Research

The Program on Integrative Medicine at the UNC School of Medicine is always looking for new opportunities and new partnerships to promote the study and use of Integrative Medicine!

Current Research Studies

Nutrition for Chronic Daily Headaches

Principal Investigator: J. Douglas Mann, MD
Funding: Mayday Foundation and the UNC Clinical and Translational Research Center

The purpose of this study is to learn whether dietary changes can improve symptoms and quality of life for headache sufferers.

For more information about this study click here, OR contact our study team members, Becky Coble, rcoble@med.unc.edu, or Chanee Lynch, chanee_lynch@med.unc.edu, at (919) 966-8586.

We Can Prevent Diabetes Study

Principal Investigators: Susan A. Gaylord, PhD and Cheryl Giscombe, PhD
Funding: NIH/National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The major goal of this research study is to work with pre-diabetic African American adults to prevent diabetes. This study will evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of behavioral techniques in decreasing diabetes risk, including mindfulness based stress management and educational activities aimed at decreasing diabetes risk.

For more information about this study click here, OR contact our study team members, Pamela Phillips, pamela_phillips@med.unc.edu, or Chanee Lynch, chanee_lynch@med.unc.edu, at (919) 966-8586.

Past Projects

Mindfulness Program for Women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (COMPLETED)

http://www.webmd.com/ibs/news/20110510/mindfulness-meditation-may-cut-ibs-symptoms

Dates Active: July 1, 2006-June 30, 2009
Principal Investigator: Susan Gaylord, PhD
Funding: NIH/National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

This research study evaluated the therapeutic effectiveness of mindfulness meditation as an intervention in women with IBS. This research determined the feasibility of developing a larger, definitive clinical trial comparing efficacy of two treatment groups (a mindfulness-based stress reduction group and an IBS Support Program group) in reducing severity of IBS symptoms.

To read an article about this study, click here.

Craniosacral Therapy in Migraine: Feasibility Study (COMPLETED)

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/8/28

Dates Activie: July 1, 2006-June 30, 2008
Principal Investigator: J. Douglas Mann, MD
Funding: NIH/National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

This study compared and evaluated the therapeutic effects of craniosacral therapy compared to magnet therapy for migraine headaches in adults.

Integrative Diabetes Management Program (COMPLETED)

Dates Active: January 1, 2006-February 28, 2007
Principal Investigator: Susan Gaylord, PhD
Funding: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of NC Foundation

Worked with Prospect Hill Community Health Center to develop and pilot community outreach and education to improve screening, prevention, and management of Diabetes Mellitus.

Integrating CAM into Health Professions Education in North Carolina (COMPLETED)

Dates Active: September 28, 2000-July 31, 2005
Co-Principal Investigators: Susan Gaylord, PhD and J. Douglas Mann, MD
Funding: NIH/National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The major goals of this project were to accelerate the integration of CAM education into the curricula of health professions schools at UNC, selected medical residency programs, and continuing education efforts, including CAM seminars and workshops taught in the AHEC System. Emphasis was placed on patient centered care; investigation of evidence of efficacy and mechanisms of action of CAM therapies (in comparison with conventional care); appreciation of the theoretical and philosophies of alternative therapeutic systems; knowledge of the practitioners of alternative systems of care; communication skills development; interdisciplinary collaboration among educational specialists, CAM practitioners and other health professionals in developing and implementing curricula; and active, experiential learning.

Korean Acupuncture in Central Nervous System Disorders (COMPLETED)

Dates Active: September 21, 2003 - March 31, 2005
Principal Investigators: J. Douglas Mann, MD and Michael Lee, MD (Co-P.I.)
Funding: NIH/National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The major goal of this project was to develop infrastructure for collaborative research with Korean investigators in the use of acupuncture for four neurological disorders -- Parkinson’s disease, stroke, chronic pain and neurogenic bladder.

Painful HIV Neuropathy: Treatment with Alpha-Lipoic Acid (COMPLETED)

Dates Active: July 1, 2003 - June 30, 2005
Principal Investigator: J. Douglas Mann, MD
Funding: NIH/National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The major goal of this project was to evaluate the effects of oral alpha-lipoic acid in painful HIV-related neuropathy in adults over six months.

Teaching Hand and Foot Massage to Care Partners in an In-Patient Setting (COMPLETED)

Dates Active: July 1 2003 - June 30, 2005
Principal Investigators: Susan Gaylord, PhD and J. Douglas Mann, MD (Co-P.I.)
Funding: Press-Ganey Association, Inc.

Feasibility study on teaching hand and foot massage techniques to nursing staff, who in turn teach care partners to massage patients, for relief in pain, stress, anxiety and to increase quality of life.

Developing a Sustainable Medicinal Herbs Market for North Carolina (COMPLETED)

Dates Active: August 1, 2003 – October 31, 2004
Principal Investigators: Susan Gaylord, PhD and Jeanine Davis, PhD (Co-P.I.)
Funding: GoldenLEAF, Inc.

Educated growers, consumers and health professionals about the farming, processing, and safety and effectiveness of herbal products which can be grown and marketed in North Carolina.

Distance-Learning in Alternative Nursing Paradigms (COMPLETED)

Dates Active: May 1, 2004-October 31, 2004
Funding: UNC Interdisciplinary Programs

Developed a video module on Traditional Chinese Medicine for a distance learning program.