A team of American doctors have cured skin cancer in advanced thanks to a new technique that involves cloning cells from a patient’s own immune system to multiply “in vitro” and re-implanted into the patient.

This procedure helps the immune system to fight the disease and opens the door to a possible cure of many tumors against which the patient’s defenses can not fight for themselves. Read the rest of this entry »

Black tea is made from the dried leaves of Camellia sinensis, a perennial evergreen shrub. Black tea has a long history of use, dating back to China approximately 5000 years ago. Green tea, black tea, and oolong tea are all derived from the same plant.

Black tea is a source of caffeine, a methylxanthine which stimulates the central nervous system, relaxes smooth muscle in the airways to the lungs (bronchioles), stimulates the heart, and acts on the kidney as a diuretic (increasing urine). One cup of tea contains approximately 50 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the strength and size of cup (as compared to coffee which contains 65 to 175 milligrams of caffeine per cup). Tea also contains polyphenols (catechins, anthocyanins, phenolic acids), tannin, trace elements, and vitamins.  Read the rest of this entry »

Natural Standard assigns a letter grade for indications based on the quality of available scientific evidence (view Grading Rationale). Letter grades have the following meaning:
- Strong scientific evidence for this use; - Good scientific evidence for this use; - Unclear scientific evidence for this use; - Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); - Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work). Read the rest of this entry »

Throughout history, many cultures have used imagery for therapeutic purposes, including the Navajo, ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese. Religions such as Hinduism and Judaism have also practiced imagery. In modern times, the term “guided imagery” may be used to refer to a number of techniques, including metaphor, story telling, fantasy, game playing, dream interpretation, drawing, visualization, active imagination, or direct suggestion using imagery. Read the rest of this entry »

Reiki is a Buddhist practice that is approximately 2500 years old. The name “Reiki” is derived from two Japanese words; rei meaning universal spirit and ki meaning life energy. Mention of Reiki can be found in the Tibetan sutras and in ancient records of cosmology and philosophy.

Hichau Mikao Usui, a Japanese physician and Buddhist monk, revitalized the practice of Reiki in the 19th century. It is said that after 21 days of fasting, Reiki was presented to Usui on Mt. Kurama, a Japanese mountaintop near Kyoto during a spiritual experience. By this account, light struck him upon the forehead, opening up a “third eye” possessing the highest source of power in the human body. Usui passed down his teachings, and Hawayo Tokata, a Japanese Hawaiian, introduced Usui Reiki to the West in 1930. Read the rest of this entry »

Yoga is a set of physical practices that include gentle stretches, breathing practices, and progressive deep relaxation.
Natural Standard Patient Monograph,  Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

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Tai chi is a system of movements and positions believed to have developed in 12th century China. Tai chi techniques aim to address the body and mind as an interconnected system, and are traditionally believed to have mental and physical health benefits, to improve posture, balance, flexibility and strength.
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Relaxation techniques include behavioral therapeutic approaches that differ widely in philosophy, methodology, and practice. The primary goal is usually non-directed relaxation. Most techniques share the components of repetitive focus (on a word, sound, prayer phrase, body sensation, or muscular activity), adoption of a passive attitude towards intruding thoughts, and return to the focus.  Read the rest of this entry »

Qi Gong is a type of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is thought to be at least 4000 years old. There are two main types of Qi Gong practice: internal and external. Internal Qi Gong is a self-directed technique that involves the use of sounds, movements, and meditation. Internal Qi Gong actively engages people in their own health and well-being, and can be performed with or without the presence of a Master instructor. It may be practiced daily to promote health maintenance and disease prevention. External Qi Gong, also known as Qi emission, is performed by a Master using his or her hands on a patient, with the aim to project Qi for the purpose of healing. There are many different styles of performing Qi Gong, and the Chinese government has reported over 5000 types. Read the rest of this entry »

Prayer can be defined as a “reverent petition,” the act of asking for something while aiming to connect with God or another object of worship. Prayer on behalf of the ill or dying has played a prominent role throughout history and across cultures.

Prayer is found in many forms. It may be practiced by individuals or organized groups within the framework of an organized religion, or without ascribing to a particular faith or belief system. Prayers can focus on a specific desired outcome, or be undirected without an objective in mind.  Read the rest of this entry »