by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 07 July 2025;  Published: 10 July 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2503030

With the passing of Prof. Dr. Frank Bahr, the field of complementary medicine has lost one of its most influential personalities. As a pioneer of auricular medicine in the German-speaking world, he helped shape the field of integrative medicine over many decades. This tribute by Prof. DDr. Gerhard Litscher honors Bahr's work, his convictions, and the legacy of a visionary whose impact on energy and spiritual medicine endures.

by Jennifer Vasquez  , Carrie Heeter  , Michele Quill  and Chase Bossart

Received: 07 April 2025;  Published: 03 July 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2503029

Therapeutic Viniyoga is holistic and the treatment, starting point, progression, and goals are unique for each individual client. This study uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and directed content analysis, combining theory and application to offer a tangible, conceptually grounded window into the process and practice of one-to-one Therapeutic Viniyoga. How Viniyoga is applied therapeutically is explored through the lens of trained Viniyoga therapists. Fourteen Viniyoga therapists were interviewed, [...]

by Jacqueline B. Sperling  , Abigail M. Stark  and Julianne G. Wilner

Received: 27 January 2025;  Published: 26 June 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2502028

School avoidance is associated with a range of negative outcomes and has been increasing in youth in the past several decades. This study examined the efficacy of an intensive outpatient CBT program, for youth (N = 137, ages 8-19) with anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and compared both baseline symptoms and outcomes for youth with school avoidance compared to those without. At admission, results indicated that parents of children with school avoidance reported higher levels of family accommo [...]

by Chaimae Merimi  , Abdessamad Benabbou  , Lamiae Bourassi  , Abdelhay Addous  , Ahmed A. Elhenawy  , Rachid Touzani  and Belkheir Hammouti

Received: 22 January 2025;  Published: 25 June 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2502027

Cardiovascular diseases and hypertension represent significant global health challenges, driving the need for innovative therapeutic solutions. In this study, we employed advanced in silico methods to investigate the molecular properties of two bioactive compounds, Flavonoids and Rosmarinic Acid, extracted from five medicinal plants: Rosemary, Oregano, Pink Savory, Lemon Balm, and Saffron. The bioactive compounds were evaluated against key biological targets associated with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, [...]

by Angela Cheng  , Xanthe Lea  and Alice Shires

Received: 13 March 2025;  Published: 23 June 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2502026

This study aims to investigate the barriers and facilitators to meditation in the general population. This research is significant because understanding these factors can inform the design of more effective public mental health interventions and support the integration of meditation into daily life. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted on the qualitative component of wider survey responses. Participants were recruited from MeditationHQ, which offers weekly group meditation sessions on beaches around Austra [...]

by Rodrigo Alvaro Brandão Lopes-Martins  , Patrícia Sardinha Leonardo  and Kevin Mannoia

Received: 04 March 2025;  Published: 18 June 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2502025

This article examines the complex relationship between the autonomic nervous system, the prefrontal cortex, and spiritual life, providing an interdisciplinary analysis in light of Galatians 5:16-25. Through a combination of theological reflection and insights from neuroscience, it explores how spiritual practices, such as meditation and prayer, influence emotional regulation, impulse control, and overall well-being. Studies in neuroscience have shown that regular spiritual practice can lead to measurable changes in [...]

by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 15 June 2025;  Published: 18 June 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2502024

This editorial for the 27th ISLA Congress in Beverungen in Germany reflects on the development, achievements, and challenges of the International Society for Medical Laser Applications (ISLA-transcontinental) from the perspective of its President for Science and Research, Univ.-Prof. DDr. Gerhard Litscher. It reviews the organization’s milestones and growth while outlining future strategies for innovation, research, and international collaboration in medical laser technologies. The full keynote presentation is avai [...]

by Ludek Fiala  , Jiri Lenz  and Sarka Papadaki

Received: 28 December 2024;  Published: 06 June 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2502023

This research focused on the evaluation of the relationship between the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in women. Sexual desire disorder is part of a group of sexual dysfunctions. A group of 60 women with a diagnosis of hypoactive sexual desire were tested in the period from July 2023 to July 2024 at the Institute of Sexology of the 1st Faculty of Medicine in Prague. These patients were examined for levels of prolactin, sex hormone binding globulin, total testoster [...]

by Imogen Crook  , Richard J. Brown  and Tobyn Bell

Received: 05 March 2025;  Published: 19 May 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2502022

Depression is a leading cause of disability with many individuals experiencing recurrent episodes of depression across their lifetime. Existing treatment approaches have varied degrees of effectiveness, and the value of social prescribing practices is being recognised. Given the persistent nature of depression, many individuals seek out alternative methods to manage their own symptoms. Open-water swimming is becoming increasingly popular as a means of supporting mental health. There is an emerging evidence base ind [...]

by Junfeng Zhang  , Yajie Li  , Qianghua Xue  , Wen He  , Chenchen Li  and Yanli Wang

Received: 21 January 2025;  Published: 12 May 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2502021

Evidence suggests that regular moderate exercise can improve symptoms of depression and may enhance immune function, with an interesting role in cancer prevention and improved cancer-related prognosis; however, over-exercising may lead to overtraining and generate psychological symptoms that mimic depression, and may impair immune function. In this study, we chose swimming as an exercise form to conduct research. Swimming groups were divided into 5, 20, and 60 min day-1, and open field tests (OFT) were used to asse [...]