Monthly Archives: September 2021

A recent study by Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre Delhi says that psychological distress is driving cancer patients to alternative medicines.

Written by Jahnavi Sarma | Updated : September 3, 2021 7:40 PM IST

In India, alternative therapies are a part of life. Since ancient times and even before the advent of modern medicine, people have opted for healing therapies like Ayurveda, Siddhi and homeopathy to treat their minor and serious ailments. But in modern times too, this practice is evident and, in fact, recently there has been a revived interest in these alternative therapies. But how feasible is this when you are suffering from a serious illness like cancer? And, what is it that compels people to try out alternative therapies? These questions are important because, most of the time, patients do not inform their doctor that they are taking such treatments and more often than not the treating oncologist may also not enquire about CAM with their patients.

Research carried out at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre Delhi (RGCIRC) has revealed wide usage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) amongst cancer patients in India. According to researchers, there is a direct correlation between psychological distress and the use of CAM therapies among cancer patients, not only in India but also elsewhere in the world. A national health survey from the USA in 2007 showed a considerable increase in the popularity of different CAM therapies, such as acupuncture and naturopathy, over the last few years irrespective of age and social status. Another similar health survey conducted in 2010 in the UK found that more than one-third of patients used some form of Complementary therapy while using prescribed drugs.

For the purpose of the study, researchers interviewed 303 patients undergoing cancer treatment at RGCIRC. The patients were aged between 15 to 88 years. More than a third (104 participants) responded positively to taking CAM therapies. Out of these, 61 per cent had taken these therapies before approaching the hospital for conventional treatment. And, 39 per cent of these patients were still taking these therapies in a complementary manner. Researchers saw that Ayurveda was the most preferred form of therapy and 85 per cent patients from both groups choose it. The majority of the participants belonged to either middle or lower-middle-class families (56 per cent and 35 per cent) respectively.

Researchers also screened patients using a tool called Distress Thermometer (DT), which is developed by NCCN. This tool measures patients' subjective reports on the level and severity of cancer related distress on a scale of 0 to 10. Here, '0' means no distress and '10' means extreme distress. Researchers saw that a majority of patients, 79 per cent, suffered significant psychological distress.

Putting the results of the interview and the psychological screening together, researchers found a strong correlation between level of psychological distress and the use of CAM therapies. This means that with increasing levels of psychological distress, patients tend to choose CAM more often. Another thing that researchers saw was that awareness of cancer diagnosis and its prognosis was found to relieve psychological distress. But using CAM therapies before diagnosis may lead to poor prognosis. Dr Vineet Talwar, Director Medical Oncology RGCIRC says, "Taking recourse to CAM therapies before standard treatment may also explain the delay in diagnosis of cancer."

A patient may decide to try alternative therapy for treating cancer due to a number of reasons. According to researchers 44 per cent patients go for it after seeing advertisements on radio, TV, the Internet and Newspaper, suggestions from family and relatives influence around 31 per cent of patients and 19 per cent were influenced by suggestions by fellow patients. A majority of patients, 81 per cent, felt that there were no side effects associated with CAM therapies and 40 per cent were satisfied with such therapies.

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Is Use Of Alternative Therapy By Cancer Patients Feasible? Heres What A RGCIRC Study Says - TheHealthSite

Beverly Theil| Columnist

With courts in at least two different states ordering hospitals to administer Ivermectin to patients there is increasing confusion about the drug.

More: ABOUT CHILDREN: Ways to make sure online health information is medically correct

It should be noted that the cases where the courts were asked to intervene involved people so ill from COVID-19 that they were not expected to live.

Going to court was a last ditch effort on the part of family members to save a loved one.

Parents with children too young for a vaccination are wondering if this could be an alternative treatment for their children or an alternative medication for adults.

Fear for children is understandable. There is no current vaccine and children as young as infants are contracting the Delta variant of COVID-19, with some dying.

It should be noted that Ivermectin is a medication primarily used in veterinary medicine, NOT humans. The FDA has approved limited use in humans for people with intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, two conditions caused by parasitic worms. In addition, some topical (on the skin) forms of Ivermectin are approved to treat external parasites like head lice and for skin conditions such as rosacea.

Even the levels of Ivermectin for approved uses can interact with other medications, like blood-thinners. You can also overdose on Ivermectin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension (low blood pressure), allergic reactions (itching and hives), dizziness, ataxia (problems with balance), seizures, coma and even death.

Ivermectin products for animals are different from Ivermectin products for people. Animal drugs are often highly concentrated because they are used for large animals (horses and cows), weighing in most cases a ton or more, and a lot more than humans. These high doses can be toxic in humans.

The FDA reviews drugs not just for safety and effectiveness of the active ingredients, but also for the inactive ingredients. Many inactive ingredients found in animal products are not evaluated for use in people or are included in a much greater amount than those used in people. In some cases, we dont know how these inactive ingredients will affect Ivermectin absorption in the human body or interact with human medications.

The FDA has received multiple reports of patients who have required medical support and been hospitalized after self-medicating with Ivermectin intended for horses. Poison Control Centers are reporting a sharp uptake in calls from people who have taken Ivermectin and had serious, even life threatening, side effects.

Currently there is a lot of information on the internet regarding the use of Ivermectin.

Unfortunately, much of it is incorrect. As with any internet information check the source carefully. Not only are not all sources equal, some fall into the snake-oil salesman category.

Use recognized internet sources, The Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic, the FDA, the CDC or any major teaching hospital. Best of all, talk with your own primary physician or nurse practitioner.

This is my last column. For almost 20 years I have written About Children. It has been my privilege to do so. I have appreciated your feedback and learned much from our interactions. Please, take care of yourselves and your children.

With sincere regards, Beverly V Theil

Beverly Theilis a child advocate who lives in Wooster. She can be contacted at BeverlyVT@aol.com.

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ABOUT CHILDREN: There is a lot of confusion about the drug Ivermectin - Wooster Daily Record

Author Shawn T Murphy has released 'Torn Between Two Worlds: Modern Medicine and Spiritual Healing,' the fourth book in his series focusing on a spiritual approach towards mental health.

ZUG, Switzerland, Sept. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Mental health awareness is critical now more than ever with the prevalence of mental illness increasing in individuals. Author Shawn T Murphy has been studying mental health for over 45 years. He has recently published "Torn Between Two Worlds: Modern Medicine and Spiritual Healing" to bring attention to alternative treatments and causes of mental illness and to encourage others to have empathy for silent sufferers. In the first three books in the Torn Between Two Worlds series, Murphy established a framework for human dualism. In the fourth book, Murphy moved from a philosophical discussion to a hands-on, self-help presentation, providing helpful answers to everyday issues.

In the first half of his new book, Murphy defines the possible spiritual illnesses that can affect individuals. These are the underlying causes that are either unrecognized or misdiagnosed by the medical community. The second half of the book provides many ways to increase one's spiritual strength and increase resistance to the negativity that a person may be subjected to.

Murphy lets readers know that every human being can aspire to their full potential regardless of their current state of spiritual health they may find themselves in. Readers will also discover the various tools to overcome the spiritual afflictions that one may suffer from. At the end of this book, readers will have a guide as to how these available tools can be implemented in their life.

"Most surgical procedures today have high success rates, yet the success modern medicine has had treating mental illness is nowhere near as successful," said Murphy. "In the materialistic world we live in today, we tend to ignore our spiritual selves and have forgotten how to foster spiritual wellness."

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"Torn Between Two Worlds: Modern Medicine and Spiritual Healing" covers a full spectrum of spiritual illnesses and strives to help those who are living adjacent to sufferers recognize symptoms and seek alternative treatments. It is Murphy's hope that with his book readers will gain a greater appreciation for the spiritual gifts one comes into the world with and how to nurture them.

To learn more about "Torn Between Two Worlds: Modern Medicine and Spiritual Healing" and Murphy's other books, please visit https://tornbetweentwoworlds.com/.

"Torn Between Two Worlds: Modern Medicine and Spiritual Healing" By Shawn T Murphy ISBN: 9781982270025 (softcover); 9781982270056 (hardcover); 9781982270018 (electronic) Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Balboa Press

About the author Shawn T Murphy received his Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1982 while working part-time as a machinist for Ramar Engineering. While working full-time as an engineer for General Dynamics, Murphy completed his master's in engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1985 and his master's in business administration from Texas Christian University in 1989. At age 30, he moved to Liechtenstein to run the investment team and began studying German. He received his CFA charter in 1994 and then started studying philosophy in German. After moving the investment team to Bermuda in 2000, he started publishing his philosophic works in the Bermuda Sun following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Murphy published a series of six articles speaking out against the rhetoric that had erupted. Following the stroke of his 20-year-old daughter, Shawn was inspired to write his book series "Torn Between Two Worlds." Since then, Murphy has been actively blogging on Quora where he has been able to assist many on their spiritual path. He currently resides in Zug, Switzerland.

General Inquiries: LAVIDGE Phoenix Meghan Bowman 480-306-6597 mbowman@lavidge.com

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New Self-Help Book Emphasizes Alternative Treatments and Empathy for Mental Health Sufferers - Yahoo Finance

David Fajgenbaum, MD, MBA, MSc, is the studys senior author and an iMCD patient.

PHILADELPHIA New research has uncovered a precision medicine test using blood proteins to identify a novel patient subgroup of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD), a rare blood disorder, who are more likely to respond to siltuximab, the only FDA approved treatment for the disease. The international study was led by researchers at Penn Medicine and the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN).

Prior research suggests that half of patients do not respond to the monoclonal antibody treatment, siltuximab. For those patients, rapid administration of other treatments is needed to prevent deterioration, so understanding who is likely to benefit is critical. This study also revealed that an existing drug approach, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which are already approved for treating certain cancers and rheumatoid arthritis, are a promising alternative treatment option for patients who do not respond to siltuximab. The study, which is the largest to date for iMCD, is published in Blood Advances.

This discovery has the potential to improve precision medicine for iMCDthe concept that the right patient is given the right drug at the right time. Knowing which patients are likely to benefit from which drugs is a key piece of this puzzle," said David Fajgenbaum, MD, MBA, MSc,an assistant professor of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Director of the Center for Cytokine Storm Treatment & Laboratory atthe Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, co-founder of the CDCN,and associate director of patient impact at the Penn Orphan Disease Center, and the studys senior author. Fajgenbaum is also an iMCD patient.

Castleman disease isnt actually a single disease. The term describes a group of inflammatory disorders and is diagnosed in about 5,000 people of all ages each year in the United States, which makes it roughly as common as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Patients experience a range of symptoms from a single enlarged lymph node with mild flu-like symptoms (unicentric) to enlarged lymph nodes located throughout their body, abnormal blood cell counts, and life-threatening failure of multiple organ systems (multicentric). The most severe subtype is iMCD, which has similarities to autoimmune conditions and cancer, and involves a cytokine storm. A cytokine storm describes what happens when the immune system goes into overdrive as can be seen in severe COVID-19 and a number of other conditions. About 35 percent of patients with iMCD will die within five years of diagnosis.

Studies have shown that siltuximab can send between one-third and one-half of patients into a remission that generally lasts for years. However, patients who are in the ICU and dont respond to siltuximab have few options and limited time. They typically receive chemotherapy, but often relapse, meaning many iMCD patients endure months without appropriate treatment. It took more than 11 weeks for Fajgenbaum to be correctly diagnosed, during which time he experienced two life-threatening episodes of the disease, did not respond to siltuximab, and had to be treated with rapid chemotherapy.

For this study, researchers examined blood samples from 88 iMCD patients and measured 1,178 blood proteins in each of those samples, identifying seven blood proteins that were able to effectively predict the subgroup of patients who were most likely to respond to siltuximab. The results were subsequently validated in an independent cohort of 23 iMCD patients.

Had this test been available for me, I would have likely gotten second-line treatment more rapidly, lowering my risk of death while I was waiting to see if first-line treatment would work. But just as importantly, this study also identifies another potential treatment to be included in our arsenal, Fajgenbaum said.

Previous research has shown that in many cases the cytokine storm in iMCD is tied to a cytokine, or inflammatory mediator, called interleukin-6 (IL-6), which in turn is connected to another pathway called mTOR, opening a new treatment possibility with mTOR inhibitors. Fajgenbaum discovered mTOR inhibitors as the first novel treatment for iMCD in 25 years and began taking an mTOR inhibitor himself, called sirolimus. This study advanced these findings further and found that another pathway called JAK seems to be a critical mediator of the cytokine storm, with JAK inhibitors like ruxolitinib and baricitinib potentially providing relief.

These arent findings that require decades of study before they can benefit patients. These drugs can potentially be used right away to help iMCD patients with no other options because they are already approved by the FDA for other diseases. We are basically searching for and finding solutions that are hiding in plain sight, said Sheila Pierson, MS, Director of Registry Enrollment for the CDCN as well as the Associate Director for Clinical Research for the Center for Cytokine Storm Treatment at the University of Pennsylvania, andthe studys first author.

In fact, in an article published in The Lancet in May 2021, Fajgenbaum and co-authors described a patient diagnosed with iMCD, who was given and responded to a combination of therapies, including baricitinib, based on the findings this study provided. While the patient was deteriorating until the baricitinib was added and there was a notable improvement afterward, more work is needed to investigate the role of this treatment for iMCD and to improve the clinical applicability of the precision medicine test.

This study involved international collaboration among researchers at Penn Medicine, the CDCN, Medidata Solutions, who provided machine learning and other bioinformatic support, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and seven academic institutions in Japan, Norway, United Kingdom, and the United States.

This study was funded by a research grant from the University of Pennsylvania Orphan Disease Center in partnership with the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and the National Heart Lung & Blood Institute (R01HL141408).

Editors note: Fajgenbaums research team has received research funding from EUSA Pharma for the ACCELERATE Castleman disease registry. EUSA Pharma manufactures siltuximab.

Penn Medicineis one of the worlds leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of theRaymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nations first medical school) and theUniversity of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $8.9 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top medical schools in the United States for more than 20 years, according toU.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $496 million awarded in the 2020 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health Systems patient care facilities include: the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Centerwhich are recognized as one of the nations top Honor Roll hospitals byU.S. News & World ReportChester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Medicine Princeton Health; and Pennsylvania Hospital, the nations first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional facilities and enterprises include Good Shepherd Penn Partners, Penn Medicine at Home, Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital, and Princeton House Behavioral Health, among others.

Penn Medicine is powered by a talented and dedicated workforce of more than 44,000 people. The organization also has alliances with top community health systems across both Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, creating more options for patients no matter where they live.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2020, Penn Medicine provided more than $563 million to benefit our community.

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Researchers Discover Test to Predict Which Patients with Rare Blood Disease Will Respond to Only FDA-Approved Treatment, and Identify Alternative...

Mike spends a lot of time walking outside. And on the rare occasion that hes indoors he never stops pacing. But today, Mike was in one place long enough to talk about his experience living with HIV was surprising.

Im burning 1,486 calories sitting still, Mike said while rubbing his pet chihuahua on his lap. Ill be sitting here wearing him out like this. No coffee, no nothing. Well, Mountain Dew, but it helps slow me down.

For the past 25 years, Mike has been living with HIV. He asked that his last name be withheld because he spoke openly about his history of using illegal drugs for this interview.

Mike was living in Florida in 1996 when he found out he contracted the disease. Sitting there, in the prime of my life. I was only in my 30s. And in the prime of my life. Had a job I like, had a 57-foot yacht, a convertible.

When Mike woke up with a fever one day, he decided to call off work. His friends came into his room because they noticed his car was still parked outside the house.

They looked at me and said, Oh my god, what's wrong? I said, I told you I don't feel good! And they said, Oh my god. You look awful. I told them I was going straight to the clinic.

In the back of Mikes mind, he knew the worst case scenario. Months earlier, a friend had revealed his own HIV diagnosis to Mike when they were injecting cocaine one evening. Mikes friend said he needed to go get some medicine from a friend.

What do you need? Headache medicine? Cold medicine? He said, No. They're bringing me my AIDS medicine home. My heart shot down to my ass. I didn't know what to say because I thought, We just shot up and shared a needle.

A trip to the local health clinic confirmed his worst fears. Mike was diagnosed with the most advanced form of the disease: full blown AIDS. The doctors measured his T Cells, a type of white blood cell that can show the progression of HIV/AIDS. A patient who doesnt have HIV/AIDS would have a T-Cell count between 500 to 1,600. Mikes was at 2.

I asked him, I said, Well, I mean, whats this mean? How long? And he said, Id probably say about three days.

The doctors prescribed him AZT, one of the first drugs used to fight HIV/AIDS. But, the drugs high level of toxicity brought about horrible side effects.

It was burning my body. I mean, there's like chemotherapy for HIV or something.

Mike said the side effects were so bad that he didnt want to live what time he had left in pain. He told his mom he wasnt going to take his medicine anymore.

You gotta take it Michael. Its keeping you alive! I said, It's making me have convulsions. I'd never had convulsions in my life. And I mean, my body jerked uncontrollably for about 40 minutes and I'd hurt from my neck all the way down to my ankles."

Mike tried alternative treatments like taking herbal supplements and getting blood transfusions. But, he ultimately decided to take the medicine his doctors had prescribed. Today, hes living with an undetectable viral load of HIV in his body. That means standard HIV blood tests cant detect the virus in his system.

Twenty-five years ago, Mike was told he had three days to live. Now, at 61, hes doing great, walking several miles a day. But, according to Dr. Christine Teague who runs the Ryan White Program at Charleston Area Medical Center, if Mikes diagnosis came just a couple years before 1996, he probably wouldnt be here today.

In 1994 is really when the first combination studies came out.

Teague said one of the reasons HIV was so hard to treat initially is that the virus is able to adapt to individual drugs. Combination studies helped scientists figure out how to attack the virus by combining multiple drugs.

People literally would be on death's door, and then they would get better. It was a miracle. I mean, it was just like the Lazarus Effect," she said.

But, thats all changed in the past few years according to Teague. With the huge spike in HIV transmitted through intravenous drug use, shes having to reprise an old role--providing care for someone she knows is likely to die soon.

I haven't felt that way in HIV care in a long, long time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified the outbreak in Kanawha County as the most concerning in the nation. The CDC released a report earlier this month focusing on what needs to be done to lower the HIV transmission rate. The report had two big findings according to Teague. First, Kanawha County residents dont have access to sterile syringes. And second, people who use drugs encounter too much stigma from healthcare providers when they seek out medical help.

The specific comments by people were 'I'd rather die than go to the hospital.' I just think that healthcare providers in general we have to be very careful on how we're perceived, and have that cultural competency training, and just basic training on substance use disorder. What it is and what it isn't."

Teague added another shortcoming is missed opportunities for HIV testing. She said the CDC report showed patients were being seen in hospitals and clinics eight to 10 times before ever being tested for HIV.

While the problem of healthcare providers not testing people soon enough is something Teague is optimistic about getting it fixed. She knows thats not enough to turn the tide of this HIV outbreak.

The West Virginia State Legislature and the City of Charleston both recently passed laws making it illegal to give people sterile syringes. Between those laws and what some decry as a deep stigma in the areas healthcare system, Teague says several hundred people will end up diagnosed with HIV from this outbreak.

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HIV In The Mountain State: Mike Survives An Early AIDS Infection As Medications Improve - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

WEST CHESTER, Ohio West Chester Hospital must continue to treat a Covid-19 patient with Ivermectin -- at least for now.

Closing statements for a hearing on the matter wrapped up on Friday.

Butler County Common Pleas Judge Michael Oster is now considering arguments from both sides before making a decision. Under an August 23 order from Judge Gregory Howard, West Chester Hospital must give Jeffrey Smith, who is on a ventilator, Ivermectin through at least Monday.

Oster did amend Howard's order on Friday, allowing physicians at West Chester Hospital to stop giving Smith the drug if a life-threatening side effect occurs.

On Thursday, Julie Smith, the wife of Jeffrey Smith, testified why she wanted her husband to receive the controversial treatment for COVID.

"It gave me hope that there was something we could try," she said. "I didn't want to just sit there and let him die."

West Chester Hospital officials, though, argued they should not be forced to treat Smith's husband with the medication.

"The plaintiff is not entitled to receive off-label medical treatment from a healthcare provider of her choosing. Nor is West Chester Hospital obligated to provide a highly controversial medication that is discouraged by the FDA, CDC, AMA, and every credentialed, board-certified, treating physician at the hospital," said Charles Galvin, counsel for West Chester Hospital.

Ivermectin is an FDA-approved drug approved to treat infections caused by parasites. It is also commonly used as a live-stock de-wormer. It is not FDA-approved to treat COVID-19.

"Absolutely, positively you shouldn't take horse medication," said Ralph Lorigo, counsel for Smith in his counter-argument made before Judge Oster. "No one advocates that you go to Tractor Supply and get your Ivermectin; no one advocates that on my side. What they advocate is that you seek out a doctor that understands the situation. What we advocate is that there is a reasonable alternative."

Dr. Fred Wagshul prescribed the drug for Jeffrey Smith. Wagshul has practiced medicine for decades but does not work for West Chester Hospital. He is also is not board-certified.

Galvin argued that forcing the hospital to follow Wagshul's order does not serve the public good.

"It is not served by awarding extraordinary relief on the basis of a prescription filled out by a doctor that did not examine the patient, (and) admitted to knowing next to nothing about the patient's medical history before the prescription was filed," he said.

Galvin cited potential adverse side effects of the drug.

Smith's wife said her husband has improved since taking the drug, and her attorney said Smith deserved the right to try.

"Mr. Smith is dying," Lorigo said. "There is an alternative. An alternative that has been proven to help. And it's an alternative that the hospital doesn't want to look at because of their own policy."

Judge Oster's ruling could happen Friday night, over the weekend or into next week.

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Judge orders hospital to continue Ivermectin treatments - WCPO

Acupressure is a type of complementary therapy that may help to alleviate migraine symptoms in some people. This technique is similar to acupuncture in that it involves stimulating distinct pressure points on different parts of the body.

Migraine is a neurological disorder that causes moderate to severe head pain and other symptoms. For some people, the condition is debilitating.

Acupressure therapy is an alternative medicine technique that involves applying manual pressure to distinct parts of the body called pressure points. The overall aim of acupressure is to alleviate pain and promote healing.

Acupressure is based on the same principles as acupuncture. Both techniques derive from ancient Chinese medicine, and both involve stimulating sensory nerves beneath the skin to release pain-relieving substances called endorphins.

This article discusses the scientific research into using acupressure to alleviate migraine symptoms. We also provide tips and advice for people who want to self-administer acupressure at home.

Some evidence suggests that acupressure or acupuncture therapies can help with alleviating some of the symptoms of migraine.

A 2017 study found that acupuncture therapy may provide better relief of chronic migraine symptoms compared to Botox injections and medication. In this study, acupuncture therapy was also associated with fewer side effects.

A different 2017 study found similar results. Researchers noted that combining acupuncture with sodium valproate helped to reduce nausea in people living with migraine.

A later 2019 study investigated whether self-administered acupressure can improve sleep quality and fatigue among people living with migraine.

The researchers divided the participants into two groups: One group applied pressure to recognized pressure points, while the other applied pressure to sham pressure points. Neither group showed any improvement in sleep quality, but both groups showed reduced levels of fatigue. However, this reduction was greatest for the group administering acupressure to recognized pressure points.

A 2019 review found consistent evidence to suggest that acupuncture is safer and more effective than using medication to prevent migraine. However, the authors noted that more high quality research involving a wider range of people is necessary to confirm this effect.

There are several pressure points around the ear that may help to alleviate some migraine symptoms. Examples include:

For headache relief, a person can try rubbing a pressure point in the hand called the Hegu or LI-4. This pressure point is located at the base of the thumb and index finger.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center indicates that applying pressure to the Hegu may help to alleviate headache pain. A person should use the thumb of their opposite hand to apply firm pressure to the Hegu for around 5 minutes. They can repeat this multiple times per day, if necessary.

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), practitioners should not apply pressure to this point when a person is pregnant.

Stimulating certain acupressure points on the foot may also help to alleviate migraine symptoms. Examples include:

Stimulating other pressure points throughout the body may also help to bring relief from migraine symptoms. Some other points to consider include:

In order to stimulate pressure points, a person or therapist must apply firm pressure to the area. A person could also visit a licensed acupuncturist who will stimulate the pressure points using small needles.

In the United States, people can find board certified and licensed acupuncturists via the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

A person can stimulate pressure points at home by following these steps:

A person should stop applying pressure if they feel discomfort or if they begin to experience any new symptoms.

A person who is considering acupressure therapy can talk to their doctor or acupuncturist who may be able to recommend a licensed therapist.

Some chiropractors and acupuncturists offer acupressure massage. A person can check with their acupuncturist or chiropractor to see if they offer the service.

People interested in receiving acupuncture should make sure that they receive the therapy from a licensed therapist. They may also want to consider factors such as:

When seeing a pressure point therapist or acupuncturist for the first time, a person can expect to answer several questions about their health and the symptoms they are experiencing. The answers to these questions will help the therapist decide which pressure points to focus on.

The type of therapy a person chooses will determine what happens during the appointment. Both acupressure therapy and acupuncture therapy may involve the person removing some clothing so that the professional can access the pressure points they need to work on.

During an acupressure appointment, the therapist will stimulate the pressure points by applying firm pressure or massage.

During an acupuncture appointment, the professional will stimulate the pressure points using small single-use needles. The therapist will insert the needles into the different pressure points until the person experiences a sensation of pressure in the area.

In some cases, a professional may heat the needles or apply a gentle electrical current to the needles during treatment.

Acupressure therapy is a complementary or alternative therapy. A person should not use acupressure in place of medications or other migraine treatments that their doctor has recommended or prescribed.

Lifestyle factors play an important role in migraine management. The American Migraine Foundation provides the following self-care tips for migraine management:

In some cases, migraine management may involve identifying and avoiding individual migraine triggers. Migraine triggers typically vary from person to person. Some common triggers include:

A doctor may prescribe medications to prevent migraine or to manage migraine pain and other symptoms.

Some people may find headache relief using an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medications called triptans, which specifically target migraine headaches.

Experts believe that migraine attaches occur when blood vessels around the brain widen or dilate. Triptans work by causing these blood vessels to narrow or contract.

A doctor or pharmacist may also recommend an anti-nausea medication to prevent nausea and vomiting.

A person should talk with their doctor if they experience migraine symptoms but have not yet received a full diagnosis. The doctor can help determine if the person is experiencing migraine, or symptoms of another underlying condition.

A person should also see a doctor if they have received a diagnosis of migraine and are experiencing more frequent migraine attacks or worsening symptoms. The doctor may be able to adjust the persons current treatment plan.

People should also talk with a doctor before adding new or alternative therapies to their treatment plan.

Migraine is a neurological condition that causes moderate to severe head pain. Migraine pain can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

Some people may find relief from migraine pain by manipulating pressure points on different areas of the body. A person can do this by self-administering acupressure or by receiving acupuncture from a licensed practitioner.

Acupressure is a complementary or alternative therapy that may work for some people but not for others. As a relatively low risk therapy, it should be safe for most people to try. However, a person should never use acupressure in place of other treatments their doctor has prescribed.

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Migraine pressure points: Locations and how to apply pressure - Medical News Today

SINGAPORE: A doctor has been ordered to not recommend, prescribe or administer an antibiotic and an antifungal medication for the next 18 months to children aged seven or under, after complaints from four hospital specialists.

Dr Erwin Kay Aih Boon, a general practitioner in private practice at HealthwerkzMedical Centre, had prescribed antibiotic Vancomycin and antifungal medication Fluconazole trade name Diflucan to children with autism.

The Singapore Medical Council (SMC) said these were strong medications, which are potentially dangerous and harmful if prescribed without scientific basis.

According to the grounds of decision published on Thursday (Sep 2), the Interim Orders Committee has ordered Dr Kay to temporarily stop prescribing the two medications to children.

It comes after four paediatricians in a hospital, which was unnamed in the grounds, complained to the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) about Dr Kays management of children with autism.

They said his management of the children were not based on evidence, the grounds read.

Hospital As paediatricians were of the view the use of antibiotics and antifungal agents for the treatment of children with (autism spectrum disorders) was unnecessary and had the potential for harm, said the committee in its grounds.

The paediatricians requested SMC to investigate Dr Kays practices further, and stated that he may not be adhering to the current recommended clinical practice guidelines for the investigation and treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders.

They said there was no evidence to support treatment with antibiotics or other alternative therapies.

A complaints committee found that at least three children with autism or suspected autism who were treated by Dr Kay had been prescribed antibiotics and antifungal medications.

Two children aged three and five were prescribed both medications, while the third, who was three, was given five bottles of the antibiotic.

Dr Kay, who has been a general practitioner for 25 years, defended his actions and said the committee did not need to make such an order.

He said both medications are therapeutic products locally registered with the Health Sciences Authority, and that both are safe and approved for use in children.

He added that he did not treat these patients autism spectrum disorder as they were already being seen at Hospital A for that condition.

The general practitioner told the committee he had treated their co-occurring medical conditions associated with autism spectrum disorder.

That included prescribing antibiotics and antifungal agents to treat the bacterial overgrowth or infections, and yeast or fungal overgrowth or infections respectively.

SMC said according to the clinical practice guidelines, antibiotics and anti-yeast medications are complementary alternative therapies that are not recommended in pre-school children with autism spectrum disorder because of insufficient evidence for efficacy and potential harm or adverse effects.

Evidence on the antibiotics efficacy in children with autism was inconclusive, said the council, adding that there are serious adverse effects associated with the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.

This includes the emergence of antibiotics-resistant bacteria.

Chronic use of anti-fungal therapy is associated with hepatotoxicity and exfoliative dermatitis, said the SMC, according to the grounds.

Two of the three patients were children on follow up in Hospital A for autism spectrum disorders. Hospital A assesses and manages children from birth to seven years of age with a range of learning, behavioural and developmental needs, including autism.

When they were seen by a paediatrician there, the two patients were ordered to stop taking the medications.

Hospital As paediatricians allegations are serious and if true, that is that Dr Kay is prescribing antibiotic and antifungal medications unnecessarily without scientific basis, would mean that Dr Kay is needlessly subjecting young children with (autism spectrum disorders) to the harm that the consumption of Vancomycin and/or Fluconazole may cause, said the SMC.

Given the vulnerability of these children, the consequences of the risk materialising would be severe.

The SMC asked for an interim order to stop Dr Kay from prescribing the medications for 18 months, as the complaint was still pending before the complaints committee.

The complaints committee has yet to determine if the case should be referred for formal inquiry by a disciplinary tribunal.

The SMC said that it is not up to interim orders committee to determine if harm was caused by the prescription of Vancomycin and Fluconazole, but it has to consider the risk and the nature of the harm to the public.

Dr Kay maintained that he did not treat the patients autism spectrum disorders, but he did treat their other medical conditions.

He said his prescription of the medications to the children was clinically indicated and that it was supported by scientific evidence and safe, according to the grounds.

He said there were clear medical grounds, arrived at through sufficient clinical information, obtained through history-taking, clinical findings, and relevant investigations.

The general practitioner detailed the patients cases. In the case of the two-year-old child, who was diagnosed with severe autism, his mother told Dr Kay he had eczema, poor immune status, constipation and behavioural issues, such as hyperactivity, irritability and frequent meltdowns.

Dr Kay suspected a gastrointestinal issue given its prevalence in children with autism spectrum disorders, said the grounds.

Patient B was also noted to exhibit inappropriate laughing, giggling, inattention, high pitched squealing, sugar cravings and skin rashes, which were symptoms suggestive of a yeast infection. These are generally accepted signs and symptoms of yeast overgrowth and consistent with observations.

He said he had explained the risks of both medications to the childs parents, and that they understood the risk and benefits. The boy was given the antibiotics and antifungal medication, and his health condition improved notably, said the grounds.

Another patient who has autism had aberrant eating behaviour, hyperactivity, and sleeping problems. The patients mother reported acutely increased inappropriate laughter and silly behaviour suggestive of yeast symptoms, said the grounds.

Dr Kay suspected a gastrointestinal disorder and a possible yeast infection, and ordered a test which showed markers of bacterial and yeast metabolites, indicating dysbiosis.

He offered various options to the patients mother and she chose to go for a short course of antibiotics and antifungal agents, said the grounds, adding that notable improvements were reported.

The parents of the third patient also agreed to a trial of the antibiotics, after Dr Kay diagnosed her with acute gut bacterial infection.

She eventually stopped crying without reason and her sleep improved.

With all three patients, their parents provided testimonials, said the grounds. None of the three patients suffered any side effects due to the antibiotics and instead benefited from the medication, Dr Kay said, according to the grounds.

Dr Kay said his prescription with the medications was according to best practices he learnt from training by attending various accredited conferences and training programmes, adding that there was no evidence he posed any risk to the public.

The interim orders committee said it is of the view that there will be risks of potential harm to the public if Dr Kay is not restricted from prescribing Fluconazole and Vancomycin to young children below the age of seven.

This is pending the complaint committees proceedings, and if the complaint is referred to the disciplinary tribunal.

Lawyers on both sides agree it is not for the committee to decide if Dr Kays prescription of the medications were based on scientific evidence or is generally acceptable medical practice.

The committee said it agrees that public trust and confidence in the medical profession may be undermined if it is made known that four specialists in paediatric medicine had raised concerns regarding Dr Kays conduct, yet he was allowed to continue without restrictions.

On the other hand, Dr Kays current practice would face little disruption if he is simply prohibited from prescribing such medication to children below the age of seven, said the grounds.

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Doctor ordered to temporarily stop prescribing antibiotics, antifungal medication to children after specialists complain - CNA