The Medical Futurist is awash in health sensors, fitness trackers and AI-based technologies, chatbots and genetic tests. We test user experiences and provide our honest, objective and independent opinion. Testing is not a business for us. We do not receive any financial benefit from the companies that send us their products. Learn more about The Medical Futurist’s review policy!
The Chroniclers of Health Technology
We want to be the chroniclers for the evolution of digital health technologies. We examine a wide range of digital health technologies, including sensors, trackers and wearables. We are often compelled to write in superlatives about a technological solution that is so innovative and seamless.
BioBeat’s 24-hour blood-pressure monitoring skin patch was the answer we were looking for. A comfortable, reliable and convenient way to monitor blood pressure for a prolonged period of time is something that has been needed for a long time. The 3×4 Genetics Test was also a great experience. It wasn’t my first DNA test but the pathway analysis provided interesting and useful insights, along with some excellent marketing, instead of the usual percentage-based results. Of course, I could also mention devices such as EyeQue which offer simple and affordable solutions for remote communities or underserved areas.
The team at The Medical Futurist takes their time when reviewing technologies. Our opinions are based on our own experience, and we may test the device for several weeks. Today, particularly in cultural criticism there is a trend to react to an online reaction by writing about a piece of art. As stated here by WIRED, we strive for authenticity in all our reviews.
Your package has arrived
Many companies contact us to offer their products for evaluation. We also contact companies or startups when we come across something interesting. Both ways are possible.
Integrity is our top priority at The Medical Futurist. Our reviews are never sponsored or paid for. Our followers are the first to see our reviews and videos. We conduct all our tests and reviews for free, except when we receive the device to be reviewed. After our evaluation, we are ready to return them. Sending us a product does not guarantee a review. We will not test a product if we think it is badly designed, useless, or plain stupid.
Influencers in health tech without being influenced
They have no idea what the team is going to do when they review a gadget or test. The company or start-up has no idea how the team will evaluate the gadget before publication. We have no interest in or connection to any of the companies that make products we review.
Only those entrepreneurs and start-ups who are confident that their technology is effective and reliable should submit their products to The Medical Futurist.
Basic elements of a review
We evaluate the quality of a piece of new health technology based on several features. We start by assessing the external design, appearance and functionality. Patient-friendliness, which is important to review a product, is important because some team members do not have clinical expertise but are curious and tech-savvy laypeople. You can tell this by looking at or touching a device.
The Medical Futurist then carefully evaluates the product’s essential features and compares them to the promises made in the manual or company website. We do not have access to clinical validations, so we cannot, for instance, determine if an ECG is accurate. Instead, we compare two similar gadgets. We must stress, however, that The Medical Futurist is already testing digital health gadgets for more than a decade. This gives us plenty of experience, and allows us to make solid comparisons. That’s exactly what we do.
Thirdly, brainstorming is done to see how the product can be made better. We look at what features could be changed or improved. We always have suggestions for future development and strive to give constructive feedback on every product that we test.
In most cases, we prepare a pros/cons listing, to make it clear what we liked and disliked about a product. You think it’s easy?
What can you expect from a review
You can make a decision easier if you know what to expect in a review.
Our reviews are independent, unbiased, honest, and unvarnished.
We do not have the equipment or environment to compare gadgets, apps, and devices in a clinical manner. is unable to analyze the safety and security of any product because we lack the necessary tools and conditions. also cannot evaluate the effectiveness or method of a microchip or algorithm . This is not our goal.
The Medical Futurist is primarily focused on evaluating and assessing the user experience, as well as the practicality of digital health products. Keep this in mind as you read our next review or send us your product to test.
Are you ready to take on the challenge? Are you sure that the Medical Futurist will be blown away by your digital health solution? Reach out to us at berci@medicalfuturist.com or any of our social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin). We’d love to hear from your!
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How do we review technologies? The Medical Futurist first published the post How do we review technologies?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find out more information about holistic healing?
Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on one part of the body. Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to health care that considers all aspects, including the spiritual, emotional and mental well-being of the patient.
Holistic medicine’s goal is to treat the whole person rather than just individual symptoms. The focus of holistic medicine is not on curing the disease but on promoting healing.
Holistic medicine includes preventive measures such as exercise and nutrition and treatments for chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
There are many options for holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
What is the difference in holistic medicine and alternative medicines?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person – mind, body, spirit, and soul. It looks at all aspects of an individual’s health, including physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and environmental factors often overlooked by conventional medicine. Alternative medicine can be used to treat certain conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, or other medical issues.
What is Alternative Medicine?
This approach to healing focuses on prevention and not treatment. It encourages people be educated consumers, actively participating in their own health and well being.
Alternative medicine refers only to any type of treatment and diagnosis that does NOT use allopathic (conventional).
What does holistic mean to you?
Holistic is a holistic approach. Holistic is a way to look at the whole picture instead of just one aspect. This can be difficult because we have become accustomed to seeing things in their entirety.
Our default mentality is to see things in black and white. There are many shades and shades of grey.
Try to look at everything from different perspectives when you work on a project. You should look at it from all sides.
You should try to see it all as one. How do the various components interact?
If you find a problem in your situation, take the time to ask why. Remember to think about the consequences of any changes you make.
What are the 5 Alternative Medical Systems?
Ayurveda is a system of alternative medicine that includes acupuncture, Ayurveda homeopathy, energy-healing, and aromatherapy.
Acupuncture employs fine needles to stimulate the flow qi (energy) throughout your body.
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient system for health care that balances the three major humors, water, fire, and air. It includes diet, exercise as well as herbal remedies, massage and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine derives its name from the Greek homoios which means similarity and pathos which denotes disease. Homeopaths believe every disease has natural causes. But not all symptoms. They use minute amounts of substances to treat their patients. These symptoms are very similar to what the patient experiences when they are sick.
Energy Healing is also known by EFT, Rolfing (emotional touch), Reiki, Rolfing, Rolfing, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch and many other names. This therapy is based on the belief that each person is connected to a universal life force called Ki. If this Ki flows freely though us, it makes us feel well. Energy healers use touch or intention to restore harmony between our spiritual, emotional, and physical selves.
Aromatherapy uses essential oil extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe that certain smells can affect mood and behavior. The most common essential oil used in aromatherapy is lavender.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
cam.cancer.gov
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary Health Approaches and Integrative Healthcare
- What’s in the Name of Complementary and Alternative Health?
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
How To
What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the importance mind, body, spirit and environment in the healing process. It was developed during the late 19th century by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), who published his first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure, in 1924. He used simple techniques, such as visualization, meditation, and even hypnosis. This treatment was beneficial for people who suffer from anxiety, depressions, stress, pain, insomnia, or other illnesses. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
Although holistic therapies are still popular, evidence is lacking to support their effectiveness. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
The advancements and the shortcomings of holistic medicine can be seen in:
- Lack of scientific evidence. A small number of well-designed randomized controlled trials, (RCTs), evaluate the health benefits of holistic treatments. Most researches are observational studies that show positive results.
- Low cost compared to conventional medicine. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients are not under any pressure to adhere to the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments even though they may not prescribe them.
- Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture is usually done along with medication or surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to be well but still enjoy their lives.
- Holistic treatments are more beneficial for patients.
- An increasing number of older adults are turning to holistic treatment.
- Research on complementary treatments is still needed.
- Research shows that people are more inclined to try other treatments than going to the doctor.
- Doctors need to be able to see that not all patients are candidates for alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatments must be an integral part of culture and education.
- Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
- So that patients can make informed decisions, we must be able to communicate with them about the various therapies.
- Holistic therapies are not only for hippies.
- Certain diseases cannot be treated by holistic methods.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic therapies are highly effective.
- Holistic treatments use ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments can be easy to learn.
- It is not easy to learn holistic treatment.
- It can be hard to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments are expensive.
- Holistic therapies can be more cost-effective than traditional medicine.
- Holistic treatments tend to be more expensive that conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine – A Short History
Holistic medicine treats the whole person. It is not about treating their symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. It promotes prevention over cure.
Bastyr University, Seattle was the first school to offer holistic medicine. It was founded in 1972. Holistic medicine began to grow after the publication of Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” in 1996. Dr. David Williams founded the American Holistic Medical Association, Dr. Michael Murray co-founded it in 1997. Today there are hundreds of holistic medical schools all around the globe, including Bastyr University. Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons. Maharishi Ayurveda Institute. Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine.
2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend focuses on integrating traditional care with complementary therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbalism, massage therapy (reiki), yoga, meditation, and even tai-chi. This integration aims to provide safe, effective, patient-centered care while minimizing side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine works because we have an interconnected body-mind-spirit. If any of these three elements are out of balance, illness can occur. Take, for example:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Your body reacts by making cortisol. This hormone increases inflammation throughout your body. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
When your emotions run high, you experience negative thoughts and feelings like anger, fear, grief, and sadness. These create stress in your brain. If this stress is not treated, your body will produce adrenaline or cortisol. Adrenaline is a stimulant of your heart beat, blood pressure, as well as breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones cause fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other health problems.
When your spirit is depressed, you lose hope and faith in life. You might also experience low self-esteem, confidence, and lack of self-confidence. This can lead you to poor eating habits and unhealthy relationships. It can also cause low energy. Your spirit will make you feel happy, cheerful, peaceful, optimistic, and positive.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is based on the scientific method. Doctors use laboratory tests, x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and other technologies to diagnose patients. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they know what is happening inside the human body and how to treat illnesses. Alternative medicine includes herbs, vitamins, minerals and exercise. It also includes spiritual healing, emotional support, and diet. Alternative medicine can be defined in many ways. It is sometimes called natural medicine, integrative medical, or complementary medicine. Other names include traditional medicine and naturopathic medicines.
–
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: berci.mesko
Title: How Do We Review Technologies?
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/how-do-we-review-technologies
Published Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find out more information about holistic healing?
Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on one part of the body. Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to health care that considers all aspects, including the spiritual, emotional and mental well-being of the patient.
Holistic medicine’s goal is to treat the whole person rather than just individual symptoms. The focus of holistic medicine is not on curing the disease but on promoting healing.
Holistic medicine includes preventive measures such as exercise and nutrition and treatments for chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
There are many options for holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
What is the difference in holistic medicine and alternative medicines?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person – mind, body, spirit, and soul. It looks at all aspects of an individual’s health, including physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and environmental factors often overlooked by conventional medicine. Alternative medicine can be used to treat certain conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, or other medical issues.
What is Alternative Medicine?
This approach to healing focuses on prevention and not treatment. It encourages people be educated consumers, actively participating in their own health and well being.
Alternative medicine refers only to any type of treatment and diagnosis that does NOT use allopathic (conventional).
What does holistic mean to you?
Holistic is a holistic approach. Holistic is a way to look at the whole picture instead of just one aspect. This can be difficult because we have become accustomed to seeing things in their entirety.
Our default mentality is to see things in black and white. There are many shades and shades of grey.
Try to look at everything from different perspectives when you work on a project. You should look at it from all sides.
You should try to see it all as one. How do the various components interact?
If you find a problem in your situation, take the time to ask why. Remember to think about the consequences of any changes you make.
What are the 5 Alternative Medical Systems?
Ayurveda is a system of alternative medicine that includes acupuncture, Ayurveda homeopathy, energy-healing, and aromatherapy.
Acupuncture employs fine needles to stimulate the flow qi (energy) throughout your body.
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient system for health care that balances the three major humors, water, fire, and air. It includes diet, exercise as well as herbal remedies, massage and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine derives its name from the Greek homoios which means similarity and pathos which denotes disease. Homeopaths believe every disease has natural causes. But not all symptoms. They use minute amounts of substances to treat their patients. These symptoms are very similar to what the patient experiences when they are sick.
Energy Healing is also known by EFT, Rolfing (emotional touch), Reiki, Rolfing, Rolfing, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch and many other names. This therapy is based on the belief that each person is connected to a universal life force called Ki. If this Ki flows freely though us, it makes us feel well. Energy healers use touch or intention to restore harmony between our spiritual, emotional, and physical selves.
Aromatherapy uses essential oil extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe that certain smells can affect mood and behavior. The most common essential oil used in aromatherapy is lavender.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
cam.cancer.gov
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary Health Approaches and Integrative Healthcare
- What’s in the Name of Complementary and Alternative Health?
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
How To
What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the importance mind, body, spirit and environment in the healing process. It was developed during the late 19th century by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), who published his first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure, in 1924. He used simple techniques, such as visualization, meditation, and even hypnosis. This treatment was beneficial for people who suffer from anxiety, depressions, stress, pain, insomnia, or other illnesses. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
Although holistic therapies are still popular, evidence is lacking to support their effectiveness. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
The advancements and the shortcomings of holistic medicine can be seen in:
- Lack of scientific evidence. A small number of well-designed randomized controlled trials, (RCTs), evaluate the health benefits of holistic treatments. Most researches are observational studies that show positive results.
- Low cost compared to conventional medicine. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients are not under any pressure to adhere to the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments even though they may not prescribe them.
- Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture is usually done along with medication or surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to be well but still enjoy their lives.
- Holistic treatments are more beneficial for patients.
- An increasing number of older adults are turning to holistic treatment.
- Research on complementary treatments is still needed.
- Research shows that people are more inclined to try other treatments than going to the doctor.
- Doctors need to be able to see that not all patients are candidates for alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatments must be an integral part of culture and education.
- Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
- So that patients can make informed decisions, we must be able to communicate with them about the various therapies.
- Holistic therapies are not only for hippies.
- Certain diseases cannot be treated by holistic methods.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic therapies are highly effective.
- Holistic treatments use ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments can be easy to learn.
- It is not easy to learn holistic treatment.
- It can be hard to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments are expensive.
- Holistic therapies can be more cost-effective than traditional medicine.
- Holistic treatments tend to be more expensive that conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine – A Short History
Holistic medicine treats the whole person. It is not about treating their symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. It promotes prevention over cure.
Bastyr University, Seattle was the first school to offer holistic medicine. It was founded in 1972. Holistic medicine began to grow after the publication of Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” in 1996. Dr. David Williams founded the American Holistic Medical Association, Dr. Michael Murray co-founded it in 1997. Today there are hundreds of holistic medical schools all around the globe, including Bastyr University. Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons. Maharishi Ayurveda Institute. Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine.
2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend focuses on integrating traditional care with complementary therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbalism, massage therapy (reiki), yoga, meditation, and even tai-chi. This integration aims to provide safe, effective, patient-centered care while minimizing side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine works because we have an interconnected body-mind-spirit. If any of these three elements are out of balance, illness can occur. Take, for example:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Your body reacts by making cortisol. This hormone increases inflammation throughout your body. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
When your emotions run high, you experience negative thoughts and feelings like anger, fear, grief, and sadness. These create stress in your brain. If this stress is not treated, your body will produce adrenaline or cortisol. Adrenaline is a stimulant of your heart beat, blood pressure, as well as breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones cause fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other health problems.
When your spirit is depressed, you lose hope and faith in life. You might also experience low self-esteem, confidence, and lack of self-confidence. This can lead you to poor eating habits and unhealthy relationships. It can also cause low energy. Your spirit will make you feel happy, cheerful, peaceful, optimistic, and positive.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is based on the scientific method. Doctors use laboratory tests, x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and other technologies to diagnose patients. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they know what is happening inside the human body and how to treat illnesses. Alternative medicine includes herbs, vitamins, minerals and exercise. It also includes spiritual healing, emotional support, and diet. Alternative medicine can be defined in many ways. It is sometimes called natural medicine, integrative medical, or complementary medicine. Other names include traditional medicine and naturopathic medicines.
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