by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 15 October 2025;  Published: 16 October 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2504044

The International Exchange of Professionals – Thematic Event in Life Science, held on October 15-17, 2025, in Nice, France, inaugurated a global congress series focused on frontier topics in biomedical sciences. This editorial summarizes the first day of the event, including the opening ceremony, keynote forum, and welcome banquet. With more than 150 participants from over 35 countries, the event created a platform for cross-disciplinary exchange and collaboration. Key themes included translational medicine, neurom [...]

by Poppy L.A. Schoenberg

Received: 26 May 2025;  Published: 26 November 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2504050

Legacy, profit-driven organizational structures often lack the adaptability, equity, and innovation required for the evolving complexities of contemporary patient-centered care. They can limit access, constrain options, impose financial burdens, and hinder optimized delivery. Here, we propose a new architecture for metaversal integrative healthcare using decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Blockchain technology and smart contracts underpin equitable, transparent, and resilient health ecosystems beyond in [...]

by OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Editorial Office

Received: 03 January 2025;  Published: 03 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2501001

The editors of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2024. We greatly appreciate the contribution of expert reviewers, which is crucial to the journal's editorial process. We aim to recognize reviewer contributions through several mechanisms, of which the annual publication of reviewer names is one. Reviewers can download a certificate of recognition directly from our submission system. Additionally, revie [...]

by Chia-Ying Chou  , Christine Valdez  , Trevor Sanchez Stevens  , Carol A. Mathews  and Martha Shumway

Received: 31 January 2025;  Published: 01 December 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2504051

Severe trauma has a significant impact on self-attitudes and emotions, such as self-criticism and shame, and psychological symptoms. This topic has been more well studied among populations with Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders, but examined to a lesser extent in other clinical populations where adverse life events and potentially traumatic events are highly prevalent, such as Hoarding Disorder. The current study examined trauma exposure, and the relationships between trauma, self-criticism, shame, and symptom se [...]

by Félix Neto  and Joana Neto

Received: 10 July 2025;  Published: 24 October 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2504045

International students represent a significant sojourner group. Increasing international student numbers makes it ever more relevant to understand the determinants of their psychological adaptation. This research investigates the question of how perceived cultural distance (PCD) impacts acculturation variables (social contact with host nationals and host national identity) and outcomes such as saudade and life satisfaction among African international students. The sample comprised 422 college students (195 from Ang [...]

by Daniel Szoke  and Holly Hazlett-Stevens

Received: 17 June 2025;  Published: 09 October 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2504042

Chronic stress increases a person’s vulnerability for physical and mental health conditions that take root in the “common soil” of inflammation. Dispositional, or trait, mindfulness has been identified as a protective factor against perceived stress. However, the theory that trait mindfulness can prospectively predict lower perceived stress in natural settings has yet to be thoroughly tested. The current study used a daily diary prospective design to observe perceived stress in response to difficult events. Partici [...]

by Jennifer Vasquez  and April C. Bowie-Viverette

Received: 25 July 2025;  Published: 04 January 2026;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2601001

Research shows that trauma therapists often experience secondary trauma, which can lead to secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Trauma-informed care training has shown promise in enhancing practitioners' professional quality of life, particularly for those regularly exposed to trauma. To our knowledge, no prior studies have examined the training outcomes of NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) therapists on professional quality-of-life indicators. This cross-sectional observational study a [...]

by Oteja Lightheart  and Helané Wahbeh

Received: 09 August 2025;  Published: 07 January 2026;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2601004

Older adults in the U.S. have higher rates of depression, stress, and chronic diseases. There is an urgent need for effective interventions to reduce depressive symptoms and enhance overall health and well-being. Meditation presents an appealing therapeutic option due to its cost-effectiveness, minimal risks, ease of use, and active patient involvement, with growing evidence indicating its effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms. Online platforms may provide more accessible options for meditation intervention [...]

by Norbert Maurer  , Helmut Nissel  , Reginald Bittner  , Richard Crevenna  , Marion Mucha  , Erich Gornik  and Georg Feigl

Received: 11 November 2024;  Published: 09 November 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2504048

Morphological evidence of peripheral glial cell involvement is lacking. Therefore, we investigated the presence of Schwann cells in acupuncture meridians. Eight legs of four unembalmed cadavers were used. Along the stomach meridian and a control meridian, quadrangular samples were taken from skin to the deep subcutaneous fascia and embedded in paraffin. 5 µm sections were stained for H&E and processed for immunolabeling using antibodies against S100 and NFP, respectively. In the stomach meridian, a large assembly o [...]

by Katherine Lucre  , Fatema Bhalloo  , Louis Brown  and Angela Foster

Received: 13 October 2025;  Published: 13 February 2026;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2601009

It has become increasingly evident that individuals who work in the NHS can be heavily impacted by the nature of their work; for instance, PTSD, work related burnout, vicarious trauma, moral injury, anxiety, and depression. In turn, individuals who experience said psychological difficulties often require work-related mental health leave from work. This paper examines the experience of a One-day Compassionate Mind Training workshop (CMT), available for all NHS staff. This day has an emphasis on developing multidirec [...]

by Victoria Flores  , Arjun Ramani  , Edwin Rodriguez  , Reid Hayward  and Laura Stewart

Received: 18 September 2025;  Published: 12 December 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2504054

Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) is commonly used by cancer survivors; however, patterns of use among individuals engaged in structured exercise rehabilitation remain understudied. This cross-sectional survey examined CIM use among 157 cancer survivors enrolled in a structured exercise-based rehabilitation program. CIM modality use (dependent variable) was grouped into herbal supplements, mind-body practices, and manipulative and body-based categories and analyzed with demographic and clinical character [...]

by Soledad Banega  , Cintia Bertoncini  , Marcelo Guerin  and Alba Güerci

Received: 17 June 2025;  Published: 02 December 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2504052

While radiotherapy is one of the main treatments for head and neck cancer, adverse effects limit its effectiveness and affect patients' quality of life. Although various radioprotective substances have been proposed, comprehensive strategies are needed to modulate radiotoxicity. In this regard, compounds from green tea (Camellia sinensis), with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties, could be suitable for optimizing the radiotherapy relationship. A descriptive, prospective study was conduc [...]

by Bojana Anđelković  , Biljana P. Dojčinović  , Ivona Mihajlović  , Jelena M. Živković  and Nebojša Đ. Pantelić

Received: 10 November 2025;  Published: 12 February 2026;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2601008

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) is increasingly recognized as a nutrient-dense fruit rich in health-promoting compounds. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the nutritional composition, phenolic profile, antioxidant potential, and elemental content of D. kaki fruit and its contribution to dietary mineral intake. Proximate analysis revealed a high moisture content, low fat, and appreciable fiber and carbohydrate levels, supporting its classification as a low-calorie, fiber-rich food. Methanolic extracts exhib [...]

by Vivek Shekhar  and Hester O Connor

Received: 29 October 2025;  Published: 04 February 2026;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2601007

The innate desire to belong and to connect is profoundly human, yet in a world of instant communication, millions of young people increasingly feel untethered and adrift. Loneliness is the 21st century's primary health care concern across all age groups. Young people not only feel lonely and emotionally isolated, but they also describe a lack of meaningful connections and purpose. Young people lack safe spaces where they can connect with their peers, without fear of judgment, prejudice, and pressure to succeed. In [...]

by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 04 January 2026;  Published: 06 January 2026;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2601003

Understanding whether acupuncture can influence intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral hemodynamics remains a relevant and insufficiently explored question in contemporary neurovascular research. This editorial synthesizes early experimental observations with recent clinical and technological advances to reassess the cerebral effects of acupuncture from a modern perspective. Evidence from clinical studies indicates that acupuncture can alter cerebral blood flow velocity and regional perfusion, suggesting an inter [...]

by Elif Özgen

Received: 14 October 2025;  Published: 02 March 2026;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2601010

Throughout human history, movement has functioned not only as a physical activity but also as a ritual, considered a healing practice linked to meaning-making and social balance. Bodily performances and ritual-based practices—such as folk dances and mystical rituals—have historically supported the physical and emotional integrity of individuals. This paper examines the historical continuity of movement-based performative practices in Turkish health culture through religious and mystical rituals, folk dances, and mu [...]

by OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine Editorial Office

Received: 04 January 2026;  Published: 04 January 2026;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2601002

The editors of OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2025. We greatly appreciate the contribution of expert reviewers, which is crucial to the journal's editorial process. We aim to recognize reviewer contributions through several mechanisms, of which the annual publication of reviewer names is one. Reviewers can download a certificate of recognition directly from our submission system. Additionally, reviewers [...]

by Stephanie Bryan  , Maryellen Hamilton  and Danielle Zimny

Received: 22 October 2025;  Published: 30 March 2026;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2601012

In 2025, college students are reportedly more anxious and strained than any previous generation of young people, while they are also the first to have grown up entirely immersed in social media. This research explores social media use patterns and their relationship with academic, emotional, health-related and social well-being among college students. A total of 111 college students from an East Coast university self-selected to complete a one-time assessment anonymously through Qualtrics. A mixed-methods, explorat [...]

by Sierra Coffey  , Kaela Beauvoir Farrise  and Erica E. Coates

Received: 10 October 2025;  Published: 13 March 2026;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2601011

Although methods of ethnic-racial socialization have been studied in the past, welcoming in a new digital age has affected how parents engage with their children on topics such as race and culture. While media can be an engaging way to expose young children to race and culture, the underrepresentation of Black youth in media in the United States has posed a dilemma for Black parents about the best way of using media to socialize their young children. To understand how Black mothers expose their children to ideas ab [...]

by Kamesha Spates  , Siobhán Hicks  , Bethanie Mauerman  and Na’Tasha Evans

Received: 14 September 2025;  Published: 07 April 2026;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2602013

Studies show Black women exhibit distinct depression symptoms and treatment experiences compared to other groups, often facing underdiagnosis and inadequate care. Unfortunately, knowledge about Black women with depression has been underexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of Black women’s experiences living with clinical depression. To address this objective, we conducted a survey among 28 Black women aged 18 years and older (mean age = 35) residing in the United States, [...]

by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 19 April 2026;  Published: 20 April 2026;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2602014

The International Exchange of Professionals – Thematic Event in Medicine 2026, held in Athens, was a high-level interdisciplinary forum for clinical medicine, biomedical research, and translational innovation. Conducted at the Radisson Blu Park Hotel, the congress brought together more than 300 international experts from over 40 countries. It was organized under the auspices of the World High Technology Society in cooperation with BIT Group Global and the Shenzhen International Talent Exchange Center. The program i [...]