PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching Ayurvedic and Western health promotion strategies to healthy adults. Ayurveda is an ancient Eastern healing modality supported by centuries of practical experience. Health, according to Ayurveda, is defined as a dynamic state of balance and integration among spirit, mind, body, and environment. Advocates of complementary and alternative medicine promote Ayurveda as an effective health promotion strategy that improves energy, digestion, sleep patterns, mood, and overall quality of life.Research is needed to determine if outcomes of subjects taught Ayurvedic techniques are comparable to those of subjects taught Western health promotion strategies.
METHODS
DesignA randomized clinical trial was conducted with healthy adults who were randomly assigned to one of three groups (Aynrveda, Western, and control).Data on healthrelated quality of life and health risk were collected at 6-month intervals, and data on treatment adherence was gathered at 3-month intervals for 1 year.
SampleA power analysis indicated the need for at least 30 subjects per group based on an alpha of .05, a beta of .80, a
Darwin's lifestyle, but certain features of his illness suggest agoraphobia. First, attacks were provoked by going into so¬ ciety, traveling distances, and attending scientific meetings, all situations that may evoke distress in persons with ago¬ raphobia. Second, he tended to avoid circumstances in which attacks were likely to occur. Third, he developed a fearful dependence on his wife, as is typical in the disorder. Most agoraphobics are not completely housebound and show indi¬ vidual variation in feared situations as well as avoidance of them. This might account for seeming inconsistencies in Darwin's tolerance for various activities.Mr Gordon correctly notes that vestibular disease is often associated with psychiatric disorders, especially anxiety. The observed association has prompted a search for vestibular disturbances in panic disorder, and Jacob et al4 recently found such abnormalities in patients with agoraphobia. The ves¬ tibular dysfunction of these patients was associated with space and motion discomfort, ie, a sense of imbalance and
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