The Ministries of Health and Science, Innovation and Universities have carried out new reports on combating pseudotherapieswhich can be found on the RedETS website and on #CoNproba, the brand that includes actions against pseudoscience and pseudotherapies promoted by the Spanish government.
The work was carried out by the Spanish Network of Agencies for the Assessment of Health Technologies and Benefits of the National Health System and analyzes the effectiveness and safety of eight techniques, such as: Vacuum therapy (cupping or cupping therapy) for diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Here, heated cupping glasses, usually made of glass or plastic, are placed on the skin at various parts of the body or other cupping techniques are used. The publication concludes that “cupping therapy cannot be considered safe due to the inherent risks of applying the technique to the human body, particularly wet vacuum therapy.”
In addition, he emphasizes: “The benefit they were able to demonstrate is based on low-quality studies that do not prove their effectiveness, so their use in this indication would not be recommended.”
In relation to Tai chia type of exercise that can train all the muscles of the body, improving strength, flexibility and balance and in which muscle overload and risk of injury are lower than in other sports, it is concluded that it is a physical activity that is carried out in various pathologies, especially all in the field of the musculoskeletal system, has a positive effect on perceived well-being and on various functions such as pain reduction.
“The perceived improvement or neutral effect in various pathologies compared to other training modalities suitable for the problem being treated suggests that the benefit is related to physical activity in these patients,” the report says.
Not enough data for “therapeutic light”
It was also investigated Light therapy for psychological problems, i.e. the use of light for therapeutic purposes. This is usually done with a light box placed approximately three feet away and at a height within the field of view.
Although application is possible with a portable ceiling light source or ceiling mounted lighting fixtures; or “naturalistic” light therapy, known as twilight simulation, which mimics dusk transitions outdoors.
Phototherapy can be carried out over different periods of time and at different times of the day. The clinical indications analyzed in this report relate to any type of mental health problem.
Due to different methodological limitations From the included studies it is not possible to draw definitive conclusions about the effectiveness and safety of light therapy in this type of disease. It is more, There is insufficient evidence to support its use in the treatment of various clinical mental illnesses.
Services interpreted with reservations
The conscious breathing It consists of being fully present in the moment of breathing and feeling the effects on the body. And it is said that it could relieve the feeling of anxiety or stress of the person performing it as it lowers the heart and breathing rate on a physical level.
The report concludes that studies of this practice should be interpreted with caution given current evidence and its limitations. with no guarantee that the effectiveness results can be transferred to clinical practice.
About him Chi Kung/Qigonga series of breathing and movement exercises with some possible health benefits due to the practice of physical exercise and breathing education, The relevant scientific knowledge is of low quality.
The publication therefore points out that low-impact physical activity could be beneficial for people with musculoskeletal disorders and that it can help reduce stress and improve quality of life with a low risk of side effects.
Focus on safety and effectiveness
When you talk about it zero adjustment, a technique or modality of physical and manual mind-body work that, according to its founder Fritz Frederick Smith, involves “energy” and “structure” and achieves balance in the individual, the report makes clear based on the information available at the current moment, There is no scientific evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of the technique in any clinical condition.
On the other hand, it was analyzed Aromatherapy, a branch of phytotherapy that uses essential oils (extracted from plants) with the aim of improving well-being and reducing anxiety, stress and other clinical symptoms, both emotional and physical. The poor methodological quality of many of the studies included in the systematic reviews was noted does not allow any final conclusions.
Of course, it can be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of physical and psychological symptoms of cardiovascular disease and dysmenorrhea. Essential oils are natural but not harmless and a number of mild adverse events related to its use.
Further studies on these techniques
Finally there is that Relaxation techniques based on the induction of body sensationsAmong which stands out autogenic relaxation training (or autogenic training), which consists in achieving a state of deep relaxation through mental representations of physical sensations (heat, cold, heaviness) in different parts of the body.
The report claims that while the conclusions may be helpful in improving mental and physical symptoms in different health conditions, the conclusions may not be definitive due to the small number of studies for each health condition and their high or uncertain risk of bias. Therefore, it would be necessary to further evaluate the safety of these techniques.
