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This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions beyond the known and effective lifestyle interventions, as an adjunct to the treatment of adult patients with hypertension, a significant risk factor for fatal cardiovascular diseases. The evaluated interventions included alternative therapies, like traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture (three studies), mind-body therapy (10 studies) and dietetic/nutraceutical supplements (10 studies). The results suggest that some of these therapies may be promising adjuncts to antihypertensive treatment. Among the mentioned therapies, auricular acupressure, tai chi, yoga, qigong and meditation stand out. In addition, certain nutraceuticals and phytotherapeutic agents like omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, probiotics, resveratrol, soy isoflavones, garlic extract and extra virgin olive oil may be recommended as part of a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean or DASH diet, known for its impact on cardiovascular risk. In conclusion, as far as public policies aimed at the comprehensive treatment of chronic noncommunicable diseases are concerned, these therapies, as part of nonpharmacological management, can effectively complement hypertension treatment, providing patients with additional options for controlling their blood pressure and improving their cardiovascular health. However, more research is needed to confirm their long-term efficacy and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objetivo: analisar os benefícios das terapias alternativas no tratamento da depressão pós-parto. Materiais e Métodos: realizou-se uma busca nas bases de dados PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). Foram utilizados os descritores “alternative therapies” “post partum depression” a partir de uma estratégia de busca avançada com auxílio do operador booleano “AND”. Foram encontrados 202 estudos na PubMed, 47 estudos na BVS e nenhum documento foi encontrado na base de dados do SciELO. Foram incluídos estudos em português, inglês e espanhol, artigos publicados nos últimos 10 anos. Excluíram-se os artigos de revisão de literatura, revisão sistemática e meta-análise, guia de prática clínica, dissertações e teses. Resultados: notou-se melhora dos sintomas depressivos, acompanhado de melhora no sono, progressão da recuperação dos sintomas mais rapidamente, aumento da sociabilidade e qualidade de vida, de acordo com a terapia alternativa aplicada e com o comprometimento com o tratamento. Conclusão: os benefícios consistem na possibilidade de redução dos escores de depressão da puérpera de maneira eficaz e mais rápida, na possibilidade da melhora da estabilidade do humor e da redução dos efeitos físicos e da ineficiência do sono.

Copyright of Romanian Journal of Family Medicine / Revista Română de Medicina Familiei is the property of Media DOM Express and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: The use of certain Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) in children has been documented in Spain. The main aim of this study is to estimate the knowledge, recommendations, and use of CAM by Spanish paediatricians. Material and methods: A national study was conducted from June to July 2020 using an online questionnaire. Two e-mails were sent to paediatricians who were members of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics (AEP). Results: Out of 1414 responses received, acupuncture was considered as a science by 31.8%. Homeopathy was recommended to parents by 28.1%. CAM was used by 21.3% of physicians, at least once, to improve their own health. Only 3.8% had ever replaced a conventional treatment with CAM. The following variables were associated with a greater disposition to prescribe homeopathy: female, age over 45 years old, paediatricians working in Primary Care, and paediatricians working in private healthcare. Conclusions: This AEP Committee on Medicines questionnaire provides new data that should be considered alarming and should ask for a serious thinking on the use of CAM in Spain. Some paediatricians are recommending parents to give treatments not supported by scientific evidence to their children. This practice could be potentially harmful, especially when conventional treatment is being replaced. Resumen: Introducción: El uso de determinadas pseudociencias en niños está documentado en España. El objetivo principal del estudio es estimar el grado de conocimiento, la recomendación y el uso de algunas pseudoterapias por parte de los pediatras españoles. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal, descriptivo y de ámbito nacional, mediante encuesta en línea, enviada por correo electrónico a pediatras socios de la Asociación Española de Pediatría (AEP), entre junio y julio de 2020. Resultados: Se recibieron 1.414 respuestas. El 31,8% considera que la acupuntura es una ciencia. El 28,1% ha recomendado alguna vez homeopatía a sus pacientes. Un 21,3% reconoce haber utilizado alguna medicina alternativa para mejorar su propia salud. El 3,8% reconoce haber sustituido un tratamiento convencional por una terapia alternativa. Las variables que se asociaron a una mayor predisposición para recomendar homeopatía fueron: sexo femenino, edad > 45 años, trabajo en atención primaria y en un sistema de salud privado. Conclusiones: El Comité de Medicamentos de la AEP aporta con esta encuesta nuevos datos que se consideran preocupantes y que merecen una seria reflexión sobre el uso de las pseudociencias en nuestro país. Un significativo porcentaje de pediatras están recomendando a los padres que administren a sus hijos tratamientos no avalados por la evidencia científica, con todas las consecuencias negativas y perjuicios que esto puede conllevar, sobre todo si se sustituye el tratamiento convencional.

The objective of this work is to present the palliative therapeutic alternatives used in the face of COVID-19 that have been adopted among several, one of the most outstanding communities of the Pastaza province located in the Ecuadorian Amazon region, is Pacayacu, which includes the Kichwa nationality in the Sarayaku parish and has maintained a constant struggle for the protection of the environment and for the dissemination of its customs, traditions and worldview. A quali-quantitative study was carried out to understand the demography, ethnography and geographical situation of Sarayaku, in addition, members of the community were interviewed in order to know the therapies, the process, properties and benefits of the therapies, as well as 223 people of the province to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the disclosure of the treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo: Realizou-se uma enquete com 51 estudantes de medicina presentes ao XXXV Congresso Brasileiro de Educação Médica com o objetivo de identificar as atitudes de estudantes interessados em ensino médico em relação a quatro práticas médicas heterodoxas (PMHs) mais usadas no Brasil. Foram investigados o grau de conhecimento, eficácia, interesse na aprendizagem, utilidade e recomendação para implantação nos currículos das escolas médicas e nos serviços públicos de saúde da acupuntura, fitoterapia, hipnose e homeopatia. Mais da metade dos estudantes manifestaram alto interesse em conhecer melhor as PMHs e consideram que elas deveriam ser ensinadas nas Escolas Médicas Brasileiras, de forma opcional (86%) ou obrigatória (9%). Embora mais de 80% dos entrevistados admitisse estar pouco ou nada informado sobre as PMHs, 60% entendem que elas são bastante ou extremamente eficazes. Para dois terços da amostra, a homeopatia, a fitoterapia e a acupuntura deveriam estar disponíveis na rede pública de saúde, cabendo aos médicos a responsabilidade pela prescrição ou uso das PMHs. Os estudantes de medicina interessados em educação médica admitem conhecer pouco, porém acreditam que as PMHs podem ser bastante eficazes, devem ser oferecidas rotineiramente na rede pública de saúde e querem ser mais bem treinados ou informados sobre elas durante o curso de graduação.

Este artigo busca compreender as formas pelas quais a medicina chinesa foi retratada na imprensa brasileira no contexto transnacional da contracultura na década de 1970, procurando analisar quais representações sociais foram construídas e disseminadas sobre essa lógica médica, seus principais conceitos e suas noções de saúde, doença e cura. Focando em manuais, artigos e anúncios sobre acupuntura e massagens daoyin voltados ao grande público, pretendemos analisar o papel de outros atores importantes na formação da medicina chinesa no contexto brasileiro que ultrapassavam o círculo formado pela comunidade biomédica. Desta maneira, selecionamos obras publicadas sobre o assunto que tiveram igualmente repercussão na imprensa analisada, sendo escolhidos dois jornais de grande circulação no país: o Jornal do Brasil e o Diário de Pernambuco. Dentre as diferentes representações construídas, as noções de saúde, doença e cura ligadas às ideias de tradição e modernidade se destacam por trazerem em si um paradoxo importante presente na definição da medicina chinesa no Brasil.

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Resumo: Nesse estudo, os autores pesquisaram a influência da medicina heterodoxa no cotidiano das pessoas. Através de entrevista com 163 pessoas dispostas em três grupos distintos - alunos de medicina, alunos de outros cursos de nível superior e usuários de ambulatórios de uma Faculdade de Medicina, puderam verificar o nível de aceitação das práticas heterodoxas em seu meio, bem como as formas de medicina heterodoxa preferidas e a primeira forma de auxílio à qual as pessoas recorrem quando estão doentes.

Antecedentes: Dichrostachys cinerea es considerada por algunos una planta invasora y por otros una planta de gran utilidad. En el espectro de oportunidades que se dan con esta planta, su uso como medicina natural puede ser de interés para los investigadores de las ciencias veterinarias. Objetivo. Dar un resumen que oriente y ayude a investigar el uso alternativo con fines medicinales de la planta. Desarrollo: Existen múltiples evidencias del uso de Dichrostachys cinerea como planta medicinal. Se han usado diferentes partes de la planta y con diferentes tratamientos, tanto en humanos como en animales. En la búsqueda de las razones de los efectos medicinales de la planta han sido utilizadas técnicas tan simples como el tamizaje fitoquímico básico, y también procedimientos analíticos con la utilización de tecnologías mucho más sofisticadas. Se ha estudiado además su uso como alimento animal y algo sobre la influencia de las estaciones en el valor medicinal de la planta. Conclusiones: Dichrostachys cinerea es considerada invasiva por su competencia con otros cultivos, pero ofrece múltiples oportunidades para ser usada como planta medicinal. Queda mucho por hacer en la búsqueda de alternativas de su utilización en la medicina veterinaria y humana.

El concepto de medicina alternativa fue creado por la medicina occidental para identificar prácticas médicas diferentes a la medicina convencional, tales como la medicina tradicional china y acupuntura, la homeopatía, la terapia neural, la medicina osteopática y quiropráctica, la medicina ayurveda y la medicina tradicional indígena, que también tienen fundamentos filosóficos, científicos y terapéuticos. Desafortunadamente, con el tiempo se estableció la creencia de que la medicina alternativa comprende todas las prácticas médicas que no son parte de la medicina convencional, lo que ha causado muchas inexactitudes y controversias. La medicina surgió como una necesidad de auto preservación del ser humano que considera a la salud como bienestar completo y a la enfermedad, como pérdida de esta condición. A lo largo de su evolución han emergido diversas racionalidades y algunas de ellas se han convertido en sistemas médicos. La medicina convencional se estructuró en Occidente, fundamentada en racionalidades médicas existentes para la época y enfocada en modificar la enfermedad, lo que resultó en marcadas diferencias conceptuales con sistemas de tratamiento médico ya existentes que se centraban en el individuo y en modificar los procesos de la enfermedad. Todos los sistemas médicos han tenido un impacto en diversos campos sociales. Asimismo, han surgido tendencias y estrategias de integración de la medicina convencional con otros sistemas médicos como la electroacupuntura de Voll, la homotoxicología, el balance polar electromagnético, la antroposofía, la sintergética y la biofotónica. Actualmente se considera que el objetivo de la medicina es integrar y complementar conocimientos de diferentes racionalidades médicas dentro del concepto de una sola medicina. Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior, el objetivo del presente artículo es clarificar los conceptos de las diferentes formas de medicina, plantear algunas definiciones al respecto, y proponer una definición de medicina alternativa, complementaria e integrativa.

La acupuntura es una técnica de origen chino que surge hace aproximadamente 2000 años. Es una modalidad terapéutica que ha cobrado gran importancia en el mundo occidental para el tratamiento de diversos cuadros, incluida la lumbalgia. Comunicamos el caso de un hombre de 74 años de edad, que consulta por reagudización de la lumbalgia crónica, luego de un tratamiento alternativo, a quien se le diagnostica una complicación infecciosa. Si bien, en manos experimentadas e instruidas, es una técnica con relativamente escasas complicaciones, se han publicado diversos reportes que describen complicaciones, en su mayoría, menores y asociadas a una técnica estéril insuficiente o a falta de conocimiento por parte del acupunturista. El auge de estas técnicas alternativas puso el foco en las medidas de seguridad, por lo cual entes, como la Organización Mundial de la Salud han creado guías para su correcto uso. Conocer las posibles complicaciones facilita el diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento. Se analiza la presentación clínica y se realiza una revisión bibliográfica del cuadro. Abstract Acupuncture originated in China approximately 2000 years ago and is a growing modality of treatment worldwide sought by patients for a variety of conditions including lumbar pain. We report a case of a 74 years old man who had received acupuncture to treat lower back pain, who subsequently presented an increased in his pain; an infection was diagnosed, and treated. Despite acupuncture can be considered inherently safe in the hands of well-trained practitioners, we found different reports of complications in worldwide literature; most of them minor, and usually as a result of inappropriate technique. The popularity of this alternative treatments, has made organizations, such as World Health Organization (WHO), create guidelines to reassure its safety. The knowledge of the possible complications, allow the early diagnosis and treatment. The case is discussed, and pertinent review of literature is included.

Introduction: Traditional medicine is a therapeutic alternative that respects ancestral knowledge and multiculturalism. Objective: To explore the practices used for the cure of diseases in the rural community of San Miguel de Chalata, Ecuador. Methods: A qualitative, hermeneutical research was carried out. A semi-structured interview was answered by 22 older adults living in the community. The discourses were recorded, transcribed and analyzed. Results: Traditional medicine is valued to cure somatic diseases due to its accessibility, low cost and effectiveness. They recognize conventional medicine in the cure of chronic diseases, however, they associate it with prolonged waiting times and discriminatory treatment with the elderly. They use rituals in supernatural diseases, mixing faith, religiosity and assistance of the universal divine power. Conclusions: Traditional and conventional medicine have defined attributions in the collective thought of this community. They approve the power of the healer and respect the scientific knowledge of professional doctors. The barriers of the conventional system should be studied because of their importance in the use of health services and equality in health.

Introduction: Introduction: fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic rheumatic disorder that is related to high levels of cholesterol, high values of diastolic pressure, higher waist-to-hip-ratio (WHR), and higher body mass index. Objectives: the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Ganoderma lucidum (GL) and Ceratonia siliqua (CS) on blood parameters and anthropometrical measures in women with fibromyalgia. Methods: a double-blind randomized pilot trial was carried out. One group took 6 g/day of micro-milled carpophore powder of GL for 6 weeks, while the second group took the same dose of CS flour. Fasting glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides levels, weight, fat mass, muscular mass, waist-hip ratio, and blood pressure were assessed. Results: our results did not show any statistically significant differences in any of the outcome measures, even if there was a CS tendency to reduce fasting glucose levels and increase WHR. Conclusions: our results did not support the utility of both GL and CS as nutritional supplements to control blood parameters and anthropometric measures as assessed in women with fibromyalgia. Due to the limitations of the research, additional studies will be necessary to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mastite se apresenta como a doença de maior importância em vacas de leite, devido aos prejuízos causados pela perda de produtividade e descarte de leite de acordo com alguns tratamentos, como os antimicrobianos. Diante da problemática dos antibióticos pela má aplicação ou resistência bacteriana, uma alternativa para o controle da mastite é o uso da homeopatia. O objetivo do presente trabalho é informar o que já foi pesquisado sobre o uso de medicamentos homeopáticos para o tratamento da mastite. A terapêutica homeopática se enquadra nos preceitos da pecuária orgânica, sendo um método adequado para essa finalidade. Os remédios utilizados para o tratamento da doença são das mais variadas origens, de plantas, minerais, animais e de grande representatividade, de isolados ou compostos bacterianos, de microrganismos que são causadores da mastite. A facilidade de administração dos medicamentos homeopáticos se apresenta como uma grande vantagem, pois na forma mais comum de uso, o mesmo pode ser adicionado na água de bebida ou misturado na ração evitando estresse por parte do animal. Os resultados na mastite devido à aplicação da homeopatia podem ser visualizados na variação da contagem de células somáticas, reações no teste CMT (Califórnia Mastite Teste), ausência de isolamento de microrganismos do leite e diminuição da porcentagem de casos de mastite clínica e subclínica. Embora o tratamento homeopático se mostre uma ótima alternativa para o controle e tratamento da mastite, os resultados são bastante variáveis devido às diferentes metodologias empregadas e o grande número de medicamentos homeopáticos diferentes utilizados.

In December 2019, the COVID-19 epidemic broke out in Wuhan (China), which soon spread worldwide, generating a pandemic that put the medical world in difficulty. In the absence of an etiological treatment and an effective vaccine, the researchers also turned their attention to alternative treatments, a series of plant molecules being analyzed by computer simulations regarding the inhibitory potential on the main proteins of SARS-CoV-2. A number of clinical trials based on traditional herbal formulas have also been initiated, especially by countries with a focus on alternative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antecedentes: Dichrostachys cinerea es considerada por algunos una planta invasora y por otros una planta de gran utilidad. En el espectro de oportunidades que se dan con esta planta, su uso como medicina natural puede ser de interés para los investigadores de las ciencias veterinarias. Objetivo. Dar un resumen que oriente y ayude a investigar el uso alternativo con fines medicinales de la planta. Desarrollo: Existen múltiples evidencias del uso de Dichrostachys cinerea como planta medicinal. Se han usado diferentes partes de la planta y con diferentes tratamientos, tanto en humanos como en animales. En la búsqueda de las razones de los efectos medicinales de la planta han sido utilizadas técnicas tan simples como el tamizaje fitoquímico básico, y también procedimientos analíticos con la utilización de tecnologías mucho más sofisticadas. Se ha estudiado además su uso como alimento animal y algo sobre la influencia de las estaciones en el valor medicinal de la planta. Conclusiones: Dichrostachys cinerea es considerada invasiva por su competencia con otros cultivos, pero ofrece múltiples oportunidades para ser usada como planta medicinal. Queda mucho por hacer en la búsqueda de alternativas de su utilización en la medicina veterinaria y humana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Interação em Psicologia is the property of Universidade Federal do Parana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Currently, there are some therapies that are being practiced without adjusting to the available scientific evidence. The terminology is confusing, encompassing terms such as “alternative medicine”, “natural medicine”, “complementary medicine”, “pseudoscience” or “pseudo-therapies”. The Medicines Committee of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics considers that no health professional should recommend treatments not supported by scientific evidence. Also, diagnostic and therapeutic actions should be always based on protocols and clinical practice guidelines. Health authorities and judicial system should regulate and regularise the use of alternative medicines in children, warning parents and prescribers of possible sanctions in those cases in which the clinical evolution is not satisfactory, furthermore responsibilities are required for the practice of traditional medicine, for health professionals who act without complying with the “lex artis ad hoc”, and for the parents who do not fulfil their duties of custody and protection. In addition, it considers that, as already has happened, Professional Associations should also sanction, or at least reprobate or correct, those health professionals who, under a scientific recognition obtained by a university degree, promote the use of therapies far from the scientific method and current evidence, especially in those cases in which it is recommended to replace conventional treatment with pseudo-therapy, and in any case if said substitution leads to a clinical worsening that could have been avoided. Resumen: En la actualidad existen numerosas terapias que se practican sin ajustarse a la evidencia científica disponible. La terminología es variada y confusa, englobando términos como «medicina alternativa», «medicina natural», «medicina complementaria», «seudociencias» o «seudoterapias». El Comité de Medicamentos de la Asociación Española de Pediatría considera que ningún profesional sanitario debe recomendar tratamientos no avalados por la evidencia científica, y que las actuaciones diagnósticas y terapéuticas deben estar siempre basadas en protocolos y guías de práctica clínica. Considera que es responsabilidad y obligación de las autoridades sanitarias y del sistema judicial reglamentar y regularizar el uso de medicinas alternativas en niños, advirtiendo a los padres y a los prescriptores de las posibles consecuencias en aquellos casos en los que la evolución clínica no sea satisfactoria. Se deberían exigir las mismas responsabilidades que a la práctica de la medicina tradicional, o a los profesionales sanitarios que actúan sin ajustarse a la «lex artis ad hoc», y a los padres que no cumplen con sus deberes de custodia y protección. Este Comité considera que los Colegios Profesionales deberían reprobar o corregir a aquellos profesionales sanitarios que, bajo un reconocimiento científico obtenido por un título universitario, practiquen, impulsen o promuevan la práctica de una medicina alejada del método científico y la evidencia actual, sobre todo en aquellos casos en los que se recomiende sustituir el tratamiento convencional por una seudoterapia, y en todo caso, si ello da lugar a un empeoramiento clínico que se podría haber evitado, valorando incluso posibles sanciones.

En el presente artículo se determinó el uso etnobotánico de las plantas medicinales en el bosque protector Murocomba y su área de influencia, para lo cual se aplicaron 56 encuestas de tipo analítica en cinco localidades. Con el fin de obtener información sobre la propa-gación de plantas, se realizaron 20 encuestas en las localidades del bosque y, para la identificación de los procesos de comercialización, 40 encuestas a herbolarios en los cantones aledaños. Se registraron 51 especies, 44 géneros y 26 familias de plantas medicinales. Cymbopogon citratus presentó mayor frecuencia absoluta. La localidad con mayor número de especies e individuos fue Isla de la Libertad, así como con mayor diversidad con 3,42, según el índice de Shannon, y 0,9569, según el de Simpson. El índice de Jaccard presentó mayor interacción entre El Dorado e Isla de la Libertad. El Anova mostró diferencias significativas en frecuencia de especies entre las localidades. C. citratus y Ocimum americanum obtuvieron mayor Índice de Valor de Uso (IVU), Conocimiento Relativo de las Especies (RVU) y Uso Significativo Trámil (UST). La propagación de ocho especies con mayores UST se realiza mediante semilla, esquejes o división de planta. Las plantas medicinales en herbolarios con mayor demanda fueron Ruta graveolens, Matricaria chamomilla y Peumus boldus. Finalmente, en plantas medicinales con mayor UST se identificaron tres tipos de valor agregado: maceta, aceites esenciales yplantas deshidratadas, con costos de comercialización que oscilan entre $1,00 a $10,00 dólares.

RESUMEN Introducción: El origen de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional está íntimamente unido con la historia del hombre en su lucha por la supervivencia. Las diferentes modalidades de la misma ofrecen grandes potencialidades a la medicina actual. Objetivo: Describir el uso terapéutico de algunas modalidades de la medicina natural y tradicional en la actualidad. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo descriptivo mediante la técnica de revisión bibliográfica, a través del análisis, desde una visión integradora, de 40 artículos con calidad científica, publicados en los últimos 5 años, referentes a las modalidades de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional como tratamiento alternativo de múltiples enfermedades. Conclusiones: La Medicina Natural y Tradicional constituye una alternativa más de tratamiento para diferentes enfermedades. Dentro de las principales modalidades utilizadas en Cuba se encuentran: Acupuntura, fitoterapia, apiterapia, moxibuxtión, homeoterapia y ozonoterapia. Algunos de sus usos terapéuticos son: expectorantes, antihipertensivos, antifúngicos, antinflamatorios, analgésicas, estimulantes inmunológicos, sedantes, entre otros. En Cuba se aprobó un programa para su aplicación y una guía para la prescripción de productos naturales, que se convirtió en una herramienta de trabajo para el médico.

Copyright of Revista Ciencia y Tecnología Agropecuaria is the property of Agrosavia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Traditional medicine is a therapeutic alternative that respects ancestral knowledge and multiculturalism. Objective: To explore the practices used for the cure of diseases in the rural community of San Miguel de Chalata, Ecuador. Methods: A qualitative, hermeneutical research was carried out. A semi-structured interview was answered by 22 older adults living in the community. The discourses were recorded, transcribed and analyzed. Results: Traditional medicine is valued to cure somatic diseases due to its accessibility, low cost and effectiveness. They recognize conventional medicine in the cure of chronic diseases, however, they associate it with prolonged waiting times and discriminatory treatment with the elderly. They use rituals in supernatural diseases, mixing faith, religiosity and assistance of the universal divine power. Conclusions: Traditional and conventional medicine have defined attributions in the collective thought of this community. They approve the power of the healer and respect the scientific knowledge of professional doctors. The barriers of the conventional system should be studied because of their importance in the use of health services and equality in health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article aims to present the use of medicinal plants within the scope of the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices implemented in the Unified Health System since 2006. We have carried out a wide bibliographic review of the theme, especially in the area of health geography, as well as the consultation to documents produced and distributed by the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health. According to results, the practice of the use of medicinal plants is strongly recommended by the international organisms and its institutionalization through National Policy of Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicine values the traditional health care knowledge gained over the centuries. The fact that scientific research proves through methods of modern medicine the efficiency in the use of medicinal plants reinforces such knowledge in the use of these plants in basic health care units. Another satisfactory aspect is to provide greater knowledge of the country's biodiversity since the plants used in the treatment of patients are regionalized. Thus, the use of medicinal plants in basic health care implies a form of medical treatment differentiated from the medicine practiced today, which is based largely on scientific methods where the technology excels at medical practice based on precaution and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El propósito de este artículo es deter-minar las diferentes opiniones que se exponen, objeto de este análisis, como es la preferencia del paciente a la hora de escoger entre un médico alternativo y un médico alopático en la ciudad de Barranquilla. Para este proceso se decidió aplicar una investigación cuantitativa donde el instrumento de evaluación son varios tipos de encuestas de profundidad a usuarios, médicos y farmacias; donde se evalúa en una muestra de individuos y sector de una población. Su finalidad es obtener la información y analizarla para su mejor comprensión, de manera que pueda utilizarse eficazmente para conocer la opinión de las personas a la hora de elegir entre la medicina tradicional llamada también alopática y la alternativa denominada natural, para la consecución del artículo.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has proven to be a difficult disease to understand and even harder to control. SLE poses a major obstacle to the healthcare community because of the poorly understood etiology and progression. Conventional medicine approaches the disease with various forms of drug therapy. With conventional medicine failing to make any significant breakthroughs, it is both appropriate and rational to determine if complementary and alternative medicine can make contributions to fill the void. Complementary and alternative medicine is popular, but ethical issues are rarely discussed. For the practicing clinician, the use of complementary and alternative medical therapy might create a number of ethical dilemmas. Physicians have the duty to their patients to respect their autonomy and allow freedom of choice as to their desire to seek alternative treatments. Good medical practice obliges all physicians to make their patients aware of the possible risks but many of the risks are theoretical and treatments may still be beneficial. Physicians must be prepared to counsel and advise patients about all available options with the best available evidence. For an increasing number of patients "all available options" will mean incorporating complementary and alternative medicine into their healthcare. It is up to the patient and his physician to explore all treatment options, both conventional and alternative, in an attempt to appropriately control the manifestations of SLE in an individual patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an analytical categorization of clinical encounters for comparative equidistant investigations of clinical practice in different medical systems. This categorization was conceived as an ideal Weberian type, guided by Levi-Strauss's dynamics of symbolic effectiveness. We conceptualized six constituent movements of clinical encounters: (1) user's acceptance; (2) demand listening; (3) problem investigation; (4) diagnosis elaboration and interpretation; (5) socialization of interpretation; and (6) therapy elaboration, agreement and implementation. These constituent movements can be associated with Madel Luz's medical rationality dimensions (cosmology, doctrine, physiology, morphology, diagnostic and therapeutic systems), allowing the description, analysis and comparison of various clinical practices, guided by one or more medical rationalities. Therefore, this analytical instrument could facilitate the investigation and understanding of clinical practices within different medical systems, contributing to both comparability of different medical practices and to its general effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global prevalence of allergic rhinitis is high. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase III reports a total estimated prevalence of 4.6% in Mexico. There is evidence based on allergic rhinitis Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG), but its promotion, acceptance and application is not optimal or adequate in Mexico. Objective: To generate a guideline for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma by adaptating the 2010 ARIA Guideline to Mexican reality, through a transculturation process applying the ADAPTE methodology. Material and method: Using the ADAPTE Methodology, the original 2010 ARIA CPG recommendations were evaluated by the guideline development group (GDG) into which multiple medical specialities managing patients with allergic rhinitis were incoorporated. The GDG valorated the quality of 2010 ARIA, checked and translated key clinical questions. Moreover, the GDG adjusted recommendations, patient preferences and included comments in the context of the Mexican reality (safety, costs and cultural issues). To accomplish this, we ran Delphi panels with as many rounds as necessary to reach agreement. One extra question, not included in the original 2010 ARIA, on the use of Nasal Lavages for AR was created sustained by a systematic literature review. Results: A total of 45 questions from the original 2010 ARIA were included and divided into six groups covering prevention, medical treatment, immunotherapy and alternative medicine to treat patients with allergic rhinitis with or without asthma. Most of the questions reached agreement in one or two rounds; one question required three rounds. Conclusions: An easy-to-use, adaptated, up-to-date and applicable allergic rhinitis guideline for Mexico is now available.

Antecedentes: En las ciudades de Lima y Callao (Perú) se desconocen qué tipos de Medicina Alternativa y Complementaria (MAC) se aplican, así como el cómo, quiénes y dónde. Objetivo: Identificar las actividades relacionadas con la práctica y tipos de terapia de la MAC en las ciudades de Lima y Callao (Perú). Métodos: Se emplearon medios electrónicos de publicidad (Internet) y buscador comercial local, utilizando los siguientes términos: medicina alternativa y complementaria, quiropraxia, homeopatía, reiki, naturopatía, reflexología, shiatzu, fitoterapia, masoterapia, y acupuntura. Para la recolección de los datos se consideró el nombre del establecimiento, dirección, número de teléfono, distrito, terapias que aplican, procedencia (Ministerio de Salud, EsSalud, privados), documentos que respaldan su funcionamiento y el responsable del establecimiento. Resultados: Se identificaron 154 establecimientos que aplican MAC, de ellos 148 (98,6%) corresponden a Lima y 6 (1,4%) a Callao. Con respecto al tipo de terapia, se encontró que se aplica masoterapia [66], acupuntura [36], quiropraxia [35], reflexología [35], fitoterapia [23], terapia floral [23], shiatzu [23], reiki [18], homeopatía [17], mente-cuerpo [13], aromaterapia [11] y terapia neural [10]. Asimismo, de los 154 establecimientos que aplicaban MAC, 96 no señalan quién es el profesional responsable, sólo 60 lo mencionan, de los cuales el grupo mayoritario lo conforman médicos [31], seguido por los terapeutas [22]. También se encontró que de los 154 establecimientos, 107 son empresas de actividad privada y se encuentran distribuidas mayoritariamente en Miraflores, San Isidro y Surco. Conclusiones: En Lima y Callao (Perú) existen 154 establecimientos que aplican MAC, más del 90% de ellos son de naturaleza privada. En 94 (61%) de estos 154 establecimientos se desconoce quién es el responsable de aplicar la MAC; lo que podría indicar limitaciones en la eficacia, seguridad y calidad de esta práctica. Los tipos de MAC más utilizadas en los 154 establecimientos son la masoterapia, la acupuntura, la quiropraxia y la reflexoterapia.

Se presenta un análisis del uso de las medicinas alternativas para la atención de problemas emocionales. La información se obtuvo de 36 entrevistas de investigación social realizadas en la Ciudad de México, se analizó mediante la categorización de significados, y bajo un modelo propuesto por Bishop et al. (2008). Las prácticas y recursos fueron utilizadas como tratamiento complementario, alternativo o convencional, también como experiencias placenteras y procedimientos de transformación personal. Con los tres primeros tipos de uso se atendieron padecimientos específicos; como "experiencias placenteras", se buscó obtener bienestar psicológico; y con la última modalidad, se obtuvo orientación para intervenir adecuadamente en alguna situación problemática. La categorización de Bishop et al. (2008) resultó útil para integrar prácticas que aún cuando son ampliamente usadas y cuentan con legitimidad social, se ignoran en el campo de la salud. Con estas prácticas se pretende ampliar el repertorio de recursos de cuidado y satisfacer necesidades que los servicios formales no cubren.