Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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.

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.

Context

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.

Objective

The study aimed to explore the motivations, experiences, and mental health outcomes of participants of therapies inspired by Indigenous healing with a focus on issues related to intercultural transfer of therapeutic practice.

Design

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were used to gather narratives from 28 participants. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis.

Results

Participants reported the following long-lasting outcomes of Indigenous therapies: increased well-being, calm, satisfaction with life, better emotion regulation, coping with stress, behavioral control, problem solving, decision making as well as a more sensitive and deeper experience of reality. Conventional Western psychotherapy was perceived as conversation-based, while Indigenous therapy was perceived as experience-based and more complex. The integration of experiences from Indigenous therapies was more difficult in the Western sociocultural environment compared to participation in the place of their origin, within the community of Indigenous people.

Conclusion

Indigenous healing has beneficial outcomes for Western clients, but the integration of these experiences is quite difficult and requires systematic psychotherapeutic support in the Western cultural environment.

Introduction

Febrile neutropenia is a common complication in patients undergoing chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Primary granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) prophylaxis is consistently associated with a notable reduction in the risk of febrile neutropenia. However, the use of G-CSF in patients who are already neutropenic from chemotherapy remains controversial. Studies have shown that 12.9 % of cancer patients incorporate traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to alleviate chemotherapy side effects in Taiwan; thereby providing an alternative management strategy for febrile neutropenia in cancer patients.

Case presentation

This is an 18-year-old female with newly diagnosed precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma. After chemotherapy, the patient developed febrile neutropenia. Despite the use of antibiotics and G-CSF, the febrile neutropenia persisted for two months. Approximately ten days after the initiation of traditional Chinese medicine decoction with the strategy of tonifying the spleen and stomach, clearing yin fire, and uplifting yang, her absolute neutrophil count (ANC) had gradually increased. Additionally, after two weeks of treatment, her fever subsided. The patient continued with chemotherapy and was discharged in stable condition.

Discussion

Antibiotic use aligns with the TCM perspective of an “attack” approach. Conversely, our TCM decoction was designed to raise the ANC by tonifying the spleen and stomach, clearing Yin Fire, and uplifting Yang. Li Dongyuan, one of the four great masters of the Jin Yuan Dynasty, created the formula: Bupiwei Shengyang Sanhuo Decoction that is notable in this regard. The herbs in our decoction have shown hematopoietic and myelosuppression-alleviating effect. For many patients who do not respond adequately to G-CSF alone, integrative treatments involving both TCM and Western medicine can offer additional therapeutic benefits by increasing blood cell counts.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy studies suggest that the induction of “mystical experiences” combined with psycho-therapy is a possible intervention for psychiatric illness. Advanced meditation may induce powerful experiences comparable to psychedelics. We investigated effects of an intensive meditation practice called Fire Kasina. Six individuals completed a retreat, and participated in an interview in which they described their experiences. They also completed the Revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), Hood Mystical Experience Scale (HME), and Cole's Spiritual Transformation Scale. Mean MEQ scores were 85 %, similar to prior observations of high-dose psilocybin and were stronger than moderate-dose psilocybin (t(5) = 4.41, p = 0.007, d = 1.80; W(5) = 21, p = 0.031). Mean HME scores were 93 %, exceeding levels reported for NDEs (mean 74 %) and high-dose psilocybin (mean 77 %). In qualitative analysis, experiences were described as the most intense of the individual's life, while subsequent transformational effects included substantial shifts in worldview.