Natural Standard Blog

Daily Consumption of Probiotics May Not Reduce Risk for Cold, Flu

Consuming probiotics on a daily basis may not reduce the risk of cold or flu in the elderly, according to a recent study.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria (sometimes referred to as "friendly germs") that help to maintain the health of the intestinal tract and aid in digestion. They also help keep potentially harmful organisms in the gut (harmful bacteria and yeasts) under control. Most probiotics come from food sources, especially cultured milk products. Probiotics can be consumed as capsules, tablets, beverages, powders, yogurts and other foods.

Research suggests that probiotics, especially those in milk or food, may help boost the immune system. However, commercially produced yogurt may not be as effective. More studies are needed, particularly with yogurt, in order to reach a firm conclusion.

In a new study, researchers randomly assigned 737 healthy elderly individuals from 53 nursing homes to receive probiotics in the form of two bottles of fermented milk or a placebo drink containing no probiotics daily for 176 days. All participants also received a flu shot on day 21. Several outcome measures, including respiratory symptoms and immune response to the flu shot were evaluated.

The researchers found that the consumption of probiotics had no significant effect on respiratory symptoms or immune response to the flu shot. Additional research is necessary in this area.

For more information about probiotics, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness Database.

For more information about integrative therapies for cold and flu prevention, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

BBC News Interviews Natural Standard About Chia

BBC News recently interviewed Dr. Catherine Ulbricht, Founder and CEO of Natural Standard, in the article: "The chia craze."

The article discusses the recent hype for chia seeds in the United States and the potential for the trend to spread to the United Kingdom.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Chia is believed to have come from Central America where the chia seed was considered a staple in the ancient Aztec diet. Native Americans in the southwestern United States used the seeds of a related plant, "golden chia" or Salva columbariae. People in China and other countries use the roots of another relative, "dan shen" or Salvia miltiorrhiza, for medicinal purposes.

Despite the recent craze for chia seeds, they are not a cure-all food, Dr. Ulbricht told BBC News. Dr. Ulbricht also highlighted that even though chia seeds are "natural," they still may have potential side effects.

Chia is often promoted for its high omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 content. Animal studies suggest that chia may lower blood cholesterol, LDL (low density lipoproteins or "bad" cholesterol), and triglycerides while increasing HDL (high density lipoproteins or "good" cholesterol). Chia may also have anti-cancer activity. However, studies in humans are limited.

To read the full article, please visit www.bbc.co.uk.

For more information about chia, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements Database.

Massage Therapy for Parkinson's Disease Symptoms

Massage therapy may improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease, according to a new study.

Massage is a broad term encompassing a variety of approaches to the manipulation of soft tissue to achieve health benefits. Massage techniques have been practiced for thousands of years in many cultures. Practitioners primarily use their hands but may also use their forearms, elbows or even their feet in some methods. Lubricants are often added to reduce friction and discomfort during the application of massage techniques. Early scientific evidence suggests that people with Parkinson's disease might have reduced symptoms after massage. More studies are needed.

In a new study, ten patients with Parkinson's disease were assigned to receive a 30-minute session of traditional Japanese message in combination with standard medications. Various outcome measures, including walking speed, range of shoulder motion, muscle pain and fatigue were evaluated before and after treatment.

The researchers found that walking speed, shoulder stiffness and the severity of other symptoms all improved after massage therapy. The authors concluded that massage therapy in combination with conventional medications may benefit Parkinson's disease patients. However, larger-scale well-designed studies are necessary before firm conclusions can be made.

In addition to massage therapy, several other integrative therapies have been evaluated for their potential effects on Parkinson's disease symptoms. Parkinson's patients have shown modest improvement in symptoms following music therapy, including in some aspects of motor coordination, speech intelligibility and vocal intensity, bradykinesia (slow movement), emotional functions, activities of daily living and quality of life.

For more information about integrative therapies for Parkinson's disease, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

For more information about massage therapy, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness Database.

Obese Children May Have Difficulty Adhering to Low-Carb Diet

Obese children may have difficulty adhering to a low-carbohydrate diet, according to a new study.

A low carbohydrate diet is one in which daily consumption of carbohydrates is limited or reduced, and fats and protein are increased. There are several types of low carbohydrate diets, but the most widely used low carbohydrate diet is the one advocated by Dr. Robert Atkins. The Atkins diet proposes that, in order to lose weight, one should adopt an eating style that radically departs from the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) food pyramid. It proposes the elimination of most carbohydrates as a source of energy; in the place of carbohydrates, the diet advocates the significantly increased consumption of fats, including trans fats and hydrogenated oils.

Carbohydrates are the most common source of energy in the American diet. Bran, cereal, bread, potatoes and pasta all contain high amounts of carbohydrates. Eating carbohydrates result in the body's secretion of insulin. Insulin is a substance produced in the body to regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates.

In a new study, researchers randomly assigned 100 obese children 7-12 years-old to a low-carbohydrate diet, a reduced glycemic load diet or a standard portion controlled diet for three months. All children participated in weekly dietary counseling and biweekly exercise. Various outcome measures, including the child's ability to adhere to the diet, were evaluated before the study and after three, six and 12-months.

The researchers found that body mass index scores, percent body fat and waste circumference were significantly lower after three months for all diet groups. Results were maintained through the 12-month follow-up period. However, the authors noted adherence to the low-carbohydrate diet was significantly lower than the other diets.

The authors concluded that a low-carbohydrate diet may be effective; however, obese children may have more difficulty adhering to low-carbohydrate dietary guidelines than others.

In addition to low-carbohydrate diets, many other diets have been studied for their effects in obese children. There is evidence that a macrobiotic diet may lead to reduced body size and obesity and increased leanness in preschool children compared to children on a normal diet. However, studies are needed to determine whether or not these changes contribute to good health in children.

For information about integrative therapies for weight loss in children, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

For more information about a low-carbohydrate diet, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness Database.

Natural Standard Featured CE/CME: Oregano

Natural Standard's featured CE/CME for the month of March is Oregano: Safety & Effectiveness.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) leaves, stems and flowers are used medicinally. Oregano has been recognized for its aromatic properties since ancient times. Today, oregano is commonly used as a food flavoring and preservative. According to early research, oregano may have antiparasitic, antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial and insect repellent properties. Oregano may also reduce the risk of heart disease and is occasionally used in dentistry. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support any of these suggested uses for oregano.

Natural Standard offers CE/CME modules for multidisciplinary healthcare professionals. Students and other users may take courses for training purposes without generating credit certificates. Continuing Education requirements differ based on discipline, license and location. If you are unsure of your specific needs, please contact your local agency.

Cryotherapy for Muscle Soreness

A new study suggests that cold water immersion baths after exercise, also known as cryotherapy, may reduce muscle soreness.

Cryotherapy is an accepted and commonly used practice in sports medicine because it has been shown to reduce the inflammation associated with many athletic injuries. The use of cryotherapy in sports medicine can be as simple as applying an ice pack to a swollen area of the body. It can also be administered with ice massages or cold whirlpools. The cooling of the affected area slows the release of chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling. The cold temperatures also reduce the ability of nerve endings to conduct pain signals.

In a new study, researchers conducted a comprehensive literature search for well-designed clinical trials evaluating the effects of cold water immersion on muscle soreness after exercise. Study quality and data were assessed by three independent authors. Seventeen studies with a total of 366 participants were ultimately identified for inclusion.

Of the 17 studies included, 14 compared the effects of cold water immersion after exercise with a control group. After combining and analyzing the study results, the researchers found that the cold water immersion treatments significantly benefited muscle soreness when compared to the control groups after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hour follow-up periods.

Four of the 17 studies compared the effects of cold water immersion with warm water immersion. The researchers found no significant differences between groups immediately after treatment or at the follow-up periods.

The authors concluded that cold water immersion may reduce muscle soreness after exercise; however, the quality of the studies evaluated was low. Further research is necessary before any firm conclusions can be made.

The mechanism of action of cryotherapy can be divided into three phases, heat transfer, cell injury and inflammation. The mechanism by which cryotherapy destroys the targeted cells is the quick transfer of heat from the skin. Cell injury occurs during the thaw, after the cell is frozen. Because of the hyperosmotic intracellular conditions, ice crystals do not form until -5 degrees Celsius to -10 degrees Celsius. The transformation of water to ice concentrates the extracellular solutes and results in an osmotic gradient across the cell membrane, causing further damage. Rapid freezing and slow thawing maximize tissue damage. The last response to cryotherapy is inflammation, which is usually observed as erythema and edema. Inflammation is the response to cell death and helps in local cell destruction. A thorough cryotherapy treatment causes basement membrane separation, which may result in blister formation.

In addition to cryotherapy, many other integrative therapies have been studied for their potential effects on exercise recovery. Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (hydroxymethylbutyrate, or HMB) has been found to reduce muscle damage associated with exercise and to shorten recovery time. Supplementation has been found to inhibit muscle breakdown and enhance protein synthesis. Additionally, several studies of weak design have suggested that massage may benefit post-exercise muscle soreness. However, the data are insufficient to form definitive conclusions.

For more information about integrative therapies for exercise recovery, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

For more information about cryotherapy, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness Database.

Electroacupuncture May Reduce Pain in Dysmenorrhea Patients

Electroacupuncture applied to the Hegu and Sanyinjiao acupoints may reduce pain for young women with dysmenorrhea.

Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual condition characterized by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain associated with menstruation. Dysmenorrhea may be classified as primary or secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea is severe and frequent menstrual cramping caused by severe and abnormal uterine contractions in women. Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by another medical condition, such as endometriosis (abnormalities in the lining of the uterus), adenomyosis (nonmalignant growth of the endometrium into the muscular layer of the uterus), pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, cervical narrowing, uterine malposition, pelvic tumors or an IUD (intra-uterine device).

In the 1930s, electric current was introduced to replace the manual maneuvering of the acupuncture needle. Electroacupuncture focuses on 80 (out of 365 in classical acupuncture) points, where nerves enter muscles. Some acupuncturists believe that electrical stimulation is better than needling for triggering the release of pain-relieving brain chemicals. An electrical stimulator is attached to an acupuncture needle placed at a traditional site. Each needle is inserted in a specific acupoint, usually 2 centimeters beneath the skin. Then the needles are connected to an electroacupuncture stimulator. The current is adjusted to what is considered the optimum, in which a slight twitching of the skin is visible around the needle. Current is delivered at variable frequencies.

In a new study, researchers randomly assigned 66 primary dysmenorrhea patients to one of two groups. The first group of 34 patients was assigned to receive electroacupuncture at middle-frequency at the Hegu and Sanyinjiao acupoints twice weekly for eight weeks. The second group received faux electroacupunture at non-acupounts. Pain scores were evaluated before and after treatment.

The researchers found that after eight weeks of treatment, the average pain scores and pain severity scores were significantly lower in the true electroacupuncture group when compared to the control group.

The authors concluded that electroacupuncture at the Hegu and Sanyinjiao acupoints may reduce pain for women with dysmenorrhea. Although promising, further research is necessary.

In addition to electroacupuncutre, preliminary evidence suggests that aromatherapy using oils of lavender, clary sage and rose may also help reduce menstrual pain. Additionally, there is initial research that suggests acupressure may reduce menstrual pain severity, pain medication use and anxiety associated with menstruation. Fennel has also been used to treat painful menstruation. Although preliminary research is promising, further research is needed before any firm conclusions can be made.

For more information about integrative therapies for dysmenorrhea, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

For more information about electroacupuncture, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness Database.

Chocolate Consumption Linked to Heart Health

A new study supports previous findings that suggest consuming chocolate may improve heart health.

Cocoa and chocolate are derived from the cacao bean (Theobroma cacao). Cacao is native to South America and has been grown in the tropics for at least 3,000 years. Today, the African country Ivory Coast is the largest supplier of raw cocoa. Some research suggests that a diet high in flavonoids may help protect against heart disease. However, more high-quality studies are needed before a conclusion can be drawn.

In a new study, researchers conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify well-designed clinical trials evaluating the effects of chocolate on heart health. Forty-two studies evaluating 1,297 participants for 18 weeks or less were ultimately included.

The researchers found that consuming chocolate resulted in reduced insulin levels, improved blood vessel functioning, reduced blood pressure and slight improvements in cholesterol levels. Greatest improvements in blood pressure were noted when more than 50 milligrams of flavonoids were consumed daily. Blood vessel functioning improved at any chocolate dose.

Although promising, the authors noted that the quality of evidence was rated as low-to-moderate, according to an evidence quality and strength grading assessment tool. Further research in this area is warranted.

Many health benefits associated with cocoa products have been examined clinically. Chocolate flavonoids, found in the highest amounts in dark chocolate, may have valuable health benefits. For this reason, and because it is so popular, chocolate is the focus of intense research. Cocoa formulations have been studied for their effect in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including heart disease, skin conditions and constipation.

Currently, high-quality human trials supporting the use of chocolate for any indication are lacking. Complicating recommendations of chocolate intake are the varying flavonoid contents of commercial cocoa products. Additional clinical studies using strictly characterized cocoa are necessary to clarify any relationship between beneficial health effects and flavonoid content.

Many other integrative therapies have been studied for their beneficial effects in heart health. Several well-designed trials have reported that in people with a history of heart attack, regular consumption of oily fish or fish oil or omega-3 supplements reduces the risk of nonfatal heart attack, fatal heart attack, sudden death and all-cause mortality (death due to any cause). Most patients in these studies were also using conventional heart drugs, suggesting that the benefits of fish oils may add to the effects of other therapies.

Additionally, early studies in animals and humans suggest that diets containing chia seed may decrease risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Evidence suggests that the benefits of Salba® in humans are similar to those of other whole grains. Salba® is a registered variety of chia that is marketed by Core Naturals, LLC. Further study is needed.

For more information about integrative therapies for heart health, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

For more information about chocolate, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements Database.

Magnesium Supplementation May Reduce Blood Pressure

Magnesium supplementation may slightly reduce blood pressure, according to a recent study.

The human body contains large amounts of the element magnesium. Magnesium is involved in more than 300 chemical reactions. The first reported medicinal use of magnesium occurred in the 17th Century, after a farmer found that well water, which contained magnesium sulfate, had soothing and healing properties when applied to the skin. Since then, Epsom salts, which contain magnesium sulfate, have been commonly applied to the skin and added to baths. Magnesium salts in various forms have been used for centuries as laxatives.

Previous studies on the blood pressure-lowering effects of oral magnesium supplementation in patients with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure have been inconclusive. Higher doses of magnesium are associated with a decrease in blood pressure to very low levels. Several studies have reported a small and not significant decrease in blood pressure with magnesium.

In a new study, researchers conducted a comprehensive literature search for studies assessing the effect of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure. Data on 22 trials evaluating 1,173 participants were identified for inclusion. Participants were supplemented with 120-973 milligrams of magnesium and evaluated over the course of three to 24 weeks.

The researchers found that despite a lack of significant effects in some individual trials, the combined results suggested that magnesium may have a small but clinically significant effect on blood pressure. The authors noted that the effects on blood pressure increased with daily doses over 370 milligrams.

The authors concluded that magnesium supplementation may slightly but significantly reduce blood pressure. Larger-scale well-designed clinical trials are needed before any firm conclusions can be made.

In addition to magnesium, many other integrative therapies have been studied for their potential effects on blood pressure. Multiple human trials have reported small reductions in blood pressure with intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may have greater benefits than eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). However, high daily intakes of omega-3 fatty acids may be necessary to obtain clinically relevant effects, and at high dose levels, there is an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, a qualified healthcare provider should be consulted prior to starting treatment with supplements. Numerous human studies have also reported that garlic may lower blood pressure.

For more information about integrative therapies for high blood pressure, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

For more information about magnesium, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements Database.

Natural Standard Training

Sign up for a free online training session to learn more about Natural Standard's decision-support tools.

Natural Standard provides high-quality, evidence-based information about integrative therapies to help healthcare professionals and consumers make safer, more educated decisions about health.

Natural Standard is an international multidisciplinary collaboration that includes contributors from more than 100 eminent academic institutions. Research teams systematically gather scientific data and expert opinions to develop comprehensive monographs that are designed to facilitate clinical decision making. For each therapy, the available scientific evidence of effectiveness is evaluated using the Natural Standard Evidence-Based Validated Grading Rationale™. All monographs undergo blinded peer review prior to inclusion in Natural Standard databases.

These guided tours will demonstrate how to navigate the various databases and cross reference medical conditions and therapies.

Tue, Mar 13, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Thu, Mar 15, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Tue, Mar 20, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Thu, Mar 22, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Tue, Mar 27, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Thu, Mar 29, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

Tue, Apr 3, 2012 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (EST)

After registration, attendees will receive e-mail confirmation with information on how to join the webinar.

System Requirements: PC-based attendees: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server. Macintosh®-based attendees: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Natural Standard Peripheral Vascular Disease Review Published

The latest issue of Alternative and Complementary Therapies features a Natural Standard review on Peripheral Vascular Disease: An Integrative Approach.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), is a slow and progressive circulation disorder. It may involve disease in any of the blood vessels outside of the heart and diseases of the lymph vessels - the arteries, veins, or lymphatic vessels. Organs supplied by these vessels such as the brain, heart, and legs, may not receive adequate blood flow for ordinary function. However, the legs and feet are most commonly affected, thus the name peripheral vascular disease.

The Natural Standard evidence-based monograph reviews the available scientific evidence on integrative treatment options for PVD.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies is a bimonthly publication that reviews the latest research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).

The latest issue features the following articles:

Roundoc Rx: Neurodegenerative Disease: Part 1-Common Pathways to Brain Injury in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease by Robert Rountree, MD

Diagnostic Challenges and Treatment Options for Thyroid Conditions by Richard Shames, MD

Integrative Nurse Coaching for Health and Wellness by Bonney Gulino Schaub, RN, MS, PMHCNS-BC; Susan Luck, RN, MA, HNC, CCN and Barbara Dossey, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN

Patients and Evidence Motivate Hospitals' Increase in CAM Services by Jane Hart, MD

American Indian Health: Integrating Traditional Native Healing Practices and Western Medicine by Sala Horowitz, PhD

Current Controversies in Nutrition: The Calorie Myth-Why Some Calories "Weigh" More than Others by Jack Challem, BA, ASN

Botanical Medicines and Ionizing Radiation: Part 2-Radiosensitizing Herbs by Eric Yarnell, ND and Kathy Abascal, BS, JD, RH (AHG)

Moving Forward in Integrative Oncology: An Interview with Gary E. Deng, MD, PhD by Jane Hart, MD

Peripheral Vascular Disease: An Integrative Approach: A Natural Standard Monograph by Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD, editor

To subscribe to the journal, please visit www.liebertpub.com/act.

Natural Standard in Natural Medicine Journal

The latest issue of the Natural Medicine Journal features a Natural Standard evidence-based review on Siberian ginseng.

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as Acanthopanax senticosus) is a small, woody shrub native to southeastern Russia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. Although Eleutherococcus senticosus is not related to true ginseng (Panax ginseng), the name Siberian ginseng became popular because the two plants shared some similar properties. Overall, there is currently little clinical evidence on the use of Siberian ginseng to treat any medical condition in humans.

The Natural Medicine Journal is an open-access, peer-reviewed e-journal for integrative healthcare practitioners, as well as students and faculty who focus on the field of natural medicine. The monthly journal and website provide scientifically-valid, clinically-relevant information.

The March issue features the following articles:

Red Yeast Rice for Cardioprotection by Michael Traub, ND, FABNO

Costimulatory Effect of Velvet Antler on Proliferation of Human T Lymphocytes by Vitaly Ablamunits, PhD and Vladimir Petrov, PhD

Siberian Ginseng: A Review of the Literature by Natural Standard

The Most Recent Vitamin D Research interview with Gregory Plotnikoff, MD, MTS, FACP

Homocysteine, CoQ10, and Parkinson's Disease by Tina Kaczor, ND, FABNO

Lactobacilli and Cyclists by Jacob Schor, ND, FABNO

Whole-fat Dairy Consumption Associated with Lower Metabolic Risk Factors and Lower Incidence of Diabetes by Jennifer Brusewitz, ND

The Role of an Herbal Supplement in Lowering Biomarkers for Breast Cancer by Sherry Torkos, BScPhm, RPh

The Role of Food Aesthetics in Child and Adult Diets by Matthew Baral, ND, and Jessica Moore

Botanical Interventions for Hypertension and Hypercholesterolemia interview with Mary Bove, ND

To subscribe to the complimentary journal, please visit www.naturalmedicinejournal.com.

Complimentary Webinar

Natural Standard is offering a series of complimentary webinars on integrative medicine. Natural Standard offers these impartial webinars as an informational public service. All webinars are recorded and archived at www.naturalstandard.com/webinars.

To comment on a recent webinar or to suggest future webinar topics, please visit Natural Standard's blog.

Neuropathy: Integrative Care Cases: Maria Tournas, PharmDc, presents several patient cases detailing the safety and effectiveness of integrative therapies for neuropathy. She discusses the scientific evidence, dosing, safety and interactions related to various therapies. Complimentary access will be available starting April 1, 2012.

Natural Standard Exhibits

Individuals interested in learning more about evidence-based integrative medicine are invited to visit Natural Standard at several upcoming events. Natural Standard will be exhibiting its latest products and services, including the new Continuing Education Modules.

To make an appointment to meet with one of Natural Standard's representatives at an upcoming conference, please email sales@naturalstandard.com.

American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Annual Meeting & Exposition: The event will take place March 9-March 12, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Natural Standard will be exhibiting at booth #234. For more information, please visit www.aphameeting.org.

2012 Spring Health Connect Partners Hospital Pharmacy Conference: The event will take place May 7-9, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Miami, Florida. For more information, please visit www.hlthcp.com.

SupplySide MarketPlace 2012: The event will take place May 8-10, 2012 at the Javits Center in New York, New York. Natural Standard will be exhibiting at booth #262. For more information, please visit www.supplysideshow.com.

Medical Library Association (MLA) Annual Meeting and Exhibition: The event will take place May 18-23, 2012 at the Washington Convention Center in Seattle, Washington. Natural Standard will be exhibiting at booth #511. For more information, please visit www.mlanet.org.

Whole-Body Vibration Therapy for Balance

Whole-body vibration therapy may improve balance for women with fibromyalgia, according to a new study.

Vibration therapy, also known as vibration healing, is the use of mechanical vibration to supposedly prevent, treat and promote recovery from a variety of physical ailments, including pain, sports injuries and bone density loss. Whole-body vibration therapy is applied for more systemic complaints. A patient stands on a machine or sits in a chair that vibrates. Many physical therapists for professional athletes use vibration therapy to decrease the recovery time after an injury. However, evidence of benefit is currently unclear.

In a new study, 30 postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group participated in exercise training twice weekly as well as whole-body vibration therapy three days weekly. The second group participated in the same exercise program twice weekly, but did not participate in any whole-body vibration therapy. Muscle strength and balance were measured at the beginning of the study and then again after six weeks.

The researchers found that women who received whole-body vibration therapy had significant improvements in balance after six weeks when compared to the women who did not participate in vibration therapy. However, the authors noted that no significant improvements were found for strength.

The authors concluded that whole-body vibration therapy may improve balance for women with fibromyalgia. Addition research is necessary to further understand these findings.

Fibromyalgia is a complex, disabling and chronic (long-term) condition characterized by widespread long-term pain, fatigue and stiffness in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as multiple tender points (places on the body where slight pressure causes pain). In addition to muscular pain and fatigue, fibromyalgia may also be associated with sleep problems, depression and an inability to think clearly.

The cause of fibromyalgia is unclear. Fibromyalgia is believed to be the result of central nervous system malfunction, resulting in amplification of pain transmission and detection. Researchers believe that several factors, including sleep disturbances, stress, family history of fibromyalgia, infection, injury, abnormalities in the nervous system and changes in muscle metabolism, may lead to the development of fibromyalgia.

For more information about integrative therapies for fibromyalgia, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

For more information about vibration therapy, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness Database.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): An Integrative Approach

Natural Standard is offering a series of upcoming complimentary webinars on integrative medicine. Natural Standard offers these impartial webinars as an informational public service. All webinars are recorded and archived at www.naturalstandard.com/webinars.

Ashley Tewksbury, PharmDc, presents an overview of the signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She discusses several patient cases detailing the safety and effectiveness of integrative therapies for this condition. She also reviews the scientific evidence, dosing, safety and interactions related to various therapies. Complimentary access to the webinar is now available here (Requires Windows Media Player).

The transcript of this webinar is also available as a PDF.

Legal Regulations of Dietary Supplements

Natural Standard is offering a series of upcoming complimentary webinars on integrative medicine. Natural Standard offers these impartial webinars as an informational public service. All webinars are recorded and archived at www.naturalstandard.com/webinars.

Kathleen Jodoin, PharmDc presents an overview of the legal regulations of dietary supplements, including descriptions of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) and Dietary Supplements Health Education Act (DSHEA), with a focus on claim substantiation and product labeling requirements. Complimentary access to the webinar is now available here (Requires Windows Media Player).

The transcript of this webinar is also available as a PDF.