Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on yoga instruction: Examining teaching methodology, class components, and injury patterns in the Northeastern US
This study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the perspectives of yoga instructors (YIs) regarding teaching methodology, class components, and yoga-related injuries among their clients DESIGN: A cross-sectional design in this study.
The role of mind-body interventions in traumatised refugees' primary care: A qualitative exploration of professionals' experiences in a dedicated programme in Geneva
Post-traumatic physical and psychological symptoms are pervasive among refugees. Primary care staff face numerous challenges and often seek innovative ways of addressing their refugee patients' physical and mental health needs. A nascent body of literature suggests that mind-body interventions (MBIs) have a positive effect on post-traumatic symptoms in this population. But the quality of evidence is still poor, and little is known about the role MBI could play in the primary care of refugees. Following the implementation of two different kinds of MBI in a dedicated primary care unit, this study aimed to explore staff members' perceptions and prescribing habits for MBI. Given the paucity of information about this topic, we used a qualitative design combining ethnography and discourse analysis providing in-depth insight into professionals' experiences of MBI. Data collected over five-months of non-participative observation and the transcription of twelve interviews were analysed following the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis method (IPA) yielding four main results: (1) Generally poor initial understanding of MBI; (2) A variety of conditions and situations where MBIs appeared acceptable and helpful; (3) A persistent lack of experience and knowledge about the indications for MBI, hindering prescription; (4) The importance of articulating MBIs with mental health services. These results, in the light of the existing literature, suggest that stronger evidence for MBI efficacy for refugees is required, a key to improving professionals' understanding of MBI, providing them with explicit prescription criteria, and encouraging stakeholders to implement these innovative interventions.
Effective treatment of refractory oral ulcers using a compound Chinese herbal mouthwash: A report of two cases
Oral ulcers are a prevalent oral mucosal disorder, characterized by benignancy and self-limiting progression. However, a subset of these ulcers exhibits resistance to conventional therapeutic interventions, necessitating alternative treatment strategies. In this study, we present two cases of refractory oral ulcers that demonstrated limited responsiveness to standard treatments but achieved significant therapeutic benefits following the application of a compound Chinese herbal mouthwash. Case 1 involved a 60-year-old female patient diagnosed with Behçet's syndrome. Initial treatment with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants yielded limited improvement in her oral ulcers; however, combination therapy involving the Chinese herbal mouthwash resulted in significant improvement and complete healing after a 2-week period. Case 2 presented a 48-year-old female patient with chronic tongue ulceration pain persisting for one year without any detectable systemic etiology. Despite receiving oral vitamin supplementation and local analgesic jelly, her symptoms remained unalleviated. A 3-week treatment regimen involving the administration of the Chinese herbal mouthwash in conjunction with thalidomide led to the complete resolution of her oral ulcers. The findings from this study suggest that the compound Chinese herbal mouthwash may serve as an adjuvant therapeutic approach for managing chronic oral ulcers that are resistant to conventional treatment.
Indigenous knowledge and sugar sweetened beverages: Qualitative adaptations towards chronic disease prevention and intervention
Sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) are a concern for Indigenous populations and are associated with multiple chronic diseases. To address this concern, we culturally tailored and tested the feasibility of an evidence-based SSB-reducing curriculum. The modified curriculum was designed for Indigenous men and is thematically based on traditional values, ancestral teachings, and community strengths while promoting healthy lifestyles. A community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach was used to develop an interview guide using an Indigenous-centered theoretical framework. Two Indigenous content experts conducted both individual and focus group interviews (n = 14) with urban community leaders and athletes. Two Indigenous qualitative scientists analyzed the data with the support of an inter-tribal community advisory board. Results included imagery utilization, the importance of water, marketing, taste, and building routine. These findings guided the development of 6-month Indigenous focused SSB intervention consisting of 12 in-person intervention sessions and 27 short messaging service (SMS) messages.
The effect of different essential oils used in stoma bags of individuals with colostomy remooval of odor, life satisfaction and effect on stoma fit: Randomized controlled study
The aim of the research was conducted as a randomized controlled interventional study to determine the effect of lavender/mint essential oils placed in stoma bags on odor removal, life satisfaction and stoma compliance in individuals with colostomy.
Nonlocal Mind: Curing the Fear of Death
The aim of this article is to critique the contemporary scientific reduction of mind to brain, a dogma which is shown to be philosophically unsound and empirically unproven. The world of physical phenomena is understood to be encompassed by other subtle transphysical worlds accessed after death of the physical body.
Utilization of traditional Chinese medicine in the management of cutaneous ulceration induced by cervical lymph node metastasis in tonsillar carcinoma: A case report
Cutaneous ulcers induced by metastasis present a challenging clinical issue, often resistant to conventional dressing change interventions. In this case, we demonstrates the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in managing ruptured tumors.
The effect of reiki and acupressure on pain, anxiety and vital signs during femoral sheath removal in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A randomized controlled study
This study was conducted to determine the effect of reiki and acupressure on pain, anxiety, and vital signs during femoral sheath removal in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
Ancestral healing rituals and the significance of Taky Samy in andean spirituality
Taky Samy is an ancestral Andean healing practice of our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and auric bodies. Taky Samy practices connect us with plants, animals, birds and Mother Earth, through the language of instruments made of ceramic, bamboo, deer, and condor feathers and bones. These practices are guided by the sacred word of prayer, mantras and songs that connect with the Great Ordering Spirit Pachakamak, and the Great Mystery Tunupa Tixi Wirakocha, so that we can return to the order of life in harmony with all the beings of Mother Earth. Mother Earth has her order and that order guides all the activities of our lives. This order is represented in the cycles of the cultivation of our crops: corn in the first order, accompanied by potatoes, beans, quinua, chochos, pumpkins, and so on. Mother Earth cycles lead all Raymi and Andean rituals and festive celebrations, such as the solar dances that are accompanied by corn chicha, this includes the practice of Taky Samy ceremonies, music and dances. Taky Samy is more than musical therapy, it is harmony of life. Its therapeutic attributes and sacred language can heal an array of ailments and can also prevent adverse personal and family situations. Taky Samy celebrates social harmony and wards off illnesses and bad luck. It ultimately connects society with the Buen Vivir or Good Living, the Sumak Kawsay, which is a legacy of our Andean ancestors. This paper touches on the origins, purpose and practices of Taky Samy as important elements of the tapestry of ancestral Andean healing rituals. It focuses on Tayta Shairy Quimbo's (this paper's first author) Taky Samy path and practices. Taky Samy sacred instruments and spaces, as well as healing word and practices, connect us with spiritual worlds, to the consciousness of Pacha Mama renewing lives. Taky Samy reveals the importance and centrality of the revitalisation of Indigenous ancestral healing practices to the continuity of Andean spirituality, ontological wisdom and consciousness.
Effect of foot reflexology massage on sleep, anxiety and quality of life in hemodialysis patients: A single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of reflexology foot massage on sleep, anxiety, and quality of life as compared to foot massage only in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.
The effect of Qigong exercise on state anxiety levels of inpatients in psychiatric wards: A randomized controlled study
Qigong is a mind-body exercise that originated in China and is often described as a form of meditation or movement therapy. While the existing literature has investigated the impact of Qigong exercises on trait anxiety in outpatients, there is limited research on their influence on state anxiety in inpatients. This study examined the effect of Qigong exercise on state anxiety levels of inpatients in psychiatric wards.
Children who claim previous life memories: A case report and literature review
Academic investigation of thousands of children who claim past-life memories has been developed worldwide for five decades. However, despite the scientific and clinical significance of this substantial body of research, most clinicians and scientists are not aware of it. This study aims to report a case of a child who claimed memories that match his deceased granduncle's life and to perform a literature review of the main characteristics and implications of children's past-life claims.
The great disruption: Climate change provoked migration and its effect on American healthcare
Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb used to prevent and treat psychosomatic disorders. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects and safety of Ashwagandha on psychosomatic functions related to stress and anxiety among patients.
Enhancement of perceptual and cognitive functions in near-death experience: A perspective from embodiment theories
The phenomenon of near-death experience (NDE) is attracting a growing attention among researchers of various fields. In this study, we looked at NDE from a cognitive perspective to find out how NDE events are embodied when people recall and describe them. We examined the descriptions of a group of people talking about what they had experienced in the state of NDE. Based on the gesture-as-simulated-action theory, we assumed that co-speech gestures occurring when people were talking about their experiences were physical realizations of mentally-simulated events. The results showed that the number of iconic and metaphoric gestures occurring with expressions referring to NDE events was significantly larger than those occurred with expressions referring to ordinary events. Based on these results, we suggest that embodied memory for NDE events is stronger than embodied memory for ordinary non-NDE events. NDE events are perceived, recalled, and embodied by strong activation of sensorimotor systems in a state of perceptual and cognitive enhancement, although sensorimotor systems seem to be unresponsive to sensory stimuli during NDE. Finally, based on theories of embodied cognition, we conclude that the enhancement of cognitive functions that takes place in the state of NDE is the result of enhancement in perceptual functions.
An evolutionary perspective for integrating mechanisms of acupuncture therapy
This study applies an evolutionary medicine perspective to comprehend the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. It draws upon modern evolutionary theory to integrate the currently fragmented theories regarding the efficacy of acupuncture in alleviating pain and promoting healing. We explore the interaction between the nervous and immune systems in the context of survival and homeostasis, and elucidate both the local and systemic effects of acupuncture therapy on pain relief and tissue healing. The mechanisms involved are categorized into two main types: local effects, which include immune cell migration, local vasodilation, and the release of adenosine; and distal systemic effects, which involve the regulation of the descending pain control system and the autonomic nervous system, with a particular focus on the parasympathetic nervous system. In conclusion, this integrated perspective not only deepens our understanding of acupuncture within a scientific narrative but also underscores the need for further research to validate and expand our knowledge, thereby enhancing its scientific credibility and clinical applicability.
Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections: Summary of a Cochrane review
Bridging realms: Western client perspectives on psychotherapy inspired by Indigenous healing
The decolonial turn in psychology criticizes conventional Western psychotherapeutic frameworks and seeks to decolonize therapeutic practices by considering diverse cultural perspectives. Indigenous healing has been increasingly used in the psychotherapy of ethnic communities, but also in the psychotherapy of Western clients. The research questions of the present study were focused on how Western clients experience the therapies inspired by Indigenous healing.
The impact of extremely brief meditation and brief mindfulness interventions on assisted reproductive technologies success rates: A randomised controlled trial
To investigate the effect of extremely brief meditation (EBMI) or brief mindfulness interventions (Brief MI) on pregnancy rate in women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
From Hinengaro to Hineora: Tracing the origins of Intergenerational Trauma to attain Intergenerational Healing
In Aotearoa New Zealand, colonisation continues to impact Indigenous Māori lived realities. However, Māori have been steadily progressing towards reclamation of all that was suppressed during colonisation, including tūpuna (ancestor) understandings of trauma and healing, of which wairua (referring to spirit) is at the centre. My research aimed to understand the role of wairua in the intergenerational transmission of trauma and healing through exploring my own lived experiences of trauma and healing. My methodology was developed based on tūpuna knowledge, resulting in the implementation of a Rongo-ā-Wairua Framework, a Whakapapa Methodological Approach, Whakapapa Wānanga and Te Pūtake: An Origin Analysis. Through this application of tūpuna knowledge and the centring of wairua within the research process, I uncovered the origins of the soul wounds I had inherited, enabling me to transform from Hinengaro, The Obscured Daughter into who I am now - Hineora, The Daughter of Healing.
Acupuncture for Meige syndrome: A case report
Meige syndrome (MS) is a cranial dystonia disorder characterized by blepharospasm and oromandibular dystonia. Current treatments include botulinum toxin therapy, oral medications, and surgical interventions. Here, we present a case that the patient's symptoms improved significantly after treatment with acupuncture.