Depression is a common problem that is disabling, costly and often undertreated (Candy, Jones, Williams, Tookman, & King, 2009). As the largest source of non-fatal disease burden in the world, it accounts for 12% of years lived with disability and is associated with marked personal, social and economic morbidity, loss of functioning and productivity (Churchill […]
Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis refers to the diverticula in the intestines, small pouches or sacs that represent herniations of mucosa and sub mucosa in the muscular layer of the colon (Thaha & Williams, 2012). Diverticular disease is classified as ranging from: asymptomatic; symptomatic, uncomplicated diverticular disease; and complicated diverticular disease. The latter includes diverticulitis which can lead to […]
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition affecting between 10-15% of the population (Grundmann & Yoon, 2010) with multifaceted possible causes in both western medicine (WM) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is not considered life threatening yet, as it is chronic and episodic, it impacts on health-related quality of life (Holloway, 2010; Ruepert […]
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is considered to be the most common endocrine abnormality in women of reproductive age (Azziz, Woods, Reyna, Key, Knochenhauer, & Yildiz, 2004; Costello, Shrestha, Eden, Johnson, & Moran, 2010). Normal ovulation relies upon selection of a follicle that becomes ‘dominant’ and ovulates (Balen, 2000). In women with PCOS there are multiple […]
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the tenth most common problem in general practise and is self-reported in 7.3% of the Australian population. Due to the proportional increase in the older population, this figure is set to rise increasing the burden on the individual and the community (National Health and Medical Research Council, 2009). Due to limited OA […]