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Alternative Health Care

A massage therapist who accused John Travolta of sexually assaulting him at the Beverly Hills Hotel hired high-profile attorney Gloria Allred to represent him a day after he withdrew from a lawsuit filed by another lawyer.

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How to take a holistic approach to your pet's arthritisupdated: Fri Apr 20 2012 08:06:00

If your pet suffers from arthritis, prescription medication isn't the only solution. Holistic options such as acupuncture, chiropractic medicine and rehabilitative therapy can reduce the need for medication, while significantly improving your pet's quality of life.

Kitchen cures doctors swear byupdated: Tue Apr 03 2012 15:15:00

Whether you have a head cold, an upset stomach, or an itchy rash, fast (cheap!) relief may be sitting on your kitchen shelf.

Do homeopathic treatments for ADHD work?updated: Tue Mar 06 2012 15:08:00

Our 8-year-old daughter was diagnosed with ADHD at age 6. We have tried several medications, stimulants and nonstimulants, and have not gotten good results. We are now looking at homeopathic treatment for our daughter, but the question is: Does it really work?

Sweat lodge leader sentenced to two years in prisonupdated: Fri Nov 18 2011 21:15:00

A judge sentenced a self-help expert to a total of two years in prison Friday for his role in the deaths of three people in a 2009 sweat lodge ceremony in the Arizona desert.

Steve Jobs and alternative cancer careupdated: Thu Oct 27 2011 08:25:00

Steve Jobs had a long run with a rare form of cancer (a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor) that is sometimes curable by early surgery. While I was not his physician and don't have access to the details of his illness or its treatment, assertions that his use of alternative medicine shortened his life strike me as uninformed. No one knows how long he would have survived or what his quality of life would have been had he opted for immediate surgery and used only conventional treatment.

Defense: Arizona self-help guru deserves new trial in sweat lodge caseupdated: Tue Aug 16 2011 16:44:00

A self-help guru who was convicted in the deaths of three participants in an Arizona sweat lodge ceremony deserves a new trial, his attorneys argued Tuesday.

James Ray guilty of negligent homicideupdated: Tue Aug 16 2011 16:44:00

Self-help author James Ray is convicted of negligent homicide stemming from three deaths in a 2009 sweat lodge ceremony.

People.com: James Arthur Ray Convicted of Negligent Homicide in Sweat Lodge Deathsupdated: Thu Jun 23 2011 10:11:00

The self-help guru is convicted of negligent homicide and faces up to 11 years in prison

James Ray found guilty of negligent homicide in sweat lodge caseupdated: Wed Jun 22 2011 19:56:00

Self-help guru James Ray has been convicted of negligent homicide in the deaths of three participants in an Arizona sweat lodge ceremony, but he was found not guilty of manslaughter charges.

US lists 8 common substances as potential cancer risksupdated: Mon Jun 13 2011 08:33:00

United States health authorities have added eight commonly used substances to its official "Report on Carcinogens," saying they may put people at increased risk of developing cancer.

2010: Can vitamins cut lung cancer risk?updated: Mon Jun 13 2011 08:33:00

CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta looks at a study that suggests taking certain B vitamins could cut the risk of lung cancer.

Judge denies defense's acquittal motion in Arizona sweat lodge caseupdated: Tue Jun 07 2011 16:23:00

A judge denied a defense motion to acquit self-help author James Ray on three counts of manslaughter Tuesday.

'I am God' witness recalls hearing at sweat lodge ceremonyupdated: Tue Apr 26 2011 20:13:00

The owner of a retreat center testified at the manslaughter trial of self-help author James Ray Tuesday that she heard him tell participants of an ill-fated sweat lodge ceremony that he was God.

Judge declines to grant mistrial in sweat lodge caseupdated: Wed Apr 13 2011 17:34:00

An Arizona judge agreed Wednesday with defense attorneys that prosecutors in the manslaughter trial of self-help author James Ray improperly withheld evidence, but he decided not to grant a defense motion for a mistrial.

Defense asks for a mistrial in Arizona sweat lodge caseupdated: Tue Apr 12 2011 17:33:00

Defense attorneys in the manslaughter trial of self-help author James Ray say the state suppressed key evidence that could have helped their client and are asking a judge to declare a mistrial.

Witness: Sweat lodge was pandemoniumupdated: Thu Mar 24 2011 22:09:00

Self help guru James Ray is charged with manslaughter over a sweat lodge ceremony that left three dead.

Sweat lodge participant testifies about 'peer pressure'updated: Thu Mar 24 2011 22:09:00

Scott Barratt testified Thursday he felt nauseous, incoherent and "extremely uncomfortable" during a 2009 Arizona sweat lodge ceremony.

Employee testifies about scene at sweat lodge ceremonyupdated: Wed Mar 23 2011 21:28:00

A former events coordinator for a company owned by self-help guru James Ray testified Wednesday about the "wild scene" where people became ill during a 2009 sweat lodge ceremony that left three participants dead.

People.com: James Arthur Ray Didn't Help the Dying, Witnesses Sayupdated: Tue Mar 22 2011 14:31:00

The sweat lodge manslaughter trial features dramatic testimony against the self-help guru

Testimony: Arizona sweat lodge resembled 'battleground'updated: Thu Mar 17 2011 21:22:00

A deadly 2009 "sweat lodge" retreat in Arizona left participants so sickened that the scene resembled "a battleground" with people vomiting, foaming at the mouth and with their eyes nearly popping out, according to one survivor who testified Thursday.

Sweat lodge rituals uncoveredupdated: Thu Mar 17 2011 07:48:00

Members of the "In Session" team sing, dance and chant in a sweat lodge ceremony.

Doctors feared mass suicide after deadly 'sweat lodge,' survivor saysupdated: Thu Mar 17 2011 07:48:00

Doctors who treated victims of a deadly 2009 "sweat lodge" at an Arizona self-help retreat initially believed they were seeing the results of a mass suicide, a survivor of the ritual testified Wednesday.

Sweat lodge survivor: Ray was 'the expert'updated: Tue Mar 15 2011 20:35:00

Self-help guru James Arthur Ray "was in charge of all the activities" at the Arizona retreat where three people died in a purification ritual in 2009, a survivor of the event testified Tuesday.

Inside the sweat lodge: Witnesses describe a ritual gone wrongupdated: Tue Mar 15 2011 11:59:00

James Arthur Ray's spiritual warriors journeyed to the foot of the mystical red cliffs of Sedona, Arizona, to find enlightenment. They were willing to shave their heads, meditate in the desert for 36 hours without food and water, then symbolically die and be reborn in a sweat lodge ritual.

Sweat lodge participant testifies he asked someone if he had diedupdated: Thu Mar 10 2011 21:56:00

A participant in a 2009 Arizona sweat lodge ceremony that left three people dead testified Thursday that he asked a volunteer if he had died and was told, "No, you came back."

Rare look inside a sweat lodge ceremonyupdated: Tue Mar 08 2011 21:58:00

HLN's Christi Paul and Ryan Smith talk with spiritual leader Gary Fourstar about their visit to a sweat lodge ceremony.

Volunteer recalls chaotic scene at sweat lodgeupdated: Tue Mar 08 2011 21:58:00

Testimony continued Tuesday at the trial of a self-help speaker charged in the death of three people at a sweat lodge in Arizona, with a volunteer saying she and others received little training on how to assist people.

Arizona sweat lodge trial underwayupdated: Mon Mar 07 2011 11:33:00

The trial begins for James Arthur Ray, a self-help guru charged in the deaths of three sweat lodge participants.

Sweat lodge witness: 'I asked the angels to help me'updated: Fri Mar 04 2011 12:39:00

Several participants in a 2009 "sweat lodge" ritual that left three people dead were collapsing and "having issues" in the superheated environment, a survivor testified Thursday in an Arizona self-help guru's manslaughter trial.

Self-help author stands trial in sweat lodge deathsupdated: Tue Mar 01 2011 19:13:00

Opening statements began Tuesday in the trial of self-help author and speaker James Arthur Ray, who is charged with three counts of reckless manslaughter in the death of three people at an Arizona sweat lodge.

Self-help guru to stand trialupdated: Tue Mar 01 2011 19:13:00

James Arthur Ray, self-help author and speaker, will stand trial in the deaths of three people at a sweat lodge.

Massage therapists sue Favre, N.Y. Jetsupdated: Tue Jan 04 2011 15:22:00

Embattled quarterback Brett Favre is facing new sexual allegations after two massage therapists filed lawsuits against him and the New York Jets football organization, where he was formerly employed.

Echinacea fails to curb the common cold (again)updated: Mon Dec 20 2010 17:08:00

People who swear by the cold-fighting properties of echinacea may want to skip the herbal remedy -- and save a few bucks -- the next time they feel the sniffles coming on.

6 doctor-recommended sleep aidsupdated: Tue Oct 12 2010 08:28:00

Tired of counting sheep? Try one of these remedies and get a good night's sleep.

Can herbal supplements treat anxiety?updated: Thu Oct 07 2010 08:20:00

Herbal supplements containing kava or passionflower appear to be a safe and effective treatment for the symptoms of anxiety, a new review of existing research suggests.

How do I drain my ears?updated: Mon Sep 20 2010 09:52:00

After taking antibiotics for a sinus infection or ear infection, what is the best way to help encourage drainage of the middle ear or eustachian tube?

Back pain? Alternative therapies may helpupdated: Sat Jul 24 2010 08:18:00

Trent Northcutt, 42, a corporate executive in New York City, had been suffering from lower back pain and leg pain for about three years, to the point that he was "cautious about picking up the simplest thing," he remembers.

Ladies: 5 ways to feel sexy againupdated: Thu Jun 24 2010 08:26:00

Losing interest in sex would be unfortunate for most people, but for Linda Poelzl it was a professional hazard.

Diagnosed with cancerupdated: Mon Jun 14 2010 09:39:00

CNN's Elizabeth Cohen tells us what everyone should know about cancer.

After cancer diagnosis, what comes next?updated: Mon Jun 14 2010 09:39:00

One minute, Dr. Bernadine Healy was a perfectly healthy woman, in bed with her husband watching the Oscar De La Hoya fight on HBO. A few hours later, she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.

How integrative medicine can help your healthupdated: Wed May 19 2010 08:17:00

There are countless opinions regarding how to improve health care in the United States, but many experts agree on one fact: "Our current health-care system is mainly a sick-care system," says Adam Perlman, executive director of the Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Why people swear by the neti potupdated: Thu Apr 15 2010 12:28:00

"Saline irrigation" may not sound sexy, but Kelly Nance says she's hooked.

do not pubupdated: Thu Apr 15 2010 12:27:00

"Saline irrigation" may not sound sexy, but Kelly Nance says she's hooked.

Medical examiner rules deaths accidental as sweat lodge guru faces chargesupdated: Thu Mar 18 2010 02:00:00

The October deaths of three people who participated in a sweat lodge ceremony in Arizona have been ruled accidental, according to autopsy results released Wednesday.

Bail reduced in 'sweat lodge' guru manslaughter caseupdated: Fri Feb 26 2010 14:27:00

The bail for the so-called "sweat lodge guru" facing manslaughter charges has been drastically reduced, his lawyer said.

Tigers on verge of extinction in the wild, World Wildlife Fund warnsupdated: Wed Feb 10 2010 11:49:00

Tigers could become extinct in the wild in less than a generation, the World Wildlife Fund warned Wednesday as it launched a campaign to save them.

Sweat lodge guru pleads not guilty to manslaughterupdated: Fri Feb 05 2010 09:33:00

Self-help guru James Ray pleaded not guilty Thursday to manslaughter charges in the deaths of three participants at an Arizona sweat lodge ceremony he organized last year.

'Bodies everywhere'updated: Fri Feb 05 2010 09:33:00

Hours after James Ray's arrest, a former employee of his describes the horrors of what she witnessed.

'Sweat lodge' guru arrestedupdated: Thu Feb 04 2010 15:31:00

Self-help guru James Ray was arrested after a grand jury indicted him on three counts of manslaughter.

'Sweat lodge' guru charged in deathsupdated: Wed Feb 03 2010 22:19:00

Self-help guru James Ray was arrested Wednesday after a grand jury indictment charging him with three counts of manslaughter in the deaths of three participants at an Arizona sweat lodge ceremony he organized last year.

Herbal remedies, heart drugs a dangerous comboupdated: Tue Feb 02 2010 17:20:00

If you take heart medication, you may want to avoid some of the most popular over-the-counter herbal supplements on the market, including ginseng, saw palmetto, and echinacea. These herbal remedies -- and many others -- can cause potentially serious problems in people taking heart medications, a new report warns.

CNNMoney: From manufacturing to massageupdated: Tue Dec 15 2009 10:19:00

Finding any job is hard enough these days, and in a declining industry like manufacturing, opportunities are dwindling fast. But some proactive workers have found a solution: retraining.

People.com: INSIDE STORY: Sweat Lodge Guru Wrote of 'Impending Death'updated: Fri Oct 30 2009 10:56:00

"For anything new to live, something first must die," James Arthur Ray said on Twitter before the three fatalities

Author delays events after Arizona sweat lodge deathsupdated: Thu Oct 29 2009 19:26:00

Self-help author and speaker James Arthur Ray announced Thursday that he is postponing all of his scheduled events through the end of the year after the deaths of three people in a sweat lodge session he led.

Family: 'We want the truth'updated: Thu Oct 29 2009 19:26:00

The family of a woman who died in an Arizona sweat lodge says they want James Ray to come clean.

Suzanne Somers' cancer advice is riskyupdated: Mon Oct 26 2009 09:20:00

This week, the comedic actress Suzanne Somers is promoting her newly released book, which espouses the virtues of alternative medicine and, more important, explains why one should avoid conventional medicine.

Alternative therapy vs. chemoupdated: Mon Oct 26 2009 09:20:00

Suzanne Somers takes on Dr. Brawley: Alternative therapy vs. chemotherapy.

Sweat lodge survivor speaksupdated: Sat Oct 24 2009 16:35:00

A woman who was in the sweat lodge when three people fell fatally ill describes the scene to CNN's Gary Tuchman.

Sweat lodge survivor recalls screamsupdated: Sat Oct 24 2009 16:35:00

A woman who was inside a "sweat lodge" at an Arizona retreat where three people died this month described people vomiting and screaming.

Commentary: Somers' cancer advice is riskyupdated: Fri Oct 23 2009 18:43:00

This week, the comedic actress Suzanne Somers is promoting her newly released book, which espouses the virtues of alternative medicine and, more important, explains why one should avoid conventional medicine.

People.com: Sweat Lodge Guru: Remorse, But No Apologyupdated: Thu Oct 22 2009 10:27:00

"I feel your pain. I accept your anger," says James Arthur Ray, who continues to operate while under investigation into three deaths

Sweat lodge deaths investigated as homicidesupdated: Thu Oct 15 2009 20:04:00

An investigation into the deaths of two people who spent up to two hours inside a "sweat lodge" at an Arizona retreat last week has been elevated from an accidental death investigation to a homicide inquiry, Yavapai County Sheriff Steve Waugh told reporters Thursday.

Inside a sweat lodgeupdated: Thu Oct 15 2009 20:04:00

Gary Tuchman goes inside a sweat lodge to learn more about the ritual, which led to the deaths of two people last week.

Author hires investigators to review sweat lodge deathsupdated: Wed Oct 14 2009 05:48:00

A self-help expert said Tuesday that he has hired his own investigators to determine what happened at his Arizona retreat last week, when two people died after spending considerable time in a sweat lodge.

'Sweatbox' borrows from long tradition that's difficult to emulateupdated: Sun Oct 11 2009 07:29:00

The people who died Thursday at a spiritual resort in Arizona had spent time in a "sweatbox" similar to what Native Americans and other cultures have used for prayer and purification rituals throughout history.

'Sweatbox' victims were attending 'Spiritual Warrior' programupdated: Sat Oct 10 2009 20:33:00

The two people who died and the 19 others who fell ill at a central Arizona resort after spending time in a sauna-like "sweatbox" were attending a program by self-help expert James Arthur Ray, authorities said Saturday.

'Natural' doesn't mean safeupdated: Thu Aug 20 2009 14:16:00

Herb and vitamin supplements can help, but they can also hurt. CNN's Elizabeth Cohen reports.

Traditional medicines continue to thrive globallyupdated: Wed Jun 24 2009 14:37:00

Alternative treatments are as varied as the regions of the world they come from. And while they attract skepticism from some Western medical practitioners, they are an undeniable part of global health.

Promise of holistic healing draws cancer patients to Mexico clinicsupdated: Fri Jun 19 2009 17:17:00

A cancerous tumor in 13-year-old Danny Hauser's chest has shrunk significantly since he was ordered by a court last month to resume chemotherapy treatment, a family spokesman said.

Antioxidants may interfere with breast cancer treatmentupdated: Wed Jun 10 2009 09:20:00

Think that vitamins can only help--but never hurt--a condition? Although that's true in many cases, some vitamins can be harmful to certain people or under special circumstances.

Mother and son on the runupdated: Fri May 29 2009 22:51:00

Spokesman for the family refusing court-ordered chemo for their son speaks to CNN's Kiran Chetry.

Teen cancer patient responding poorly to chemo, family saysupdated: Fri May 29 2009 22:51:00

A 13-year-old Minnesota boy who has cancer has resumed chemotherapy treatments and is not responding well, a family spokesman said Friday.

What are parents' rights regarding a child's medical treatment?updated: Thu May 28 2009 14:22:00

Perhaps no one is watching the Daniel Hauser case in Minnesota more closely than Theresa and Greg Maxin in Ohio. Seven years ago, the Maxins found themselves fighting to keep their own son from having chemotherapy. But the two families' stories ended quite differently.

What rights do parents have?updated: Thu May 28 2009 14:22:00

The Daniel Hauser case has many parents wondering what rights they have to decide treatment. CNN's Elizabeth Cohen reports.

People.com: Boy with Cancer Flees Threat of Court-Ordered Chemoupdated: Fri May 22 2009 13:27:00

Danny Hauser, 13, and his mom miss court date - and may be headed for Mexican border

Warning against diet supplements for swine fluupdated: Tue May 05 2009 13:28:00

Several associations in the alternative medicine industry have joined forces to warn against non-conventional remedies that claim to cure or prevent swine flu.

What to tell your doctorupdated: Thu Mar 05 2009 21:03:00

CNN's Elizabeth Cohen discusses a list of things patients keep from their doctors, but shouldn't.

10 'secrets' you shouldn't keep from your doctorupdated: Thu Mar 05 2009 21:03:00

Do you remember the scene in the movie "Something's Gotta Give" where Jack Nicholson's character lies about Viagra to a doctor in the emergency room?

The best alternative medicine for childrenupdated: Thu Jan 08 2009 16:33:00

Nursing is supposed to be a calming, tranquil time for a newborn, but when Deb Kruse-Field put her son, Luke Field, to her breast, instead of cuddling up and eating, he arched his back and screamed.

For stress reduction, just say ommmupdated: Tue Jan 06 2009 16:07:00

Managing the service department of an Atlanta, Georgia, car dealership is a stressful job, according to Debbie Peek.

Meditation benefitsupdated: Tue Jan 06 2009 16:07:00

Feeling stressed out and not sure what to do about it? Some doctors may suggest meditating, as CNN's Judy Fortin reports

Costly treatments don't relieve back painsupdated: Mon Dec 22 2008 12:49:00

According to a 2008 study from the University of Washington, expenses related to back and neck pain have increased to more than $80 billion a year, but functional disability and work limitations do not seem to be improving. In other words, patients are spending money on prescription pain medications, surgery and MRIs and other imaging studies on a problem that, in most cases does not require a doctor's care. Most patients would do just as well by waiting, exercising or taking over-the-counter pain medications before visiting the doctor.

Study: Ginkgo doesn't cut dementia riskupdated: Tue Nov 18 2008 17:56:00

The popular herb ginkgo biloba does not reduce the risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, according to a study of more than 1,500 elderly patients who took the supplement. Often touted as a way to preserve aging memories, no large-scale, randomized clinical trial -- until now -- has thoroughly evaluated the safety and effectiveness of ginkgo biloba extract as a way to prevent dementia.

Six most bewildering spa moments updated: Wed Jun 25 2008 17:56:00

It's hard to feel completely liberated from work and family stresses if you're facing a set of new ones, like whether you're overdressed for your massage or undertipping an aesthetician. Sidestep these little land mines so that nothing sabotages your spa experience.

Time.com: St. John's Wort No Help for ADHDupdated: Tue Jun 10 2008 14:00:00

The first rigorous test of the herbal remedy shows no effect against the hyperactivity disorder. But it sets up a method of testing such botanicals

Healing handsupdated: Fri May 30 2008 10:45:00

Massage therapy has many physical health benefits, as CNN's Judy Fortin explains.

When to skip that massageupdated: Fri May 30 2008 10:45:00

Massage, that art of laying on hands, has been around for a while and has seen some changes through the years.

Need a career change? Five jobs that let you see the worldupdated: Fri Mar 21 2008 13:23:00

Finding a career that allows you to travel is not always an easy task, but if you're a college grad looking to make an adventure of your gap year, a professional looking for a change of pace or anyone looking for cultural exposure, a job abroad may be the right choice for you.

Birth control pills, salon haircuts can raise stroke riskupdated: Fri Mar 21 2008 10:22:00

In April 1993, Britt Harwe, of Wethersfield, Connecticut, was in a good place in her life. She was 26 years old and married to a wonderful guy, and they had a daughter, Caitlin, who was just about to turn 2. She had a job she loved, too. As a customer-service representative at an insurance agency, she'd spend long hours with a phone cradled between her neck and shoulder. So when she woke up one morning with an extremely painful stiff neck, she wasn't surprised -- just a little concerned. "I wanted to get it taken care of right away because I didn't know if I'd be able to work or take care of my daughter," she says.

Time.com: Post-Op Rx: Get a Massageupdated: Tue Dec 18 2007 12:20:00

Several new studies show that a simple backrub offers significant pain relief for patients after major surgery

Commentary: Integrative medicine is 'new way of healing'updated: Tue Nov 06 2007 18:40:00

In a recent column, Emily Breidbart, a second-year medical student at New York University School of Medicine, expressed concerns about her medical education and the frustrating health-care system she will soon enter.

Time.com: Can Ancient Herbs Treat Cancer?updated: Mon Oct 15 2007 15:00:00

A small California drug company hopes to extract the next cancer cure from Chinese herbs

5 alternative medicine treatments that work updated: Mon Oct 08 2007 15:22:00

Dr. Andrew Weil wasn't sure exactly how he hurt his knee; all he knew was that it was painful. But instead of turning to cortisone shots or heavy doses of pain medication, Weil turned to the ancient Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture. "It worked -- my knee felt much better," says Weil.

Dr. Andrew Weil: Aging and alternative medicineupdated: Tue Jul 31 2007 00:38:00

Dr. Andrew Weil is arguably America's foremost practitioner of alternative medicine, or as he likes to call it, integrative medicine.

Dare to detoxupdated: Fri Jul 20 2007 06:11:00

Meeting naturopath Max Tomlinson outside a café in Covent Garden, I was sure I'd recognize him. In a crowd of pasty Londoners he should stand out as a beacon of health and vitality. And so he did. He shook my hand with vigor, his eyes sparkled and he had a pretty good complexion for a man in his 40s.

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