Alternative therapies in health and medicine最新文献

Background: In the early-subacute postpartum period, low-back pain is common due to frequent breastfeeding, suboptimal feeding postures, and increasing infant-carrying load, yet it often receives limited clinical attention.

Objective: To examine whether acupressure at postpartum weeks 1 and 4 reduces low-back pain after cesarean delivery.

Design: Prospective, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Participant/provider blinding was not feasible for a manual intervention; data analysis was blinded.

Participants: Post-cesarean women (n=70) attending routine visits at a family health center in northwest Türkiye were randomized 1:1 to acupressure (n=35) or control (n=35).

Intervention: A 10-minute standardized protocol per visit: LI4, HT2, LI11, and ST36 applied bilaterally in sequence (1 minute per side), and GB21 and UB43 applied bilaterally and simultaneously (1 minute per pair). Controls received usual care.

Primary outcome measures: Visual analog scale (VAS) low-back pain at each visit (pre/post within the acupressure arm; a single, visit-matched assessment in controls). Nonparametric analyses were prespecified.

Results: Immediately following the intervention, back pain in the acupressure group was less compared to the control group in the first and fourth weeks postpartum (P < .001). Across the postpartum window, the pattern was clear: in the control group, pre-session VAS increased from week 1 to week 4 (P < .001), reflecting the common trend of worsening back pain over time. In the acupressure group, VAS decreased immediately from pre- to post-session at both visits (P < .001 at week 1 and week 4), indicating consistent, session-linked relief.

Conclusion: A brief, standardized acupressure protocol delivered during routine postpartum care provides immediate relief to low-back pain after cesarean and appears feasible as a nonpharmacologic adjunct to usual care. Key limitations include the absence of a sham control, short follow-up without durability assessment, and no measurement of analgesic use; future trials should address these gaps.

Keywords: acupressure, back pain, cesarean section, postpartum period, women.

Background: Digital media has transformed health communication, with TikTok emerging as a key platform for disseminating herbalism-related content. Reliance on such content, particularly among young adults, necessitates a critical examination of the presentation and engagement of such information online.

Primary study objective: This study investigates the representation of herbal wellness on TikTok, examining the relationship between content typologies, influencer credibility, user engagement metrics, and their implications for public health communication.

Methods/design: A cross-sectional, descriptive analysis was conducted using the first 120 videos under the #herbalism hashtag, captured on January 30, 2025. Two independent reviewers employed a coding scheme adapted from established methodologies to classify content into themes (e.g., personal experiences, spiritual health, and educational). Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman's correlation, were performed to evaluate differences and associations in engagement metrics.

Setting: The study was performed on TikTok, a social media platform characterized by short-form videos and use among young adults.

Sample: 120 videos were analyzed. Although detailed demographic data of viewers was unavailable, the content primarily targeted a young adult audience.

Intervention: This observational study involved no direct intervention; instead, it systematically categorized and analyzed naturally occurring digital content.

Primary outcome measures: Engagement was quantified using metrics such as likes, comments, views, saves, and shares. These were correlated with specific content themes and influencer attributes.

Results and discussion: Videos referencing spiritual health exhibited higher engagement across multiple metrics, while those featuring personal experiences witnessed lower user interaction. The correlation analyses corroborated these trends, highlighting the influential role of thematic content in shaping audience responses.

Conclusion: Findings underscore the dominance of influencer-driven, spiritually resonant herbalism content on TikTok, and raise concerns about frequent uncredentialed expert input. These insights suggest opportunities for integrating evidence-based messaging into digital health communications to mitigate misinformation and enhance public engagement.

Keywords: herbalism, TikTok, content analysis, social media, digital health communication, public health.

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory, cognition, and behavior, often leading to severe functional decline. A 55-year-old male patient came with complaints of confusion in daily activities, forgetting names, misplacing objects, frequent episodes of crying, and loss of communication skills for the past 1 year. He was clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. The patient was treated with an Ayurvedic treatment protocol, involving internal administration of Brahmi ghrit, Saraswatarishta with gold, Ashwagandha powder, and Rasona Ksheerpaka, along with Panchakarma therapies including Nasya with Panchendriya taila, Shirobasti, and Abhyanga with Balashwagandha taila. After the treatment, the patient showed marked improvements in memory retention, orientation, and mood stability. This case showed that Ayurvedic interventions aid in slowing cognitive decline and improving daily functioning in Alzheimer's patients, highlighting the need for integrative and individualized treatment approaches in neurodegenerative disorders.

Keywords: neurodegeneration, Alzheimer's disease, Dementia, Ayurvedic medicines, Brahmi ghrit, case report.

Background: Yoga-based interventions (YBI) are recognized for their therapeutic benefits, but individual belief in yoga's efficacy may influence outcomes.

Objective: To explore the relationship between belief in YBI and subjective satisfaction in participants undergoing a structured yoga program.

Methods: A total of 41 glaucoma patients recruited from the Glaucoma Clinic of RPC Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, aged 18 to 70 years, were divided into two groups: control group A and intervention group B using the "blind envelope technique". Group A received standard care, while Group B received YBI in addition to standard care. The intervention lasted for four weeks, after which participants completed a feedback form assessing belief in yoga, satisfaction, overall experience, and willingness to continue visiting the site for yoga practice.

Results: A strong belief in YBI correlated with higher satisfaction scores, indicating that belief significantly enhances perceived benefits. No significant association was found between belief and overall experience or willingness to revisit.

Conclusion: Belief in YBI enhances satisfaction, but other factors, such as environment and quality of care, are crucial for the overall experience.

Keywords: belief in yoga, satisfaction, overall experience, likelihood to revisit, efficacy of yoga holistic approach.

Background: Chronic, non-healing ulcers, referred to as dushtavrana in Ayurveda present a challenge in medical care since ancient times. Ayurvedic literature, notably Acharya Susrutha Chikithsa Sthana, dedicated a chapter to the treatment of dushtavrana, encompassing sixty procedures (shashti upakramas). Chronic ulcers, influenced by diverse factors, resist a singular therapeutic approach. The inflammatory stage is critical, and disruptions in the order of stages of healing can lead to chronicity. Despite conventional treatments, many ulcers remain resistant, causing physical, financial, and emotional distress to patients. In the context of wound healing in Ayurveda, Jalaukavcharan or leech application emerges as a unique and effective method, especially in challenging cases involving elderly or frail individuals. In addition, Panchvalkal ointment is also an evidence based ayurvedic formulation, showing notable results in wound healing.

Case study: This case study involves a 78 years old male patient having a chronic non-healing ulcer with maggots on the planter surface of foot since last 3 years with foul smell, pain, and difficulty in walking.

Objective: The integration of leech therapy and Panchvalkal ointment as a holistic and potentially transformative approach to address the complexities of chronic non-healing wound.

Material and method: Leech therapy once a day for 7 days and dressing with Panchvalkal ointment twice a day for 3 months over wound site after wound debridement. Antibiotic and analgesics were given for 7 seven days to prevent infection and pain management.

Result: Wound healing was achieved, along with improved physical and emotional status of patient. Result was assessed using Bates-Jensen wound assessment tool with initial score of 49 which reduced to 14 after 90 days of treatment.

Conclusion: Leech therapy and Panchvalkal ointment offers a promising, holistic solution for chronic non-healing wounds. However, further research is warranted to validate its efficacy.

Keywords: chronic non-healing ulcer, leech therapy, panchvalkal ointment, wound debridement, integrative medicine, case report.

Background: Unāni Medicine, a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), has been part of the healthcare system since antiquity and adopts a gentle and holistic approach to treating diseases. In Unāni Medicine, 'Irq al-Nasā (sciatica) falls under Waja'al-Mafāsil (arthritis), where the pain originates in the hip joint and radiates to the back of the thigh and occasionally to the knee, ankle, and toes.

Objective: This study aims to explore the interpretation of sciatica in Unāni classical literature, with a focus on its management.

Methodology: This study employed a comprehensive review approach, analysing Unāni classical texts to gather data on sciatica. Additionally, electronic databases, namely PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, were explored for data collection.

Results: The findings of the literature search revealed that four different treatment modalities are detailed in the traditional textbook of Unāni medicine, namely, 'Ilāj bi'l Tadbīr (Regimenal therapy), 'Ilāj bi'l Taghdhiya (Dietotherapy), 'Ilāj bi'l Dawā' (Pharmacotherapy), and 'Ilāj bi'l Yad (Surgery). Sciatica is commonly caused by derangement in the quality and quantity of Akhlāt (humours). Unāni physicians recommend specific diets, regimenal therapies, and medications based on the patient's temperament, humour causing the ailment, the faculty of the implicated organ, and the severity of the condition to promote health, prevent illness, and treat existing conditions.

Conclusion: The review of literature indicates that ancient Unāni physicians had a thorough understanding of sciatica, including its history, risk factors, etiopathogenesis, and management. Further research is required to enhance the therapeutic approaches for sciatica across traditional medical domains.

Keywords: Unāni Medicine; 'Irq al-Nasā; Sciatica; 'Ilāj bi'l Tadbīr; Waja 'al-Mafāsil.

Background: There is a lack of studies investigating the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on chronic low back pain, and the level of evidence is low.

Objective: This study aimed to examine and compare the time-dependent effects of two different instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization protocols in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Methods: This was a comparative study.

Setting: University Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation department in Cyprus.

Participants: Seventy-four patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain were randomized into two groups (Group 1 (n = 37) and Group 2 (n = 37)).

Intervention: 6 sessions were implemented with the participants, twice weekly for 3 weeks. The same instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization protocol (7-step) was applied to both groups, but in different positions (fixed prone vs. extended child pose and knee flexion-extension).

Outcome measures: Pain levels (visual analogue scale), spinal mobility (Modified Schober Test), flexibility (Sit and Reach Test, Maximal Hip Flexion Active Knee Extension Test, Active Knee Extension Test, Thoracolumbar Fascia Flexibility Test), muscle endurance of trunk extensors (The Biering-Sorenson Test), and disability (Oswestry Disability Index) were assessed.

Results: The pain and disability values of both groups decreased, and their spinal mobility, spinal flexibility, hamstring flexibility, thoracolumbar fascia flexibility, and endurance values increased after the 1st and 6th interventions (P < .05). Intra-group comparisons revealed a significant improvement only in pain levels at rest in the group in which instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization was applied during functional exercises (P < .05).

Conclusion: Both instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization methods instantly reduced levels of pain and disability and improved spinal mobility, flexibility, and trunk extensor endurance. Applying instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization with functional exercises to individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain is more effective in reducing pain levels at rest.

Keywords: Low back pain, fascia, spine, soft tissue therapy, comparative study.

Background: Thymic carcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy characterized by high invasiveness, poor prognosis, and limited treatment options post-chemotherapy failure. Anlotinib, a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has shown promise in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis, suggesting potential as an adjunctive therapy in this challenging clinical setting.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Anlotinib as a potential treatment option for thymic carcinoma post-chemotherapy failure, assessing its impact on tumor progression and patient survival outcomes.

Case presentation: A 46-year-old female presented with a left supraclavicular mass persisting for one month. Percutaneous needle biopsy of the left mediastinal mass confirmed thymic carcinoma, specifically lowly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.

Management: The patient underwent sequential treatment modalities, including first-line therapy, comprising four cycles of cisplatin + paclitaxel, followed by subsequent radiotherapy to the chest and neck. It was followed by second-line therapy involving six cycles of cyclophosphamide + pirarubicin + nedaplatin and third-line therapy consisting of four cycles of gemcitabine and nedaplatin. Notably, fourth-line therapy with Anlotinib monotherapy resulted in a progression-free survival of 10 months.

Outcome: Anlotinib emerges as a potential therapeutic option for thymic carcinoma post-chemotherapy failure. However, further validation through preclinical investigations and clinical trials is warranted.

Conclusion: Despite its limited ability to rapidly reduce tumor size, Anlotinib demonstrates efficacy in inhibiting neovascularization and impeding tumor progression and metastasis, thereby maintaining long-term tumor stability. It highlights its potential as a valuable adjunctive therapy in the management of thymic carcinoma.

Keywords: thymic carcinoma, anti-angiogenic drugs, Anlotinib, progression-free survival, neovascularization inhibition, metastasis suppression.

Background: Hot foot bath (HFB), a simple non-pharmacological intervention and a readily available hydrotherapy application, is often recommended in Naturopathy system of Medicine to improve sleep.

Primary study objectives: The current systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to update and provide a comprehensive overview of the effect of HFB on sleep quality.

Method: Electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched from inception until May 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of HFB as an intervention to improve sleep quality.

Intervention: Application of a hot foot bath (defined as immersion of both feet in water of temperature ≥40°C).

Primary outcome measures: The primary outcome measures include sleep onset latency (SOL), total sleep time (TST), wake after sleep onset latency (WASOL), and sleep efficiency (SE), measured objectively using polysomnography (PSG).

Results: Following appraisal for risk of bias, extracted data were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model for the sleep outcome parameters. The comprehensive literature search yielded six studies of low methodological quality, with 176 patients. The findings reveal that although HFB may improve sleep quality, the results were statistically insignificant. Subgroup analysis was performed with temperature, duration of HFB, and interval of time between HFB and bedtime (more than 1 hour vs less than 1 hour); however, the parameters showed no significant effects of HFB.

Conclusion: HFB may be a safe and cost-effective modality to enhance sleep quality. However, the number of studies available is limited, with a high risk of bias. More high-quality RCTs with larger sample sizes are required before strongly suggesting HFB as an effective intervention for sleep-related problems.

Keywords: Sleep quality; warm water therapy; hydrotherapy; hot foot bath; sleep disturbance; naturopathy.

Objective: Our study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of the Kuntai capsule in improving ovarian function in rats with transplantation of cryopreserved ovary.

Methods: Two mice ovary cell lines were cultured with Kuntai capsule decoction, and cell apoptosis was detected by MTT assay. A total of 90 SPF Sprague Dawley rats were included in this study. Thirty rats were used as the control group (group A), and not treated with any surgical operation. The remaining 60 rats were subjected to surgery to collect ovarian tissues and to construct a premature ovarian failure model. Ovarian tissues were cryopreserved, thawed, and transplanted back to ovaries. Sixty rats with ovary transplantation were randomly divided into group B and group C. Rats in group B were treated with Kuntai capsule at a dose of 0.1 capsule per day while rats in group C were fed with normal food. Serum levels of estradiol (E2) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) were detected. Expressions of several cytokines, including hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and apoptotic factors caspase-3 and p53, were also detected.

Results: Kuntai capsule decoction inhibited apoptosis of in vitro cultured mice ovary cells. Furthermore, the Kuntai capsule promoted the recovery of E2 and FSH to normal levels and regulated the abnormal expression of HGF, VEGF, and IGF-1 and apoptotic factors caspase-3 and p53 in rats with premature ovarian failure after homotopic transplantation of ovarian tissue.

Conclusion: The Kuntai capsule can improve ovarian functions by regulating sexual hormones and cell apoptosis in rats with premature ovarian failure after homotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovary tissue.

Keywords: premature ovarian failure, Kuntai capsule, apoptosis, sexual hormones, homotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovary tissue.