Latest Complementary and Alternative Medicine research

Top 10 this week

Week of 20 September 2026

1. 1

   Moxibustion combinations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a network meta-analysis of 40 randomised trials

   Frontiers in endocrinology · Q1 journal · SR/MA of RCTs · Evidence level 1 (High) · 3 September 2026

   Moxibustion RCTs for diabetic peripheral neuropathy network meta‑analysis

2. 2

   Comparative efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine-based non-pharmacological therapies for managing cancer-related fatigue in lung cancer patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

   Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · Q1 journal · SR/MA of RCTs · Evidence level 1 (High) · 18 September 2026

   In a network meta-analysis of 32 trials, moxibustion reduced cancer-related fatigue in lung cancer patients far more than usual care, with an effect size of about -2.5 standard deviations, and outperformed qigong. Auricular acupressure also showed a strong benefit, while overall study quality was low, so larger rigorous trials are needed.

3. 3

   Effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture combined with conventional therapy for peripheral facial palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

   BMJ open · Q1 journal · SR/MA of RCTs · Evidence level 1 (High) · 18 September 2026

   Electroacupuncture RCTs, systematic review for peripheral facial palsy

4. 4

   Longitudinal Multimodal Brain Mapping and Post-Stroke Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Combined Neuroimaging and Molecular Biomarker Evidence

   Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association · Q1 journal · SR/MA of RCTs · Evidence level 1 (High) · 18 September 2026

   Systematic review/meta-analysis of acupuncture for stroke recovery

5. 5

   Drawing and visual art interventions for anxiety in children aged 5-12: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

   BMJ paediatrics open · Q1 journal · SR/MA of RCTs · Evidence level 1 (High) · 16 September 2026

   A meta-analysis of eight randomized trials (816 children) found that drawing- and visual-art activities dramatically lowered short-term anxiety in medical or procedure settings, with an effect size near -2.7 standard deviations. However, results were highly variable and only apply to acute clinical contexts, so the benefit cannot yet be assumed in schools or other settings.

6. 6

   Adverse Experiences in Brief Meditation Practices: Randomized Controlled Trial

   JMIR mental health · Q1 journal · RCT · Evidence level 1 (High) · 14 September 2026

   Brief meditation not more distressing than control

7. 7

   Effects of different types of mind-body exercises on depressive symptoms in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

   Frontiers in public health · Q1 journal · SR/MA of RCTs · Evidence level 1 (High) · 31 August 2026

   Network meta-analysis of mind-body exercises for depression in older adults

8. 8

   Traditional Chinese mind-body practices on anxiety levels in university students: a multilevel dose-response meta-analysis

   BMC psychology · Q1 journal · SR/MA of RCTs · Evidence level 1 (High) · 26 August 2026

   Low-certainty evidence showed materially different estimates by comparator

9. 9

   Influence of dance therapy mode of intangible cultural heritage on children's emotional regulation and psychological wellbeing: a randomized controlled intervention study

   Frontiers in public health · Q1 journal · RCT · Evidence level 1 (High) · 31 August 2026

   Not related to complementary therapy clinical evidence

10. 10

    Effect of homeopathy on symptom severity and quality of life among menopausal women: A meta-analysis

    International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics · Q1 journal · SR/MA of RCTs · Evidence level 1 (High) · 18 September 2026

    Homeopathy meta‑analysis for menopausal symptom severity

Paper of the day, last two weeks

• Does Auricular Acupoint-Related Therapy Enhance Rehabilitation After Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

  Pain research & management · Q1 journal · SR/MA of RCTs · Evidence level 1 (High) · 1 January 2026

  Systematic review and NMA of auricular therapy after knee surgery

• Association between spinal manipulative therapy and cervical artery dissection in patients with neck pain or headache: a retrospective cohort study

  Chiropractic & manual therapies · Q1 journal · Retrospective cohort · Evidence level 3 (Low) · 14 September 2026

  No evidence of increased risk of CeAD after cervical SMT

• Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine therapies for mild/moderate acute COVID-19: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

  Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · Q1 journal · SR/MA of RCTs · Evidence level 1 (High) · 27 August 2026

  TCIM add‑on interventions reduced symptom duration

• Efficacy of Melatonin in Alleviating Radiotherapy-Induced Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depression in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

  Integrative cancer therapies · Q1 journal · SR/MA of RCTs · Evidence level 1 (High) · 11 September 2026

  A meta-analysis of five randomized trials in 561 non-metastatic breast-cancer patients found that nightly melatonin lowered fatigue severity and modestly improved cognitive function and overall quality of life, with no serious safety concerns. However, the trials were small and used varied doses, so optimal dosing and long-term benefits remain uncertain.

• Efficacy and safety of Qianlieshutong Capsules in the treatment for Type III prostatitis: A post-marketing, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, single-dummy, active-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial

  Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · Q1 journal · RCT · Evidence level 1 (High) · 15 July 2026

  Qianlieshutong capsules for chronic prostatitis (herbal supplement)

• Acupuncture-related therapies for opioid-induced constipation in patients with cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

  Frontiers in medicine · Q1 journal · SR/MA of RCTs · Evidence level 1 (High) · 26 August 2026

  Network meta-analysis of acupuncture for opioid constipation

• Efficacy evaluation of acupuncture combined with manipulation for lateral epicondylitis: a meta-analysis

  Frontiers in medicine · Q1 journal · SR/MA of RCTs · Evidence level 1 (High) · 27 August 2026

  Acupuncture + manipulation improves lateral epicondylitis pain

• Improved quality of life and prolonged survival with add-on homeopathic treatment in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, three-arm, multicenter study

  Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · Q1 journal · RCT · Evidence level 1 (High) · 10 September 2026

  In a double-blind trial of 98 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, those receiving individualized homeopathic medicines lived a median of 435 days versus 257 days for placebo, and two-year survival rose to 45% compared with 23% on placebo. Quality-of-life scores were also meaningfully better across most domains. Results are limited to this cohort and require confirmation in modern immunotherapy settings.

• Effects of inhaled lavender essential oil on sleep quality, pain, and anxiety in ICU patients after curative hepatocellular carcinoma resection: a quasi-experimental study

  Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · Q1 journal · Non-randomized trial · Evidence level 2 (Moderate) · 8 September 2026

  Quasi‑experimental RCT, improves pain, anxiety, sleep

• Effects of qigong and resistance exercise on improving balance and cognitive ability of community-dwelling older adults

  Frontiers in public health · Q1 journal · Unclassified · Evidence level 5 (Expert Opinion) · 20 August 2026

  Qigong vs resistance exercise improves balance and cognition