Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

英文中文

The impact of aromatherapy on pain, comfort, and anxiety in post-cesarean women: A randomized controlled study

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2025-04-07 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103161

Gülnihal ARTUĞ CANSIZLAR , Nevin HOTUN ŞAHİN

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy on acute pain, anxiety, and comfort levels in primiparous women who underwent cesarean delivery.

Design

A randomized controlled experimental design was employed.

Setting

The study was conducted between March 2022 and March 2023 in a public hospital in Istanbul with 120 women who met the inclusion criteria and participated voluntarily.

Sample

The sample consisted of 120 women divided into three groups: Intervention 1 (Inhaler) Group (n = 30), Intervention 2 (Massage) Group (n = 30), and Control Group (n = 60).

Interventions

Participants were assigned to groups using a simple random number table. Pre-test assessments included the Descriptive Information Form, State Anxiety Inventory, and Trait Anxiety Inventory. In the Massage Group, participants received a 10-minute essential oil massage starting at the 8th postoperative hour on Day 0 and twice daily for 10 min on Days 1 and 2. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). In the Inhaler Group, aromatherapy with essential oil inhaler sticks was administered four times daily for 5 min on postoperative Days 0, 1, and 2, followed by VAS evaluation. The Control Group received standard clinical care. On Day 2, all participants were reassessed using the State Anxiety Inventory, Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Postpartum Comfort Scale (PCS).

Results

Pre-test scores showed no significant differences in anxiety levels between the groups (p > 0.05). In the final evaluation, the Massage and Inhaler Groups had significantly lower VAS scores (1.670±0.922; 1.730±1.081) and State Anxiety Inventory scores (42.270±3.162; 44.530±3.181), and higher PCS scores (4.010±0.150; 3.819±0.245) compared to the Control Group. The Control Group exhibited higher VAS and anxiety scores and lower PCS scores.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy, particularly when applied via massage, is an effective non pharmacological method for reducing pain and anxiety and enhancing comfort in the postpartum period following cesarean delivery. Incorporating this approach into clinical protocols is recommended.

本研究旨在评估芳香疗法对接受剖宫产的初产妇的急性疼痛、焦虑和舒适度的影响：干预使用简单的随机数字表将参与者分配到各组。测试前评估包括描述性信息表、状态焦虑量表和特质焦虑量表。在按摩组，参与者在术后第 0 天的第 8 个小时开始接受 10 分钟的精油按摩，并在第 1 天和第 2 天每天两次，每次 10 分钟。疼痛采用视觉模拟量表（VAS）进行评估。吸入器组在术后第 0、1 和 2 天使用精油吸入棒进行芳香疗法，每天 4 次，每次 5 分钟，然后进行 VAS 评估。对照组接受标准临床护理。第 2 天，使用状态焦虑量表、特质焦虑量表和产后舒适度量表（PCS）对所有参与者进行重新评估。结果显示，两组之间的焦虑水平没有显著差异（p > 0.05）。在最终评估中，与对照组相比，按摩组和吸入器组的 VAS 评分（1.670±0.922；1.730±1.081）和状态焦虑量表评分（42.270±3.162；44.530±3.181）明显较低，而 PCS 评分（4.010±0.150；3.819±0.245）较高。结论芳香疗法，尤其是通过按摩进行芳香疗法时，是一种有效的非药物方法，可减轻剖宫产术后的疼痛和焦虑，提高舒适度。建议将这种方法纳入临床方案。

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引用次数: 0

The treatment of primary immune thrombocytopenia from the perspective of spleen blood deficiency: a case report

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2025-04-07 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103163

Qiao Liu, Yong Jiang

Background

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (pITP) is caused by the increase of platelet destruction and decrease of platelet production mediated by immune disorders. The specific pathogenesis of ITP is complicated and unclear, so the treatment of ITP is still under exploration in both Chinese and Western medicine.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old female patient with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) achieved normalization of platelet levels following a 4-month course of combined Chinese and Western medical treatment. During the gradual reduction of both Chinese and Western medications over these 4 months, the patient's condition remained stable, with the goal of eventually discontinuing treatment.

Conclusion

Our case demonstrates that TCM therapy targeting spleen blood deficiency can achieve favorable therapeutic outcomes in ITP, thereby providing a novel treatment alternative for this condition.

引用次数: 0

Treatment of iatrogenic brachial plexopathy persisting for 3 years due to cervical foraminotomy using Korean medicine: A case report (CARE-compliant)

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2025-04-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103160

Siyun Sung , Han-Gyul Lee , Seungwon Kwon , Woo-Sang Jung , Sang-Kwan Moon

Background

Extrinsic or iatrogenic brachial plexopathy often resolves spontaneously within six months. Although steroid therapy and rehabilitation interventions are employed in the management of brachial plexopathy, their efficacy remains limited with insufficient supporting evidence. Moreover, therapeutic options to improve symptoms after the natural recovery period are limited.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old Asian woman was admitted with a three-year history of right upper extremity weakness and pain. The patient was diagnosed with sequelae of iatrogenic right brachial plexus injury due to cervical foraminotomy based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the right brachial plexus and medical history. The patient was treated with a comprehensive treatment regimen, including the herbal prescription Bojungikgi-tang, bee venom pharmaco-acupuncture, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and electro-moxibustion. After 62 days of treatment, her motor strength, assessed using the modified Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, improved significantly from Grade 2.5 to Grade 4.5. The tolerated weight for dumbbells increased from 0.5 kg to 2 kg, and that for the weight bar increased from 0 kg to 2.07 kg. Pain intensity, measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), decreased from 5 to 1. The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score markedly reduced from 81 to 23, and her performance in the Box and Block Test (BBT) improved from -6.24 to -2.82. Additionally, all domains of the Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) reflected significant enhancement in the patient's physical and mental health.

Conclusions

This case suggests that combined treatment with Korean medicine might be an effective tool for treating brachial plexopathy symptoms. However, further studies are required to confirm the efficacy of this treatment.

{"title":"Treatment of iatrogenic brachial plexopathy persisting for 3 years due to cervical foraminotomy using Korean medicine: A case report (CARE-compliant)","authors":"Siyun Sung , Han-Gyul Lee , Seungwon Kwon , Woo-Sang Jung , Sang-Kwan Moon","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103160","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103160","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Extrinsic or iatrogenic brachial plexopathy often resolves spontaneously within six months. Although steroid therapy and rehabilitation interventions are employed in the management of brachial plexopathy, their efficacy remains limited with insufficient supporting evidence. Moreover, therapeutic options to improve symptoms after the natural recovery period are limited.</div></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><div>A 49-year-old Asian woman was admitted with a three-year history of right upper extremity weakness and pain. The patient was diagnosed with sequelae of iatrogenic right brachial plexus injury due to cervical foraminotomy based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the right brachial plexus and medical history. The patient was treated with a comprehensive treatment regimen, including the herbal prescription Bojungikgi-tang, bee venom pharmaco-acupuncture, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and electro-moxibustion. After 62 days of treatment, her motor strength, assessed using the modified Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, improved significantly from Grade 2.5 to Grade 4.5. The tolerated weight for dumbbells increased from 0.5 kg to 2 kg, and that for the weight bar increased from 0 kg to 2.07 kg. Pain intensity, measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), decreased from 5 to 1. The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score markedly reduced from 81 to 23, and her performance in the Box and Block Test (BBT) improved from -6.24 to -2.82. Additionally, all domains of the Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) reflected significant enhancement in the patient's physical and mental health.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This case suggests that combined treatment with Korean medicine might be an effective tool for treating brachial plexopathy symptoms. However, further studies are required to confirm the efficacy of this treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103160"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143814817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Wet cupping therapy and acupuncture applications in migraine patients: A randomized controlled trial

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2025-03-27 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103158

Rana Celikkol , Suleyman Ersoy , Osman Cavus , Emin Pala , Velittin Selcuk Engin

Aim

Although there are numerous complementary treatments for migraine, comparisons among themselves are relatively rare. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effectiveness of wet cupping therapy (WCT) and acupuncture applications in treating migraine patients.

Materials and method

This was a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted between 01.03.2022 and 01.10.2023 in the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Center of a tertiary hospital. Patients diagnosed with migraine were included in the study and randomized into three arms. The WCT group received cupping 3 times, once a month. The acupuncture group received 10 sessions of acupuncture once a week. The waiting list was assigned as the control group. VAS and MIDAS scales were applied to all groups at the beginning and the end of the treatment, and the results were compared.

Results

All three groups were similar regarding age and sex. Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores decreased significantly in both treatment groups after the applications, while they remained similar for the same period in the control group. Additionally, the post-treatment values of MIDAS and VAS in both the WCT and acupuncture groups were significantly lower compared to controls, while they were similar when compared in between.

Conclusion

Both of these applications were found to be similarly effective in improving disability status and pain intensity in patients with migraine.

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引用次数: 0

Code of ethics for mediums and trance channelers

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2025-03-27 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103159

Siri K. Zemel, Helané Wahbeh

The research objective of this study was three-fold: identify ethical standards currently used by adult, English-speaking mediums/channelers; based on emergent categories, establish a draft framework for ethical standards for the field of mediumship/channeling; and obtain consensus approval of an aspirational code of ethics for mediums/channelers. The first of two surveys engaged 119 mediums/channelers, 74 % of whom lived in the United States. Roughly two-thirds (66 %) of survey participants reported currently adhering to a specific code of ethics in their work as a medium/trance channeler. Participants were asked to upload any ethical standards followed and/or provide feedback on specific elements they believed needed to be included in a code of ethics for the field. Open-ended responses (137 entries) were qualitatively analyzed and organized into specific elements to be included in a first draft code of ethics. The draft code was shared with the same participants in a follow-up survey and received a 91 % approval rating. The development of this code of ethics is a novel milestone in the professionalization journey of mediums/channelers.

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引用次数: 0

Retrospective case control study of microcurrent therapy in autism spectrum disorder: Behavioral outcomes and dose-response analysis

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2025-03-25 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103156

Rickie Lee Ryan , Garrett Gianneschi

Microcurrent therapy (MCT) is an emerging treatment modality in medicine, but its potential effects on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of MCT on ASD symptoms to inform future clinical trials. We conducted a retrospective case-control study involving 21 pediatric patients and one adult with ASD who underwent MCT using a standardized protocol. The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) was administered before and after treatment to evaluate behavioral changes. A paired t-test compared pre- and post-treatment ATEC scores, while an unpaired t-test compared the MCT-treated group with age-matched historical controls reported in the literature. Linear regression analysis assessed the dose-response relationship. MCT was well tolerated, with no serious side effects. The 22 patients completed an average of 32 sessions. Paired t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in ATEC scores, with an average decrease of 28.6 points (42.8 %) (p = 0.007, 95 % CI: 8.3–48.9). In comparison to historical controls, the MCT-treated group showed greater improvement (26.4 points, 42.6 %) versus controls (7.9 points, 13.2 %) (p = 0.0001, 95 % CI: 19.9–47.5). Linear regression demonstrated a strong correlation between the number of MCT sessions and the magnitude of improvement (R = 0.693, F = 18.5, p = 0.0003, 95 % CI). These findings suggest that MCT may have a therapeutic effect on ASD, as evidenced by significant pre- and post-treatment improvements compared to historical controls and a dose-dependent response. Further research through larger clinical trials is warranted.

{"title":"Retrospective case control study of microcurrent therapy in autism spectrum disorder: Behavioral outcomes and dose-response analysis","authors":"Rickie Lee Ryan , Garrett Gianneschi","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103156","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103156","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microcurrent therapy (MCT) is an emerging treatment modality in medicine, but its potential effects on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of MCT on ASD symptoms to inform future clinical trials. We conducted a retrospective case-control study involving 21 pediatric patients and one adult with ASD who underwent MCT using a standardized protocol. The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) was administered before and after treatment to evaluate behavioral changes. A paired <em>t</em>-test compared pre- and post-treatment ATEC scores, while an unpaired <em>t</em>-test compared the MCT-treated group with age-matched historical controls reported in the literature. Linear regression analysis assessed the dose-response relationship. MCT was well tolerated, with no serious side effects. The 22 patients completed an average of 32 sessions. Paired <em>t</em>-test analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in ATEC scores, with an average decrease of 28.6 points (42.8 %) (<em>p</em> = 0.007, 95 % CI: 8.3–48.9). In comparison to historical controls, the MCT-treated group showed greater improvement (26.4 points, 42.6 %) versus controls (7.9 points, 13.2 %) (<em>p</em> = 0.0001, 95 % CI: 19.9–47.5). Linear regression demonstrated a strong correlation between the number of MCT sessions and the magnitude of improvement (<em>R</em> = 0.693, <em>F</em> = 18.5, <em>p</em> = 0.0003, 95 % CI). These findings suggest that MCT may have a therapeutic effect on ASD, as evidenced by significant pre- and post-treatment improvements compared to historical controls and a dose-dependent response. Further research through larger clinical trials is warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103156"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143681104","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

A novel approach using acupuncture for dysphagia after brainstem stroke: A CARE-compliant case report

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2025-03-21 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103155

Yixiao Han , Yihao Zhou , Weibin Gao , Dongyan Wang

Background

Dysphagia is a common sequela of brainstem stroke, often leading to complications such as aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition. Traditional rehabilitation methods may not be effective for all patients, necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. Herein, we report a case of acupuncture for dysphagia after brainstem stroke.

Case description

In this report, we describe a 61-year-old male patient with persistent dysphagia, aspiration during water intake, and hoarseness following acute brainstem infarction. Despite undergoing thrombolysis and rehabilitation, his swallowing function remained unimproved. A videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) demonstrated substantial barium residue in bilateral valleculae and pyriform sinuses with significant aspiration. The patient received 14 days of acupuncture therapy, combining electrical stimulation at primary acupoints in the cephalocervical region with rapid needling techniques at extraordinary points in the cervical area. Post-treatment evaluation revealed remarkable improvement in swallowing function with complete resolution of aspiration, enabling nasogastric tube removal. Three-month follow-up confirmed sustained normal swallowing function without recurrence.

Conclusion

The innovative acupuncture treatment regimen we proposed may be a promising therapeutic option for dysphagia after brainstem stroke.

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引用次数: 0

The effect of aromatherapy applied to pregnant women on sleep quality and fatigue level: A randomized clinical trial

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2025-03-20 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103157

Sule Celik , Evşen Nazik

Introduction

Sleep disturbances and fatigue can negatively impact pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to assess changes in sleep quality and fatigue levels pre- and post-aromatherapy intervention using lavender oil inhalation in pregnant women in the third trimester.

Materials and methods

The research was conducted in the gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic of a training and research hospital between October 2022 and March 2023. The study was designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial with a pretest-posttest control group. The sample consisted of a total of 74 pregnant women (37 intervention and 37 control). Aromatherapy with lavender oil was applied to pregnant women in the intervention group for one month using the "Inhalation Application Form." "Personal Information Form", "Visual Analog Scale (VAS)", "Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)" and " Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue (VASF)" were used to collect data. Percentage distributions, chi-square significance test, t-test in independent groups, and Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests were used to evaluate the data.

Results

In the study, the post-test PSQI score average of the pregnant women in the intervention group who received lavender oil inhalation was 4.10±1.36, it was 5.45±2.48 in the control group. The post-test fatigue score average of the pregnant women in the intervention group was 65.91±7.02, it was 75.40±10.79 in the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the post-test PSQI and VAS-F total score averages of the pregnant women in the intervention and control groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study findings indicate that aromatherapy applied via inhalation to pregnant women improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue levels. According to these findings, lavender oil aromatherapy can be recommended to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue levels in pregnant women during the third trimester.

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引用次数: 0

Critical analysis of the article – A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of individualized homeopathic medicinal products in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2025-03-17 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103154

Parth Aphale, Himanshu Shekhar, Shashank Dokania

引用次数: 0

Sleep characteristics and the Human Phenotype Project

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing

Pub Date : 2025-03-12 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103141

Angie Lillehei

引用次数: 0

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