Complementary therapies in medicine最新文献

{"title":"Letter to Editor: Effects of intermittent fasting diet in overweight and obese postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial","authors":"Mahsa Ranjbar, Sakineh Shab-Bidar, Abdolrahman Rostamian, Hamed Mohammadi, Aryan Tavakoli, Kurosh Djafarian","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103249","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103249","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 103249"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145136748","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Letter to the editor regarding “Effects of intermittent fasting diet in overweight and obese postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial” by Ranjbar et al.","authors":"Zhe-Kai Ying, Tian-Chen Lin, Jian-Nong Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103248","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103248","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 103248"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145106554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of aromatherapy on sleep quality in hospitalized cardiac patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Cui Ye ,&nbsp;Xuan Huang ,&nbsp;Ziyu Wang ,&nbsp;Shufang Zuo ,&nbsp;Lu Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To evaluate the effects of aromatherapy on sleep quality in hospitalized cardiac patients, taking into account factors such as participant age, type of essential oil, dosage, treatment duration, and daily frequency of use.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic search and screening of literature on the effects of aromatherapy on sleep quality in hospitalized cardiac patients, published as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in Chinese and English from inception to 8 August, 2025, was conducted across eight databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, VIP, and Wanfang. The methodological quality of the included studies was independently and critically assessed by two reviewers using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for RCTs. Relevant data were extracted using pre-designed forms and analyzed with STATA 17.0.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of nine studies comprising 13 trials with 740 hospitalized cardiac patients were included. The results indicated that aromatherapy with single essential oils was moderately effective in improving sleep quality in these patients [SMD = -0.74, 95 % CI (-1.06, − 0.42), <em>p</em> = 0.003]. Subgroup analyses revealed significant improvements when patients were aged ≥ 60 years [SMD = -1.08, 95 %CI (-1.91,-0.24), P = 0.012], when Rosa damascena essential oil was used [SMD = -1.43, 95 %CI (-2.73,-0.13), P = 0.031], when the dosage was &gt; 3 drops [SMD = -1.10, 95 %CI (-1.87,-0.32), P = 0.005], or when the treatment duration was ≥ 3 days [SMD = -0.99, 95 %CI (-1.59,-0.38), P = 0.001]. No adverse events were reported.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study reveals that single essential oils are effective in improving sleep quality in hospitalized cardiac patients and can be recommended as a complementary therapy to improve sleep quality in this population.</div></div><div><h3>Registration</h3><div>PROSPERO: CRD42024535895.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 103247"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145130286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of mindfulness meditation on blood pressure and quality of life in patients with intradialytic hypertension during haemodialysis: A randomised controlled trial","authors":"Yongyao Wu ,&nbsp;Qiaojing Xia ,&nbsp;Yiyi Gao ,&nbsp;Chao Zhang ,&nbsp;Pengjie Xu ,&nbsp;Haojie Zhang ,&nbsp;Gao Chao ,&nbsp;Rizhen Yu ,&nbsp;Jiang Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103245","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103245","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To investigate the effects of mindfulness meditation on blood pressure changes and quality of life in patients with intradialytic hypertension (IDH) during haemodialysis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This single-blind, randomised controlled trial involved 69 patients with IDH undergoing maintenance haemodialysis at Lihuili Hospital in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, between August and December 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 34) receiving mindfulness meditation and a control group (n = 35) receiving standard care. Blood pressure and quality of life were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>During haemodialysis, the intervention group exhibited significantly lower systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures, as well as pulse rate, than the control group (p &lt; 0.001). Quality of life, assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 36, improved significantly in the intervention group across multiple dimensions, including physical function, role limitations due to physical problems, bodily pain, general health, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being and sleep (p &lt; 0.05). However, no significant improvement was observed in social function (p &gt; 0.05). Laboratory tests showed a significant reduction in serum homocysteine levels in the intervention group (p &lt; 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the intervention group (11.76 %) than in the control group (45.71 %, p &lt; 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Mindfulness meditation can effectively improve IDH in patients undergoing haemodialysis and substantially enhance their quality of life. As a non-pharmacological intervention, mindfulness meditation is safe and easy to implement, offering a new therapeutic option for patients with IDH.</div></div><div><h3>Trial Registration</h3><div>ISRCTN82788940, Registration date: 29/10/2024</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 103245"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145085261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Boram Lee ,&nbsp;Chan-Young Kwon ,&nbsp;Yoon Kyoung Jeong ,&nbsp;Roberta Sclocco ,&nbsp;Braden Kuo ,&nbsp;Vitaly Napadow ,&nbsp;Jun-Hwan Lee ,&nbsp;Hojun Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103243","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103243","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a potential noninvasive treatment for functional dyspepsia (FD). We aimed to systematically analyze the clinical evidence of taVNS for FD.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Eight databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using taVNS in patients with FD published by June 27, 2024. The primary outcome was dyspepsia symptoms, whereas the secondary outcomes were the total effective rate (TER), quality of life, anxiety, depression, and incidence of adverse events. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE methodology. Detailed information on the taVNS parameters and the suggested underlying mechanism were also extracted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Six RCTs with 716 participants were included. Compared to the sham intervention, taVNS significantly improved dyspepsia symptoms, quality of life, and clinician-rated anxiety and depression with moderate certainty of evidence. The TER based on dyspepsia symptoms was also significantly higher with high certainty of evidence. When taVNS was used as an add-on therapy, dyspepsia symptoms were significantly improved with moderate certainty of evidence. No serious adverse events related to taVNS were reported. The stimulation sites for taVNS were concha and tragus, with common pulse frequencies of 25 or 20 Hz twice a day for 2–4 weeks. Gastric accommodation, electrogastrogram, heart rate variability, and functional magnetic resonance imaging were measured to explore the mechanism of taVNS.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Considering the certainty of the evidence, taVNS can improve dyspepsia symptoms, quality of life, anxiety, and depression in patients with FD without serious adverse events. Additional high-quality studies are needed to establish optimal treatment protocols.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 103243"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145085220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"How important are meditation and spirituality in Reiki practice?","authors":"Ann Linda Baldwin ,&nbsp;Vicky McLelland ,&nbsp;Duncan Cross ,&nbsp;Nicole Braveman","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103246","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103246","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Meditation and spirituality can enhance the well-being of allopathic healthcare providers and the quality of care they deliver but little is known about holistic healers, such as Reiki practitioners. Two surveys were developed to ascertain whether Reiki practitioners routinely use meditative and spiritual disciplines to strengthen their practice.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>The surveys were promoted through email using Mailchimp and Facebook to all members of UK Reiki Federation (about 1800) and through several other Facebook groups with a global reach. An online survey tool, SurveyMonkey, was used to collect the survey data and MS Excel to analyze it.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Most respondents were white, heterosexual females, middle aged or older, residing in the UK or USA, trained to Reiki Master level. Over one third were Christian and another third affiliated with various non-established beliefs. Most participants experienced a spiritual connection when they practiced Reiki, which opened them to a higher power, and they thought this connection enhanced their self-development. Seventy-nine percent believed that Reiki spirit guides provide personal guidance, support, and assistance. Ninety-five percent meditated weekly from one to seven times a week and most believed that meditation increased their connection and ability to channel, Reiki.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Most respondents to the surveys routinely use meditation and spiritual connection to strengthen their Reiki practice and enhance their ability to channel Reiki to patients or clients. This information may stimulate inclusion of meditation and spirituality in the training of holistic healthcare professionals and help them communicate more effectively with their clients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 103246"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145085222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of a breathing exercise program on pain, disability, and breathing patterns in patients with non-specific neck pain: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Heon Heo ,&nbsp;DooChul Shin","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Upper chest breathing patterns can increase accessory muscle activation and reduce cervical stability, contributing to neck pain</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To examine the effects of a respiratory exercise program on pain, cervical range of motion, disability, breathing patterns, and muscular endurance in patients with non-specific neck pain.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>randomized controlled trial</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty-two patients with non-specific neck pain and upper chest breathing patterns were included. The study was conducted from July 19, 2021, to September 3, at a physical therapy center. Participants were randomly assigned to a breathing exercise (BE) or neck exercise (NE) group. Thermoelectric therapy, soft tissue relaxation, and thoracic spine mobilization were performed in both groups. The BE group performed breathing exercises, whereas the NE group performed general neck exercises. Pain intensity, neck disability index, cervical range of motion, breathing pattern, and deep cervical flexor endurance were measured before and after the intervention. Paired t-test and independent t-test compared pre- and post-test differences within and between groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both groups showed significant improvements in pain intensity and NDI (pain: BE vs NE mean difference 0.34, 95 % CI –0.25–0.93, p = .239; NDI: 0.86, 95 % CI –0.62–2.34, p = .249). Breathing pattern improved only in the BE group (mean difference 2.73, 95 % CI 1.78–3.68, p &lt; .001). Endurance of deep cervical flexors increased in both groups, greater in NE (mean difference –15.98, 95 % CI –25.26 to –6.70, p = .010).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Breathing exercises improved breathing patterns in patients with non-specific neck pain, but effects on pain and disability were inconclusive.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 103244"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145085225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spirulina’s impacts on cardiovascular health: Insights from a systematic meta-analysis of RCT","authors":"Hamidreza Shiri ,&nbsp;Ali Akbar Soleimani ,&nbsp;Behnam Omidi Sarajar ,&nbsp;Abdolkarim Talebi Taheri ,&nbsp;Fataneh Esmaeili ,&nbsp;Mohammad Hadi Nematollahi ,&nbsp;Mahmood Alizadeh Sani","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103242","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103242","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>CVDs are considered the major public health concern and mortality in the world. Common treatments have some side effects and require low-risk treatments, such as herbal medicine. Spirulina is a filamentous microalga that has improved cardiometabolic parameters.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Systematic searches were conducted in Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and PubMed/Medline databases up to 20 January 2025 to identify RCTs based on the PRISMA checklist and PICOS criteria (People &gt; 18 years, Intervention: spirulina, Comparison: placebo /control, Outcomes: TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, FBG, HbA1c, insulin, HOMA-IR, SBP, DBP, BMI, weight, hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, and Study: RCTs). Meta- analysis was utilized by random-effects models, and the GRADE criteria ensured the certainty of results.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>The results of 35 trials (45 effect sizes) show that spirulina intake improved glucose homeostasis (FBG; WMD: −5.51 (mg/dl); <em>P</em> = 0.001, HOMA-IR; WMD: −0.68; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001, and insulin; WMD: −0.86 (ng/ml); <em>P</em> = 0.002), decreased dyslipidemia (TG; WMD: −14.75 (mg/dl); <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001, TC: WMD: −11.5 (mg/dl); <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001, LDL-C; WMD: −7.69 (mg/dl); <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001, and HDL-C; WMD: 1.9 (mg/dl); <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), decreased blood pressure (SBP; WMD: −3.85 mmHg, <em>P</em> = 0.002, and DBP; WMD: −3.09 mmHg, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), reduced anthropometric indexes (weight; WMD: −1.78 kg; <em>P</em> = 0.003, and BMI; WMD: −0.58 kg/m²; <em>P</em> = 0.001), and decreased inflammation (TNF-α; WMD: −0.46 pg/ml; <em>P</em> = 0.01, IL-6; WMD: −0.58 pg/ml; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001, and hs-CRP; WMD: −0.86 mg/L; <em>P</em> = 0.002). Based on GRADE analysis, LDL-C, FBG, and HbA1c had of low quality, while the outcome for weight was of high quality. Furthermore, other parameters had moderate-quality outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrates that spirulina supplementation effectively reduces the risk of CVD in adults by improving glucose homeostasis, dyslipidemia, blood pressure, anthropometric indexes, and inflammation. So, intake of spirulina is an adjunct or complementary to improve cardiometabolic profiles.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>PROSPERO registration cod: (CRD42024626090)</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 103242"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145059937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From farm to bedside: Potential of medical cannabis in global health","authors":"Maureen Bilinga Tendwa ,&nbsp;Tejaswini Appidi ,&nbsp;Brylyne Chitsunge ,&nbsp;Michele Moreau ,&nbsp;Blessed Okole ,&nbsp;Lonji Kalombo ,&nbsp;Abba Mallum ,&nbsp;Twalib Ngoma ,&nbsp;Daniel P. Weadock ,&nbsp;Eric Tanifum ,&nbsp;Simon Erridge ,&nbsp;Mikael Sodergren ,&nbsp;Rob Sims ,&nbsp;Calvin Johnson ,&nbsp;Ngeh Toyang ,&nbsp;Henry Lowe ,&nbsp;Bashkim Ziberi ,&nbsp;Luc Richner ,&nbsp;Sandra Carrillo ,&nbsp;Stephen Avery ,&nbsp;Wilfred Ngwa","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103205","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103205","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The growing opioid crisis and persistent global health disparities underscore the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. <em>Cannabis</em>, with its long-standing historical use and recent legislative developments, presents a potentially significant avenue for addressing these challenges. This review examines the evolving landscape of medicinal cannabis, drawing from historical ethnopharmacological data and contemporary scientific discussions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This review synthesized evidence from historical ethnobotanical records, peer-reviewed studies, and outcomes derived from recent Global Health events. These events facilitated discussions among diverse stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, farmers, and patient advocates. Case studies and successful models from the USA and Africa, including the recent FDA approval for first-in-human clinical trials of a medicinal cannabis derivative for pancreatic cancer, were analysed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Successful models include collaborative platforms fostering stakeholder engagement, such as partnerships between African farmers and biotech firms to standardize cultivation. Successful models demonstrate the potential for adaptation and scaling in diverse healthcare settings. The FDA trial approval exemplifies progress in clinical translation. However, disparities persist, with patients within Africa facing systemic barriers to medical <em>Cannabis</em> certification and higher rates of punitive opioid discontinuation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Medicinal <em>Cannabis</em> presents a complex yet promising solution for reducing opioid-related mortality and addressing healthcare inequities. Implementing strategic frameworks like CORE (Care, Outreach, Research, Education) is essential for developing safe, high-quality, evidence-based cannabis products. Through fostering collaboration and addressing existing obstacles, the therapeutic potential of medicinal <em>Cannabis</em> can be harnessed to mitigate the opioid crisis and reduce global health disparities, effectively translating research from farm to bedside.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 103205"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145026431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hot spring and sauna use for improving blood lipid profiles: A systematic review and expert consensus on efficacy and recommendations","authors":"Satoshi Yamasaki ,&nbsp;Tomotake Tokunou ,&nbsp;Yusuke Kashiwado ,&nbsp;Mari Makishi ,&nbsp;Takahiko Horiuchi","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103241","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103241","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Traditional treatments often focus on pharmacological interventions; however, alternative therapies, such as hot spring and sauna use, have recently gained attention because of their potentially beneficial effects on lipid profiles and cardiovascular health.</div></div><div><h3>Design and setting</h3><div>This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the efficacy of hot spring and sauna use, alone or combined with exercise therapy, in improving blood lipid profiles, with a focus on mechanisms, benefits, and limitations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A search of 330 records across major databases identified 127 studies for blinded screening using Rayyan (a web-based application for conducting systematic reviews). Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of hot spring and sauna use on lipid profiles in adults were included.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four RCTs in younger adults (mean age &lt; 60 years) demonstrated that hot spring and sauna use resulted in reductions in serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; these therapies were given a weak expert recommendation. Three RCTs in older adults (mean age ≥ 60 years) showed no significant blood lipid changes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In younger adults, hot spring and sauna use, particularly when combined with exercise therapy, may contribute to improved lipid profiles. Emerging evidence from intervention studies could inform future guidelines for integrating these therapies into dyslipidemia management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 103241"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145005376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}