During the pink-salt-lamp-lit evening classes she'd conduct at Yess Yoga in Minneapolis, Marnie Bounds frequently shared a mixture of metaphysical philosophies about the "subtle body," a person's energetic layers that transcend the physical, while folding in her own astrological interpretations.

After the pandemic started, Bounds' classes moved online and she added a weekly info session "What on Earth Is Happening?" that brought something new to the mix: QAnon.

QAnon is the movement that falsely believes former President Donald Trump has been working to destroy a child sex-trafficking cabal of Satanists run by prominent Democrats and celebrities. Its adherents include a handful of Minnesota politicians along with members of the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, including horn-helmeted, self-declared shaman Jake Angeli.

But the QAnon movement also has found a surprising foothold in the yoga and alternative-medicine community.

Julia Szilagyi, a yoga teacher in Naples, Fla., noticed a spike in QAnon-influenced yoga teachers last spring, around the same time that people started wearing masks. She believes QAnon influencers observed the yoga community's focus on freedom and authenticity, and then lured in vulnerable yogis via social media.

"I started hearing things like, 'QAnon encourages me to think outside the box,' from people I've known and worked with for a long time," Szilagyi said.

QAnon believers are typically anti-vaccine, a view shared by some practitioners of alternative medicine.

"The anti-vax part of QAnon is deeply embedded in libertarian beliefs about the body/individual as self-property and the needle as invasion," said Jack Bratich, a professor at Rutgers University and expert on conspiracy theories. "It can connect to 'body as temple' [theories] in Western versions of yoga, where more 'natural' health beliefs also circulate.

"QAnon takes this a step further to say vaccinations are part of a deep state plan to control people through microchips."

That was precisely the view voiced by Twin Cities teacher Bounds in a YouTube video she posted in November. Bounds opined that people who got the COVID-19 vaccine might get a chip implanted under their skin. She also stated that COVID is "hugely important ... for our evolutionary process."

Since May, she has crafted regular 60- to 90-minute informational sessions for her YouTube channel, "The Time Is Now: Teachings for the Great Awakening", which has more than 170 subscribers.

Bounds and Yess Yoga did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

E. Romero, a yoga teacher in Tucson, Ariz., said she became concerned when she heard an offhand comment made by Bounds during an online yoga class, implying that protesters were somehow less enlightened than those in the know.

"That really worried me as a BIPOC person," said Romero. "There were some things she was saying that sounded almost Trumpian. I started to think, 'That's not possible I am in a yoga space.'"

How did some people in the yoga community, which uplifts care, connectedness and a holistic approach to the environment and humanity, come to embrace QAnon?

Los Angeles-based yoga teacher Seane Corn and other wellness community influencers first noticed QAnon beliefs spreading among yoga followers via social media. They called it out in a joint message posted last September. (Corn has 109,000 followers on her Instagram account.)

"Conspirituality," a podcast focused on the intersection of far-right extremism and New Age spirituality, compiled a list of nearly 50 prominent yoga and wellness community influencers who espouse QAnon theories.

The followers of QAnon claim to receive information from "Q," a self-proclaimed, mysterious "government insider" with a supposed high-level security clearance.

Since 2017, "Q" has posted cryptic messages ("Q drops") to online boards. According to QAnon, the "Great Awakening" would happen when Trump won the 2020 election. An apocalyptic showdown would ensue, destroying the aforementioned child sex-trafficking cabal and transforming America.

Neither happened, but QAnon persists.

Facebook continues to shut down QAnon pages, calling the conspiracy theory a "militarized social movement." The FBI labeled QAnon a domestic terrorist threat but Trump has said its followers "basically believe in good government."

Following President Joe Biden's inauguration, some QAnon believers have tried to rationalize the transfer of power, convincing themselves that Biden is part of Trump's plan to take down the global cabal.

Rutgers professor Bratich said QAnon's stance against masking and surveillance makes it attractive to "the influencers community around lifestyle. I think yoga becomes part of that."

He said QAnon is as much a religious movement as a political one: "QAnons are developing a sort of holy war/spiritual warfare around good and evil. Trump is good, and he's going to destroy the evil Satan-worshiping cabal. It's pretty classic Christian demonology."

QAnon's presence in the yoga community sounded an alarm for Minneapolis-based teacher Serita Colette, who was born in Kerala, India, a renowned center for the spiritual practice.

"These people sound very lost and disassociated from the tradition," she said. It's an example, Colette said, of the ways that yoga has become subject to cultural appropriation. At the same time, she said, QAnon is creating "a deeper distaste for communities of color, which, by and large, have not been met with great experiences in the white-dominant [American] yoga world."

For longtime yogis, QAnon's presence disrupts the core of yoga.

"If you are going to honor yoga's philosophy and roots in the practice, you are either one or the other either a yoga teacher or a QAnon person," said Szilagyi. "They can't exist together."

@AliciaEler 612-673-4437

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Conspiracy theories of QAnon find fertile ground in an unexpected place the yoga world - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Veterinarians are keenly aware that many patients present with signs of pain that may be unrecognized or misinterpreted by the owner as normal aging. During a recent Fetch dvm360 virtual conference, Michael Petty, DVM, owner of Arbor Pointe Veterinary Hospital and Animal Pain Centerin Canton, Michigan, discussed how veterinarians could better detect pain in their canine patients and communicate this pain to owners. Owners see their dog every single day, and many painful behaviors can become the norm for that owner to observe, he said.

There are many reasons why owners may not realize their dog is in pain, and it is the veterinarians responsibility to show them what we are seeing. Petty started by dispelling common myths surrounding pain in dogs.

Many veterinarians have heard owners say that their older dog can no longer do a particular activity, such as jump on the couch, followed by, Well, at least theyre not in pain because the dog is not vocalizing. But, as we watch the dog walk around our exam room with a stiff gait or struggle to rise, we know the truth. Silence does not signify the absence of pain. Although dogs will vocalize in an acutely painful situation, they rarely convey when pain is chronic.

Another common misconception is that the dog is just getting old. Petty noted that old dogs can still do the same activities as younger ones. They lose muscle mass over time, just like humans, so they must do these activities at a lower level, but many older dogs still want to run and jump and go for walks. Chronic pain is what keeps many of these dogs from doing activities they previously enjoyed.

In some cases, owners are aware that their pet is in pain, but worry that medications arent safe for older pets. This is our chance to educate clients that many medications are, in fact, safe but that alternative therapies exist as well, such as physical therapy and acupuncture, Petty said.

Finally, some owners are concerned about their budget and whether they can afford to treat their dogs pain. According to Petty, there are 4 budgets that we deal with in each case: emotional, physical, time, and money. One of the great things about veterinary medicine is that we can often do something for the pet to help ease its pain and stay within the owners financial constraints.

Before we can show an owner that their pet is in pain, we must find it. Detecting pain starts as soon as the patient arrives at the clinic, and all members of the veterinary team play a role. When patients enter the clinic, team members should observe how they walk. Do their hind feet scuff on the floor? Do they lag behind the owner? How do they take a step, such as over a curb in the parking lot? Team members can pass this information on to the veterinarian prior to the exam.

The next step is to screen for pain using chronic pain scales. It is always important because pain might not be obvious to the client or to you, said Petty. It is always obvious to the dog or cat in pain, but they may not care to show it.

Several validated pain scales exist. Veterinarians should select a scale that is easy to use and designed specifically for dogs in chronic pain situations, such as the Canine Brief Pain Inventory1 or Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs.2 The client questionnaire portions of these scales can be used to screen for signs of pain that may not be observed in the clinic. Veterinarians can use pain scales along with the examination as a part of the new Canine OsteoArthritis Staging Tool,3 which allows them to assess for early risk factors and monitor patients throughout their life for the advancement of disease and assessment of therapy.

Once initial observations and screening questionnaires are completed, the veterinarian can perform a thorough pain examination. Once the veterinarian becomes skilled at this exam, it can usually be performed in a matter of minutes as part of a thorough physical. Petty offered several tips for how to perform a pain exam on canine patients:

Except in the case of very small dogs, pain examinations are best performed with the patient on the floor.

Observe the patients stance and how they rise from the floor. A nonpainful dog will jump up with all 4 limbs nearly simultaneously. A dog with hind end pain will stand with front limbs first, then pull the rest of the body to a standing position.

Many dogs will shake their body after rising. A normal dog will shake from nose to tail, whereas a dog in pain will stop shaking their body at the painful location.

Start by petting the dog to help it relax and to generally feel for areas of heat or sensitivity.

Assess passive range of motion in each limb. Multiple joints can be assessed together by moving the limb, and placing a hand or finger over the joint can allow you to feel for the presence of crepitus.

Dont forget to check the toes and look for signs of scuffing in the hindlimbs. This will be most notable on the nails of the middle digits, which may be worn down.

Check for spine and neck pain. An easy way to assess neck pain is to hold a treat, move it around, and watch how the patient moves its neck and head to follow the treat.

If a patient is too aggressive to examine, reschedule for a day when an oral premedication can be given. It is also okay to perform the exam and radiographs under full sedation, but there are some pain responses you wont be able to assess in these cases.

The final step in confirming pain in canine patients is diagnostics.

Radiographs are the number one diagnostic tool we have to find a problem, confirm our clinical impression, and convince the owner that their pet is painful, Petty said. He encouraged veterinarians to show the client the radiographs, point out abnormalities, and even consider sending them a copy of the image with markings on it to show concerning areas along with a written explanation of the findings.

It is in our patients best interest that we identify pain early so we can intervene and improve quality and quantity of life. By building confidence in our skills to detect pain and communicate it clearly with owners, we can discuss treatment options. By treating our painful patients, we will not only improve the quality of their life but also the strength of the bond they share with their owners.

Kate Boatright, VMD, a 2013 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, is a practicing veterinarian and freelance speaker and author in western Pennsylvania. She is passionate about mentorship, education, and addressing common sources of stress for veterinary teams and recent graduates. Outside of clinical practice, Boatright is actively involved in organized veterinary medicine at the local, state, and national levels.

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Speaking for our canine patients: How to find and communicate signs of chronic pain - DVM 360

Well also share valuable resources to support your own professional learning and decision-making processes. And finally, we will present two ongoing research projects that explore how the pandemic has affected, on the one hand, massage therapists in their personal and professional lives and, on the other hand, massage therapy clients and their interest in seeking treatment during times of social distancing.

As the COVID-19 pandemic holds the world in its grip, many questions are on the table that have not yet been answered. We are confronted with much uncertainty; and it is often difficult to know which data, claims and guidelines are based on trustworthy scientific resources and what is unfounded speculation or even misinformation.

The swirling mixture of facts and fiction spread by different sources requires us to be diligent in our discernment of the information we receive so we can make appropriate therapeutic and clinical decisions for our clients and for our own best practices as we navigate these extraordinary times.

We will start out by summarizing some of the symptoms of COVID-19 based on a report from the Harvard School of Medicine. Then, we will review three protocols for systematic review that have been proposed to analyze existing evidence-based data on the effectiveness of massage therapy for different client populations and how massage therapy may help alleviate specific COVID-related symptoms.

What we know with certainty is that COVID-19 presents itself in a variety of rather perplexing ways, affecting different people and populations via entirely different means. According to the Harvard Medical School,1 symptoms observed in people infected with the COVID-19 virus range from such common flu-like symptoms as fever, body aches, dry cough, fatigue, chills, headaches, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell, to more severe symptoms such as high fever, severe cough and shortness of breath, which often indicates pneumonia.

In addition, COVID-19 can cause a range of such neurological symptoms as muscle weakness, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, confusion, dizziness, brain fog, delirium, seizures and even strokes. Some COVID-19 patients can also experience such gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite, as well as abdominal pain and discomfort. Symptoms can appear to be mild for some time and then worsen rapidly; and these symptoms can also appear in any type of combination, such as, some people only experience neurological or GI symptoms without showing any type of respiratory symptoms.

There is some indication that the immune system of a person infected with COVID-19 can overreact and release too many immune messengers, called cytokines, into the bloodstream, which causes the body to attack its own tissues, potentially causing long-lasting harm. These cytokine storms trigger an exaggerated inflammatory response that could damage organs in the body and result in blood clot formations.

The topic of blood clots is especially important for us, as massage therapists; and it is advised to educate yourself on this matter as new research and updated information become available. Ruth Werner has written an excellent article on the topic of COVID-19-Related Coagulopathy.2

As the number of COVID-19 cases increases around the world, more patients are recovering from this disease, often dealing with many persistent symptoms and potentially long-lasting effects on their bodies that are not yet fully understood. Many convalescent patients are being treated within a traditional medical framework of care, and they are also seeking complementary therapies, including massage therapy.

What, however, do we know about the effects of massage therapy on recovering COVID-19 patients? To answer some of the questions, three research studies have been proposed to explore how massage therapy can support recovering COVID-19 patients from different populations presenting with a variety of specific symptoms.

The first article by Wu L. et al., The effect of massage on the quality of life in patients recovering from COVID-19: A systematic review protocol,3 presents a study conducted as a systematic research protocol.

For this project, all published randomized controlled trials (in English and Chinese languages) related to the topic of the effects of massage on COVID-19 patients available in a chosen number of databases will be analyzed according to primary and secondary outcome criteria.

The primary outcome is defined as the influence of massage on the quality of life of convalescent patients, and the secondary outcomes are defined as accompanying symptoms, average hospitalization time, clinical curative effect, and negative COVID-19 results rate on two consecutive occasions. The authors aim to provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence for researchers in the field of alternative health care.

The second research article by Zhou Ke-Lin et al., Tuina (massage) therapy for diarrhea in COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis,4 proposes a systematic review of the existing evidence of the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy for diarrhea symptoms in coronavirus patients.

The chosen outcomes that this database research and analysis will focus on are defined as the improvement of diarrhea symptoms and adverse effects. The study aims to explore how Tuinaas one of the most widely used alternative medicine interventions worldwidecan affect the digestive system and help alleviate aversive diarrhea symptoms caused by COVID-19.

In the third research article, the authors, Zhou Ke-Lin et al., propose yet another protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis; in this case, focused on the pediatric population and pulmonary symptoms caused by COVID-19. The authors state that there is an urgent need for alternative medicine treatments to help relieve symptoms related to COVID-19 in children during self-quarantine, supporting their chances of survival and recovery from the virus.

In their article, Pediatric massage therapy for restoring pediatric lung function from COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis,5 Zhou and his co-authors propose a systematic review of a number of electronic databases, including Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI and CINAHl to evaluate the role of pediatric massage therapy on the effectiveness and safety in pulmonary function of COVID-19 convalescent children based on the outcomes improvement of pulmonary function and adverse effects.

As therapists navigating this pandemic, it is part of our responsibility to look at research data and discern what we need to know in order to practice safely. In addition to the scientific and medical side of COVID-19, there are also the human, emotional and personal sides.

How are you as a practitioner and health care provider doing personally? How are you dealing with the restrictions, limitations, uncertainties and heartbreak? Do you have a support network that helps you cope with the situation?

You may be interested to learn that there is a research study currently going on that strives to understand and document the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic for health care professionals. Ann Blair Kennedy, PhD, assistant professor at USC Greenville, South Carolina, and Smith Heavner-Sullivan, RN, from Prisma Health, Greenville, South Carolina, have created Project COPE: Share Your Story. Originally starting out as an observation study of COVID-19-induced burnout and the impact of the pandemic on nurses and doctors in the ER, the project has now been expanded to include such other groups of health care professionals as massage therapists.

In a Research Perch interview with Doug Nelson, president of the Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF),6 Kennedy and Heavner-Sullivan discuss the different experiences of health care workers whose services are deemed essential versus non-essential and how being allowed to work or not work during the shutdown affects their moral distress. Participants in this study are invited to fill out weekly surveys as well as upload video logs to document their personal experiences.

This combination of collecting both quantitative and qualitative data during an ongoing crisis is a unique opportunity since most studies exploring the effects of disasters on health care workers have been conducted after the events took place. Participation in this research study is still possible. If you would like to contribute your unique experience as a health care professional during the pandemic, please visit the website to learn more.

To bring our exploration of research related to COVID-19 and massage therapy full circle, it is important to also include the experiences of massage therapy clients. How are they feeling about massage during times where social distancing is recommended? Do they continue to seek treatments, perhaps look for complementary treatments for the first time, or are they staying away from massage therapy altogether? How do their decisions affect their health and well-being, emotional state and mood?

In another episode of Research Perch,7 Nelson interviews Niki Munk, PhD, LMT, associate professor at Indiana University School of Health and Human Sciences, Indianapolis, Indiana, and her student, Mica Rosenow, about their currently ongoing study, Assessing Affective Measures in the 2020 Pandemic. This research project focuses on exploring affective characteristics (mood) in massage therapy clients and how they navigate and manage their emotions during the time of the pandemic.

Munk and Rosenow encourage massage therapists to invite their clients to participate in this survey-based study to share their individual experiences. The more data that can be collected, the more valuable insights for our work as massage therapists can be gained so that we ultimately can better understand the people we are treating and help them reach their personal goals more efficiently. Please visit massagetherapyfoundation.org/iu-study-2020-pandemic-survey to learn more about this ongoing research study.

COVID-19, with its many expressions and often perplexing presentations, has certainly turned our world upside down. In addition to the hardships and heartbreaks we have experienced, this pandemic has also opened the doors to new insights and learning opportunities that are explored by the many research projects currently underway.

If you are interested in getting involved in research and helping our professional field grow during this time of crisis, we invite you to visit the website of the Massage Therapy Foundation, listen to the Research Perch podcasts, and participate in the two above-noted research studies.

Another great resource to receive information about COVID-19 is the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, an open-access, peer-reviewed publication housed on massagetherapyfoundation.org that features articles presenting research on COVID-19 and related symptoms. The Massage Therapy Foundation offers many valuable resources to help practitioners support their clients and also guide educators on how to teach students about how to put that research into practice. Take advantage of the wealth of support and information available to you through these extraordinary resources.

We sincerely hope that there is a silver lining for you in these challenging times as we learn and grow together, discern facts from fiction, and collect valuable data through evidence-based research so we can make confident decisions for our best practices and the well-being of ourselves and our clients.

About the author

Andrea Winzer, M.Sc., LMT, BCTMB, holds a masters degree in ecology and is a board certified massage and bodywork therapist. She practices CranioSacral Therapy and offers a variety of holistic treatment modalities with a focus on the integration of body-mind-spirit, release of physical and emotional trauma from the body, and supporting mental health therapies through trauma-sensitive bodywork. She wrote this article on behalf of the Massage Therapy Foundation.

Footnotes

1. Harvard Health Publishing, COVID-19 basics: Symptoms, spread and other essential information about the new coronavirus and COVID-19. Harvard Medical School; 2020. (health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-basics). Accessed November 2020.

2. Werner, Ruth. COVID-19-Related Coagulopathy. Massage & Bodywork. July/August 2020.

3. Wu, L, Dong, Y, Li, J, Huang, J, Wen, D, Peng, T, Luo, J. The effect of massage on the quality of life in patients recovering from COVID-19. Medicine. June 5, 2020;99(23):e20529.

4. Zhou, K, Dong, S, Fu, G, Cui, S, Guo, S. Tuina (massage) therapy for diarrhea in COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020; Jul 10; 99(28):e21293.

5. Zhou, K, Dong, S, Wang, K, Fu, G, Niu, Y, Xie. Xoap, Guo, S. Pediatric massage therapy for restoring pediatric lung function from COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020; Aug 14; 99(33):e21581.

6. Massage Therapy Foundation. Update on Project Cope: Share Your Story. Research Perch; University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Prisma Health, Clemson University, and Indiana University; accessed November 2020; massagetherapyfoundation.org/update-on-project-cope-share-your-story-research-perch.

7. Massage Therapy Foundation. Assessing Affective Measures in the 2020 Pandemic. Research Perch; Indiana University Study;. accessed November 2020; massagetherapyfoundation.org/iu-study-2020-pandemic-survey.

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Will Massage Therapy Help Recovering COVID-19 Patients? - Massage Magazine

In theory, product claims provide the strongest patent protection because they are not limited to the use or preparation of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) product. In reality, however, infringement assessment often involves looking at the methods used to prepare the TCM product.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is a subset of herbal medicine. TCM patent applications generally fall into four categories.

These categories reflect the main objectives of TCM patent protection: namely, to protect the formula, craft, original materials, and commercial products.

Method Claims

Method claims are useful when the TCM products preparation, purification, or extraction process is innovative, but the final composition is unclear. Its important to define the claim form based on the characteristics of raw materials, the process, and dosage. Raw materials should include all components and proportions used to prepare the TCM product. The process should include all steps and conditions, such as temperature, pressure, time, etc. The dosage can be broadly described as medicament, if a person skilled in the art could understand what that means in light of the patent; otherwise, the dosage needs to be specific. Below is an example of a TCM method claim:

A method for producing a medicine for postpartum treatment, prepared from:20-30 parts by weight of motherwort, 3-9 parts by weight of angelica, 1-6 parts by weight of ginseng, 6-12 parts by weight of astragalus, and 5-13 parts by weight of Polygonum multiflorum, Peach kernels 4-7 parts by weight, Cyperus rotundus 6-9 parts by weight, mixed with water and decocted twice, the amount of water added each time is 10 times the amount of raw materials, and the decoction is 1-3 hours each time. The decoction is combined, filtered, and the filtrate is concentrated into a clear paste with a relative density of 1.25 to 1.28, 40 to 70 parts by weight of brown sugar and 5 to 10 parts by weight of dextrin are added to make granules, which are dried into granules.

A method claims scope extends to the product obtained by the method. Article 11 of Chinas Patent Law provides that after the invention patent right is granted, unless otherwise provided in this law, no entity or individual may exploit the invention without the permission of the patentee, that is, not use, promise to sell, sell, or import products directly obtained in accordance with the patented method.

Use Claims

Use claims are useful when the TCM products application is innovative.The Examination Guidelines provides this basic formula: The application of substance X in the preparation of therapeutic drug Y. Further, if effective ingredients are known, the claim can be written as [t]he application of substance X in the preparation of therapeutic drug Y, where the effective ingredients are Z.

A use claims scope, however, is limited to the claimed use.Therefore, obtaining a corresponding method claim is advantageous when applicable to protect the preparation, packaging, and promotion of the TCM products.

Product Claims

Lastly, product claims are useful when the TCMs final composition is known. In theory, they provide the strongest patent protection because they are not limited to the use or preparation of the TCM product. In reality, however, infringement assessment often involves looking at the methods used to prepare the TCM product. The bottom line is that there needs to be sufficient evidence that a product prepared by a different method is the same product prepared by the inventor.

As discussed before, method claims are useful when the TCM products preparation, purification, or extraction process is innovative, but the final composition is unclear. Most TCM patents fall under this category and these patents present some unique challenges in litigation.

For example, Beijing Yadong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Yadong) and Guizhou Kangna Shengfang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Kangna) were involved in a TCM patent dispute in the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate Peoples Court. [(2006)??????8603?.] The Court found that claim 3 of Patent No. ZL02134148.6 was different from Yadongs TCM capsules. Specifically, the Court found that in claim 3, Fructus corni is decocted three times with waterdrug residue plus 5 times the amount of 90% ethanol for reflux extraction twice, 1 hour each time, where Yadongs capsule was Fruit Cornus plus ethanol refluxed for a second timedrug residue for use, which constituted a significant difference.Therefore, the prescription and preparation method of Yadongs capsules did not fall within the protection scope of claim 3.

Another example includes the appeal of a patent infringement dispute between Guizhou Baixiang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Baixiang) and the patent owner Zhao Shusheng. [(2011)???????6?.] Baixiang, the defendant, obtained drug registration approval and disclosed its preparation method in the drug label. The most significant difference is that the asserted patent recites using two ethanol reflux and the defendant adopted the technique of three ethanol refluxes, and the time of each reflux was also different.

The plaintiff argued that three-reflux and two-reflux are technologically equivalent. The Court disagreed for two reasons. First, although three-reflux and two-reflux both extract the active ingredients from yantuo, the plaintiff did not provide sufficient evidence that they achieve the same extraction results. Second, the defendant showed that three-reflux had far better extraction results than two-reflux. Plaintiffs witnesses also admitted that increasing the number of refluxes was more efficient.

These are typical examples of TCM patent disputes where the active ingredients are mostly characterized by extraction and preparation methods, making it difficult to enforce patent rights.

TCM, as a subset of herbal medicine, has similar patent protection principals and challenges in the United States. Composition claims are useful when the active ingredients are known and can be limited to a specific use. For example, Frisun, Inc. (Wuhan, China) obtained U.S. Patent No. 7,575,772 on Process and composition for syrup and jam from Luo Han Guo fruit that brings all the advantages of Luo Han Guo together to meet todays market demand for a natural, sugar-free sweetener. In TCM research, Luo Han Guo (or Monk fruits) is known to have the potential to be natural sweetener with a low glycemic index and can therefore be an alternative to sugar for diabetic populations. See, e.g., Ying. Z., Yan. Z., Jeff. E., Chi-Fu. H., Insulin secretion stimulating effects of mogroside V and fruit extract of Luo Han Kuo (Siraitia grosvenori Swingle) fruit extract., Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica., 44 (11): 1252-1257 (2009).

The number of patent acquisitions for herbal medicines has grown significantly.From 1976 to 2003, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted a total of 1,968 herbal patents. [Surge in US patents on botanicals, NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY VOLUME 22 NUMBER 6 JUNE 2004.] Since 2019, the USPTO has received more than 4,000 herbal patent applications since 2019. This number is fairly conservative, because many new application forms have not yet been made public.Below are a few:

Patent protection for TCM can present many challenges because of the various types of TCM products and the uncertainty of the active ingredients. As herbal medicine patents become more popular, we can expect to see similar challenges in enforcing patent rights in herbal medicine technology.

Shui Li is an intellectual property lawyer with Robins Kaplan. Her experience is in cross-border disputes, and she has worked with a variety of technology industries, including medicinal chemistry, biotechnology, video streaming, telecommunication, and semiconductors.

Yongfeng Zheng is General Counsel of Tasly Holding Group Co. Ltd. He holds a Doctor of Law, Master of Medicine, and is Vice-President of China Patent Protection Association.

Chunxuan Li is a partner and patent attorney at the Beijing Lifang Law Firm.

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Protecting Traditional Chinese Medicine Products in the United States and China - IPWatchdog.com

A medication commonly used to treat deep vein thrombosis, Enoxaparin Sodium Injection, USP, has been voluntarily recalled due to a packaging error in which the labels dont accurately list the correct dose.

The recall, which was issued by pharmaceutical company Apotex Corp. Tuesday, Feb. 2, states that syringe barrels containing 150 mg/mL are mislabeled as containing 100mg/mL, and vice versa.

Enoxaparin sodium is an anticoagulant used to treat pulmonary embolism, blood clotting disorders, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) a condition in which blood clots form in veins located deep within the body.

When administered with aspirin, it can help prevent angina (chest pain) and heart attacks.

Taking the incorrect dose of the injection can lead to bleeding and clotting complications.

Incorrect syringe barrel marking could lead to miscalculation and inaccurate dose administration to patients, the recall states.

The affected products were produced in two batches: CS008 and CT003.

The batches were distributed by Apotex Corp. nationwide to wholesalers and warehousing chains.

If a patient prescribed a 150 mg/mL bottle received a mislabeled bottle that contained 100 mg/mL, they could receive 2 mg of enoxaparin rather than 2.5 mg of enoxaparin, the recall explains.

If a patient who typically uses a 100 mg/mL bottle received a mislabeled bottle that contained 150 mg/mL, they might end up taking 3.75 mg of enoxaparin instead of 3 mg of enoxaparin.

The prescribed dosing of enoxaparin sodium is based off of a persons age, weight, condition being treated, severity of the condition, overall health, and how well they tolerate the medication.

The injection is administered either once or twice a day.

Taking a higher dose of enoxaparin sodium can lead to bleeding complications.

Some patients could experience symptoms like bruises on mucosal or skin surfaces, blood in urine or stool, said Dr. Natalia Neparidze, a Yale Medicine hematologist and assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine.

Too low of a dose can lead to clotting.

Taking too little of the intended dose of the drug will result in suboptimal, inadequate anticoagulation, putting patients at risk for recurrent or worsening thrombosis, such as deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, Neparidze said.

Taking a lower dose may cause pain or swelling in the extremities in patients with deep vein thrombosis.

Dr. Britt Tonnessen, a Yale Medicine vascular and endovascular surgeon and associate professor of surgery at Yale School of Medicine, said the warning signs of a clot include shortness of breath or pain with breathing, racing heart, or stroke.

Its unlikely that someone could detect their dose is off, Tonnessen added.

According to Neparidze, very minor dosing differences may not cause significant bleeding or clotting complications. But if the incorrect dose is continually taken, complications may occur.

Because the dose is based on weight, people who are under or overweight may be more sensitive to changes in dosing.

While injecting a reduced dose on a single or a few occasions is unlikely to cause harm, continued use of a lower dose than prescribed could lead to a recurrence of blood clots, Tonnessen said.

Anyone with a syringe barrel from the affected batches should immediately talk with a doctor and have the medication replaced with the correct dose, Neparidze said.

Doctors dont recommend skipping a dose.

In the event that there will be a delay in receiving the new batch of medication, patients should contact their doctor to make arrangements for alternative treatment in the interim, Tonnessen said.

Anyone who received the affected medication should contact Inmar Rx Solutions at 1-855-667-8717 to arrange a return, the recall states.

Any adverse events should be reported to the FDAs MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

A medication commonly used to treat deep vein thrombosis, Enoxaparin Sodium Injection, USP, has been voluntarily recalled due to a packaging error in which the labels dont accurately list the correct dose.

Taking the incorrect dose of the injection can lead to bleeding and clotting complications.

Doctors dont recommend skipping a dose, so if you have a bottle included in the recall, talk with your doctor immediately.

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DVT Medication Recalled, Here's What to Know Now - Healthline

Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Snapshot

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to medical products and practices that are not part of mainstream practices. While complementary medicine can be used along with mainstream medical practices, alternative medicine are used in place of standard medical treatments. Some CAM therapies have been found to be safe and effective unlike some that have been found to be ineffective or possibly harmful.

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Complementary and alternative medicine includes a host of botanicals and nutritional substances such as herbal supplements, dietary supplements, and vitamins. A large number of CAM products are regarded to be safe as they are produced by nature or are present in nature. However, this may not be necessarily true for all natural products. In addition, some naturally sourced medicines may affect the action of other medicines. For instance, St. Johns wort a herb which is used for depression may interfere with the way certain anticancer drugs work.

Herbal supplements can have unwanted effects when used on their own, in combination with other drugs, or in large doses. Vitamins can also be harmful on the body. Too much of vitamin can be detrimental on health, even in a healthy person. Supplements do not need approval from federal government before being commercially available.

Patients of chronic diseases who are considering using complementary or alternative medicine need to talk to their doctor or nurse. This is because some therapies of complementary and alternative medicine may interfere with mainstream medicine or can be also be harmful. The claims of efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine therapy needs to be ascertained before bringing into use.

Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Overview

The global market for alternative and complementary medicines is projected to experience substantial growth in the next few years. The rising expenditure of the healthcare facilities is considered as the major factor that is likely to encourage the growth of the overall market in the coming years. In addition, the increasing number of initiatives being taken by Governments across the globe to promote alternative and complementary medicines is projected to accelerate the markets growth. Thanks to these factors, the global alternative and complementary medicine market is likely to exhibit a promising growth rate in the near future.

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Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Key Trends

A significant rise in the number of initiatives by NGOs and government organizations to encourage the use of alternative and complementary medicines is estimated to bolster global market in the near future. In addition to this, technological advancements in this field and the rising inclination of consumers towards these medicines and practices are likely to offer lucrative growth opportunities for the leading players operating in the alternative and complementary medicine market across the globe. However, the lack of scientific results is expected to hamper the overall growth of the market in the next few years.

Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Market Potential

Alternative and complementary medicines make use of several tradition methods to help the patients, most of which are not completely supported scientifically. As a result, the use of these medicines in several developed economies is comparatively less. Nonetheless, with a rising focus on research and development activities in order to find clinical support and the emergence of new methods and medicines are anticipated to encourage the growth of the global alternative and complementary medicine market throughout the forecast period.

Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Regional Outlook

From a regional perspective, Europe is considered as one of the leading segment, thanks to the significant revenue contribution in the last few years. This region is expected to account for a large share of the global alternative and complementary medicine market with the rising use of botanicals. In addition to this, the increasing awareness among consumers regarding the availability of effective alternative and complementary medicines and the benefits they offers are expected to encourage the growth of the Europe market in the coming years.

Furthermore, with the rising popularity of medical tourism, the alternative and complementary medicine market in Asia Pacific is projected to witness a steady growth in the next few years. Moreover, the presence of a large number of new players operating in this region is likely to offer promising growth opportunities over the forecast period. The Middle East and Africa segment is anticipated to experience a healthy growth in the alternative and complementary medicine market in the near future.

Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Competitive Analysis

The global market for alternative and complementary medicines is presently at a highly competitive stage and is predicted to experience an intense level of competition among the leading players in the coming years. The prominent players in the market are focusing on the expansion of the product portfolio so as to attract a large number of consumers across the globe. This is likely to help them in creating a brand name and acquiring a leading position in the global market. Some of the leading players operating in the alternative and complementary medicine market across the globe are Herb Pharm, Yoga Tree, Quantum Touch Inc., Helio USA Inc., Pure encapsulations, Inc., Pacific Nutritional Inc., Deepure Plus, Herbal Hills, Iyengar Yoga Institute, The Healing Company, and Nordic Naturals.

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Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market Overview, Global Analysis Market Size, Share, Top Trends, Growth and Forecast 2017 2025 - Atlantic...

The Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market grew in 2019, as compared to 2018, according to our report, Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market is likely to have subdued growth in 2020 due to weak demand on account of reduced industry spending post Covid-19 outbreak. Further, Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market will begin picking up momentum gradually from 2021 onwards and grow at a healthy CAGR between 2021-2025.

Deep analysis about Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market status (2016-2019), competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of products, industry development trends (2019-2025), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also been included. From raw materials to downstream buyers of this industry have been analysed scientifically. This report will help you to establish comprehensive overview of the Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market

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The Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market is analysed based on product types, major applications and key players

Key product type:BotanicalsAcupunctureMind, Body, and YogaMagnetic Intervention

Key applications:Direct ContactE-trainingDistance Correspondence

Key players or companies covered are:Pacific NutritionalHerb Pharm.Herbal HillsHelio USADeepure PlusNordic NaturalsPure encapsulationsIyengar Yoga InstituteJohn Schumachers Unity Woods Yoga CenterYoga TreeThe Healing CompanyQuantum Touch

The report provides analysis & data at a regional level (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa , Rest of the world) & Country level (13 key countries The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, China, Japan, India, Middle East, Africa, South America)

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Key questions answered in the report:1. What is the current size of the Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market, at a global, regional & country level?2. How is the market segmented, who are the key end user segments?3. What are the key drivers, challenges & trends that is likely to impact businesses in the Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market?4. What is the likely market forecast & how will be Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market impacted?5. What is the competitive landscape, who are the key players?6. What are some of the recent M&A, PE / VC deals that have happened in the Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market?

The report also analysis the impact of COVID 19 based on a scenario-based modelling. This provides a clear view of how has COVID impacted the growth cycle & when is the likely recovery of the industry is expected to pre-covid levels.

Contact us:i2iResearch info to intelligenceLocational Office: *India, *United States, *GermanyEmail: [emailprotected]Toll-free: +1-800-419-8865 | Phone: +91 98801 53667

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Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market Growth Analysis and Forecast to 2026 by Applications and Competitors with key players position (Pacific...

IMA Pune unit doctors join relay hunger strike on Tuesday

The Indian Medical Assocations Pune unit doctors under the President Aarti Nimkar joined their counterparts across the nation by participating in the relay hunger strike on Tuesday. The doctors will fast from 8 a.m.till 8 p.m. On Tuesday, Dr Sanjay Patil, Chairman of the Hospital Board of India Pune chapter said. While 20 have already joined the stir since Tuesday morning several doctors are working across hospitals and are on a hunger strike, Dr Patil said.

Indian Medical Association doctors are on a nationwide Relay Hunger Strike since February 1 till 14 to protest against the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) notification allowing Ayurveda doctors to perform Surgery. The IMA National President Dr J. A. Jayalal, IMA Maharashtra State President Dr R. S. Londhe and several other leaders are visiting the Pune branch on Tuesday afternoon to support the Pune doctors.

Syed Kirmani inaugurates Sound Centre for Hearing Care

Punes first of its kind Sound Centre for Hearing Care was today inaugurated by Former Test Cricketer and Sound Ambassador Padma Syed Kirmani and Avinash Pawar, Managing Director, Widex Sivantos Audiology WSA India. With a vision to provide a comprehensive solution to people with hearing problems from all age groups, Amit Patil, Director and Proprietor World of Hearing Sound Center said that they decided to come up with one stop, World Sound center that can provide a range of services from diagnosis for children with communication and hearing disabilities to providing hearing aids, Cochlear Implants and speech therapy suited to individual needs and requirements.

The Sound Centre also has special services for Tinnitus (constant discomfort noise in the ear), Hearing Screening (OAE & BERA), Widex Digital Hearing Aids, Batteries, and Hearing Aid Accessories for the hearing-impaired population.. Avinash Pawar said; World of Hearing Sound Centre has a sound station and accessories lounge, so users can experience the connectivity and clarity of hearing sounds without any distortion. Sound Ambassador Syed Kirmani is also a Widex Moment hearing aid user.

Ruby Hall Clinic opens new polyclinic at Pimple Saudagar

Ruby Hall Clinic, a multi-speciality tertiary care services in Pune announced the opening of its newest centre in Pimple Saudagar. This will give better access to families located at the North-Western Metropolitan Corridor of Pune for hospital services.Bomi Bhote, Chief Executive Officer, Ruby Hall Clinic;Dr. Manisha Karmarkar, Chief Operating Officer, Ruby Hall Clinic and others were present at the inauguration.This polyclinic will cater to the IT diaspora who live in the vicinity along with the geriatric population as well as middle-class residents of the area.Dr. Sudheer Rai, Chief Operating Officer, Ruby Hall Clinic Hinjawadi and Pimple Saudagar.

India Multiple Sclerosis Day observed on Feb 7, appeal for a national registry

This years India Multiple Sclerosis MS Day celebrations were held on the first Sunday of February . On Feb 7 Multiple Sclerosis Society of India connected with its members and MS community virtually to felicitate India MS person of the Year 2020 Punkaj Gupta.The virtual sessions were be multilingual and the highlight of this years India MS day celebration was a talk by Dr Dheeraj Khurana Neurologist at PGIMER, Chandigarh on COVID VACCINE & MS- India perspective.

Renuka Malaker , National Secretary of India MSSI said that there were several who were still unaware of MS.Malaker has been a caregiver for the last 28 years to her husband who has Primary Progressive MS.Despite improved diagnostic facility and many more people are getting diagnosed with MS, accurate data is still unavailable on incidence of MS, Malaker said. The Atlas of MS launched by MS International Federation UK shows in India the approximate number of people living with MS is 0 to 25 people/100000.

The 3rd edition of the Atlas of MS also shows that the number of people with MS across the globe has increased from 2.3 million in 2013 to 2.8 million in 2020. MS hits one between the ages of 20 to 40 years which is the most productive working age. Early diagnosis and quick treatment is most critical, Malaker said adding that the society has appealed for the need to collect and compile incidence and prevalence of MS in India apart from building a national registry.

Sancheti Healthcare Academy introduces Masters course in Expressive Movement Therapy

Sancheti Healthcare Academy (SHA) announced the launch of its Masters Program in Expressive Movement Therapy (Dance Therapy). Approved by Pune University,Manisha Sanghvi, Executive Director of Sancheti Group of Institutes said that the young generation needs much more than just an education and a career, such allied and alternative medical professions will help create stability and resilience in our youth.

After five years of relentless effort in building a strong foundation towards developing this course and the awareness about the use of Creative art therapies in the healthcare sector. We not only found great results while using this at our hospital but also in other populations, Sanghvi said. The eligibility criteria for admission also offers a wide range of students the ability to pursue Masters Degree. A graduate of Arts, Psychology, Dance, doctors, therapists, professionals, teachers, trainers, can avail of this professional degree, Sanghvi added. Dr. Nikita Mittal, Founder of Life and Dance, and Co-founder of this Masters Program said the course is being conducted with support from Kinections, New York. Kinections is headed by Dr. Danielle Fraenkel.

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Pune health brief: IMA Pune unit doctors join relay hunger strike, Sound Centre for Hearing Care inauguration and more - The Indian Express