by Yan Yang  and Gerhard Litscher

Received: 08 January 2020;  Published: 14 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2001003

Acupuncture, being a unique method, is a millennia-old tradition in the field of Chinese medicine. However, it is surprising that there are very few scientific publications on acupuncture and its gender-specific effects. This article summarizes the previous work from the perspective of both Western and Eastern medicine, involving manual acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and modern innovative laser acupuncture. There is scientific evidence that future gender-specific considerations should be included in the assessme [...]

by Verena Hofmann  , Céline Pagnotta  , Noémie Lacombe  and Myriam Squillaci

Received: 30 March 2023;  Published: 10 August 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2303033

Burnout is a syndrome commonly characterized by the three dimensions of Maslach and Leiter's model, namely emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of professional accomplishment. While burnout affects individuals in all professions, teachers are recognized as being at particular risk, a fact explained in the literature by the high level of relational demands inherent to the profession. During the pandemic and subsequently, these demands have even increased. Several studies have focused on the influence of [...]

by Victoria M. Dahl  , Alyssa L. Chimiklis  , Sarah Peralta  , Yasmin Siddiqui  and Anil Chacko

Received: 15 August 2024;  Published: 18 March 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2501015

Schools have made commendable efforts to incorporate yoga and mindfulness programs to address the wellbeing of students; however, research on the efficacy of school-based yoga and mindfulness programs is still in its infancy, particularly with school-aged students at risk of developing externalizing disorders. Much of the research has also focused on evaluating interventions implemented by researchers, rather than evaluating those implemented by the school and its staff. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate [...]

by Robert J. Hoss  , Lynne M. Hoss  and Dawson Church

Received: 25 January 2022;  Published: 05 July 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2203024

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the integration of dreamwork and Energy Psychology (EP) can enhance outcomes in the treatment of a range of psychological disorders. The therapeutic process often begins with a peeling away of emotional layers until underlying issues surface. When utilizing dreamwork, however, it is possible to begin at a deeper level. Because dreams address salient unresolved emotional conflicts, dreamwork can quickly bring into consciousness previously unconscious emotional issues [...]

by David J Tansey  and Carel W Le Roux

Received: 12 October 2020;  Published: 17 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2102017

Oesophageal cancer is the ninth most common cancer and the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide [1]. Over the past number of years, due to earlier diagnosis and better treatment, we are seeing improvements in the survival rates of oesophageal cancer, with more patients living longer post-esophagectomy surgery. Unintentional weight loss is a common unintended feature seen in patients post-esophagectomy done with curative intent. Many recent studies have demonstrated the links between the pathophysiolog [...]

by Poppy L.A. Schoenberg  and Katlyn M. Gonzalez

Received: 13 October 2022;  Published: 12 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2301005

Chronic inflammatory diseases are the most significant cause of death in the world and entail severe impairment to quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks chronic inflammatory diseases as the greatest threat to human health and wellbeing. Inflammation is epicentral to many clinical conditions and symptoms, and it is anticipated that the health, economic, and mortality burdens associated with chronic inflammation will steadily increase in the United States over the next 30 years. An inflammatory m [...]

by John R. Holmberg

Received: 31 May 2022;  Published: 14 September 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2203041

The perinatal period represents a unique developmental window for families and an opportunity to reach and engage fathers in research and preventive interventions. The distinctiveness of this period stems from the changes and stressors that parents experience which affect their openness to enroll in interventions (e.g., adaptive parenting, physical and mental health, relationship skills, and economic self-sufficiency) and participate in research. While long understudied, paternal research in the perinatal period ha [...]

by Arnaud Philippot  , Yannick Bleyenheuft  and Anne De Volder

Received: 21 June 2020;  Published: 07 January 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2101002

In a previous study conducted to assess the impact of physical exercise on the symptoms of depression and anxiety in preadolescents in the school environment, which included a subgroup of participants comprising eleven randomly selected teens (aged 9–11) and all enrolled in primary education, it was immediately observed that one participant referred to as Andy was being bullied and teased, and the teachers were completely unaware of this scenario. All the participants of the study were volunteers, and were subjecte [...]

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 Mariella Di Stefano  , Sonia Baccetti  , Elio Rossi  , Maria Valeria Monechi  , Barbara Cucca  , Sergio Segantini  , Elisabetta Barbara Cortesi  , Fabio Voller  , Eleonora Fanti  , Alice Berti  and Stefano Bravi

Received: 27 September 2018;  Published: 28 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902029

Background: According to the international literature, users of Complementary Medicine (CM), Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) are physically more active, less overweight and have healthier lifestyles than the average Tuscan population. Aim: To evaluate the socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyles of patients of CM public clinics in the region of Tuscany and to define their profiles in terms of physical exercise, smoking habits, diet, intake of alc [...]

by Tara T. Lineweaver  , Suneeta Kercood  , Elyse B. Morgan  , Shelby L. Rampone  , Colleen C. Frank  , Scott A. McLuckie  and Mack F. Reed

Received: 27 October 2019;  Published: 07 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2001002

Past research suggests that exercise is associated with improved working memory (WM) abilities, and that athletes have better executive functioning and WM skills than non-athletes. However, no studies to date have separated the effects of exercise from the effects of athletic participation when examining WM. This study had three primary goals: (1) to determine whether amateur college athletes have better auditory and visual WM than their non-athlete peers who exercise frequently and whether non-athlete frequent exe [...]

by Barbara Schmidt  , Teresa Deffner  and Jenny Rosendahl

Received: 11 December 2019;  Published: 28 April 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2002025

Patients in the intensive care unit are confronted with an extreme situation that may cause stress and anxiety. The negative experiences may cause patients to suffer for the long-term after leaving the intensive care unit. One such stressor in the intensive care unit is non-invasive ventilation. Positive therapeutic suggestions under hypnosis can help patients in intensive care to enhance their well-being by helping them to deal with specific stress like being ventilated. The aim of our study is to assess the effec [...]

by Jean Youngwerth  , Heather Coats  , Amy Jones  , Angela Wibben  , Elizabeth Somes  , Sue Felton  , Ashley Anderson  , Kathleen Flarity  , Kellar Elliot  and Jean Kutner

Received: 17 November 2019;  Published: 14 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2001004

The University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) implemented a Creative Arts Therapy (CAT) program offering CAT to hospitalized patients as a component of comprehensive palliative care (PC) services. The objective of this pilot program evaluation study was to evaluate short-term effects of CAT on patient symptoms and patient/family perceptions regarding their experience. The sample included adult patients hospitalized in an academic medical center who were seen by the Palliative Care Consult Service (PCCS) between October [...]

by Daicia Price  , Yatesha Robinson  , Hurley Riley  , Julie Ribaudo  , Chris Giang  , Todd I. Herrenkohl  and Alison L. Miller

Received: 21 March 2023;  Published: 21 November 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2304055

Adverse and traumatic childhood experiences can have profound negative health and mental health consequences across the lifespan. Prevention and early intervention strategies to mitigate such impacts and foster resilience are essential, yet extant approaches often do not consider the systemic nature of trauma exposure, particularly among communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and historic disinvestment. Addressing the impacts of trauma early in life is critical in order to mitigate their long-term effec [...]

by Antonella Ciaramella

Received: 01 January 2020;  Published: 17 March 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2001014

Over the last 30 years, several neuroimaging and neurophysiological experiments have lent support to the neuropsychology of consciousness, and several definitions have followed to describe it. The phenomenological perspective of consciousness facilitates the description of the individual’s awareness experience of internal states (e.g., perception, sensations, emotion, volition, or memories), thus helping us to better understand the relationship between the brain and mind. Although significant research has been aime [...]

by Charlotte V. Farewell  , Jessica Walls  , Jamie N. Powers  , Joanne Whalen  , Meredith Shefferman  and Jenn A. Leiferman

Received: 30 June 2021;  Published: 09 September 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2103028

Mind-body interventions have shown promise for improving prenatal mental health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a prenatal mind-body intervention delivered remotely due to COVID-19 and preliminary efficacy with respect to mental health outcomes. This study used a simultaneous mixed methods approach (n = 27). Mixed methods data were collected to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the remotely delivered program (I.e., acceptability, practicality, demand, sustainabili [...]

by Michael Lincoln  , Stephen Aichele  , Emma L.M. Clark  , Maggie Dungan  , Ashley Harvey  , Lillian Hoyer  , Yuqin Jiao  , Steffany Josslin  , Frances Russell  and Zeynep Biringen

Received: 12 May 2023;  Published: 27 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2303032

Fathers are a historically underrepresented population in developmental research and must be considered for their modern presentation in parenting processes. Emotional Availability (EA) is a construct that captures the parent-child relationship quality and predicts positive outcomes for children. A recently developed intervention, the EA Brief, is a program conceptualized for easy administration that may be utilized to improve father-child dyadic functioning across a range of child ages. The final sample of interes [...]

by Jack Deacon  , Clare Northover  , John King  and Chris Irons

Received: 21 September 2021;  Published: 23 November 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104050

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) has increasingly been shown to have a positive impact for people experiencing a range of difficulties, and online self-help formats could provide a way of increasing its accessibility and scalability. This study explored adult participants’ subjective experiences of engaging with online self-compassion training drawn from Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) and CFT. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants who had completed online self-compassion training, [...]

by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 11 November 2020;  Published: 13 November 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2004043

The Nogier reflex or reflex auriculo-cardiac (RAC) or the dynamic pulse reaction is a physiological phenomenon that is not generally accepted in conventional medicine. Therefore, evidence-based research in this sub-area is important for auricular medicine as it provides appropriate scientific evidence for better acceptance. In this editorial, a RAC measurement based on a modified smartphone registration and analysis is presented. The contribution is intended to stimulate researchers to continue working in this inte [...]

by Katrina McFerran  , Carmen Cheong-Clinch  , Jennifer Bibb  and TanChyuan Chin

Received: 21 November 2022;  Published: 08 February 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2301013

Lockdowns were a central strategy for managing the outbreak of COVID-19, and Melbourne, Australia had some of the most extensive restrictions globally during 2021. As a result, university students were faced with isolated living and challenging learning experiences. This pilot study occurred during 2021, close to both university assignment due dates and end of semester examinations and some of the longest lockdowns. Seventy-one participants responded to recruitment materials describing using music playlists to mana [...]

by Holly Hazlett-Stevens

Received: 26 July 2021;  Published: 23 November 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104049

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based health education program for medical patients with a variety of chronic conditions. MBSR also benefits health care providers themselves, decreasing work-related stress and preventing burnout. The objectives of this study were to describe an abbreviated MBSR curriculum developed for health care providers and to present initial program evaluation data assessing acceptability and outcomes. This program was implemented outside the research context with an o [...]

by Sierra Day  and Paul D. Loprinzi

Received: 27 April 2019;  Published: 04 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903042

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute moderate-intensity exercise on autobiographical episodic memory and semantic memory. Methods: A two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled intervention was employed. The experimental group engaged in an acute bout of treadmill exercise for 15 minutes (70% of heart rate max), while the control group engaged in a time-matched seated activity. For episodic autobiographical memory, participants recalled as many personal memories of events f [...]

by Simone Lindsey  , Syd Hiskey  , Chris Irons  and Leanne Andrews

Received: 06 July 2021;  Published: 07 September 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2203039

Research has shown that compassion – whether to others, from others or to oneself – can be associated with improved well-being and mental health. Most measures to date focus on one of these flows of compassion, with only one recently published scale tracking all three. The primary aim of the current study was to investigate the psychometric properties of The Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales (CEAS) in a UK sample. The secondary aims were to investigate the level of compassion, as measured by th [...]

by Ampere A. Tseng

Received: 21 January 2024;  Published: 13 March 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2401019

The aim of this article is to provide a quantitative assessment of the correlation between heightened mindfulness and stress reduction among cancer patients and survivors who engaged in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) interventions. Utilizing data from eight studies, we conducted quantitative analyses to provide the effectiveness scores of MBSR interventions on mindfulness, assessed using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and stress symptoms, evaluated through standardized self-reported questi [...]

by Sharon Clevenger

Received: 02 April 2020;  Published: 18 May 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2002031

The novel coronavirus COVID-19 is a viral pathogen that first emerged in Wuhan, China in 2002 and has spread to 202 countries (as of March 28, 2020) [1]. Despite the fact that the 2005 SARS-CoV pandemic infected over 8,500 people, and caused over 800 deaths with billions of dollars in economic loss worldwide, as of 2015 there were still no clinically approved antiviral drugs, vaccines or monoclonal antibody therapies to treat SARS-CoV infections [2]. Antiviral medications that have been used to treat or control oth [...]

by Lauren Ferguson  , Justin Cantrelle  and Paul Loprinzi

Received: 06 September 2018;  Published: 17 December 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804034

Background: The present study evaluates the effects of selective directed forgetting (SDF) and directed forgetting (DF) on subsequent memory retrieval and investigate whether acute exercise can facilitate the effects of SDF. Methods: A four-arm (n=20 per group; N=80; Mage=20 yrs), parallel-group, randomized controlled experiment was employed. The four groups included: 1) exercise plus SDF (Ex+SDF), 2) SDF only (SDF), 3) DF only (DF) and 4) R (remember) only (R). Participants viewed two separate word lists (list 1 a [...]

by Diego A. Bonilla

Received: 21 December 2022;  Published: 26 December 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2204056

Anthropometric measurements are frequently used to assess changes in body composition in different populations. Despite being a cheap, in-field, and relatively valid technique, the COVID-19 pandemic has impulse research on digital anthropometry across the globe. Machine learning, as the convergence of artificial intelligence and data mining, has the potential to improve data collection and analysis in the applications of kinanthropometry. Far from replacing conventional methods, digital anthropometry is a powerful [...]

by LUTVIJA Hrnjic  , Nina Fry  and Helané Wahbeh

Received: 16 April 2021;  Published: 14 October 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104034

The growing population of older adults with depression is a significant public health concern, and effective treatments are necessary. Mindfulness meditation intervention offers effective treatment for depression, but little research has been conducted on the older population. This study aimed to evaluate if the combination of the Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) plus iMINDr application improves well-being in older adults with depressive symptoms. Potential participants were recruited online. IMM [...]

by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 18 October 2021;  Published: 22 October 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104037

In the recent past, laser therapy has made immense progress as it is known to change microcirculation, modulate vegetative parameters, and stimulate mitochondrial activity in the human body. This editorial briefly describes a new laser watch prototype (generation 2021), which can be used to perform continuous and simultaneous blood irradiation at the radial and/or ulnar artery of the wrist with different wavelengths of laser light. In a preliminary measurement, the increase in regional oxygen saturation at the croo [...]

by Kara B. Dassel  , Eli Iacob  , Rebecca L. Utz  , Katherine P. Supiano  and Hollie Furhmann

Received: 01 September 2022;  Published: 06 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2301004

Due to the insidious progression of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), surrogate decision-makers typically make medical and long-term-care decisions for a care recipient, most often a family care partner. Unfortunately, many care recipient/care partner dyads have failed to engage in advance care planning or have lost the opportunity to do so due to the cognitive decline of the care recipient. To address this need, our team created a validated dementia-focused advance care planning tool known as t [...]

by Holly Hazlett-Stevens

Received: 12 April 2022;  Published: 07 June 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2202022

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teaches mindfulness meditation to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and related forms of distress among a variety of patients. Much research has documented statistically significant reductions across a variety of self-report measures following MBSR, but researchers rarely assessed and reported the clinical significance of MBSR symptom reduction in accordance with specific criteria famously established by Jacobson and Truax [1]. Patients reporting symptoms of anxiety, depr [...]

by Katie M. Hinsey  , Karen E. Atler  , Christine A. Fruhauf  , Ruby A. Bolster  , Marieke Van Puymbroeck  and Arlene A. Schmid

Received: 07 March 2018;  Published: 11 June 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1802010

Background: A fall prevention intervention was delivered to people with chronic stroke (Merged Yoga and Occupational Therapy intervention-MY-OT). All caregivers were invited to also attend the 8-week intervention and were included in these analyses. Methods: The aim of this study was to examine changes in caregiver burden, positive aspects of caring, and caregiver's experiences after participating in the MY-OT intervention. This was a secondary data analyses and the purpose of this mixed-methods study was to quanti [...]

by Ramesh Alluri  , Hardik Ghelani  , Shayal Devi  , Vamsi Krishna Inampudi  and Srinivas Nammi

Received: 03 May 2020;  Published: 07 August 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2003036

To investigate the blood glucose lowering effect of the seed powder of T. foenum-graecum Linn (Papilionaceae) in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. The blood glucose lowering effect of the seed powder was determined in normal and alloxan-induced (100 mg/kg, i.v.) diabetic rabbits, after oral administration of doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were collected from the marginal ear vein before and also at 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20 and 24 h after drug administration and blood glucose [...]

by Deborah A. Sharpe  and Lisa D. Hinz

Received: 30 May 2023;  Published: 19 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2303029

This study explored how the global COVID-19 pandemic changed the ways in which art therapists use art in their therapeutic practice. Art has repeatedly been linked to healing in a variety of settings, but generally art therapists have been accustomed to conducting therapy sessions in person. Prior to the pandemic most art therapists preferred in-person sessions for a variety of therapeutic reasons. Although there are clearly downsides to meeting remotely, there have been unforeseen advantages, as well. The present [...]

by Thaninee Prasoppokakorn  , Supachaya Sriphoosanaphan  , Nutbordee Nalinthassanai  , Thitaporn Roongrawee  , Pongtorn Hanboonkunupakarn  , Pisit Tangkijvanich  and Rungsun Rerknimitr

Received: 08 December 2023;  Published: 02 February 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2401013

Reports indicate that Andrographolide inhibits viral replication and reduces COVID-19 symptoms. This study aimed to determine Andrographolide's additional effect and safety in mild COVID-19 patients treated with favipiravir. A multicenter, open-labeled, randomized controlled trial was conducted from October 2021 to February 2022. The patients were randomized to receive a combination of Andrographolide and favipiravir or favipiravir monotherapy. The primary outcome was the occurrence rate of severe pneumonia. The se [...]

by Paul D. Loprinzi  , Emily Frith  and Faith Harris

Received: 17 December 2018;  Published: 21 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901011

Background: Learning and memory, unquestionably, are critical for many aspects of life, including acquisition and retention of educational material. The purpose of this brief narrative review is to provide a primer on empirical-based, learning and memory techniques. Methods: A narrative review approach is employed. Results: This review is structured by first discussing contextual factors that influence learning and memory, followed by addressing several specific techniques to help facilitate learning and memory ret [...]

by Ting-fen Lin  , Deanna Linville  , Rhonda N T Nese  , John Seeley  and Samantha Shune

Received: 21 June 2023;  Published: 19 December 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2304059

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) impacts the physiological and psycho-emotional aspects of life. COPD-related secondary sequelae also synergistically interact with each other. For example, dyspnea affects the severity of breath, body functions, and the mind (e.g., anxiety, panic, fear). Such negative psycho-emotional states can further negatively impact the breath and the body (e.g., increased dyspnea). Given the breadth of the impact of COPD on multiple facets of health and well-being, it is essential [...]

by Max Oberste  , Sophia Sharma  and Philipp Zimmer

Received: 24 April 2019;  Published: 28 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903052

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether acute aerobic exercise improves subsequent set shifting performance in healthy young individuals. Potential moderation of studies’ methodological quality and exercise intensity, as well as the presence of small-study effect was also examined. Studies were identified using electronic databases Medline, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus, as well as references of recent meta-analyses and references of included studies. In total, 12 studies were included into [...]

by Valérie Morin-Alain  , Eddy Larouche  , Anne-Marie Chouinard  , Marie-Claude Audet  , Sonia Goulet  , Louis-Simon Rousseau  and Carol Hudon

Received: 23 November 2019;  Published: 17 April 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2002022

Peripheral inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dysregulations in circulating levels of different inflammatory mediators are detectable as early as the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage towards AD. Depressive symptoms, another risk factor of AD, are often found in individuals with MCI and associated with heightened levels of peripheral inflammatory mediators. Diminution in depressive symptoms and alterations of peripheral inflammation profiles have been obs [...]

by Traci Jarrett  , Ilana Haliwa  , Jennifer Ludrosky  , Ashley Mason  , Gretchen Prather  , Brittney Barlett  , Amy Snodgrass  and Geri Dino

Received: 30 November 2022;  Published: 13 April 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2302019

Teacher burnout is one of the primary drivers of turnover. Skills such as improved classroom management have been shown to mitigate teacher burnout. COVID-19 created classroom disruption and an unprecedented youth mental health crisis. This study examined the effectiveness of a school-based mindfulness training at improving classroom management self-efficacy and reducing teacher burnout during COVID-19. Elementary school personnel were invited to participate in two versions of Kidding Around Yoga training and to im [...]

by Mitsuro Chiba  , Masafumi Komatsu  , Satomi Watanabe  and Yoko Daimon

Received: 13 January 2021;  Published: 20 February 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2101006

The high prevalence of obesity is a global concern. However, obesity and inflammatory bowel disease have similarities in epidemiology, diet, and gut microbial dysbiosis. An omnivorous (westernized) diet replacement with a plant-based diet in inflammatory bowel disease achieved better outcomes in both the induction and quiescent phases. Educational hospitalization providing a plant-based diet was found effective in suppressing flare-up in ulcerative colitis. This case report was designed to assess whether a plant-ba [...]

by Eugene Stephane Mananga  and Lamisa Rusmeha

Received: 23 December 2020;  Published: 13 April 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2102012

Towards the end of 2019, an unanticipated outbreak, coronavirus also referred to as COVID-19’s first cases occurred in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. In early 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the pandemic as a Public Health emergency of international concern. COVID-19 is a transmissible disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The COVID-19 puts a spotlight on numerous issues varying from educational, social, political, and economic that were already prese [...]

by Tina Huang  , Tony Hung  , S. Irene Kim  and Ka Kit Hui

Received: 07 October 2019;  Published: 02 March 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2001011

Acupuncture has increasingly been used to address a variety of symptoms in patients with cancer. Here we present a case to illustrate the use of acupuncture in a 35-year-old female with metastatic breast cancer who presented to the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine (CEWM) with physical and psychological symptom clusters of insomnia, anxiety, and joint pain.

by Yiu Lin Wong  , Jialing Zhang  , Linda LD Zhong  , David Moher  and Zhaoxiang Bian

Received: 04 December 2023;  Published: 06 March 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2401018

The modified Jade Wind-Barrier formula (MJWB) may prevent the common cold in the elderly with a Qi-deficiency Constitution. Previously, no controlled trial evidence existed to illuminate the concept of “preventive treatment of disease” as outlined in the constitution theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This theory distinctly suggests that enhancing the Qi-deficiency Constitution and modulating its functional state can prevent the occurrence of the common cold. This controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifie [...]

by Maya Kudo  , Misa Hayashi  , Peng Tian  , Danyang Liu  , Lili Wu  , Wei Li  , Zhaoyang Hong  , Yitang Zhao  , Toshiaki Nishigaki  , Masaaki Nishihara  , Kazuo Koike  , Tonghua Liu  and Ming Gao

Received: 13 April 2020;  Published: 09 July 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2003033

Increased body fat mass can lead to lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increases the onset of multiple diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, which are closely related to lipid metabolism; therefore, new prevention approaches and treatments are needed. Our study investigated the effects and mechanism of YNCRG on anti-obesity in metabolic syndrome model SHR.Cg-Leprcp/NDmcr (SHRCP) rats. Eight-week- [...]

by Karen E. Atler  , Deana Muñoz  , Carly Knowles  , Angie Noe  , Christine A. Fruhauf  , Kathryn McGirr  , Tracy L. Nelson  and Arlene A. Schmid

Received: 18 May 2021;  Published: 05 November 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104043

If proper self-management behaviors are not maintained, diabetes may lead to reduced quality of life (QoL), decreased engagement in everyday activities, disabling health complications, and even death. Less advantaged adults with limited income, lower education, and fewer resources find diabetes self-management (DSM) particularly challenging due to healthcare and social inequalities. DSM education is important to understanding diabetes-related behaviors and improving QoL. There are few evidence informed DSM educatio [...]

by Michael Frass

Received: 07 April 2018;  Published: 20 April 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1802004

Oncology patients often suffer from the side-effects of conventional therapy, such as chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery. Additive complementary medicine, such as homeopathy might be beneficial in the support of these patients. Several case reports as well as some studies have suggested the beneficial effects of homeopathy in cancer patients. Furthermore, homeopathy may also be helpful in improving quality of life (QoL). Homeopathic remedies also offer the advantage that they can be combined with a variety of c [...]

by Dean M. Cordingley  and Stephen M. Cornish

Received: 29 April 2022;  Published: 07 July 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2203025

Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength which is associated with the loss of physical performance, lower quality of life, and other negative health outcomes. Resistance training (RT) is a recognized method to increase muscle strength and mass, however some older adults may be limited in their ability to perform RT with traditionally recommended higher-loads. Occluding blood flow to a limb, commonly referred to as muscle blood flow restriction (MBFR), has been investigated as an adjunct to RT [...]

by Lauren Curry  , Meghan Pike  , Mary Lynch  , Dana Marcon  and Jana Sawynok

Received: 01 April 2019;  Published: 28 June 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902040

Background: Qigong, traditional Chinese mind-body practices, is currently receiving increasing attention with exploration of what it is and what it does. Common elements include postures and movement, attention to breathing, and mental instructions. There is a growing literature on the health benefits of qigong in chronic pain and other conditions, and an intervention that provides benefit in multiple domains is particularly important for clinical practice. In this report, we present a case series of six individual [...]

by Satchit Anand Saha  , Katelyn Ann Williams  , George Murphy  and Sandeep Ajoy Saha

Received: 24 September 2023;  Published: 09 January 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2401006

Food insecurity and insufficient access to affordable nutrition have been associated with increased risk for the development of multiple chronic medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease. In this narrative review, we explore the association between food insecurity and the development of chronic medical conditions that confer increased cardiometabolic risk, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. We also identify the various barriers leading to food insecurity and lack of food literacy, with an emphasis on [...]