by Zahi Arnon

Received: 28 January 2022;  Published: 06 May 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2202021

After the emergence of Mindfulness in the Western world, many studies proved its mental and physical benefits. However, implementing Mindfulness in psychotherapy has several challenges: therapists are not formal Mindfulness instructors; the Mindfulness course is a continuous eight-week course, which many patients do not attend during therapy, while others attend and drop out. Thus, Hypnosis was applied to shorten and strengthen the desired changes. The article describes the logic behind this integration, demonstrat [...]

by Heather Mary Kempton

Received: 23 November 2021;  Published: 11 March 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2201011

Mindfulness practices have exploded in popularity in public awareness and in therapeutic applications. While mindfulness in a therapeutic context is presented as a secular practice, its primarily Buddhist heritage may make some Christian clients wary of engaging. Research indicates that both reflection (co-creation) on poetry and creation of poetry can be therapeutic, and that both Buddhist and secular/therapeutic mindfulness texts use poetry to convey meaning through key themes of nature, change/impermanence, stag [...]

by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 27 May 2016;  Published: 15 August 2016;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1601001

Integrative and Complementary Medicine (ICM-OBM) is an international peer-reviewed, open-access journal which covers all evidence-based scientific studies on integrative and complementary approaches to improving health and quality of life. Integrative and complementary medicine comprises science-oriented “university” or academic medicine, but also experience-based medicine with all its complementary methods. It is not a special field in itself, but a signal for an all-encompassing medicine, open-minded about the p [...]

by Melissa Stock  and Catriona Craig

Received: 20 April 2024;  Published: 14 September 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2403051

‘Personality disorders’ (referred to as complex emotional needs in this report) are common in older adults. Yet they are often under-recognised which impacts access to appropriate care pathways. Once in services, older adults lack the same access to specialist mental health care as adults, and the evidence base in older adults with complex emotional needs is sparse. Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is an approach that has shown promise for those with complex emotional needs. This case report presents a 12-session C [...]

by Emily Reeves  , Brigitte Liebig  and Eveline Degen

Received: 14 July 2020;  Published: 20 October 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2004041

High-quality care is an important aim of palliative care services. However, the quality of care is a complex phenomenon and is subjectively perceived by those who are closest to the services and are often evaluated poorly. Prior research has highlighted the difficulties in evaluating the quality of care because of different perspectives, and still, only a little is understood about the perception of the quality of care in palliative care services. Investigating the perspectives of key individuals involved in pallia [...]

by Melissa Gaule  , Erin Allen  and Kathleen Benton

Received: 29 March 2020;  Published: 26 August 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2003037

by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 15 April 2020;  Published: 11 May 2020;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2002030

In this technical report, we present for the first time a newly developed multimodal light-emitting diode (LED) pad for photobiomodulation (PBM). In order to demonstrate the range of possibilities for its application, we carried out a comparison of measurements with and without infrared (IR) LEDs in a volunteer, and are presenting the results. The pad consists of several components, which are mainly composed of LEDs of different modalities (IR, red, yellow, and blue). This multicolor system was applied to a periphe [...]

by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 02 April 2024;  Published: 03 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2402022

Acupuncture, as a promising complementary therapy for cancer patients, offers personalized symptom management and improved quality of life alongside conventional treatments. With its proven efficacy in alleviating chemotherapy-induced side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and pain, acupuncture stands as a holistic approach to cancer care. Tailored to individual needs and boasting a favorable safety profile, acupuncture addresses both physical symptoms and psychological distress, promoting resilience and quality of [...]

by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 18 January 2021;  Published: 20 January 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2101003

Neuro-photobiomodulation (PBM) is a relatively novel optical stimulation method that is not yet generally accepted in conventional medicine. Therefore, evidence-based research in this sub-area, which is important for laser medicine, is necessary in order to provide appropriate scientific evidence for a better understanding of neuro-PBM. In this editorial, a summary of the recent results with stimulation using different frequencies (e.g., 40 Hz, 136.1 Hz) is presented. The contribution is intended to stimulate resea [...]

by Patricia Lynn Dobkin

Received: 23 April 2018;  Published: 02 July 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1803013

Objectives: Living with any chronic pain condition is a challenge that can be met when one reduces reactivity to the sensory and evaluative aspects of it. The aim of this case study is to show how a clinical psychologist with expertise in chronic illness applied Buddhist principles to her own experience. Methods: When one realizes that suffering is the combination of pain plus resistance then one can learn how to accept rather than exacerbate it. Applying the Four Noble Truths from Buddhist psychology to understand [...]

by Luis F. Riquelme  , Sara Diab  , Angela Horyacheva  , Isabel Huribal  , Andreea Shellerud  , Sophia Werden Abrams  and Ashwini M. Namasivayam-MacDonald

Received: 29 April 2022;  Published: 11 August 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2203036

The purpose of this study was to collate and summarize the content covered in published literature describing speech-language pathology management of adult patients with COVID-19 in the acute hospital setting as of February 2022. This review serves as an updated review of the initial recommendations to guide speech-language pathology management for adults with COVID-19 in the acute hospital setting previously provided by Namasivayam-MacDonald and Riquelme in July of 2020. This scoping review followed the Preferred [...]

by James David Adams

Received: 14 January 2018;  Published: 19 December 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804035

Background: This study presents several case reports of chronic pain patients treated with two different plant medicines from the Chumash Indian tradition. Methods: Patients suffering from self-reported fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, chronic bursitis, chronic tendinitis and other conditions were treated. California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) was grown by the author and made into a liniment. The liniment was applied to painful sites on the skin. Black sage (Salvia mellifera) was made into a sun tea. Chronic [...]

by Renata Lemonica  , Isabela Almeida Cunha  , Jéssica Layane Costa Melo  , Sandra Regina Caram  , José Eduardo Fuser Bittar  and Karina Pavao Patricio

Received: 23 March 2024;  Published: 31 July 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2403044

Homeopathy has shown promise in fighting epidemics, leading to potential applications in the COVID-19 clinical cases. To assess the impact of add-on individualized homeopathic medicinal products (IHMP) on improving clinical outcomes and time to medical discharge in COVID-19 patients, a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group exploratory clinical trial was conducted in a São Paulo state municipality, Brazil, between February and July 2021. 82 (unvaccinated) patients with conf [...]

by Robert Marx  and Lisa Burroughes

Received: 13 October 2018;  Published: 02 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901009

Background: Training is generally not available for those wishing to deliver non 8 week Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) adapted for specific contexts and populations. A new model for training in MBIs is developed with the following principle components: teaching on theory, participation in a practice, followed by teaching the practice and receiving feedback, and consultation and discussion of live mindfulness-based work. Methods: A quantitative and qualitative evaluation is presented of the experience of the [...]

by Myriam Rudaz  , Thomas Ledermann  , Michael P. Twohig  and Michael E. Levin

Received: 24 May 2019;  Published: 10 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1904059

Background: There is robust evidence that mindfulness trainings enhance mindfulness as operationalized in Western psychology, but evidence about their effect on aspects of heartfulness is sparse. The present study, therefore, sought to evaluate whether a brief mindfulness training enhances heart qualities, including self-compassion, gratitude, and the generation of feelings of happiness. Methods: Eighteen students enrolled in a mindfulness training that was offered as part of an interdisciplinary class. The trainin [...]

by Musa Itopa Yakubu  , Nuhu Mohammed Danjamu  , Mohammed Garba Magaji  , Sani Malami  , Axel Becker  , Medinat Yakubu Abbas  and Ben Ahmed Chindo

Received: 25 February 2022;  Published: 31 March 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2201013

Preparations of Zingiber officinale are used in Nigerian folk medicine to manage colds, pain, arthritis, nausea, and epilepsy. The ameliorative effects of co-administering aqueous Zingiber officinale extract (GE) and sodium valproate (SDV) on pentylenetetrazole-kindled mice were evaluated regarding cognitive deficits, neuronal cell loss, and seizure severity. GFAP was also quantified. Male mice were pretreated with GE (50 mg/kg), SDV (100 and 200 mg/kg), and GE + SDV before kindling. After kindling, the mice underw [...]

by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 05 January 2025;  Published: 07 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2501003

Acupuncture, an ancient practice in traditional Chinese medicine, is founded on understanding of human physiology and the dynamics of energy flow (Qi). The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern medicine presents opportunities to integrate advanced technologies into acupuncture, enhancing diagnostic precision and empirical validation. AI tools can analyze complex datasets, model energy flow dynamics, and provide evidence-based insights, potentially bridging traditional methodologies with scientific par [...]

by Chloe Moran  , Hannah Shaw  , Sue Black  and Kay Brewster

Received: 29 July 2022;  Published: 16 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2301006

There is increasing evidence for the effectiveness of brief, group-based compassionate mind training (CMT) in reducing shame and self-criticism, and increasing self-compassion. The current evaluation of an 8-week CMT group programme in an NHS Physical Health Psychology Service supports these findings. Based on a cross-diagnostic sample of 25-39 participants with physical health difficulties, results demonstrate significant reduction in depression and anxiety, significant increase in perceived wellbeing and acceptan [...]

by Birthe Osorio  and Karsten Münstedt

Received: 27 February 2019;  Published: 05 July 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903043

Background: In particular, the women with breast cancer seek methods offered by complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Unfortunately, the value of most of such methods remains unclear. Methods: The present review was aimed at identifying reasonable strategies for patients with breast cancer on the basis of the current literature. Results: The analyses revealed that there is no evidence of alternative medicine which might result in healing. However, several strategies are available which could improve patient [...]

by Emily Beitzell  , Purnaja Podduturi  , Megan Hook  , Amelia Jones  , Haley McKeen  and Miriam Liss

Received: 03 October 2021;  Published: 01 December 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104053

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has produced a global mental health crisis and many individuals have obsessive thoughts and worry about COVID-19 which may, both directly and indirectly, relate to more general anxiety. This study explored anxiety sensitivity and mindful awareness as mediators in the relationship between COVID-19 obsession and general anxiety. College student participants (N = 172) completed the Obsession with COVID-19 scale, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index, the awareness subscale of the Five Facto [...]

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

Received: 27 March 2022;  Published: 05 December 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2204052

The multi-dimensional measurement of complex biological systems and sub-systems is made possible by high-dimensional omics technologies. This frontier of research is promising for elucidating disease processes, physiological parameters, and therapeutic action mechanisms. Omics have potential merit for the integrative medicine field that is relatively early in terms of mechanistic research towards understanding the underlining therapeutic processes of mind-body interventions that show to affect multiple systems simu [...]

by Nabila Enam  , Sara Benham  and Nancy Green

Received: 09 August 2023;  Published: 30 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2304048

This study examined the effects of virtual mindfulness meditation programming on sleep efficiency using wearable tracking devices, as well as effects on sleep quality and perceived stress in higher education students. A one-group, pretest-posttest design with convenience sampling and rolling recruitment over a six-month period resulted in twenty-five participants who completed the study and were included in data analysis. Paired t-tests were used to determine statistical significance for sleep efficiency measured u [...]

by Or Shalev

Received: 28 April 2023;  Published: 11 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2303028

This case report explores the shifts in therapeutic power relations during the COVID-19 pandemic between an art therapist and her Deaf client diagnosed with schizophrenia. A therapeutic journey of two and a half years is described, accompanied by examples of the client's artwork. This case report demonstrates how a shared reality in times of global crisis enabled the rethinking of therapeutic power relations and the way art was used to shift these dynamics. The art therapist's ability to use her shared reality expe [...]

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 Ami Rokach  and Karishma Patel

Received: 27 July 2023;  Published: 13 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2304042

The healthcare industry is the largest and fastest growing industry in the world; however, being a part of the healthcare system involves being at an increased risk of experiencing mental health problems, loneliness, stress, and increased susceptibility to experiencing compassion fatigue related to the emotional wear associated with providing patient-centered care. Healthcare workers include, but are not limited, to physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and psychologists. Often, healthcare workers place [...]

by Emily Gutierrez  and Yousef Elyaman

Received: 04 March 2018;  Published: 23 May 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1802008

Lifestyle and dietary interventions can have a significant impact on patients with dyslipidemia and should be encouraged with the use of dietary supplements. With new research, there is evidence that using dietary supplements, specifically nutraceuticals can be helpful for cholesterol management. Four commonly used supplements are: Red Yeast Rice, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Niacin and Berberine.

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 Daphne Owens  and Gerald H Tomkin

Received: 18 August 2021;  Published: 22 November 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104048

Obesity and Diabetes are leading causes of cardiovascular disease and mortality. They are closely linked because of insulin resistance. Hypertension and dyslipidaemia together with poor exercise drive atherosclerosis. Early treatment of blood sugar, dyslipidaemia and hypertension reverse the atherosclerosis process. Bariatric surgery and low calorie diets have in recent years been shown to reverse or improve blood sugars lipids and blood pressure. The risk of premature myocardial infarction and death should no long [...]

by James Hackley  , Alison Dixon  , Carol Royle  , Christopher Moss  , Richard Brown  and Tobyn Bell

Received: 29 January 2024;  Published: 27 March 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2401021

Compassion-focused chairwork has become a recent focus of empirical investigation. This study extended this area of research by exploring how participants with depression experienced the ‘compassionate other’ imagery exercise enacted via chairwork methods. Eight individuals from primary care NHS mental health services were interviewed about their experience of the practice. The resultant data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three group experiential themes were identified: care that [...]

by Jordan Ensz  and Changiz Mohiyeddini

Received: 06 March 2023;  Published: 19 September 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2303038

Burnout is a chronic state of exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Medical training has been shown to leave many medical students vulnerable to burnout, which can negatively impact their health and patient care. While resilience has been associated with lower burnout, the mechanisms through which resilience reduces burnout are not well established. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether difficulties with emotion regulation mediate the relationship between resilience and burnout among medical students. [...]

by Rebecca MacDonald  and Anna Zumbansen

Received: 26 February 2023;  Published: 13 June 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2302024

Group singing as a social musical activity can be used to improve the quality of life, well-being, and overall health of people with dementia and caregivers. Online choirs have gained awareness since the COVID-19 pandemic; however, singing in an online choir is an unsatisfying experience for most choir members in the general population. In order to report on the feasibility of creating an online choir for people with dementia, we studied a successful case of such a choir. This choir began and continued online for o [...]

by Megan A. Roney  , Pat L. Sample  , Lorann Stallones  , Marieke Van Puymbroeck  and Arlene A. Schmid

Received: 04 November 2018;  Published: 16 December 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804033

Background: An adapted yoga intervention was delivered to seven individuals with chronic traumatic brain injury. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the participants' experience of engaging in the 8-week intervention. Methods: Using a phenomenological design, data were collected, analyzed, and coded to generate themes regarding experiences that occurred, how experiences occurred, and why experiences occurred. Results: Participants described experiencing the yoga intervention as a process: from ini [...]

by Bo Pang  , Qi Zhang  , Guang-Yu Cheng  , Wei-Ping Cheng  , Daniela Litscher  , Lu Wang  , Zemin Sheng  , Ingrid Gaischek  , Zhong-Ren Sun  and Gerhard Litscher

Received: 08 June 2016;  Published: 23 August 2016;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1601003

(1) Background: Within this study, we assessed the effects of acupuncture on heart rate variability (HRV) in Chinese post-stroke patients. (2) Methods: In 30 Chinese post-stroke patients (14 f, 16 m; mean age ± SD 64.3 ± 3.8 years; range 40 - 80 years) electrocardiographic signals before, during and after acupuncture at the left Weizhong acupoint (BL40) were recorded in Harbin and analyzed in Graz using teleacupuncture via internet. HRV data were analyzed in the time and frequency domain and a protoco [...]

by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 07 November 2017;  Published: 10 November 2017;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1704004

The treatment by auricular therapy has a long history. Ear acupoint research has been advancing step by step worldwide [1-17] . The introduction of lasers into medicine brought besides the already existing stimulation with needles, electricity, pressure and liquids an additional technique to auricular acupuncture.

by Ivan V. Maksimovich

Received: 24 July 2021;  Published: 21 October 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104036

The present research is dedicated to the application of intracerebral laser PBMT for the treatment of the consequences of ischemic stroke. The effectiveness of intracerebral laser PBMT is compared to that of the conservative therapy methods. Recent studies have demonstrated a high potential of laser technology PBMT in the treatment of various ischemic lesions of the brain. A total of 836 patients who had experienced ischemic strokes of different degrees of severity in the period ranging from 6 months to 6 years pri [...]

by Danielle Reilly  , Ibrahim Duyar  , Jackie McBride  and Robert Williams

Received: 09 September 2024;  Published: 24 March 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2501016

The current study explored the adverse outcomes of secondary traumatic symptoms experienced by secondary school teachers on their compassion fatigue, burnout, sense of satisfaction, and intention to resign from the teaching profession in low SES schools in the United States context. The study was inspired by Ludick and Figley’s Compassion Fatigue and Resilience model and Figley’s work on Compassion Fatigue. A non-experimental design was employed, and data were gathered from a random sample of 131 teache [...]

by Lars-Gunnar Lundh

Received: 27 July 2021;  Published: 15 February 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2201008

Experimental phenomenology is the investigation of phenomenological practices and their effects. To engage in a phenomenological practice means to focus attention on aspects of one’s experiences (e.g., sense impressions or body sensations) while adopting a specific kind of attitude (e.g., an explorative attitude) according to some set of instructions. The basic assumption is that the regulation of attention and attitudes involved in such practices may have effects on people’s health and quality of life. The present [...]

by Gerhard Litscher

Received: 14 May 2024;  Published: 15 May 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2402027

Laser acupuncture, a rising complementary therapy, applies a low-intensity laser to acupuncture points, yet its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Proposed hypotheses include modulation of cellular signaling, tissue repair, and immune modulation. Laser acupuncture may stimulate energy flow, neurotransmitter release, cellular changes, immune regulation, and neuroendocrine activity. Additionally, the biophoton theory suggests an involvement of ultra-weak photon radiation from cells. Litscher et al. explore these m [...]

by Rosaria Ferreri  , Simonetta Bernardini  , Franco Cracolici  and Francesca Bechini

Received: 29 September 2018;  Published: 01 February 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901008

Background: Complementary medicines (CM), including homeopathy, acupuncture, and traditional Chinese medicine, have been introduced for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment in the Pitigliano Hospital Centre of Integrated Medicine in order to minimize the side effects of these treatments, which improves quality of life and adherence to conventional therapies. Methods: Cancer patients (240) were enrolled in an integrated care model offering a comprehensive protocol including homeopathy a [...]

by Jacy C. Downey  and Clinton G. Gudmunson

Received: 19 October 2021;  Published: 29 January 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2201006

Parents model and teach early health practices that persist into adulthood by establishing a family culture through which children learn related family beliefs, values, and expectations. This phenomenological study examined the ways in which a purposefully selected group of mothers (selected due to their high scores on the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity screening tool) shaped family culture related to physical activity, addressed screen-time behaviors, and established positive eating related routines. Findi [...]

by Tammy Lennox  and Angela Kennedy

Received: 08 February 2022;  Published: 20 July 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2303030

The current article describes the application of the Compassion Focussed (CF) formulation to the interaction between individuals and their social context. The standard CF formulation [1] would see the person’s fears as inadvertently reinforced by their attempts to cope with the underlying issue. However, sometimes such attempts to cope can also reinforce the fears of another person or party. Interpersonal CF formulations could provide a compassionate, non-blaming way of enlightening people in their interactions to [...]

by Charles Heriot-Maitland  and Jo Taylor

Received: 22 March 2024;  Published: 11 June 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2402033

This article describes the development and delivery of a novel model of supervision for senior teachers in schools, informed by Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). It explores whether this model can be considered acceptable and valuable to senior teachers, and is able to be delivered by multiple supervisors using a manual. Surveys, interviews, and focus groups were used to gather feedback about the value and impact of the supervision. Data were gathered from 39 senior teachers across three phases to assess feedback o [...]

by Toshiaki Suzuki  , Makiko Tani  , Kaito Takamori  and Maki Yamada

Received: 21 January 2017;  Published: 20 February 2017;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1701001

(1) Background: Acupoint stimulation physical therapy (ASPT) is a novel method of physical therapy that combines physical and acupuncture methods. This study aimed to examine the effect of ASPT in three hemiplegic patients with cerebrovascular disease using F-wave as a measure of the excitability of spinal neural function. (2) Methods: Subjects included three hemiplegic patients with cerebrovascular disease who presented with three types of neurological findings. All patients had moderate hypertonic muscles on the [...]

by Gilda F. Pardey Bracho  , Karine Collomb  and Astrig Topouzkhanian

Received: 09 May 2022;  Published: 28 July 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2203030

The patient as the custodian of their own care is a concept that has been evolving for several years and can help the patient to a better and quicker recovery. Medical Hypnosis (MH) assist the practitioner to reduce the patient’s pain and disorders and help the patient to understand, accept, and manage their situation. Recently, this technique has been increasingly used in awake surgery protocols. This paper describes three examples of the successful perioperative management of patients who benefited from an awake [...]

by Olivia L. Pastore  , Michelle S. Fortier  , Leah J. Ferguson  and Shane N. Sweet

Received: 23 August 2023;  Published: 20 December 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2304061

Self-compassion involves being touched by and open to one's own suffering, coupled with the desire to alleviate it and heal oneself with kindness. While self-compassion has gained significant attention in research, certain conceptual and methodological complexities have evolved over time and led to ambiguity surrounding the concept. As such, the overall purpose of this commentary was to highlight and discuss the different perspectives of self-compassion in the literature. We opted to centralize our focus primarily [...]

by Mariya Shiyko

Received: 17 July 2018;  Published: 08 November 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804029

What is meditation? A tool that empowers you to create your life through working it from inside out, beginning with a thought. There is a story. A father had two sons: one felt a victim of life. He viewed his life through the prism of “My childhood was difficult. My father was an alcoholic. The reason my life is failing is because of that. I was not loved enough.” This is his inner mantra – a cycle of a repetitive thought patterns that he continuously told himself. His life followed that very mantra. He didn’t try [...]

by Patricia Lynn Dobkin

Received: 14 May 2019;  Published: 07 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1903050

The author writes a genuine story using a narrative medicine writing style [1]. She relates how she applied mindfulness awareness and meditation practices to accompany her best friend, Abigail (Abigail is a pseudonym), who struggled through stages 3 and 4 breast cancer, including its noxious treatments and upsetting side effects. Clinical practice can be enhanced with narrative competence in that it helps the author recognize, interpret and be touched by patients’ stories, including all aspects of illness experienc [...]

by Marcus A. Henning  , David Lu  , Lillian Ng  , Frederick Sundram  and Yan Chen

Received: 16 August 2024;  Published: 23 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2501007

This scoping review aims to understand the available research and the quality of evidence about the cost-effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions when applied to the medical student context. There is considerable literature pertaining to the application of mindfulness-based interventions in this context. However, the links between cost and effectiveness need to be established to ensure the relative integrity of these therapeutic systems. The participants included in the study were medical students (undergra [...]

by Jennifer A. King  , Megan R. Holmes  , Kylie Evans  , Anna E. Bender  and Dakota King-White

Received: 28 February 2023;  Published: 07 September 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2303036

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the long-standing issues of stress and burnout in the education sector, with teachers and education staff facing unprecedented challenges including significant adjustments to teaching methods and balancing the mental health and academic needs of their students. The resulting challenges have contributed to heightened levels of stress and burnout among teachers and education staff. The impact of the pandemic on teachers and education staff has highlighted the need for greater support [...]

by Julia Caldwell  , Pamela Meredith  , Koa Whittingham  and Jenny Ziviani

Received: 07 March 2022;  Published: 20 July 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2203028

Positive perceptions of pregnancy are associated with better postpartum outcomes, including stronger relationship with baby. Although better self-reported emotional availability (EA-SR) is associated with greater attachment security with infants, research has not yet explored the relationship between prenatal maternal factors and EA-SR. The aim of the study was to explore the associations between prenatal variables (adult attachment, shame, compassion) and EA-SR at 3- and 6-months postpartum. A cross-sectional surv [...]