Pub Date : 2025-12-03DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103302
Lawrence Rosen, Carmela Rocchetti
As U.S. health care confronts mounting challenges, medical education must evolve to prepare physicians to deliver effective, high-quality person-centered care. We describe the integration of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Whole Health model into the Human Dimension (HD) course at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, a required longitudinal community-engaged curriculum. Through reflective practice, health coaching skill development, and longitudinal partnerships with community members, students learn to align care with what matters most to individuals and to recognize all determinants shaping health outcomes. Early evaluation data suggest that this model enhances student well-being and structural competency while shaping a professional identity grounded in purpose, compassion, and partnership. By embedding Whole Health principles into required medical training, the HD course offers a scalable framework for reorienting physician education toward the Quintuple Aim and preparing future clinicians to promote healing within themselves, their patients, and their communities.
{"title":"The human dimension: integrating whole health into a community-engaged medical education curriculum","authors":"Lawrence Rosen, Carmela Rocchetti","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103302","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103302","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As U.S. health care confronts mounting challenges, medical education must evolve to prepare physicians to deliver effective, high-quality person-centered care. We describe the integration of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Whole Health model into the Human Dimension (HD) course at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, a required longitudinal community-engaged curriculum. Through reflective practice, health coaching skill development, and longitudinal partnerships with community members, students learn to align care with what matters most to individuals and to recognize all determinants shaping health outcomes. Early evaluation data suggest that this model enhances student well-being and structural competency while shaping a professional identity grounded in purpose, compassion, and partnership. By embedding Whole Health principles into required medical training, the HD course offers a scalable framework for reorienting physician education toward the Quintuple Aim and preparing future clinicians to promote healing within themselves, their patients, and their communities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103302"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145727001","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-03DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103301
Muhammad Taufan Umasugi
{"title":"Reflection on the use of sensory ethnography and creative methods","authors":"Muhammad Taufan Umasugi","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103301","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103301","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103301"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145732870","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}
Pub Date : 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103291
Yongkang Zhang , Yuzhen Wang , Zhiguo Zhao , Hongcheng Du , Yuan Zong , Yemin Cao
Background
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV), accompanied by recalcitrant lower-limb ulcers, is frequently treated with corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. However, these treatments often face the formidable challenge of high recurrence risks. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been identified as a safe and effective strategy for treating autoimmune vascular diseases. It can serve as an adjunct therapy for recalcitrant wounds caused by this condition, while reducing the dosage of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
Case Report
A 60-year-old Asian male presented with a red rash accompanied by pruritus on both feet. Following a lesion to the plantar surface of the right foot, a ulcer formed that exhibited signs of delayed healing and gradually expanded. Subsequent diagnostic procedures revealed the presence of LCV. Despite treatment with prednisone, piperacillin, and cyclophosphamide, the foot ulcer failed to heal. Following an eight-month treatment period that incorporated a Chinese herbal decoction taken orally and low-dose corticosteroids, the ulcer on the patient's right foot exhibited complete healing. During the subsequent 7-month follow-up period, no recurrence of the ulcer was observed.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates that a combination of oral Chinese herbal decoction and low-dose corticosteroids is a highly effective treatment for recalcitrant wounds caused by LCV, with a low recurrence rate. This approach may contribute to a reduction in corticosteroid or immunosuppressant dosage, promote skin ulcer healing, and reduce recurrence rates. The necessity for future randomized controlled trials is evident to ascertain the efficacy of this therapeutic strategy.
{"title":"Integrative Chinese-western therapy for Leukocytoclastic vasculitis-induced refractory leg ulcer: An 8-month healing journey with reduced corticosteroid dependency","authors":"Yongkang Zhang , Yuzhen Wang , Zhiguo Zhao , Hongcheng Du , Yuan Zong , Yemin Cao","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103291","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103291","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV), accompanied by recalcitrant lower-limb ulcers, is frequently treated with corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. However, these treatments often face the formidable challenge of high recurrence risks. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been identified as a safe and effective strategy for treating autoimmune vascular diseases. It can serve as an adjunct therapy for recalcitrant wounds caused by this condition, while reducing the dosage of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.</div></div><div><h3>Case Report</h3><div>A 60-year-old Asian male presented with a red rash accompanied by pruritus on both feet. Following a lesion to the plantar surface of the right foot, a ulcer formed that exhibited signs of delayed healing and gradually expanded. Subsequent diagnostic procedures revealed the presence of LCV. Despite treatment with prednisone, piperacillin, and cyclophosphamide, the foot ulcer failed to heal. Following an eight-month treatment period that incorporated a Chinese herbal decoction taken orally and low-dose corticosteroids, the ulcer on the patient's right foot exhibited complete healing. During the subsequent 7-month follow-up period, no recurrence of the ulcer was observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This case demonstrates that a combination of oral Chinese herbal decoction and low-dose corticosteroids is a highly effective treatment for recalcitrant wounds caused by LCV, with a low recurrence rate. This approach may contribute to a reduction in corticosteroid or immunosuppressant dosage, promote skin ulcer healing, and reduce recurrence rates. The necessity for future randomized controlled trials is evident to ascertain the efficacy of this therapeutic strategy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103291"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145649920","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}
A fascinating culinary culture is observed in the celebration of the Bohag Bihu or a spring festival celebrated in Assam which encompasses the eating of a dish made up of 101 different types of leafy vegetables. This tradition has its roots in the region's rich cultural history and an age-old belief on the healing properties of the plants. We aimed to document this ethnomedicinal practice and corelate it with previously published literature.
Methods
An ethnobotanical survey was conducted on 117 participants of four communities located in Lakhimpur, Assam, namely Assamese, Mishing, Deori and Bodo. Along with information on collection, preparation and consumption; all 101 plant specimens were collected from various locations such as roadsides, wild/unhabitated grasslands, agricultural fields, kitchen gardens, and riverbanks. Data was analysed using theme analysis and ethnobotanical indexes to investigate the names, uses, and part of the plants used. Plant identification were validated with community members and verified using the World Flora online database. Biogeography status was collected from data available on Kew Plants of the World Online.
Results
The frequency citation (FC) of all the 101 plant species ranged from 87–117%. All plants were collected and photographically documented. The scientific names and pharmacological activity of all 101 plants were also documented. Additionally, the process of preparation of the culinary dish comprising of the 101 leafy vegetables were systematically documented and photographed.
Conclusion
This study documents the Assamese folk practice of consuming 101 leafy vegetables for their purported pharmacological activity. While scientifically validating the identity and beneficial effects of these plants; this study also highlights the spirituality, cultural oikos and rich ethnic identity of the Assamese community.
{"title":"Exploring the seasonal dietary practice of consuming 101 leafy vegetables during the Assamese festival of Bohag Bihu: a study of traditional heritage and ethnomedicinal perception in Assam","authors":"Koushik Nandan Dutta , Sangeeta Dutta , Bhaswati Kashyap , Himshikhar Sarma , Rosy Ahmed , Sameeran Gam , Darshana Hazarika , Bhargab Jyoti Sahariah , Nilutpal Sharma Bora","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103292","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103292","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>A fascinating culinary culture is observed in the celebration of the Bohag Bihu or a spring festival celebrated in Assam which encompasses the eating of a dish made up of 101 different types of leafy vegetables. This tradition has its roots in the region's rich cultural history and an age-old belief on the healing properties of the plants. We aimed to document this ethnomedicinal practice and corelate it with previously published literature.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An ethnobotanical survey was conducted on 117 participants of four communities located in Lakhimpur, Assam, namely Assamese, Mishing, Deori and Bodo. Along with information on collection, preparation and consumption; all 101 plant specimens were collected from various locations such as roadsides, wild/unhabitated grasslands, agricultural fields, kitchen gardens, and riverbanks. Data was analysed using theme analysis and ethnobotanical indexes to investigate the names, uses, and part of the plants used. Plant identification were validated with community members and verified using the World Flora online database. Biogeography status was collected from data available on Kew Plants of the World Online.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The frequency citation (FC) of all the 101 plant species ranged from 87–117%. All plants were collected and photographically documented. The scientific names and pharmacological activity of all 101 plants were also documented. Additionally, the process of preparation of the culinary dish comprising of the 101 leafy vegetables were systematically documented and photographed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study documents the Assamese folk practice of consuming 101 leafy vegetables for their purported pharmacological activity. While scientifically validating the identity and beneficial effects of these plants; this study also highlights the spirituality, cultural oikos and rich ethnic identity of the Assamese community.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103292"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684618","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}
Pub Date : 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103290
Nicholas Lorenz , Misha Mathur , Nawfal Saleem, Amanda Penn, David Boesler, Anupam Bishayee
Background
Stress, anxiety, and depression are prevalent mental health conditions that have the ability to significantly impact individuals' daily lives and overall well-being. These disorders can lead to physical symptoms, impaired functioning, and a reduced quality of life. In light of these challenges, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has emerged as a promising complementary therapy. The purpose of this study is to determine if OMT techniques, such as myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and lymphatic drainage, can modulate this balance by reducing sympathetic nervous system dominance and enhancing parasympathetic activity, leading to improved relaxation and stress resilience.
Method
This systematic review, conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, identified 16 peer-reviewed studies examining the use of OMT for managing stress, anxiety, and depression through a comprehensive literature search and screening process spanning multiple scholarly databases.
Results
Studies have demonstrated both immediate and long-term benefits of OMT, as measured by patient-reported outcomes and physiological markers like heart rate variability. Control groups receiving sham treatments or no intervention further support the idea that the benefits of OMT are specific and not due to placebo effects. While traditional treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy, are commonly used as management modalities, they have limitations in terms of side effects, accessibility, and long-term effectiveness.
Conclusion
This review highlights the potential of OMT as a complementary and adjunctive therapy to address mental health disorders, offering a holistic, non-invasive approach to enhance patients' well-being.
{"title":"Osteopathic manipulative treatment as a complementary and integrative approach to mitigate stress, anxiety, and depression: A systematic review","authors":"Nicholas Lorenz , Misha Mathur , Nawfal Saleem, Amanda Penn, David Boesler, Anupam Bishayee","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103290","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103290","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Stress, anxiety, and depression are prevalent mental health conditions that have the ability to significantly impact individuals' daily lives and overall well-being. These disorders can lead to physical symptoms, impaired functioning, and a reduced quality of life. In light of these challenges, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has emerged as a promising complementary therapy. The purpose of this study is to determine if OMT techniques, such as myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and lymphatic drainage, can modulate this balance by reducing sympathetic nervous system dominance and enhancing parasympathetic activity, leading to improved relaxation and stress resilience.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>This systematic review, conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, identified 16 peer-reviewed studies examining the use of OMT for managing stress, anxiety, and depression through a comprehensive literature search and screening process spanning multiple scholarly databases.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Studies have demonstrated both immediate and long-term benefits of OMT, as measured by patient-reported outcomes and physiological markers like heart rate variability. Control groups receiving sham treatments or no intervention further support the idea that the benefits of OMT are specific and not due to placebo effects. While traditional treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy, are commonly used as management modalities, they have limitations in terms of side effects, accessibility, and long-term effectiveness.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This review highlights the potential of OMT as a complementary and adjunctive therapy to address mental health disorders, offering a holistic, non-invasive approach to enhance patients' well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103290"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145679322","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}
Pub Date : 2025-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103288
Yasmine Ahmed Mourad Asaad , Shahd Ashraf Izzeldin Abdalla , Ana Beatriz Pizarro
{"title":"Music therapy for autistic people: summary of a Cochrane review","authors":"Yasmine Ahmed Mourad Asaad , Shahd Ashraf Izzeldin Abdalla , Ana Beatriz Pizarro","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103288","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103288","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103288"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145764400","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}
Pub Date : 2025-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103284
Stephan A. Schwartz
{"title":"The five anxieties tearing America apart","authors":"Stephan A. Schwartz","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103284","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103284","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103284"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839804","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}
Pub Date : 2025-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103287
Alexandra Henderson, Judith Zelikoff
{"title":"Integration of environmental medicine into U.S. medical school curricula: Current state and future directions","authors":"Alexandra Henderson, Judith Zelikoff","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103287","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103287","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103287"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617908","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}
Pub Date : 2025-11-18DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103285
Angie Lillehei
{"title":"Solar storms and myocardial infarction","authors":"Angie Lillehei","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103285","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103285","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103285"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684619","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}
Pub Date : 2025-11-17DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103286
Natasha Tassell-Matamua
{"title":"Reconciling Indigenous knowledges and Western scholarship. Is it possible?","authors":"Natasha Tassell-Matamua","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103286","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103286","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"22 1","pages":"Article 103286"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145571890","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}