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CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE MAY EASE CHEMOTHERAPY FOR BREAST CANCER Chinese herbal medicine could protect the immune systems of breast cancer patients from the side effects of chemotherapy. A new Cochrane Systematic Review has found that using Chinese herbs either alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy may help protect a breast cancer patient’s bone marrow and immune system. The review also found that Chinese herbs improve quality of life. As part of the review, scientists working for the Cochrane Collaboration analyzed data from seven randomized studies involving 542 women with breast cancer who were undergoing or had recently undergone chemotherapy. All the studies compared treatment with chemotherapy alone vs. chemotherapy plus a Chinese herb or herbal regimen. Sixty percent of women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer experience a range of significant short-term side effects. The researchers concluded the trials provided evidence that Chinese herbal treatments can reduce some short-term side effects of chemotherapy, such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and bone marrow suppression. “The results suggest that using Chinese herbs in conjunction with chemotherapy or Chinese herbal medicines alone may be beneficial in terms of improvements in bone marrow suppression and immune system, and may improve overall quality of life,” the researchers said. In three studies, women given herbal remedies saw a noticeable improvement in their number of white blood cells-a key element of the immune system, made in bone marrow. Two of the studies indicated herbal compounds appeared to have a general positive effect on quality of life. “Western physicians not trained in traditional Chinese medicine or the use of Chinese medicinal herbs should not dismiss these approaches as being without theory or clinical basis, and should likewise support further studies in the field,” wrote the researchers in the latest issue of the online journal Cochrane Library. Chinese herbal therapy, combined with acupuncture and lifestyle modifications, can effectively treat a variety of conditions. If you have health concerns, call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500 to schedule a free initial 15-minute consultation. … Read More

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TAI CHI HAS PROVEN HEALTH BENEFITS Tai Chi, the ancient martial art, can improve health and fitness levels for people of all ages. Unlike more strenuous physical activities, Tai Chi's slow, balanced movements "are very accessible to older adults or patient populations that may have some physical limitations," says Dr. Michael Irwin, a professor of psychiatry and a researcher at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, part of the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine. He's conducted extensive research on Tai Chi’s health benefits. Tai Chi practitioners define one of the discipline's health benefits as the ability to restore a yin-yang physiological balance to qi, or life energy. Tai Chi works because the muscle movements in the exercises stimulate the flow of qi through the body and the major organs. Other tai chi exercises cultivate growth and storage of qi leading to longer life, better health and faster recovery from accidents. Irwin says there's currently no way to scientifically validate this, "But I'm not bothered by that, because there are lots of things in the world that we do not understand because we do not yet have a way to measure them." He and other researchers have compared the health of Tai Chi practitioners against that of more sendentary types of individuals. Using a "Medical Outcomes Scale," researchers have shown "that there are robust improvements in physical function -- simple things like being able to carry groceries, walk, go up stairs," Irwin says. Tai Chi’s aerobic effect increases metabolism and physical conditioning occurs with regular practice. Benefits extend to other areas. Tai Chi can help elderly practitioners reduce their risk for falls. Another UCLA study, to be published soon in the journal Gerontology, showed that Tai Chi boosted the sympathetic nervous system function, which is related to cardiovascular health. According to Irwin, no one has yet done a study on Tai Chi's effect on depression, although two UCLA studies did note significant improvements in mood in non-depressed people who took up the practice. Different tai chi moves have one thing in common; they have a psychological benefit gained by the mind-body link in Tai Chi exercises. Practice directs the mind to focus on the moves, reduces distractions and results in peace of mind. For more information about Tai Chi for health and well-being contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500. … Read More

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