Blog

The Trip Treatment

Michael Pollan takes a look at clinical trials at several universities, including N.Y.U., in which psilocybin, or magic mushrooms are being administered to cancer patients in an effort to relieve their anxiety and “existential distress.” The therapy is also showing potential as a powerful treatment for addiction.

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Looking at the secrets of Ireland’s centenarians

According to Prof Tom Scharf, director of the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology at NUI Galway, the number of people exceeding the age of 110 is set to grow.

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A Nihilist's Guide to Gratitude: Abandon expectations, appreciate everything.

James Hamblin takes a light-hearted look at the way in which our expectations influence our happiness. Seems like there is much to be gained from shaping them carefully!

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Keeping back to school bugs at bay

Here we are at the end of the summer holidays, and with the onset of school comes the onset of all sorts of coughs and colds. This summer's weather was so changeable that we all probably paid more attention than usual to keeping a few layers of clothing handy and wrapping up at night. But the change in season and the kids all getting together is still a time when colds and flu can sneak up on us. In Chinese medicine our natural defense mechanism known as 'Wei Qi' or protective energy is the first line of defence against coughs colds and flu. When you sit near a draught for example, start to feel chilly and sneeze, thats the wei qi at work expelling the 'wind cold'pathogen. Acupuncture can strengthen the wei qi to protect the lungs at this challenging time of year. Here is a very nice piece on seasnonal change and the chinese concept of immune system which illustrated the concept very clearly.

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Labels Like ‘Alternative Medicine’ Don’t Matter. The Science Does.

Tantaraaah. Some recognition of the efficacy of acupuncture here from the world of science. Granted it refers only to pain relief. The widepsread realisation of the value of acupuncture for health problems of any kind is taking a little longer to happen. Which is why people will call to cancel an appointment because they have a cold, instead of taking it along to the acupuncture clinic for some welcome relief. Take along your chesty coughs, allergies, gastric bugs and hangovers too!

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