Pub Date : 2024-09-30DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103068
Yihao Zhou , Hong Huo , Siyu Yang , Dongyan Wang
Introduction
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.
Case description
A 72-year-old woman came to our acupuncture clinic with eyelid twitching and jaw muscle tension. She described being diagnosed with MS two years ago due to the same symptoms, and her symptoms gradually worsened over the past six months. After 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment, the patient's MS symptoms improved significantly.
Conclusion
Acupuncture may be a potentially salvage treatment option for MS.
{"title":"Acupuncture for Meige syndrome: A case report","authors":"Yihao Zhou , Hong Huo , Siyu Yang , Dongyan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103068","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103068","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Case description</h3><div>A 72-year-old woman came to our acupuncture clinic with eyelid twitching and jaw muscle tension. She described being diagnosed with MS two years ago due to the same symptoms, and her symptoms gradually worsened over the past six months. After 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment, the patient's MS symptoms improved significantly.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupuncture may be a potentially salvage treatment option for MS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 6","pages":"Article 103068"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142376270","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 : 2024-09-29DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103067
Gelza Matos Nunes , Sara de Pinho Cunha Paiva , Selmo Geber , Anna Sylvia Vidigal de Andrade Serra , Marcos Aurelio Coelho Sampaio , Rubens Lene Carvalho Tavares
Objective
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).
Methods
This is a prospective, three-armed, randomized controlled trial with women undergoing ART cycle, age ranging from 18 to 50 years. In the day of embryo transfer, the patients randomized to Brief MI group received a 15-minute audio of mindfulness. They were instructed to practice it daily, starting from the day of embryo transfer to the day of the pregnancy test, leading to a total of 180–210 minutes. Women randomized to EBMI met once a week during the waiting time between the embryo transfer and pregnancy test day in the same virtual room with a meditator instructor for 40 minutes, totalizing two sessions (80 minutes). The pregnancy rate was assessed via a blood test to measure hCG performed 2 weeks after embryo transfer.
Results
A total of 68 women aged 37.5 ± 4.3y were included (EBMI, n = 24; Brief MI, n = 22 and CG, n = 22). Pearson's Chi-square test and Student's t-test for independent samples showed no significant differences between intervention and control groups. Both EBMI and Brief MI had no significant effect on pregnancy rate in women undergoing ART.
Conclusion
This randomized control trial revealed that the extremely brief meditation (EBMI) or self-managed brief mindfulness intervention (Brief MI) had no significant effect on pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing ART cycles. Trial registration number: NCT04058262.
{"title":"The impact of extremely brief meditation and brief mindfulness interventions on assisted reproductive technologies success rates: A randomised controlled trial","authors":"Gelza Matos Nunes , Sara de Pinho Cunha Paiva , Selmo Geber , Anna Sylvia Vidigal de Andrade Serra , Marcos Aurelio Coelho Sampaio , Rubens Lene Carvalho Tavares","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103067","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103067","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>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).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This is a prospective, three-armed, randomized controlled trial with women undergoing ART cycle, age ranging from 18 to 50 years. In the day of embryo transfer, the patients randomized to Brief MI group received a 15-minute audio of mindfulness. They were instructed to practice it daily, starting from the day of embryo transfer to the day of the pregnancy test, leading to a total of 180–210 minutes. Women randomized to EBMI met once a week during the waiting time between the embryo transfer and pregnancy test day in the same virtual room with a meditator instructor for 40 minutes, totalizing two sessions (80 minutes). The pregnancy rate was assessed via a blood test to measure hCG performed 2 weeks after embryo transfer.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 68 women aged 37.5 ± 4.3y were included (EBMI, n = 24; Brief MI, n = 22 and CG, n = 22). Pearson's Chi-square test and Student's <em>t</em>-test for independent samples showed no significant differences between intervention and control groups. Both EBMI and Brief MI had no significant effect on pregnancy rate in women undergoing ART.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This randomized control trial revealed that the extremely brief meditation (EBMI) or self-managed brief mindfulness intervention (Brief MI) had no significant effect on pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing ART cycles. Trial registration number: NCT04058262.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 6","pages":"Article 103067"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142394920","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 : 2024-09-21DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103063
Lucam J. Moraes PhD , Eric V. Ávila-Pires MSc , Mariana S. Nolasco , Thamires S. Rocha , Jim B. Tucker MD , Alexander Moreira-Almeida MD, PhD
Objective
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.
Method
We investigated the case through interviews with the child and first-hand witnesses, and conducted a documental analysis to verify possible associations between the child's statements and facts from the deceased's life. We also performed a CT scan of the child's skull to verify possible associations between anatomical features and a fatal wound from the alleged previous life.
Results
The child presented most key features typical of such cases of claimed past-life memories. He made 13 statements about the previous life; nine were correct (e.g., the mode of death and a toy the granduncle had) and four were undetermined. The child demonstrated eight unusual behaviors that matched the previous personality´s habits, interests, and manners. The child has a birth defect (a rare occipital concavity) that is compatible with the firearm injury that caused the death of his uncle.
Conclusions
The characteristics of the reported case fit the cross-cultural patterns of children who claim past-life memories, and it has scientific and clinical implications that need to be better known and investigated.
{"title":"Children who claim previous life memories: A case report and literature review","authors":"Lucam J. Moraes PhD , Eric V. Ávila-Pires MSc , Mariana S. Nolasco , Thamires S. Rocha , Jim B. Tucker MD , Alexander Moreira-Almeida MD, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103063","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103063","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>We investigated the case through interviews with the child and first-hand witnesses, and conducted a documental analysis to verify possible associations between the child's statements and facts from the deceased's life. We also performed a CT scan of the child's skull to verify possible associations between anatomical features and a fatal wound from the alleged previous life.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The child presented most key features typical of such cases of claimed past-life memories. He made 13 statements about the previous life; nine were correct (e.g., the mode of death and a toy the granduncle had) and four were undetermined. The child demonstrated eight unusual behaviors that matched the previous personality´s habits, interests, and manners. The child has a birth defect (a rare occipital concavity) that is compatible with the firearm injury that caused the death of his uncle.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The characteristics of the reported case fit the cross-cultural patterns of children who claim past-life memories, and it has scientific and clinical implications that need to be better known and investigated.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 6","pages":"Article 103063"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142327822","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}
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.
Methods
A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, PsychINFO, and the Cochrane Library for articles published from January 2000 to January 2022. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of Ashwagandha on stress and anxiety were included. Two authors independently extracted all relevant data from the included studies. Both subjective and objective measures of stress and anxiety were assessed as outcome variables.
Result
Nine randomized controlled trials involving 558 patients were eligible for this study. The findings of the meta-analysis showed a significant effect of Ashwagandha formulations on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (MD = -4.72, 95 % CI = [-8.45 to -0.99]), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS) (MD = -2.19, 95 % CI = [-3.83 to -0.55]), and serum cortisol levels (MD = -2.58, 95 % CI = [-4.99 to -0.16]) compared to the placebo group. Among the included studies, four reported mild to moderate adverse events.
Conclusion
The findings from the included studies indicate that Ashwagandha formulations have beneficial effects on stress and anxiety. The adverse effects associated with Ashwagandha are limited; however, further information is required to determine its safety with long-term administration.
背景：芦根（Withania somnifera）是一种适应性草药，可用于预防和治疗心身疾病。本系统综述和荟萃分析评估了芦根对患者压力和焦虑相关心身功能的影响和安全性：在 MEDLINE、EMBASE、PubMed、PsychINFO 和 Cochrane 图书馆中对 2000 年 1 月至 2022 年 1 月期间发表的文章进行了全面检索。纳入了研究 Ashwagandha 对压力和焦虑影响的随机对照试验。两位作者独立提取了纳入研究的所有相关数据。压力和焦虑的主观和客观指标均作为结果变量进行评估：共有 9 项随机对照试验符合研究条件，涉及 558 名患者。荟萃分析结果显示，与安慰剂组相比，芦根制剂对感知压力量表（PSS）（MD = -4.72，95 % CI = [-8.45 to -0.99]）、汉密尔顿焦虑量表（HAS）（MD = -2.19，95 % CI = [-3.83 to -0.55]）和血清皮质醇水平（MD = -2.58，95 % CI = [-4.99 to -0.16]）有显著影响。在纳入的研究中，有四项研究报告了轻度至中度不良事件：结论：纳入研究的结果表明，芦根制剂对压力和焦虑具有有益的影响。与 Ashwagandha 相关的不良反应有限；不过，还需要更多信息来确定长期服用 Ashwagandha 的安全性。
{"title":"Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Velan Arumugam , Venugopal Vijayakumar , Arthi Balakrishnan , Rudra B Bhandari , Deenadayalan Boopalan , Ramesh Ponnurangam , Venkateswaran Sankaralingam Thirupathy , Maheshkumar Kuppusamy","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103062","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103062","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Ashwagandha</em> (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 <em>Ashwagandha</em> on psychosomatic functions related to stress and anxiety among patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, PsychINFO, and the Cochrane Library for articles published from January 2000 to January 2022. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of <em>Ashwagandha</em> on stress and anxiety were included. Two authors independently extracted all relevant data from the included studies. Both subjective and objective measures of stress and anxiety were assessed as outcome variables.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>Nine randomized controlled trials involving 558 patients were eligible for this study. The findings of the meta-analysis showed a significant effect of <em>Ashwagandha</em> formulations on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (MD = -4.72, 95 % CI = [-8.45 to -0.99]), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS) (MD = -2.19, 95 % CI = [-3.83 to -0.55]), and serum cortisol levels (MD = -2.58, 95 % CI = [-4.99 to -0.16]) compared to the placebo group. Among the included studies, four reported mild to moderate adverse events.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings from the included studies indicate that <em>Ashwagandha</em> formulations have beneficial effects on stress and anxiety. The adverse effects associated with <em>Ashwagandha</em> are limited; however, further information is required to determine its safety with long-term administration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 6","pages":"Article 103062"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142331637","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}
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.
Methods
This study was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Seventy inpatients participated in the study, with 35 in each group. In the intervention group, the STAI-I form was used to assess state anxiety levels before (Test 1) and after (Test 2) a single 40-minute session of Qigong.
Results
The mean post-test scores of the intervention group (27.20±5.57) were significantly lower than those of the control group (39.72±10.84). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was observed between the mean test-1 (38.42±9.7) and test-2 scores (27.2 ± 5.57) within the intervention group.
Conclusion
A single 40-minute Qigong exercise session reduced state anxiety levels in psychiatric inpatients and reduced the risk of potential adverse outcomes associated with state anxiety. Practitioners may consider the use of Qigong exercise in the management of state anxiety in clinical practice, when making clinical decisions.
{"title":"The effect of Qigong exercise on state anxiety levels of inpatients in psychiatric wards: A randomized controlled study","authors":"Elcin Babaoglu, Aydan Akkurt Yalcinturk, Emel Erdeniz Gures, Asli Zeynep Sipahi, Selma Dogan","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103064","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103064","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Seventy inpatients participated in the study, with 35 in each group. In the intervention group, the STAI-I form was used to assess state anxiety levels before (Test 1) and after (Test 2) a single 40-minute session of Qigong.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean post-test scores of the intervention group (27.20±5.57) were significantly lower than those of the control group (39.72±10.84). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was observed between the mean test-1 (38.42±9.7) and test-2 scores (27.2 ± 5.57) within the intervention group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>A single 40-minute Qigong exercise session reduced state anxiety levels in psychiatric inpatients and reduced the risk of potential adverse outcomes associated with state anxiety. Practitioners may consider the use of Qigong exercise in the management of state anxiety in clinical practice, when making clinical decisions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 6","pages":"Article 103064"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142327821","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 : 2024-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103046
Stephan A. Schwartz
{"title":"The great disruption: Climate change provoked migration and its effect on American healthcare","authors":"Stephan A. Schwartz","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103046","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103046","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 6","pages":"Article 103046"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142331638","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 : 2024-09-16DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103061
Gizem Göktuna, Gülşah Gürol Arslan
Objective
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.
Methods
This study was conducted as a single blinded randomized placebo-controlled parallel-group trial. Data were collected using the “Demographic Characteristics Form”, “Richards-Campbell Sleep Scale”, “State-Trait Anxiety Inventory” and “Nottingham Health Profile”. Individuals in the reflexology and placebo groups received massages for three weeks; three times a week, for 15 minutes on each foot. Participants in the reflexology and placebo groups were followed-up before the massage and after the ninth massage session.
Results
In the statistical evaluation of the sleep quality scale mean scores, after the ninth massage session, it was determined that the average sleep score of the reflexology massage group was higher than that of the placebo group. Additionally, the state anxiety level was found to be lower in the reflexology group compared to the placebo group. As for the quality of life after the ninth massage session, it was determined that there was an improvement in the reflexology massage group compared to the placebo group.
Conclusions
This study has found that foot reflexology massage is effective in reducing anxiety levels, improving sleep, and enhancing the quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. The findings of this study may offer nurses greater awareness of the potential benefits of reflexology. In this way, more healthcare professionals can be encouraged to use reflexology in addition to other cares.
{"title":"Effect of foot reflexology massage on sleep, anxiety and quality of life in hemodialysis patients: A single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial","authors":"Gizem Göktuna, Gülşah Gürol Arslan","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103061","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103061","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study was conducted as a single blinded randomized placebo-controlled parallel-group trial. Data were collected using the “Demographic Characteristics Form”, “Richards-Campbell Sleep Scale”, “State-Trait Anxiety Inventory” and “Nottingham Health Profile”. Individuals in the reflexology and placebo groups received massages for three weeks; three times a week, for 15 minutes on each foot. Participants in the reflexology and placebo groups were followed-up before the massage and after the ninth massage session.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the statistical evaluation of the sleep quality scale mean scores, after the ninth massage session, it was determined that the average sleep score of the reflexology massage group was higher than that of the placebo group. Additionally, the state anxiety level was found to be lower in the reflexology group compared to the placebo group. As for the quality of life after the ninth massage session, it was determined that there was an improvement in the reflexology massage group compared to the placebo group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study has found that foot reflexology massage is effective in reducing anxiety levels, improving sleep, and enhancing the quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. The findings of this study may offer nurses greater awareness of the potential benefits of reflexology. In this way, more healthcare professionals can be encouraged to use reflexology in addition to other cares.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 6","pages":"Article 103061"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142324062","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 : 2024-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103060
Jin-Yong Joung , Young Ho Lee , Chang-Gue Son
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.
{"title":"An evolutionary perspective for integrating mechanisms of acupuncture therapy","authors":"Jin-Yong Joung , Young Ho Lee , Chang-Gue Son","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103060","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103060","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>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.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 6","pages":"Article 103060"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142232574","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}
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.
{"title":"From Hinengaro to Hineora: Tracing the origins of Intergenerational Trauma to attain Intergenerational Healing","authors":"Deanna Haami, Natasha Tassell-Matamua, Pikihuia Pomare, Nicole Lindsay","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103058","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103058","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>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 <em>Rongo-ā-Wairua Framework</em>, a <em>Whakapapa Methodological Approach, Whakapapa Wānanga</em> and <em>Te Pūtake: An Origin Analysis</em>. 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.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 6","pages":"Article 103058"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830724001654/pdfft?md5=b7a5b4b2ae6f3453151cd53c22ce30f9&pid=1-s2.0-S1550830724001654-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142173337","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}
Pub Date : 2024-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103059
Radek Trnka , Arnost Krtek , Radmila Lorencova
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.
{"title":"Bridging realms: Western client perspectives on psychotherapy inspired by Indigenous healing","authors":"Radek Trnka , Arnost Krtek , Radmila Lorencova","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103059","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.103059","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><p>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.</p></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><p>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.</p></div><div><h3>Design</h3><p>Semi-structured qualitative interviews were used to gather narratives from 28 participants. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>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.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>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.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"20 6","pages":"Article 103059"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142232496","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}
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