The Checkup Archive: Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Alternative Medicine Spending Soars

The amount of money that Americans are shelling out for herbal supplements, meditation, acupuncture and other forms of "alternative" medical care is continuing to skyrocket, according to a new government data out today. Americans spent $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on "complementary and alternative" or CAM therapies in 2007, according to the...

Life's Big Questions: What Should My Stool Look Like?

In ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical system, one seeks to balance one's doshas, or basic life energies, to achieve physical and psychological health. A good way to determine whether those doshas -- known as vata, pitta and kapha -- are out of balance is to look carefully at what you...

Does Acupuncture Help Your Back?

Lots of people swear by acupuncture for all sorts of things, including relieving back aches. Well, there's an interesting new study out this week that raises some provocative questions about how well acupuncture really works. Daniel Cherkin of the Group Health Center for Health Studies in Seattle and his colleagues...

One Miracle Berry That Lives Up to Hype

I've just had the sweetest, most delightful afternoon snack. First, I ate two slices of lemon. Then a spoonful of sour cream. And a drop of hot sauce, followed by a taste of unsweetened cocoa. Finally, the piece de resistance: a hunk of red bell pepper. The lemon and pepper...

A Conversation about Constipation

Let's chat about constipation. That invitation alone ought to provide a certain relief to some of the estimated 4 million Americans who suffer from recurrent constipation. After all, for such a common problem, it's not one we discuss much. As they say, misery loves company.... I got to thinking about...

A New Wind A-Blowin' for Medical Marijuana?

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder told reporters Wednesday that federal law-enforcement officials will no longer go after providers of marijuana that's used for medicinal purposes in the 13 states in which medical marijuana is legal unless that service is just a front for unlawful activities. That announcement will no doubt...

Older Entries in This Category »

Do We Need NCCAM?, Jennifer LaRue Huget , March 18, 2009

Green Tea Setback?, Jennifer LaRue Huget , February 9, 2009

Are There Toxins in Your Herbs?, Rob Stein , August 28, 2008

Unwittingly Practicing CAM?, Jennifer LaRue Huget , August 13, 2008

Is Soy Safe -- or Scary?, Jennifer LaRue Huget , July 30, 2008

How Well Do You Know Your Massage Therapist?, Jennifer LaRue Huget , July 23, 2008

The NIH and The Woo-Woo Thing, Jennifer LaRue Huget , May 21, 2008

Laughter Yoga. No Joke!, Jennifer LaRue Huget , May 9, 2008