is also associated with decreased mobility, increased risk of falls and impaired capacity for complex activities of daily living. Research has shown that physical and mental activity may attenuate the decline and that combined physical/mental challenges may be more effective than either alone but up to this point there has been little quality clinical evidence. Building on previous successful studies with our established tai ji quan therapy, we developed a cognitively-enhanced training tai ji quan protocol to determine its effectiveness in enhancing global cognition and dual-task walking compared to our standard tai ji quan program and a stretching program in adults 65+ with mild cognitive impairment or self-reported memory concerns. (more…)