Massage therapy helps ease chronic low back pain

Massage eases low back pain in randomized controlled trial — Annals of Internal Medicine trial compared massage types at Group Health – The hour-long massage treatments (structural and relaxation massage) help people with back pain to function even after six months, reported in a new research. People who have persistent back pain may want to consider massage as an option.

Acupuncture lessens depression symptoms during pregnancy

Acupuncture lessens depression symptoms during pregnancy, Stanford study shows – Acupuncture appears to be an effective way to reduce depression symptoms during pregnancy, according to a first-of-its-kind study from Stanford University School of Medicine researchers.

Americans spent $33.9 billion on alternative medicine

Americans spent $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on complementary and alternative medicine – Americans spent $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) over the previous 12 months, according to a 2007 US government survey.

38% adults and 12% children use complementary and alternative medicine

US Government survey shows 38 percent of adults and 12 percent of children use complementary and alternative medicine – Approximately 38 percent of adults in the United States aged 18 years and over and nearly 12 percent of U.S. children aged 17 years and under use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), according to a new nationwide government survey.

Alexander technique offers long-term relief for back pain

Chronic back pain can be eased by teaching the Alexander technique to patients. Alexander technique is an alternative therapy involving better posture. – Alexander technique lessons in combination with an exercise programme offer long-term effective treatment for chronic back pain, according to a study published on BMJ.com.

Massage eases pain and anxiety after surgery

Massage can ease pain after surgery and may complement the use of drugs for patients, US researchers said. – A 20-minute evening back massage may help relieve pain and reduce anxiety following major surgery when given in addition to pain medications, according to a report in the December issue of Archives of Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

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