In keeping with the principle of evidence-based medicine, the Center for Health and Healing will actively conduct rigorous research on the efficacy and safety of various complementary therapies, with a focus on examining their effectiveness in an integrative medical model. The research will emphasize the techniques and medical conditions that are of direct interest to the clinical practitioners in the Center, and they will actively participate in such research activities. In addition, whenever possible, research collaborations with other clinicians and researchers at Beth Israel Medical Center and the Continuum healthcare system will be actively sought out. Any promising therapy is considered to be a legitimate topic for research.

The Center intends to develop a major research presence in the field of integrative medicine. Studies will use rigorous research methodology, always aiming for the “gold standard” of clinical research: the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Funding will be sought from government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health, as well as private sources, including professional associations and foundations. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting these endeavors can find information under the Ways of Giving section of the web site.

The following is a list of studies currently under way at the Center or in which the Center is collaborating: Integrative Treatment of Asthma; Natural Treatment of Cold Sores. Please click on each title for a description of the study.

Participation in Studies
In many cases, the Center will be actively seeking participants for its studies. A list of current studies seeking participants and information on how to apply to be part of the study appear below.

Content last modified on Apr 1, 2008