Effects of Acupuncture on Heart Rate Variability During Sleep: Comparison with Nonacupuncture Site Stimulation Using a Crossover Design.
This is a very nice study that looks at HRV during sleep comparing verum acupuncture with sham acupuncture. They find that there was a significant increase in parasympathetic activity during sleep (except during REM sleep). Heart rate also decreased. Previous studies have shown that acupuncture improves sleep, so here we see that this autonomic shift…
Read MoreDoes Running Really Harm Your Knees?
“Does Running Really Wreck Your Knees?” Contrary to popular opinion, distance running rarely causes knee problems in runners, and often leaves joints sturdier and less damaged. Study after study indicates running rarely causes or exacerbates arthritis in most runners’ knees, even older runners, who are at relatively high risk for arthritis. Can running build stronger…
Read MoreFlaws in Alzheimers Research
This is an important story. For those who have an interest in science and scientific research I highly recommend that you read the article from Science. It reads like a gripping detective story, but is quite chilling. I had been aware that there was controversy about the role of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s research. But…
Read MoreDetermination of the Effects of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on the Heart Rate Variability Using a Machine Learning Pipeline.
This study is of keen interest to me since I’ve been trying to figure out which parameter is most reflective of TAVNS effect. In my last poster, I had identified LF/HF as the most pertinent measure. I’m glad to see that they come to the same conclusion! There are so many variables in this research,…
Read MoreEffects of exercise training and exercise plus acupuncture on chronic insomnia: a feasibility study
This is a feasibility study, so take any results with a huge grain of salt. (Hard to picture, but you know what I mean.) The acupuncture did not augment the benefits of exercise alone. Other studies have shown benefits from acupuncture for insomnia. Morning cortisol data is confusing and with such small numbers, it’s hard…
Read MoreInjecting Acupoints with Autologous Blood Decreases Atopic Dermatitis.
I’ve wondered about this for awhile whether simply injecting with something safe, patient’s own blood, would lead to a more robust immune response. I had wondered whether saline alone would give more of a response than dry needling alone, but perhaps that would not be enough to stimulate the immune system. In this animal study,…
Read MoreIcing of little use for sore muscles
It’s about time! This discussion has been going on for decades. Finally someone has done some animal studies. Ice for Sore Muscles? Think Again. Icing muscles after strenuous exercise is not just ineffective, it could be counterproductive, a new study in mice suggests.
Read MoreAcupuncture improves chemotherapy-induced neuropathy explored by neurophysiological and clinical outcomes
This was a well done blinded study. The patient population was split into two similar groups. 1/2 received acupuncture weekly for 10 weeks, the other half in a control group. then a 4 week wash out and then the groups switched so the control received the acupuncture. There will undoubtedly be criticism that there was…
Read MoreSuccessfully treated recalcitrant atopic eczema with acupoint autologous blood injection
I love this study. I’ve wondered for awhile if a patient’s own blood would invoke a more robust and long-lasting immune response. In this case study, it certainly seemed to work! My teachers from Shanghai used to say if you get a bruise with treatment, “it will give lasting results.” I always thought that was…
Read MoreLife Extension Episode Matt Kaeberlein on Tim Ferriss Podcast
I’m interested (aren’t we all?) in the latest life extension “science” . Science is in quotes because so much of it is still unproven and we are not sure of the real safety. He gives an anecdote about taking rapamycin to cure his frozen shoulder and it worked. This is obviously anecdotal, and so I’m…
Read More