Complementary Medicine Methods Research Articles

The assessment of complementary and alternative medicine use in acne vulgaris patients in Turkey: A cross-sectional study.

Because acne vulgaris has a chronic course, can cause cosmetic problems, and negatively affects the psychosocial functionality and quality of life of patients, patients with acne vulgaris can frequently resort to complementary medicine practices. This study aimed to examine the frequency of complementary medicine use in patients diagnosed with acne vulgaris, the methods they used, the reasons for practicing these methods, and the factors affecting these practices. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 400 (81.4%) of 491 patients aged ≥13 years who were diagnosed with acne vulgaris and treated at the dermatology outpatient clinic at Konya Numune Hospital between February and October 2020 were enrolled. A survey consisting of 37 questions was administered to patients in face-to-face interviews. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Faculty of Medicine Local Ethics Committee. The mean age of the patients was 20.0 ± 5.17, and 60% of the patients were women. It was stated by 87% of the patients that they used complementary medicine methods for the treatment of acne vulgaris. The first 3 methods used, in order of frequency, were topical herbal remedies at a rate of 61%, herbal medicines at 23.5%, and cupping/leeches at 2.5%. Complementary medicine use was significantly higher among the patients aged 19 to 25 and among the single patients. While practicing complementary medicine treatments, 33.5% also used the treatment given by their doctor simultaneously. It was determined that the physicians of 73.5% of the patients did not question their use of complementary medicine when prescribing treatment. In our study, it was determined that 87% of patients with acne vulgaris used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods, and the majority of these patients were young. These treatment methods may affect the treatments that their physicians will recommend. Therefore, to prevent ill-advised practices, patients should be informed about the CAM methods they use when planning their treatment. Considering the possible side effects of CAM practices, physicians need to be aware that acne vulgaris patients frequently use CAM methods and improve themselves in raising the desired awareness on this issue.

Procedures of complementary medicine in rheumatology

Patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal system are confronted with alarge quantity of treatment offers based on methods of complementary medicine. Despite aconsiderable number of publications on this topic, the scientific evidence is still poor. This article focuses on Ayurvedic medicine (AM), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), mind-body medicine and homeopathy. These procedures have alongstanding tradition of practice and each claims to have its own theoretical concept; however, the application in the field of rheumatology can only be recommended either for specific entities or, in the case of homeopathy, not at all. In addition, this article summarizes the evidence for dietary recommendations, nutritional supplements and herbal medicine in rheumatology. The latter topics are frequently discussed in the popular press and are amuch-debated issue between physicians and patients; however, clear-cut recommendations for the application on ascientific basis are the exception and mainly consist of the endorsement to adhere to the principles of aMediterranean diet.

Comparison of two methods of complementary medicine on postoperative pain and anxiety: A randomized clinical trial.

Postoperative pain and anxiety are unpleasant situations that are often experienced by women undergoing cesarean section. Since the routine methods of pain relief after surgery is still inadequate, the need for complementary treatments is felt. Foot Reflexology (FR) and Auricular Acupressure (AA) are two of the most popular and safe procedures of complementary and alternative medicine therapies. So, this study aimed to determine and compare the effectiveness of reflexology and AA on postoperative pain and anxiety. This three-group randomized clinical trial study was performed on 101 pregnant women, admitted to Mashhad Omolbanin hospital, for a cesarean section, in 2015. In the intervention groups, 2-3 h after the operation, AA or FR was performed for 20 min. Routine care was provided for the control group. Pain and anxiety were evaluated by VAS and Spielberger anxiety questionnaire before and 1 and 2 h after the intervention. The results showed that immediately after the intervention, pain intensity was significantly lower in both AA and FR groups (P < 0.001) compared with the control group. In addition, 2 h after the interventions, pain intensity was significantly lower in the AA group compared with the control group (P = 0.006). However, no significant differences were observed between the FR and the control groups (P = 0.095). In addition, 1 and 2 h after the intervention, anxiety was significantly different between the three groups (P = 0.033 and P = 0.018), respectively. The results of the Tukey test showed that this difference was only between FR and control groups (P = 0.025 and P = 0.017), respectively. AA is more effective in reducing post-cesarean pain while FR effectively reduces post-cesarean anxiety. Therefore, these complementary medicine treatments as easy and noninvasive methods are recommended to be used during labor for improving maternal outcomes.

Assessment of Herbal Product Use Among Infertile Women: A Survey-Based Study in Türkiye

Aim: The use of herbal products is the most commonly preferred traditional and complementary medicine method. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of herbal product use among infertile women in Türkiye and identify the factors affecting the use of these products. Methods: We created a survey consisting of 31 questions, six of which were open-ended and used to interview 108 infertile women at the infertility clinic of Sakarya University Hospital to assess herbal product use. SPSS v20 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the participants, 69 (63.8%) had previously used herbal products to treat their infertility. They were found to have used 62 different herbal products for their condition. In order, the five most commonly used plants were onions, figs, carobs, yarrows, and walnuts. However; 15.94% of the participants who used herbal products experienced mild to moderate side effects, with the most common side effects being nausea, dizziness, and muscle weakness. In addition, 79.71% of the participants who used herbal products had not consulted their doctor about using these products. Conclusion: At present, alternative treatments have become more common, and people use alternative treatment methods for many health problems, such as infertility. According to the literature, herbal products are one of the most frequently used alternative treatment methods. However, there is insufficient evidence-based research on the positive and negative effects of these products. Hence, more comprehensive studies on the impacts of herbal products are needed. Keywords: herbal, products, infertility, complementary medicine

The Effect of Foot Bath on Physiological Parameters and Anxiety in Patients With Acute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: Stroke is one of the most important neurological diseases in the world. Anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders associated with stroke that can disrupt the daily functioning of patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of foot baths on physiological parameters and anxiety in patients with stroke. Methods: The present study was a single-blind clinical trial that was performed on 60 patients with stroke admitted to Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj. The available method was used for sampling and the samples were randomly divided into two groups of test and control (30 people in each group). For the patients of the experimental group, between 2 and 5 PM., a foot bath was performed for 15 minutes by a researcher colleague. For patients in both the experimental and control groups, blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, SpO2, and anxiety in the supine position were measured before and half an hour after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 19 by the independent and paired t-tests at a significance level of P&lt;0.05. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 60.98±9.53 years. After the intervention in the experimental group, the mean scores of systolic (159.73 vs. 149.87) and diastolic (90.87 vs. 89.03) blood pressures, heart rate (86.47 vs. 85.37), and anxiety (51.8 vs. 48.4) significantly reduced and the amount of SpO2 (96.2 vs. 97.67) significantly increased (P&lt;0.05). Based on the independent t-test, no statistically significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups in terms of physiological parameters and anxiety (P&gt;0.05). Discussion: Given the importance of the role of nurses in the rehabilitation of patients with stroke, complementary medicine methods, such as foot baths can be considered safe, inexpensive, and uncomplicated methods in patients with stroke to reduce anxiety and improve physiological parameters.

Comparing the Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage and Familiar Sensory Stimulation on the Level of Consciousness of Trauma Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units: A Clinical Trial Study

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an acquired brain tissue injury with different severities that leads to a change in the patient’s level of consciousness. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the impact of foot reflexology massage and familiar sensory stimulation on the level of consciousness of trauma patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of Khatam Al-Anbia Hospital in Zahedan in 2021. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design on 135 trauma patients with an altered level of consciousness admitted to the ICUs of Khatam Al-Anbia Hospital in Zahedan in 2021. The participants were selected using convenience sampling from the patients who met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to 3 groups: Foot reflexology massage, familiar sensory stimulation, and control groups (each with 45 patients). The foot reflexology massage group received reflex massage on both feet for 30 minutes, the familiar sensory stimulation group received familiar sensory stimulation for 45 minutes, and the control group received ICU routine care. The interventions were carried out for 1 week in 2 morning and evening shifts. The patient’s consciousness level was measured and recorded using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 5 minutes before and 30 minutes after the intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, as well as using analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired samples t-test, independent samples t-test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at a significance level of 0.05 (P &lt; 0.05). Results: The data showed that the average consciousness score for the patients in both foot reflexology massage and familiar sensory stimulation groups increased significantly after the intervention compared to the control group (P = 0.001), but the 2 interventions were not significantly different in improving the level of consciousness of the patients. Conclusions: Foot reflexology massage and familiar sensory stimulation were both equally effective in increasing the level of consciousness of trauma patients with an altered level of consciousness, and none of them was superior to the other. Thus, nurses can use these 2 complementary medicine methods to speed up the improvement of consciousness of patients with TBI.

Effects of Complementary Alternative Medicine on Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Systematic Review

Background: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is a common problem for pregnant women. Many pregnant women are worried about the side effects of pharmacological therapy, thus encouraging them to use non-pharmacological therapy. Researchers have recently paid particular attention to complementary medicine methods for the treatment of NVP. With regard to the high prevalence of NVP as well as the adverse effects of chemicals on the mother and fetus of the drug, this study focused on assessing the safety and efficacy of different non-pharmacological methods in eliminating NVP. This systematic review was carried out to assess the safety and efficacy of different non-pharmacological methods in eliminating NVP. Methods: This study used a systematic review method by conducting a literature search through the PubMed database, Cochrane library, Science direct, Proquest, and Google Scholar with publication years starting January 2011 and January 2021. Results: A total of ten articles were selected as part of the final sample according to the inclusion criteria. Of the 10 articles, 2 were about the use of ginger, 3 were about Acupuncture-moxibustion, 2 were about psychotherapy, one was about Progressive muscle relaxation, and 2 were about psychoeducation. Studies have shown a positive effect on NVP reduction; however, no side effects were reported. Conclusion: According to the results of this review, most of the methods used are effective in reducing the incidence of NVP, among which ginger and P6 acupressure can be recommended more reliably.

Doğum Sonu Dönemde Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp Yöntemleri ve Ebelik Bakımı

Doğum sonu dönem; fizyolojik, psikolojik ve sosyal değişikliklerin yaşandığı önemli bir dönemdir. Bu değişikliklere uyum sağlamada kadınlar, giderek daha fazla geleneksel ve tamamlayıcı tıp yöntemlerini tercih etmektedir. İlaçların yan etkisinin olması, maliyetinin artması, bebeğine ve kendine zarar vereceği endişesi, kadın ve ailesini giderek daha fazla geleneksel ve tamamlayıcı tıp uygulamalarına yöneltmektedir. Doğum sonu geleneksel ve tamamlayıcı tıp uygulamalarında, annelere en yakın kişi olan ebelere önemli görevler düşmektedir. Bu derleme, doğum sonu dönemde geleneksel ve tamamlayıcı tıp yöntemleri ile ilgili ebeler başta olmak üzere, tüm sağlık profesyonellerini bilgilendirmek amacıyla hazırlanmıştır.

Medicinal Leech Therapy: A Compressive Review

Complementary medicine methods have a long history, but modern medicine has just recently focused on their possible modes of action. Medicinal leech therapy (MLT) or hirudotherapy, an old technique, has been studied by many researchers for possible effects on various diseases such as inflammatory diseases, osteoarthritis, and after different surgeries. Hirudo medicinalis has widest therapeutic usage among the leeches, but worldwide, many different species were tested and studied. Leeches secrete more than 20 identified bioactive substances such as antistasin, eglins, guamerin, hirudin, saratin, bdellins, complement, and carboxypeptidase inhibitors. They have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, platelet inhibitory, anticoagulant, and thrombin regulatory functions, as well as extracellular matrix degradative and antimicrobial effects, but with further studies, the spectrum of effects may widen. The technique is cheap, effective, easy to apply, and its modes of action have been elucidated for certain diseases. In conclusion, for treatment of some diseases, MLT is not an alternative, but is a complementary and/or integrative choice. MLT is a part of multidisciplinary treatments, and secretes various bioactive substances. These substances vary among species and different species should be evaluated for both treatment capability and their particular secreted molecules. There is huge potential for novel substances and these could be future therapeutics

The Use of Complementary Medicine Methods by the Nurses Working During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Use of Complementary Medicine Methods by the Nurses Working During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Among Medical Students: Results of A Questionnaire Study

Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and use of traditional and complementary medicine among medical students. Methods: The study was conducted among 160 (80 females, 80 males) medical students who are studying in their last year of Medical School at Trakya University. The questionnaire used for the study consists of 3 sections and 19 questions. The data collected provided the following: an overview of the study groups, students' general perceptions and knowledge of traditional and complementary medicine, and a comparison of students' knowledge, attitudes, and use of traditional and complementary medicine. Results: One hundred and sixty questionnaires were filled and returned. Traditional and complementary medicine was performed on 47 (29.4%) (22 men, 25 women) of the 160 students who participated in this study. The most well-known traditional and complementary medicine methods among medical students were acupuncture, ozone therapy, and mesotherapy. The majority of students had positive attitudes toward traditional and complementary medicine and acknowledged its potential benefits, but reported limited knowledge of the subject. Conclusion: Utilization of traditional and complementary medicine was relatively low among students, as the majority of students relied on mainstream medicine for their health needs. These findings highlight the need for increased education and training in traditional and complementary medicine for medical students to ensure that they can address the health needs of patients who use traditional and complementary medicine. Keywords: complementary medicine, medical students, questionnaire, traditional medicine

Attitudes towards complementary medicine practices among patients admitted to a primary care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey

Introduction and aim. The use of complementary medicine applications is increasing due to the interest of society. We aimed to assess the attitudes, behaviors, and awareness of the patients who applied to a primary care unit towards complementary medicine practices. Material and methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted with the voluntary participation of 562 individuals who admitted in a primary care unit. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews through a research questionnaire form and the Complementary, Alternative, and Conventional Medicine Attitudes Scale between 20 June-20 August 2021. The sample size was calculated with the OpenEpi v3.01program and statistical analyzes were performed using the SPSS-24 package program. Results. Their mean age was 39.73±12.95 years and women accounted for 55.5% (n=312) of all participants. The most known complementary medicine methods were phytotherapy, acupuncture, and cup therapy. The information sources of the participants about Complementary Medicine were mostly people around them; only 31.1% of them consulted a doctor. The mean total scale score was 111.45±19.08. Those with chronic diseases, employees, who had COVID-19 disease, high educational status, and those who evaluated their health status as good had more positive attitudes towards complementary medicine practices. A weak negative correlation was found between age and total scale score. Conclusion. Although positive attitudes towards complementary medicine practices are exhibited, health professionals are consulted at very low rates as a source of information. Health care providers must make arrangements and plans to provide this increasing interest from reliable sources.

Comparison of the Effect of Fennel and Evening Primrose Oil on Menopausal Problems and Hormonal Levels: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Using natural oral supplements is one of the methods of complementary medicine that has been widely welcomed in the last decade Since studies have reported contradictory results for effectiveness of herbal medicines during menopause and no other more effective herbal medicine has been suggested yet, the researchers of this study decided to compare the fennel and Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) and their effect on menopause problems and sex hormones. The present study was a triple-blinded, controlled clinical trial with 125 participants randomly assigned to. An intervention group received fennel, another intervention group received evening primrose oil, and the placebo group received placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. Pre-intervention and post-intervention results were obtained using hormonal assay and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). In this study, the mean follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels changed significantly in the fennel and EPO groups compared to placebo (p < 0.001). The difference in the mean FSH score between the fennel group and EPO group was not significant (p = 0.304), but the difference in the mean estradiol level between these groups was significant (p = 0.043). Moreover, there was a significant difference in the mean MRS score between the intervention groups before the intervention (p < 0.05). However, the difference in the mean MRS score between the fennel and EPO groups was not significant after the intervention (p = 0.322). Consumption of fennel and EPO can significantly change FSH, estradiol, and psychological menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

A Study on the Prescription of Herbal Medicines by Physicians for the Elderly in Tehran

Objectives: The use of herbal medicine is one of the most widely used methods of complementary medicine around the world. Studies have shown that the elderly use a variety of herbal medicines and believe that these products are harmless due to being natural. This study aims to evaluate the amount of herbal medicines prescribed by physicians for the elderly in Iran. Methods &amp; Materials: This is a secondary analysis study with a cross-sectional design. The study population consist of the paper prescriptions for all older adults in Tehran, Iran in 2020. Of these, 1591 paper prescriptions for older people aged &gt;60 years referred to pharmacies in Tehran were selected by a cluster random sampling method. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (Mean, No. [%]) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test, independent t-test) in SPSS software, version 24. Results: Out of 1591 prescriptions, 79(5%) contained herbal medicines. Laxatives, ginkgo, and ginseng were the most prescribed medicines. Chi-square test results showed the statistically significant relationship of the educational level of the elderly (P=0.018), having insurance (P=0.004) and polypharmacy (P=0.000) with the prescription of herbal medicines, but the gender and marital status of the elderly and the gender, age and work experience of the physicians had no significant relationship with the prescription of herbal medicines. The rate of herbal medicine prescription by general practitioners was 5.7% and by specialized physicians was 4.7%, but no significant relationship was found between them. Among the specialized physicians, infectious disease specialists prescribed the most herbal medicines (14%) followed by physical medicine specialists (12%) and orthopedics (9.2%). Chi-square test results showed a significant relationship between the expertise of physicians and prescription of herbal medicines (P=0.042). Conclusion: The rate of herbal medicine prescription in Tehran city is low, but due to the interest of the elderly in herbal medicines, producing various herbal medicines with suitable forms and dosages and increasing the knowledge of physicians about these medicines can help increase the prescription of herbal medicines.

Evaluation of the Use, Reasons, and Satisfaction with the Complementary Medicine among Patients Living with a Permanent Ostomy.

Patients living with a permanent ostomy encounter many physical, psychological, and social challenges due to the loss of function of a part of their body. Today, as the use of alternative therapies increases, some of these patients are seeking complementary medicine to relieve the symptoms and complications of their disease. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the use of, reasons for, and satisfaction with the complementary medicine among patients living with a permanent ostomy. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients living with a permanent ostomy who were referred to ostomy clinics in southeastern Iran. The census method was used for sampling. The research tool included a complementary medicine questionnaire. SPSS-25 was used for data analysis. The results showed that in physical methods, most of the participants used herbal medicines (83%), aromatherapy (79%), vitamin supplements (76%), and diet (66%). In mental methods, most of the participants used prayer/recourse/vow (91%) and music therapy (75%) (every day to several times a year). People with university education (p < 0.001), higher incomes (p = 0.002), and history of addiction (p = 0.048) used more methods of complementary medicine. Fifty-three point four of the participants used herbal medicines to reduce physical complications, 46.6% used them to improve anxiety and stress induced by ostomy, and between 66 and 80% was completely satisfied with the use of various types of complementary medicine. The study results showed that the frequency of complementary medicine use among patients living with a permanent ostomy varied from a few days to several years. Considering the use of complementary medicine by these patients, educational programs, and interventions are necessary to increase the general awareness of ostomy patients about the types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the effects of these methods.

Investigation of the Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Methods by Individuals Receiving Home Care Services

Investigation of the Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Methods by Individuals Receiving Home Care Services

Complementary or alternative medicine in oncology : Chances or risks?

Approximately half of all cancer patients use complementary or alternative medicine. The results of the German S3guidelines on complementary oncology are presented and placed into the context of patient consultation. The core recommendations of the S3guidelines are summarized including an overview of the evidence. Selected methods of complementary medicine can be used with the aim of improving the quality of life and reducing side effects. Comprehensive data are available for physical activity with respect to survival, quality of life and supportive therapy. For most other methods the evidence is relatively low. Therefore, weighing up the benefits and risks more frequently resulted in negative recommendations in the guidelines, especially for methods based on substances. Exceptions to this are three micronutrients (vitamins B12, Dand selenium), as even in the case of awell-balanced diet, deficiency symptoms are possible. Therefore, routine measurement of the blood levels of these micronutrients is recommended. The questions from patients on what they can do by themselves should be answered respectfully and based on evidence. The benefits and risks of complementary methods must be carefully considered. To do this, regular questioning of patients on the interest in complementary methods is recommended. The decisive benefit of complementary medicine is the chance for patients to become active themselves. Therefore, all recommendations refer to the discussion with the patient, which do not formulate a therapy but are consultation recommendations: should be recommended instead of should be done.

Determining the Traditional Complementary Medicine Methods Used by Mothers Against Common Child Health Problems: Descriptive Study

Determining the Traditional Complementary Medicine Methods Used by Mothers Against Common Child Health Problems: Descriptive Study

Cupping Therapy and Scientific Basics

Cupping therapy is a traditional and complementary medicine practice that has a history of 5000 years and is used in many societies. One of the 15 complementary medicine methods accepted in the Regulation on Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practices published by the Ministry of Health in Turkey is cupping. In this article, cupping therapy application and studies on cupping therapy will be presented.

Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Methods in Children: Is It Effective and Safe?

Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Methods in Children: Is It Effective and Safe?