Body, Mind & Spirit Articles and Latest News

Overall, in a pilot study of a ginkgo biloba extract for delaying the onset of dementia in the elderly, researchers did not find a reduction in progression to dementia in those using ginkgo versus those using placebo. However, when the researchers took into account participants’ adherence to taking the compound, the group that took ginkgo did appear to have a reduced risk of progression and a smaller decline in memory.

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A review of seven clinical trials of acupuncture given with embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) suggests that acupuncture may improve rates of pregnancy. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of couples experience reproductive difficulty and seek specialist fertility treatments, such as IVF.

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This fact sheet answers some frequently asked questions about St. John’s wort and depression, and summarizes what the science says about its effectiveness and the research being done.

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. NCCAM has funded many basic and clinical studies related to heart disease. To ensure safe and coordinated care, people should talk to their health care providers about any CAM therapy that they are currently using or considering.

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This Backgrounder will provide an introduction to acupuncture as well as resources for more information. Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. As part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture aims to restore and maintain health through the stimulation of specific points on the body.

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This fact sheet will provide information on menopausal symptoms and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) based on findings from a 2005 National Institutes of Health State-of-the-Science conference on the management of menopause-related symptoms, as well as resources for more information.

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The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) welcomes six new members to the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The Council serves as the principal advisory body to NCCAM, the lead Federal agency for complementary and alternative medicine research and a component of the National Institutes of Health.

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