Category Archives: Alternative Medicine

MRInsights.biz worked with the genuine exploring on Global Integrative Health or Complementary and Alternative Medicine Market considering a surprisingly long time from 2021-2027. The appraisal approaches followed are made and plan to give a more fundamental picture of the tireless moreover as advancing toward changes that the Integrative Health or Complementary and Alternative Medicine market is and will be familiar with in the really insinuated figure stretch of time.

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The report gives unequivocal information concerning key parts including drivers, cut-off focuses, openings, and industry-express troubles influencing the improvement of the if all else fails Integrative Health or Complementary and Alternative Medicine market. This audit helps in keeping and picking the size of the market, similar to worth and volume. The audit wires measure the size of market fragments, the degree that value, concerning rule regions. The hypothetical district wires information about market central purposes, and customer mentioning and nuts and bolts. The quantitative piece of the report, of course, contains the strongest industry data screened totally by specialists to pick ends by its controllers.

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Global Integrative Health or Complementary and Alternative Medicine Market 2021 Growing Opportunity and Competitive landscape Arab Yoga Foundation...

Mantras are not a common ingredient in skin care, but at Forest Essentials, they are part of the process that goes into products like the brands ayurvedic face moisturiser.

During the making of our cult favourite Ayurvedic Eternal Youth Formula Date & Litchi, specific mantras are chanted while the cream is mixed by hand, to lend positive vibrations to the product, which consequently energise your skin with their pure energy, claimed Samrath Bedi, executive director of the Delhi-based brand and son of its founder Mira Kulkarni.

Forest Essentials and its close competitor Kama Ayurveda are brands rooted in Indias 5,000-year-old philosophy of holistic healing and both have attracted millions of dollars in investment from global beauty conglomerates. Forest Essentials parent company Mountain Valley Springs Pvt. Ltd is part owned by American beauty conglomerate Este Lauder Companies and international orders now constitute over 30 percent of its online business. Bedi expects the brands October launch with UK-based e-tailer Look Fantastic to boost that figure.

The UK is one of our largest markets, he says. Consumers there already have a significant knowledge of Ayurveda and a wider acceptance [of it or] buy into its philosophy and what it stands for.

Vivek Sahni, co-founder and director of Kama Ayurveda, which saw a reported minority investment of 100 crore rupees (approximately $14 million) by Spanish fashion and fragrance conglomerate Puig in 2019, is also positive about the UK market, with plans to open a store there in 2022, and has high hopes for the brands bestsellers, including Kumkumadi Thailam Miraculous Beauty Fluid, Pure Rose Water & Organic Hair Colour Kit and Bringadi Thailam Intensive Hair Treatment Oil. [That will] allow us to experience a strong market before rolling out [wider] distribution, he says.

So what is ayuverdic beauty? While there are many interpretations, it is generally associated with a range of product formulations, healing rituals and treatments across beauty and wellness which are based on principles of Ayurveda, a system of alternative medicine and philosophy with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent.

Unlike other beauty movements making their way westward take South Korean K-beautys focus on glass skin, for example ayurvedic beauty doesnt have a specific look. Well, not exactly.

Ayurveda presents a collaborative approach to organic beauty that works on three levels: outer perfection, inner beauty and ojas [a Sanskrit term meaning vitality] or the charisma of absolute beauty, reflected in inner vitality, lustrous hair, glowing skin, clear shining eyes and an inner fire, Bedi explained. When the skin acquires the touch and feel of silk with a dazzling glow it is known as tejas [a Sanskrit term meaning illumination] or the outer reflection of beauty.

Kama Ayurveda, which saw a reported minority investment of 100 crore rupees ($14 million) by Puig in 2019, is also positive about expanding into the UK market. Kama Ayurveda.

In many ways what Kama Ayurveda and Forest Essentials are doing is packaging the legacy of an ancient civilisation in a jar, one that chimes with the global consumers continued interest in clean beauty.

Integral to the aura of luxury surrounding both brands is the focus on quality botanical ingredients as well as processes of extracting oils that ensure purity. The luxury packaging is merely surface dressing for the investment and commitment needed to cold press oils, use steam distillation and create formulations consisting of organic or easily regenerable wild-sourced ingredients.

A niche but rapidly growing opportunity

In 2017, the size of the global ayurvedic products market was $4.5 billion, according to Hamdard Laboratories chief marketing officer Suman Varma, and is projected to reach $14.9 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 16.14 percent during that period. While India is the largest market, there is growing interest from consumers in Southeast Asian countries, China, the US and some European markets.

Ayurvedic beauty products are resonating well with so called clean beauty consumers, says Claire McCormack, editor at Beauty Independent. Those in the US and UK are looking for plant-derived ingredients in their products, so Ayurveda and the use of ayurvedic ingredients [like] ashwagandha, turmeric, gotu kola [etcetera] in clean beauty has exploded in recent years.

Its growing popularity has some industry leaders asking whether ayurvedic beauty could be the next big global skin care and beauty phenomenon. Though some believe the trend is close to or already at its peak, others say that the growing number of brands on the market suggests otherwise.

Rasasara, Sahajan Skincare, Pratima Skincare and other indie brands from New York, Melbourne and Toronto are already shaping the globalised version of this traditional medicine, says Tanya Rajani, beauty and personal care analyst at Mintel.

In addition to India-based Forest Essentials and Kama Ayurveda, there many other independent ayurvedic brands, some founded by members of the Indian diaspora.

For Forest Essentials international orders now constitute over 30 percent of its online business. Forest Essentials.

Fable and Mane, a plant-based hair care brand inspired by ancient Indian beauty secrets founded by Nikita and Akash Mehta, two British siblings of South Asian heritage, is among those making inroads; it is already stocked across the British high street chain Boots.

According to McCormack, in North America, ayurvedic beauty brands can increasingly be seen across price points, with brands like Ranavat, Uma Oils, Soma Ayurvedic, and Love, Indus in the prestige space while UK-based Urban Veda, Paavani and new skin care brand Planktos are available at a lower price point.

Further insight on the global ayurvedic beauty market comes from Kavita Khosa, a Singapore-based Non-Resident Indian (NRI) who founded ayurvedic brand Purearth in 2012, sourcing from womens co-operatives in the Himalayas using chemical free methods of extraction and preservation. Purearth, which has an advisory council that includes Morgan Tan, the former president of Shiseido, is carried by Hong Kongs Lane Crawford department store, and other international launches are in the pipeline, Khosa says.

With seasonal changes, we see more nourishing, occlusive products like our Rose & Seabuck Face Cream and Mandarin Body Butter in demand in the north in winters, while our Turmeric Exfoliant Face Sand is very popular in the summer months regardless of the region, Khosa adds.

Indian luxury brands with global ambitions

Within India, the practice of Ayurveda has experienced a renaissance in the past twenty years, part of a growing turn towards Indian heritage industries of wellness, yoga and craft. All are part of Indias post-financial liberalisation and economic growth trajectory, whereby a growing middle class aspires to Western brands whilst cultivating a deep-rooted desire to reinstate and value things considered intrinsically Indian.

In turn, Ayurveda, is also seen as an increasingly important cultural attraction that can be leveraged for business. Ayurvedic spa resorts and treatment centres continue to be a massive draw for tourists to India from across the world.

As the West began looking at Eastern remedies, Ayurveda rose in stature and when that happened its value increased in our eyes. Even though brands such as Kama and Forest Essentials were founded in the early 2000s, ayurvedic skin care was still not seen as cool until it [was] adopted by the clean beauty and Western wellness circles, says Vasudha Rai, former beauty director at Harpers Bazaar India and the author of Glow: Indian Foods, Recipes and Rituals for Beauty, Inside and Out.

Ayurveda continues to be used as a form of holistic medicine and is practiced across India in ordinary homes. Among middle income consumers, more affordable brands like Biotique, Himalaya or Lotus Herbals tend to be used whereas Forest Essentials and Kama Ayurveda are popular among luxury consumers.

Ayurveda is seen as a key growth factor with Puig. We will be expanding our footprint.

Since Este Lauder Companies first took a stake in Forest Essentials 12 years ago, the brand has expanded to 90 stand-alone stores across 29 Indian cities and now exports to 100 countries through e-commerce in top export markets including the US, Singapore, the Gulf states and Australia. Like other ayurvedic brands, the Indian diaspora is a key demographic. Long-standing contracts to supply 5-star hotel chains and luxury spas complete the picture.

[Este Lauder Companies] has aided us towards becoming a best-in-class brand builder and direct-to-consumer retailer, said Bedi.

Given the disruption created by the Covid-19 pandemic shortly after Puig made its initial investment in Kama Ayurveda, it is too early to assess what that capital injection means for the brand.

Pre-pandemic, there was global interest from major players in different geographies, looking to invest in successful companies in the natural clean beauty space. Ayurveda is seen as a key growth factor with Puig. We will be expanding our footprint in the coming year, Sahni said.

Founded in 2002, for the first 10 years it had only nine products and sold solely through 5-star hotels. In 2012, the brand opened their first store in Delhi, and soon received their first external funding from Lighthouse Advisors India Pvt. Ltd. Kama has since grown to 49 stand-alone stores across India, 47 store-in-stores, an e-commerce site as well as sales across Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa and Myntra.

Debates around clean beauty, efficacy and safety

Ayurveda may be primed to harness the global trend towards clean beauty, but is the clean beauty movement ready to fully embrace the complex philosophy that underpins Ayurvedic skin care?

In a similar way that certain international beauty players are relating to Traditional Chinese Medicine, a lot of Ayurveda are being co-opted to be honest, and sometimes with little to no respect paid to the ancient healing system that Ayurveda is, McCormack warned.

International industry leaders and consumers alike require more education on ayurvedic beauty, suggest Indian industry insiders, as some misconceptions persist.

Formulations with triethanolamine (TEA), petrochemicals or formaldehyde dont exist in Ayurveda. But clean does not necessarily incorporate Ayurveda. A formulation with rooibos or tea tree can be clean but it isnt an ayurvedic formulation, says Khosa.

Ayurveda is indeed a complex philosophy. Fundamental to it are the concepts of prana or life energy and doshas or mind-body types, namely vata (characterised by the element of air), pitta (fire) and kapha (earth). Ayurveda adherents believe that when a person is dominated by one or two of these doshas, food or skin treatments can be used to create balance.

Ayurveda is a lifestyle; it isnt just about a detox, herbs or oils. An ayurvedic prescription includes circadian rhythms, emotions, dreams and the environment that a person lives in, explained Rai.

Interpreting all of this for a luxury skin care business is both an opportunity to create a highly differentiated product, and a challenge to retain its deeper philosophical underpinnings.

Its easier to communicate the values, ethos and efficacy of Ayurveda in our stores, where beauty assistants are available to do the same. Physical stores also allow the consumer to try and test our treatments, Sahni said.

Kama Ayurveda has 49 stand-alone stores across India, 47 store-in-stores and their own e-commerce site. Kama Ayurveda.

Kama Ayurveda and Forest Essentials, like many other ayurvedic brands, also make use of social media to educate and inform consumers, with in-house ayurvedic doctors creating regular videos, Instagram live sessions and online consultations.

In India, as in other countries around the world, there are tensions between the scientific and medical communities and practitioners of other traditional and alternative healing and wellness systems. In recent years, several high-profile scandals have seen unscrupulous entrepreneurs make bold, unsubstantiated claims linked to Ayurveda. The recent controversy around Patanjali Ayurveds Coronil which claimed to cure Covid being an example, which the Indian Medical Association (IMA) slammed for misleading and false claims.

Almost 40 percent of non-branded ayurvedic medicine samples tested over five years by the research centre of King Edward Memorial hospital in Mumbai contained steroids and toxic metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury. Such scandals have arguably unfairly sullied the reputation of the wider Ayurveda movement for some science-focused Indian beauty industry leaders and consumers.

Beyond the imperative to better reassure consumers of safety and efficacy, there is a need to make clear the distinctions between ayurvedic beauty and clean beauty and to explore ways to innovate formulations to appeal to a broader demographic.

Although consumers are drawn to ayurvedic ingredients, there is a segment of consumers who also believe in lab-grown ingredients; 43 percent [of Indian] consumers are interested in trying beauty products with a combination of scientific ingredients [such as] collagen or hyaluronic acid with botanical ingredients, said Rajani, citing Mintel data, concluding that there is an opportunity to merge science with Ayurveda.

This might be one strategy for brands to follow in global markets where the concept of cosmeceuticals is gaining traction. In any case, transparency in sourcing of ingredients will become more and more important, McCormack said.

Compliance with myriad health and safety regulations across the legal jurisdictions of various export markets is an added complication. For instance, controversy surrounding the ayurvedic practice of Rasa Shastra, a form of latrochemistry using heavy metals has led to some ayurvedic remedies being banned by The US Food and Drug Administration.

All our products are tested for heavy metals from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories, an accredited lab [in India] and are completely devoid of lead, mercury and any other metals, which are known to possess harmful effects on the skin, said Bedi of Forest Essentials. On a board level with Este Lauder Companies expertise, we set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, keeping our traditional manner of working intact while incorporating quality controls, which conform to the latest pharmaceutical guidelines, global standards and processes.

Sahni, of Kama Ayuverda, confirms that with respect to heavy metals, we dont use them in our formulations adding that now with the introduction of QR codes across latest launches, consumers can scan and learn more about the product We have worked tirelessly over the last four years to reincarnate Ayurveda for a customer looking for efficacy and, yes, ayurvedic products are manufactured under the licenses issued by the concerned state licensing authority established under [Indias] Drugs & Cosmetics Act and Rules thereunder.

Assuming that entrepreneurs like Sahni and Bedi can overcome the many challenges they face abroad regulatory and otherwise both are in a good position to tap into the growing global market for ayurvedic beauty products. Consumers around the world are clearly looking for alternative aesthetic and beauty rituals, new formulations and ingredients and authentic cultural heritage. That is a proposition both brands seem more than willing to offer.

The question that remains unanswered, however, is how much brands like Kama Ayuverda and Forest Essentials will have to localise their products and marketing strategies to truly go global.

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Whether you're looking to reduce the symptoms of certain chronic health issues or increase your longevity, supplements are part of many people's daily routines. While there are countless supplements out there that can have major benefits for your health and wellbeing, practically any medication or supplement comes with some risks.

Though it's wise to do your researchand talk to your healthcare providerbefore taking new supplements at any age, experts say that people over 50 should exercise particular caution when making additions to their supplement routine. Read on to discover which supplements experts say could be especially detrimental to your health after 50. And for some supplements worth taking, check out the Best Supplements To Buy at Costco, Say Experts.

While fractures may be increasingly common as you age, that doesn't necessarily mean you should start adding calcium supplements to your regular routine.

"Calcium supplements are popular for improving bone health in people over 50, but some research suggests calcium supplements may be associated with increased risk of a heart attack," says Holly Klamer, MS, RDN, a writer at My Crohn's and Colitis Team, citing a 2010 study published in the BMJ. "As a 2019 review points out, more research is needed for calcium supplements and cardiovascular disease risk especially for those 50 years and older. The researchers advise that the recommended daily allowances of calcium should be achieved through dietary sources when possible, rather than supplements. If wondering about calcium supplements are best for you, consult your healthcare team," Klamer recommends.

While iron deficiency anemia can have severe consequences for your health, getting too much iron can be problematic, as well.

"Women's iron needs decline after menopause due to the lack of blood loss with menstruation. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for women less than 50 years old is 18 milligrams per day. For women 50 years and above, iron needs drop to 8 milligrams."

"Most multivitamins for women above 50 years old will provide adequate iron and taking an extra iron supplement for healthy women over 50 is not necessary unless directed from your medical team," says Klamer.

The Mayo Clinic reports that excessive iron intake may lead to a buildup of iron in your organs, which may contribute to diabetes, heart health issues, and liver dysfunction.

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If you find yourself getting up to use the bathroom more frequently as you age, you're not alone. A 2012 review of research published in Reviews in Urology found that up to 62% percent of women and up to 59% of men in their 70s and 80s woke to urinate at least two times per night, while up to 18% of women and up to 17% of men between 20 and 30 years of age did the same.

"After the age of 50 or so, both women and men may notice an increased need to urinate at night. For women, the cause is decreased estrogen associated with menopause. For men, the cause may be an increase in prostate size. Researchers have shown that dandelion root increases both urinary frequency and volume," says physician Leann Poston, MD, MBA, MEd, an advisor for Impakt Fitness, citing a 2009 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Poston says that if you do choose to take dandelion supplements, it's important to do so early in the day to avoid compromising your sleep.

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Approximately 45.4% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, according to a 2020 report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That number significantly increases with age, with hypertension affecting 54.5% of individuals from 40 to 59 and 74.5% of those 60 and over.

That means for many people over 50, taking supplements that are known to increase blood pressure can be a dangerous endeavor. "Licorice root tastes delicious, but if you are over 50, you may want to cut back on how much you eat. Licorice root increases blood pressure by increasing your blood volume and the resistance to blood flow in your arteries. With aging, blood pressure tends to increase anyway, which makes it even more important to consider dietary factors that may increase it," says Poston.

A 2017 study published in Scientific Reports found that, among a group of 22 healthy adults, daily consumption of licorice over a two-week period increased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and stiffness in the large arteries.

If you want to get your blood pressure into a healthier range, check out The #1 Best Diet to Lower Your Blood Pressure, Says Dietitian, and for the latest healthy living news delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter!

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The Worst Supplements to Take After 50, Say Experts Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Treatment-resistant depression or TRD is exactly what it sounds like: a form of mental illness that defies effective therapy. It is not rare, with an estimated 3 million persons in the United States suffering from TRD.

In a novel study, published in the October 19, 2021 online issue of The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, an international team of scientists led by senior author Zafiris J. Daskalakis, MD, PhD, professor of psychiatry and chair of the Department of Psychiatry at University of San Diego School of Medicine, investigated whether continued magnetic seizure therapy (MST) might effectively prevent the relapse of TRD, particularly in comparison to what is known about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), the current standard of care but a method with mixed results and a controversial history.

ECT is a procedure, performed under general anesthesia, in which small electric currents are passed through the brain, triggering a brief seizure and changes in brain chemistry that reverse symptoms of some mental health conditions, most notably depression and mania.

ECT dates back to the 1930s. Early treatments involved high doses of electricity administered without anesthesia, resulting in memory loss, fractured bones and other serious side effects. Contemporary ECT uses much lower levels of electric stimulus in combination with anesthesia to avoid pain and muscle relaxants to reduce the physical dangers of a seizure.

ECT often works when other treatments are unsuccessful, but it does not work for everyone, and some side effects may still occur, such as confusion and memory loss. These concerns, and a lingering public stigma, have limited its widespread use.

MST is a different form of electrical brain stimulation, debuting in the late-1990s. It induces a seizure in the brain by delivering high intensity magnetic field impulses through a magnetic coil. Stimulation can be tightly focused to a region of the brain, with minimal effect on surrounding tissues and fewer cognitive side effects. Like ECT, MST is being studied for treating depression, psychosis and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

While ECT and, to a lesser degree MST, have both been shown in previous research to produce immediate benefit in treating at least some cases of acute or treatment-resistant depression, much less is known about whether continued MST might prevent relapse of mental illness.

In the latest study, the first of its kind, Daskalakis and colleagues investigated whether continued use of MST prevented a recurrence of treatment-resistant (unipolar) major depressive disorder or bipolar depression, which includes symptoms of mania.

The researchers enrolled participants with qualifying diagnoses and who had responded well to an acute course of MST to receive a course of continuation MST. Between February 2012 and June 2019, 30 participants received 12 continuation MST sessions with decreasing frequency over the course of six months.

One-third of the patients experienced relapse of depression or required psychiatric hospitalization, with no significant differences between those with unipolar and bipolar depression. However, the other two-thirds sustained improvements in depressive symptoms without any adverse cognitive effects.

The authors noted that the relapse rate for continued MST was lower than earlier research assessing one-time, acute MST: 33 percent compared to 50 percent. They also observed that those that had suicidal ideation improve with acute MST had sustained resolution of these symptoms throughout the course of continuation MST. Most neurocognitive tests showed no significant differences during MST continuation. Indeed, verbal fluency improved. These results also show that additional MST treatments repeated over a long period of time continued to be a safe and tolerable procedure.

The study size was small, said the authors, but the findings encouraging enough to conduct larger clinical trials, especially in comparing the efficacy of MST to ECT.

Co-authors include: Victor M. Tang, Daniel M Blumberger, Alanah Throop, Daphne Voineskos, Jonathan Downar, Yuliya Knyahnytska and Benoit H. Mulsant, all at the University of Toronto; Shawn M. McClintock, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Duke University School of Medicine; and Paul B. Fitzgerald, Epworth Healthcare and Monash University, Australia.

Funding for this research came, in part, from the Temerty Family and the Grant Family through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation and the Campbell Institute.

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Magnetic Seizure Therapy may be Attractive Alternative to Electricity - UC San Diego Health

image:Treatment Risk Perceptions Vary Based on How Risk Information Is Communicated. view more

Credit: American College of Surgeons

Key takeaways

CHICAGO: Using quantitative rather than qualitative terms to describe the risks of various treatment options improves communication between surgeons and patients, according to a study presented at the virtual American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2021.

Based on a survey of American adults, researchers found that using qualitative descriptions of various risksfor example, using terms such as sometimes or uncommonled to a wide range of interpretations. In contrast, there was less variance in interpretation when those surveyed were given a risk percentage (for example, a 1 percent risk) or range of risk percentages (for example, 1-5 percent), according to the authors.

Understanding the potential complications of various alternative treatments is important to help patients make informed decisions, said Joshua E. Rosen, MD, MHS, research fellow at the Surgical Outcomes Research Center at the University of Washington, Seattle, and first study author. Patients need accurate information about the types and degrees of risk they face so they can base decisions within the context of what is happening in their lives, Dr. Rosen said.

While the outcomes and quality of life may be very similar when comparing surgery with a course of antibiotics, there are differences in other outcomes that may be important to patients. For example, recovery time associated with an operation could lead to missed work or school days, while antibiotics pose the risk that the problem will not be resolved and may require an operation at a later time. A student with an upcoming exam may prefer to opt for a course of antibiotics rather than surgery first because the recovery time associated with surgery could interfere with taking the exam, Dr. Rosen explained.

The way surgeons communicate with patients really matters, Dr. Rosen said. We need to communicate accurately so that patients can interpret that information within the context of their lives.

Unfortunately, using qualitative descriptions of risks tends to lead to a wide array of interpretations. For example, those surveyed were given one of three descriptions of the risk of deep space infection after appendicitis surgery:

Respondents were then asked to characterize the risk of deep space infection after an operation for appendicitis (appendectomy). Those who were told the risk was uncommon said they interpreted this term as meaning their chance of getting an infection was, on average, a 26 percent chance, far higher than the point estimate of 3 percent or the range of 1-5 percent.

Surgeons need to thoughtfully communicate such information because it can affect how patients perceive risks. Our findings advance something all surgeons know they should do by highlighting ways surgeons can do it, said Joshua M. Liao, MD, MSc, the senior study author. Surgeons can use our findings to consider when and how to communicate risks using numerical estimates and ranges.

Findings are communication tools

The studys findings are intended to be used as tools to help surgeons counsel patients, Dr. Rosen said. Based on these findings, surgeons should:

The surveys were conducted among 296 American adults (54 percent were male) recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). Respondents were asked to estimate the risk of complications (0 to 100 percent) for a typical patient with appendicitis. The study used Fligner-Killeen tests for homogeneity of variances to compare the spread in respondents estimates based on risk communication language.

Among the 296 respondents, variance in risk estimates was highest for all complications tested when risks were communicated using qualitative descriptors. In addition, variance was generally lower when risks were communicated as point estimates rather than ranges.

A broader effort is underway

This study is part of a broader portfolio through the Decision Science Group (vsslab.org/dsg) that seeks to improve health by improving how doctors, clinical teams, patients, and their loved ones make health care decisions, Dr. Liao said. One major aim of the Group's work is to translate insights into practice by using findings from this study to design decision-making tools and protocols that can be implemented to help patients make decisions about appendicitis treatment, he said. Core members of this group include faculty in the school of medicine, school of public health, and Foster School of Business at the University of Washington.

Other study authors are Nidhi Agarwal, PhD, MBA and David R. Flum, MD, FACS.There are no author disclosures to report.

FACS designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Citation:Rosen JE, et al. Treatment Risk Perceptions Vary Based on How Risk Information Is Communicated. Scientific Forum Presentation.American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2021.

# # #

About the American College of SurgeonsThe American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the quality of care for surgical patients. Its achievements have placed it at the forefront of American surgery and have made the College an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 84,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. For more information, visitwww.facs.org.

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

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Perceptions of treatment risk vary based on how surgeons communicate risk information to patients - EurekAlert

Last year, the supplement industry was worth an estimated $46 billion in the United States alone. It's a beast of an industryand can be dangerous if you're not careful. Supplements do not undergo the same restrictions and regulations as prescription drugs. They are not approved by the FDA and are only "intended to add further nutritional value to (supplement) the diet." Because of this, a lot of conflicting information around the industry pops up when consumers are trying to better their health.

Inessa Makdulina-Nyzio is a registered nutrition and certified dietician at Dietitian for All. She says there is a right way and a wrong way to supplement. "If you are supplementing correctly, you won't be harming yourself, but many consumers are not as educated about their body's processes as they should. According to my clinical experience, if someone isn't deficient in a vitamin or mineral, supplements may not be needed. This is why clinical evaluations are important." Someone's supplemental regiment, or lack thereof, varies from person to person. There are supplements that, in certain circumstances, do more harm than good. Read on to discover 11 that can damage your healthand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

While being an essential mineral for the immune system, metabolic function, and wound healing, zinc overuse can cause a copper deficiency, another crucial mineral. Those with low copper levels may develop neurological conditions, sometimes experiencing numbness in the arms and legs. In the context of COVID, there are hundreds of articles that tout the benefits of zinc in treating and preventing coronavirus. "These days, zinc is being overused. Zinc must be balanced with copper, which exists in most foods. Taking too much can create an imbalance, prompting stomach problems and other diseases in the gut," says Inessa Nyzio, RD.

Often consumed as a drink or in pill form, this supplement comes from a pepper plant native to the South Pacific. Advocates of kava proclaim having an easier time falling asleep and experiencing muscle relaxation, promoting a sensation of positive wellbeing. But taking kava in large doses over an extended period increases toxicity in the liver, nausea, ataxia (loss of muscle control), even photophobia (sensitivity to light). "Kava has been associated with liver injury that can be serious and potentially fatal. However, the exact cause and frequency of the liver damage are unclear," says Alyssa Pike, RD, a Senior Manager at the International Food Information Council. "Kava can cause digestive upset, headache, dizziness, and other side effects. Long-term use of high doses of kava may cause kava dermopathy, a condition that involves dry, scaly, flaky skin with a yellow discoloration."Do not take kava if you are on prescription medicine because it may spark negative interactions. Avoid it, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

RELATED: Surgeon General Says Here's Who Should Get a Booster Now

While there have been studies demonstrating the effectiveness of fish oil in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, there is not enough evidence to show a link between the supplement and improved heart health. In addition, fish oil may be linked to higher levels of LDL cholesterol: the bad kind. But the most common potential harm in taking this supplement is its interactions with other drugs. According to the Mayo Clinic, because fish oil reduces clotting, taking it along with anticoagulants might increase the risk of bleeding. It can also reduce vitamin E levels, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

The problem is not necessarily vitamin D, but excess. Inessa Nyzio, RD, says, "There is an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency in the United States, and much of the time, people are correcting that deficiency by supplementing." Along with being essential support for the immune system, it also regulates calcium and phosphate in the body, reinforcing bone strength. But when people take upwards of 60,000 international units of vitamin D every day for an extended period of time, it can cause toxicity, also known as hypervitaminosis D. This creates a buildup of calcium in the blood, leading to kidney problems, vomiting, and frequent urination. Nyzio considers vitamin D "the most overused nutraceutical on the market today."

RELATED: What Smoking Marijuana Every Day Does to You

Normally used to promote hair health, biotin has also been linked to improved skin conditions. That said, there is little evidence to back up these claims. Some reports indicate taking biotin correlates with nausea and skin rashes. If taken above the recommended levels, it can also show falsely high levels of thyroid hormones in blood tests. When getting bloodwork for a yearly physical, inform your doctor about the supplements you take.

The risk may outweigh the reward when it comes to soy proteins. They have large amounts of estrogen-mimicking compounds associated with certain cancers like breast and prostate. Soy can also affect women's fertility, negatively impact fetal development, and bring about early puberty. Inessa Nyzio, does not recommend soy at all. "It's too genetically modified, too controversial when it comes to estrogenic effects, and there's too much concern in how it's grown regarding pesticides. If we get food in its pure form, our bodies know how to handle it. There used to be no such thing as soy hotdogs until recently. That's Frankenfood."

RELATED: Dr. Fauci Says Here's Who Should Get a Booster Now

Also known as the coneflower, echinacea can be mixed into herbal remedies and is available in most health food stores. Over centuries, people claim this natural solution fights infections such as the common cold. That said, several studies over the years found no definitive evidence linking the ingestion of echinacea to infection treatment. Side effects may include upset stomach, nausea, even difficulty breathing. For those with pre-existing medical conditions like asthma and multiple sclerosis, taking echinacea might make symptoms worse. In addition, people allergic to flowers in the daisy family should avoid this supplement to prevent having an allergic reaction.

Naturally made in our bodies, vitamin A is crucial for cell growth, vision, immunity, and also possesses antioxidant qualities. Those with pancreatic or eye diseases may benefit from it. But, when taken in high amounts, vitamin A can be harmful. Mild side effects range from headaches to nausea, but more severe reactions could end up in coma, even death. Pregnant women taking high dosages of vitamin A can have children with birth defects.

RELATED: These Popular Immunity Supplements Don't Work

A staple in alternative medicine and often described as a catch-all, this herb is possibly effective in lowering blood sugar levels for type 2 diabetes patients. But ginseng is also linked to treating a range of ailments such as insomnia, bleeding disorders, breast cancer, even ADHD, all without conclusive evidence. This product is likely unsafe for pregnant women, and other side effects of ginseng are rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, breast tenderness, vaginal bleeding, and fluctuations in blood pressure. If you develop a severe skin condition, swelling in the face and tongue, or fever, stop taking it right away and call a doctor. The National Institutes of Health studied the effects of long-term ginseng use and found evidence that it may lead to affective disorder, anaphylactic reactions, and reproductive toxicity.

Named after John the Baptist because it frequently blooms on the biblical figure's birthday, St. John's Wort is a flowering plant native to Eurasian regions. Users claim it treats depression, symptoms of menopause, and provides anxiety relief through natural means. While it has shown effectiveness in treating mild to moderate depression, its interactions with other drugs (primarily antidepressants and Xanax) may lower those drugs' effectiveness. "I tend not to bring that into my dispensary because they interact with SSRIs and practically everything else," says Inessa Nyzio, RD. People undergoing cancer treatment should also avoid this supplement because taking it can lower the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs. Refer to the Mayo Clinic's website to see if this supplement might interact with your prescription.

RELATED: Virus Experts Issue Warning About Going Here

A group of vitamins that the body develops for blood clotting (wound healing) make up vitamin K. "It's important to be aware of your intake of vitamin Kwhich is found in high amounts in leafy vegetables like broccoli, collards, kale, spinach and turnip greensif you are taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner) as part of your medication regimen," says Alyssa Pike, RD. "Essentially a blood thinner and vitamin K have opposite effects when it comes to our blood, so it's important to be aware of the dosage of each. People taking a blood thinner need to maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K from food and/or supplements because sudden changes in vitamin K intakes can increase or decrease the anticoagulant effect." Too much can lead to a range of other health problems: enlarged liver, yellow eyes or skin, decreased mobility, irritability, labored breathing, fainting, even hives. A balanced diet should provide enough vitamin K without having to take a supplement.

RELATED: Studies Show These are Proven Ways to Reverse Aging

Because supplements are not as regulated as FDA-approved drugs, there is more room for brands to put questionable ingredients into their products. Often, you have no idea how many international units you are actually taking. "It's the Wild West out there," says Inessa Nyzio, RD. "So, when shopping, look for brands that are clinician overseen. But the most important thing is to look at the ingredients on the bottles." She says that brands with good manufacturing practices (GMP) along with clinician oversight are the safest way to go. "You wouldn't believe some of the added chemicals I find in patients' supplement regimens." Some ingredients to avoid are food coloring, titanium dioxide, and hydrogenated oils. Also, be aware that these products have a shelf life and can go bad, losing their effectiveness. Consult with your primary care provider to make sure you are getting the correct supplements based on your needs. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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11 Supplements That Can Harm You, Say Experts Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

The natural or alternative health community is often held up as being vaccine hesitant.

Yet, the relationship between the natural health community and vaccination is complex.

Stories such as the Adelaide naturopath recently disciplined for using a newspaper column to spread vaccine misinformation may make headlines.

But other stories like the director of Australias largest natural medicine society or even Nimbins herbal medicine columnist publicly advocating for COVID vaccination are more representative.

Although the link between natural health beliefs and vaccine hesitancy gets a lot of public attention, theres actually little evidence on the topic.

I led a 2016 review which found opposition to vaccination was a minority opinion among natural health practitioners and users. Opposition was more likely related to an individuals personal beliefs than a default philosophical position associated with natural medicine.

Some have suggested natural health practitioners could even help support vaccination activities. This isnt as far-fetched as it sounds. There are growing communities of natural medicine practitioners highlighting the alignment between vaccination and natural approaches to health.

One thing people often overlook is the adaptive immune response caused by vaccination is natural. Vaccination prepares the bodys immune system in the same way natural exposure to infection does. It just does it in a safer, controlled way with a much lower dose.

Given theres no underlying reason why natural health and vaccination cannot coexist, why does this perception exist, and why does it persist?

One main reason for historical opposition to vaccination in natural health communities wasnt due to the vaccine. It was because they rejected germ theory itself the concept that unseen external pathogens like bacteria and viruses led to disease.

Early naturopathic pioneer Henry Lindlahr rejected vaccination in the early 1900s because germs, bacteria and parasites are products of disease rather than its cause. He argued germs themselves cannot create disease if they could, humanity would soon be extinct. Also in the early 1900s, chiropractic founder Daniel Palmer rejected the notion there was any cause of disease beyond misalignment of the spine.

Its important to view this historic opposition in context, given germ theory had only become mainstream in conventional medicine in the recent decades before these statements. Views of these natural health professions have similarly evolved.

Natural health communities sometimes raised toxins in vaccines as a concern. Its important to remember, however, that vaccines up until the mid-1900s werent like the vaccines of today. First generation smallpox vaccines, for example, were crudely produced from calf lymph in a process considered cruel by animal rights groups, which were often closely linked with natural health movements.

Also, the natural health community didnt reserve judgement for vaccines and pharmaceutical medicines. Natural health adherents saw other drug systems, such as herbal medicine and homeopathy, as equally invasive and unnatural. Although few would see these therapies as incompatible with natural health today, their adoption by naturopathic practitioners caused significant tensions in the budding drugless profession.

Just as vaccine hesitancy can be a proxy for deeper concerns about medicine and the state, conflict between the natural health community and medicine also came to influence vaccine views.

Opposition wasnt always a given. One of Australias earliest Australian naturopathic journals blamed medicine for stealing vaccination from natural healers without credit.

Towards the second half of the 20th century, anti-vaccination statements increasingly began to target those vaccinating (usually medical doctors) as much as the vaccine. Eventually the oppositional stance of alternative health subsumed parts of the natural health community.

Due to their marginalisation by the medical community, parts of the natural health community started taking on positions that were more about opposing conventional medical practice than about aligning with natural health philosophies.

These underlying factors are similar to why so many people opposing COVID vaccines as unnatural put their faith in equally unnatural alternatives such as ivermectin today.

To put it bluntly, there arent any.

Homeopathic remedies are marketed by some practitioners as alternatives for childhood vaccinations. The most commonly promoted are those claiming to protect against infectious diseases such as malaria and even COVID. A 2011 survey found nearly one-quarter of Australians thought these homeopathic vaccines were an effective replacement for conventional vaccinations. Some have even unknowingly received homeopathic vaccinations thinking theyre conventional vaccinations.

Linking homeopathy and vaccination isnt surprising. Both emerged during the same period in the 1790s and both focused on infectious diseases (vaccination for prevention of smallpox, homeopathy to address symptoms of malaria).

Homeopathys founder Samuel Hahnemann viewed vaccination not only as effective and powerful, but also as an extension of and validation of his own theories.

It might not surprise you homeopathic vaccination alternatives arent supported by the scientific community. But it may surprise you to know theyre not supported by the homeopathic community, either.

According to homeopaths, this is because the mechanism of action of homeopathic vaccination is wholly incompatible with homeopathic theory.

Homeopathic vaccines are neither homeopathic nor are they vaccines.

Some natural health practitioners have claimed their therapies can offer similar immunity as vaccines. However, these views are usually fringe and roundly rejected by their natural health practice and research peers.

Whats more, boosting for a bigger immune response isnt necessarily better. Boost the wrong parts in favour of others, and a hyperactive immune system can make things worse in the short term, as well as the long term. Autoimmune disease (where an overactive immune system starts attacking the body) is thought to be one of the causes of long COVID.

In natural health we talk about the therapeutic hierarchy. This recommends using low level interventions which encourage self-healing processes to avoid more intrusive and invasive therapies where possible.

Vaccines once properly tested and assessed for safety and efficacy clearly fit this bill. Theyre a minimal dose, preventive intervention that support and develop the bodys own healing resources to fight disease.

And they offer the opportunity to avoid the alternative of aggressive treatment and management of infection and associated symptoms later on.

Ultimately vaccination, like the use of natural therapies, is a matter of personal choice. But as someone passionate about both natural health and public health, its one I would highly recommend people take up.

If youre hesitating to get vaccinated because youre concerned it may not align with your preferences for a natural approach to health, theres no need to be. Vaccines may have more in common with natural health approaches than differences.

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Follow a natural health philosophy? Vaccination may have more in common with it than you think - The Conversation AU

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease whose symptoms both vary greatly from patient to patient, and are easy to miss. The long-lasting illnessaffects more than 900,000 people in the United States, according to the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, and symptoms tend to worsen over time. That's why it's important to get an early MS diagnosis, and the key is knowing the warning signs. Though each patient's case is different, there are certain common indications of MS that often show up at the beginning, one of which affects your eyes. Research shows that half of MS patients experience it, and it's the first sign in 20 percent of people with the disease. Read on to know what you should look out for.

RELATED:This Was the First Sign of MSSopranosStar Jamie-Lynn Sigler Noticed.

For many MS patients, inflammation of the optic nerve, also known as optic neuritis (ON), is a common and often early symptom. The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain, which is what allows you to interpret visual information, the experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine explain. However, when the nerve is inflamed, it can lead to blurry or temporary loss of vision and pain in your eye.

In a 2016 study published in the journalEye and Brain, author and researcher Nilufer Kale details how 90 percent of patients with ON experience eye pain before a loss of vision. Kale also notes that ON is the initial indication of MS for 20 percent of patients.

RELATED:If You Notice This With Your Hands, It Could Be an Early Sign of MS.

Other visual issues can also come with MS. In a study published in the journalNeurology and Therapy this past June, researchers explain how people with MS can experience loss of or reduced color vision, difficulties when moving their eyes, and a reduced ability to detect objects' differences brightness.

As noted by The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), patients with MS can also experience nystagmus, which causes the eye to move uncontrollably, making it "feel like the world is moving." Along with that, seeing double, known as diplopia, can occur in MS patients when their eyes are inflamed.

Diplopia and nystagmus can also lead to other MS symptoms, including feeling off-balance and lightheaded. "Added to a little bit of leg weakness or gait imbalance, and these vision problems can increase one's safety risk," Elliot Frohman, MD, associate professor of neurology and director of the MS Program at the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center told NMSS.

RELATED: For more health content delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

Vision problems are extremely common for MS patients, whether they're newly diagnosed or have lived with MS for years. In fact, 50 percent of people with MS develop visual impairments at some point during their disease, as noted by John Hopkins Medicine.

Like other MS symptomswhich include difficulty walking and numbness or tingling in the bodythese visual symptoms affect each patient differently. In a 2013 study published inThe Multiple Sclerosis Journal, researchers examined theseverity of visual impairmentsamong 9,107 patients in the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis. Their findings showed that nearly 67 percent had a visual disability and 43 percent reported having a history with ON.

A group of researchers known as the Optic Neuritis Study Groupexamined ON patients for more than 15 yearsand published their findings in 2007. They discovered that medications, like corticosteroids, could help people with ON quickly recover from their visual symptoms and even delay MS from developing.The NMSS says that steroids are also recommended as a form of treatment for nystagmus and diplopia.

Fresnel lenses, a prism in eyeglasses that helps reduce blurriness, or simply covering your eye are alternative treatments to persistent diplopia."Patching an eye will not affect the vision in any way and will not delay recovery to any significant degree," Thomas R. Hedges, MD, professor of ophthalmology and neurology at Tufts University School of Medicine and the director of neuro-ophthalmology at the New England Medical Center, told NMSS. "The brain always tells both eyes to move at once."

Hedges said that when medications aren't working for constant nystagmus, there aren't many other alternatives. One form of treatment has been to give patients the highest possible prescription for their glasses, and on rare occasions, surgery and botox injections are also used.

RELATED: If You Notice This While Walking, It May Be an Early Sign of MS.

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If You Notice This With Your Eyes, It Could Be the First Sign of MS Best Life - Best Life

Last week, it was revealed that the Anti-counterfeit Network Africa (ACN) is preparing to petition the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a means to have counterfeiting included among crimes against humanity. The associations legal head Fred Muwema, who is also founding partner at Muwema & Co, noted that many fake goods end up endangering other peoples lives and, in doing so, should be regarded by the UN on its list of crimes against humanity. It is expected the petition will be sent to the ICC in Hague by November.

The petitioning of the ICC is arguably the most significant move of the Anti-counterfeit Network Africa since its formation in February 2016. Based in Uganda, the ACN is a not-for-profit that, according to its website, aims to bridge the intervention gaps between the multiple stakeholders that affect and are being affected by counterfeits and illicit trade. Since its launch, actions have included awareness events, the training of law enforcement, and the launch of a League of the Genuine the latter being an ambitious initiative that partners brands, law enforcement agencies and policymakers to expose counterfeit perpetrators, advocate for the dangers of counterfeits products and develop policies to safeguard genuine products.

However, it is unclear how likely it is that the ICC will agree with ACNs petition. As a reminder, crimes against humanity are defined as certain acts committed in times of war or peace that are part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population. Those criminal acts include murder; massacres; genocide; ethnic cleansing; deportations; unethical human experimentation; extrajudicial punishments; and other inhumane acts of a similar character intentionally causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or to mental or physical health.

That final criminal act listed by the UN could be crucial in the argument that counterfeiting should be listed among crimes against humanity. It is clear that many fake goods especially counterfeit pharmaceutical or food/drink products that contain dangerous ingredients can have harmful and sometimes deadly consequences. The World Health Organisation estimates that hundreds of thousands of people die every year from using fake medicines globally and during the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, fake vaccines have not only been causing countless injuries and even death to victims, but are also eroding public trust in authentic vaccines and encouraging vaccine hesitancy. Therefore, the indirect harm caused by fake vaccines is incalculable.

Indeed, the sheer danger of counterfeiting has been previously raised as a crime against humanity. In a 2014 study, fake anti-malaria medicine is labelled as a form of attack on global public health in which fake and substandard anti-malarials serve as de facto weapons of mass destruction. In a scathing analysis, it was revealed that fake antimalarial drugs contribute to nearly 450,000 preventable deaths every year, concluding that this crime against humanity is often underestimated or ignored.

Six years later, Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni publicly described the trafficking of counterfeit medicine on the African continent as a crime against humanity. Similarly to fake covid-19 vaccines, Museveni noted that the toll of all fake pharmaceuticals causes a huge loss of life estimated to be close to one million people annually but also leads to loss of confidence in medicine [and] the health systems that lead to citizens resorting to alternative medicines that are in most cases ineffective.

Of course, thats not to mention the various other ways that counterfeits can be deadly. For the past few years, the International Chamber of Commerce has been raising awareness of the growing prevalence and risks of fake auto parts (including airbags and engine components). Fashion and cosmetics can also have fatal consequences, including fake outdoor apparel (which will often not meet insulation and safety standards), sunglasses (which often dont protect users from UV, which can lead to temporary blindness and cancer), and make-up products (which can contain toxic ingredients including mercury, cyanide, arsenic, and paint-stripper). Theres also the risks with counterfeit toys for children, which are more likely to break and become a choking hazard (even worse when these fake items can contain unacceptably dangerous levels of cancer-causing plastics and heavy metals like lead).

Indeed, in comments toWTRthis week, the ACN'sMuwema confirmed the petition to the ICC will focus on counterfeiting crime that has significant risk of harm.The use and consumption of counterfeit products is resulting in the indiscriminate and widespread death and body injury to millions around the world, he says. This fits the description of a crime against humanity. In fact, the perception that crimes against humanity are committed only in the context of armed conflict is now out dated. These crimes are being committed cheaply through trademark infringement by economic terrorists without firing a single shot.

The petition is currently in the works, and Muwema confirms that it would welcome any assistance or support from relevant stakeholders.Weconsider counterfeitingan organised crime of thatpresents a concealed existential threat to humanity since it affects all aspects of human survival and endeavor, he states.Our petition to the ICC is intended to put counterfeits in sharp international focus and attention which it deserves but seldomgets.The petition will therefore welcome all the support from any and all stakeholders it can muster to achieve this noble objective (I amcoordinating the petition effort and am reachable by email).

WTR contacted both the International Trademark Association (INTA) and the International Anticounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) about their stance on this ambitious petition. Both confirmed they have not reviewed the issue and therefore dont have a position on it.

However, perhaps such a bold initiative is needed to really make a dent in counterfeiting trade. Despite the best efforts of rights holders across the globe, millions continue to be harmed by fake goods each and every year, with little sign of the tide turning. There is surely a better chance for positive change if dangerous counterfeiting is listed amongst the UNs crimes against humanity, ranking it rightly among the most despicable criminal acts. For that reason, major IP associations and other members of the trademark community should consider cooperating with the ACN in this ambitiouslegal effort.

Other recent Saturday opinion pieces can be accessed below:

Link:

A danger to millions: why counterfeiting should be included among crimes against humanity - World Trademark Review

Philosophers have questioned the origins of life and the makeup of the universe since prehistory, the time before written records even existed.

According to some traditions, everything in the universe comes from the five elements: wood, fire, earth, water, and metal.

From the smallest atom to a giant whale to the solar system itself, all things are said to be composed of some combination of these elements.

When it comes to human life, some people believe the five elements play a role in the balance of energies in the body, contributing to everything from personality traits to health and well-being.

While it sounds plausible, is this theory supported by science? Can the scientific approach and five element theory live side by side?

Heres what experts and scientists say about the five elements, plus what they can and cant teach you about your health.

Five element theory, also referred to as Wu Xing or the five phases, has been a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries.

According to a 2008 report, an early mention can be found in the ancient text Huangdi Neijing, which likely dates back to 300 B.C. Even so, this theory still has many believers today.

The five elements are used in pretty much every different style of TCM to some extent [to] diagnose and differentiate between different illnesses, dysfunctions, and people, says Tiffany Cruikshank, licensed acupuncturist, experienced registered yoga teacher, and founder of Yoga Medicine.

The five elements are each associated with an aspect of nature, a connection that runs deep.

The five elements demonstrate how all aspects of human health, [like] diet, movement, and emotions, are interconnected with nature and our environment, says Teresa Biggs, a board certified doctor of oriental medicine (DOM) with more than a decade of clinical experience.

The five element theory is used throughout Eastern medicine and culture. The five elements play a role in:

You can see these relationships in the table below.

Science backs the existence of elements in nature, but their existence as a means to inform health treatment isnt historically supported by research.

Still, more and more research is emerging using evidence-based methods.

One study from 2017 extended the concept of the five elements to a cellular level, noting that incorporating this theory could lead to a better understanding of the relationship between cells.

Another study from 2017 suggested that music therapy based on the five elements could reduce post-stroke depression when combined with acupoint needling or injection.

In 2020, researchers published work based on observational studies of Western medicine, homeopathic medicine, and TCM. They noted that considering the Five Elements theory in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient could lead to a deeper and more effective treatment.

A 2020 overview of TCM and clinical pharmacology offers evidence-based research into using TCM, including the five element theory.

Researchers note several contributions TCM has made, including:

Researchers recommended using TCM in conjunction with modern science as a way to prevent disease and strengthen the body with lifestyle changes.

The five element theory is a guiding principle in TCM, which Cruikshank says focuses on the person as a whole.

This idea of using the five elements to diagnose someone isnt just looking at the disease they have now but the roots of that, she says.

To get to the root of the problem, TCM practitioners will often spend more time conducting a patient intake than a doctor in a conventional setting.

Cruikshank says the process can take 30 minutes or more. Biggs adds that licensed practitioners will often evaluate:

The pulse and tongue in TCM are like two internal GPS, conveying the current state of health and balance within the system, Biggs says.

The TCM practitioner will then assess all of the collected information in attempt to determine the root cause of the issue, which Biggs says leads to a differential diagnosis.

By treating [the] root cause of dysfunction, the symptoms are naturally resolved and health is restored, she explains.

The five-element theory mirrors the interdependent, dynamic, ever-changing energy present in nature, Biggs says.

She explains that there are two cycles connecting each element, where each element has a job to do.

In the generating (or creative) cycle, each element gives way to the next.

In this cycle:

In the controlling (or destructive) cycle, one element can control or be controlled by another element, says Biggs.

In this cycle:

Cruikshank notes that because each element controls another and is controlled by another, it creates a balance. But dysfunction can occur when one becomes too prevalent.

When theres an imbalance in one element, it doesnt usually stay in its [place], she says.

In this case, the element may stop doing its job in controlling an element or promoting another.

One such example occurs when wood overpowers earth. Cruikshank says that wood affects our ability to regulate stress, and earth is linked to digestion.

For people who have high stress levels, its common for them to have digestion issues, she says. In Chinese medicine, thats wood overacting on the earth and not letting it do its job of digestion.

Re-creating harmony within the system can help provide relief.

Its really about moving stagnant qi in the liver, Cruikshank says. For someone working, they may need to manage their schedule.

Qi is known as vital energy, your bodys innate intelligence. Some believe it guides your physical and mental-emotional processes and maintains equilibrium.

She also suggests movement like running, yoga, and dancing or acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture can move qi, Cruikshank adds. Anything that regulates stress can be helpful.

If harmony is not restored, the imbalance can fester and grow.

[Fire] can steal from water and [trigger] burnout, lower back aches, and depression, Cruikshank says.

In this case, Cruikshank says movement can become depleting. Shed recommend more introspective practices like meditation, in addition to supplementation.

We use a lot of herbs to support kidney deficiency, she says. Adaptogens and a little spice like ginger and cinnamon.

As part of a persons individualized treatment plan, a practitioner may make suggestions for self-care.

Because each element is associated with a season, you may experience specific imbalances during certain seasons.

Usually, thats when we need to cultivate and support that element the most, Cruikshank says. When people have imbalances with that element, it tends to become exacerbated [in that season].

By learning about your own elemental tendencies, you can plan for seasonal effects and focus on specific methods of self-care.

For example, water is linked to winter. Cruikshank notes burnout can manifest during this season, particularly in people who are busy and dont often have time for self-care.

Its a good reminder to slow down, she says.

Cruikshank may suggest taking herbs, meditating, and doing yoga to gain introspection and support kidney deficiency.

Our body focuses on doing, creating, and going in this external world, she says. She suggests shifting energy to internal processes and your bodys ability to heal, repair, digest, and create more energy.

Biggs says people may also benefit from eating according to the seasons.

During the colder months, the environment is adding the thermal property of cold to our system, she says. To counteract this additional cold, eat warm, nourishing foods that are available seasonally.

These foods and ingredients might include:

As the weather gets warmer, Biggs says consuming foods that cool the body can balance the excess heat.

Consider foods like:

Year-round, you can use diet as a tool to regain harmony when you experience imbalance.

Seaweed, being a salty food, can nourish the organs of water: kidney and urinary bladder, Biggs says. And if youre craving salty foods, then this could indicate the water organ systems are out of balance.

The elements are also part of the lunar year, with the 12 zodiac signs and animals that go along with them, though not all TCM practitioners use this system in their practice.

Each animal represents 1 year and has unique characteristics. For example, 2021 is the Year of the Ox.

Each 12-year cycle also corresponds to an element. Oxen are considered earth creatures, but the years 2020 to 2031 are considered metal years.

Someone who is born during 2021 will have the influence of metal even though [oxen] are an earth creature, says Tsao-Lin Moy, licensed acupuncturist of Integrative Healing Arts says. Youll see both in the person.

What qualities, exactly, would a person born in a metal year possess? And how about people born in years corresponding to the other elements?

Moy provides some generalizations:

Of course, these are simply caricatures of the personality types for easy understanding. When applied to actual people, they become much more complex and nuanced.

Moy clarifies that each element is connected, and we all have bits and pieces of each within us. Still, she says if an element is dominant in a person, it may influence personality traits.

Cruikshank and Biggs both stress its important to work with a licensed TCM practitioner to gain the most informed treatment using the five elements. There is no one-size-fits-all regimen in TCM, as the tradition focuses on the individual.

There is a lot more complexity to it, Cruikshank says. If you have 5 people or 10 people who come in with headaches, they may have different diagnoses using TCM.

Seeing a professional, rather than self-diagnosing, can help get you on the right track to regaining harmony.

Five element theory is not a replacement for medical treatment. Its a holistic (whole-person) approach that can be integrated with your lifestyle and healthcare needs.

Biggs recommends several books to learn more about five elements.

The five elements have been a part of numerous alternative medicine traditions, including TCM, for centuries.

Some research suggests that the five element theory may help practitioners find and treat the root causes of a health condition rather than symptoms. However, more scientific research is needed.

Five elements theory should always be a part of a holistic approach to health and overall well-being. It is not a replacement for seeing a doctor.

Beth Ann Mayer is a New York-based writer. In her spare time, you can find her training for marathons and wrangling her son, Peter, and three furbabies.

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Five Element Theory in Chinese Medicine: What the Science Says - Healthline