Home Delivery |
Contact Us |
Jobs |
Alerts |
News Archives |
Site map |
Log In |
Webmail |
Internet Services |
Mobile
Text size: 
Alternative treatments for arthritis
|
Older Americans suffering from osteoarthritis may find help in an even older source - ancient Chinese healing treatments and exercise. Studies by U.S. researchers are revealing the potential healing power of acupuncture, Tai Chi exercise and Qigong to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, which causes pain and reduced motion in the joints and spine. Experts say there is no current medicinal cure for osteoarthritis. In a 2009 study published in Arthritis Care & Research, Dr. Chenchen Wang and colleagues at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, recruited 40 subjects averaging 65 years of age suffering from knee osteoarthritis to participate in a 60 minute Tai Chi session, instructed by a Tai Chi master, twice weekly for 12 weeks. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese mind–body exercise that enhances balance, strength and flexibility, and reduces pain, depression and anxiety in diverse patient populations with chronic conditions. "It's very exciting," said Wang, who said the study showed Tai Chi appeared to improve physical function and reduce pain and depression. "We found that Tai Chi does have a lot of benefits for the elderly for physical and mental conditions." In June 2008, Dr. Kevin Chen and fellow researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Integrative Medicine, Baltimore, published a study in Clinical Rheumatology revealing the effectiveness of external Qigong therapy on people with knee osteoarthritis. External Qigong therapy is similar to therapeutic touch, in which the well-trained healer applies his/her Qi energy to the patient, Chen said. Chinese medicine considers knee arthritis to be caused by Qi blockage in the knee area. Among the three groups treated for two weeks, Chen said "the placebo group had a 33 percent reduction in pain, the group by Healer 1 had a 35 percent reduction in pain, while the group by Healer 2 had a 55 percent reduction of pain after two weeks of treatment." This led Chen to conclude that External QiGong Therapy might have a role in the treatment of osteoarthritis, depending upon the qualities of the healer. Chinese acupuncture also has been studied to aid in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Dr. Lixing Lao of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine has conducted three acupuncture studies from 1993 to 2004, from a small pilot study to a 570 patient clinical trail. "Patients who were randomly assigned to the acupuncture treatment group had significant pain relief and function improvement as compared to placebo/sham control," Lao said. Researchers realize more studies need to be done to incorporate Chinese exercise and healing practices into mainstream medicine in the U.S. But they are seeing hopeful signs. "Acupuncture is more accepted by the public than any time before," Lao said, citing a recently published survey conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Plus, Lao said, more medical acupuncturists are working in hospitals. "For example, in our University of Maryland School of Medicine, not only is acupuncture service provided by licensed acupuncturists in the center for integrative medicine, but also by medical acupuncturists for their patients in the shock trauma center, cancer center and anesthesiology department." 
|
|
 |
|
||
Moline, IL Details |
|||
Breakfast Pizza
(More recipes)
| (More Print Ads) |
Today is Friday, May 24, the 144th day of 2013. There are 221 days left in the year.
1863 -- 150 years ago: A military escort will be at the square at 9 a.m. tomorrow forthe funeral of Lieut. Joseph Eaton. The county judge is absent in Chicago, which willaccount for his not being in the procession.
1888 -- 125 years ago: Rock Island's City Council last night appropriated $95,000 forexpenses for the 1888 and 1889 fiscal year.
1913 -- 100 years ago: Mrs. F.W. Reimers last night was re-elected president of the RockIsland Musical Club at a meeting in the New Harper Hotel.
1938 -- 75 years ago: Seven members of Boy Scout Troop 21 got their Eagle badges lastnight. They were Ralph Hurt, Robert Nelson, Howard Schersten, Cecil Nelson, RobertFryxell, Clarence Stone and Rollin Hurt.
1963 -- 50 years ago: Mayor Morris Muhleman has resorted to a form letter in an effort toanswer objections to the wheel tax increase. "It was my hope that I could, in some way,restore the faith of the citizens in our city. In order to do this I knew I must face the factthat I would become very unpopular."All they are trying to do is protect the citizensproperty and build their town.
1988 -- 25 years ago: RICCA, the Rock Island County Council on Addictions, inconjunction with the Quad City Downs, will hold its annual "Night at the Races" June 2.The benefit "Night at the Races" will raise funds locally to assist in maintaining the twohalfway houses, New Hope Lodge (for women) and Beacon House (for men).
(More History)