Table of Contents

Open Access

ISSN 2573-4393

OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine , Volume 10 , Issue 3 (2025)

Pages: 280

Published: October 2025

(This book is a printed edition that was published in OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine)

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Cover story: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a Transitional Pain Service’s Iyengar-informed yoga program for individuals with chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP). The yoga program was found to be feasible, safe, and satisfactory and demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain-interference, pointing to the merit of a specialized yoga program for CPSP. View this paper.

Volume 10,Issue 3

Open Access Original Research

Evaluation of the Transitional Pain Service Specialized Iyengar-Informed Yoga Program for Chronic Post-Surgical Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Received: 29 April 2025;  Published: 30 September 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2503041

Abstract

The objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a specialized Iyengar-informed yoga intervention for individuals who experience chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP). This prospective, multi-wave pilot RCT was pre-registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03460028) and designed in accordance with the 2010 CONSORT statement. Participants (N = 21) with CPSP were out-patients or community members affiliated with a Toronto hospital. Participants were ra [...]

Open Access Editorial

World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS)/Acupuncture Science Association Sweden (ASAS) 2025 International Congress – Personal Report1

Received: 24 September 2025;  Published: 25 September 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2503040

Abstract

This personal report summarizes the key experiences and insights gained from attending the 2025 International Symposium organized by the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) and the Acupuncture Science Association of Sweden (ASAS), held in Stockholm. The event brought together international experts to explore recent advances in acupuncture research, clinical applications, education, and global integration. Despite notable challenges—including issues with AI-assisted real- [...]

Open Access Research Article

A Randomized Control Trial of the Effects of a Hatha Yoga Program on Psychological Well-Being

Received: 11 March 2025;  Published: 23 September 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2503039

Abstract

Hatha yoga is a common style of yoga used for physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits, enhancing quality of life and well-being. The current study used a randomized control trial (RCT) to investigate whether completing an eight-week posture-based Hatha yoga program would lead to greater psychological benefits than taking part in an eight-week lecture series about the history and philosophy of yoga. Fifty-five participants (42 female, age rang [...]

Open Access Concept Paper

Toward a Unifying Transcultural Perspective on Illness, Health and Wellbeing: A Theoretical Proposition

Received: 04 March 2025;  Published: 11 September 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2503038

Abstract

This paper presents a unifying transcultural perspective on human illness, health and wellbeing by integrating insights from cognitive psychology, existential psychotherapy, Zen philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and quantum consciousness theory. Kahneman and Tversky’s work on heuristics and biases highlights cognitive constraints shaping decision-making, while Yalom’s existential therapy explores fundamental struggles with death, freedom, and meaning. Watts’ Zen philosophy critique [...]

Open Access Perspective

Atimiaphobia: A Phenomenological Account of the Fear of Losing Honor or Being Labeled Shameless due to the Sexual Values Assigned to Femininity

Received: 30 May 2025;  Published: 10 September 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2503037

Abstract

Honor and shame function as moral currencies in many collectivistic cultures, shaping individual behavior, gender roles, and psychosocial well-being. This paper introduces Atimiaphobia—a newly proposed specific phobia defined as the intense and persistent fear of losing honor (particularly for men) or being labeled as shameless (particularly for women). Rooted in patriarchal, collectivist, and honor-based cultures, atimiaphobia manifests through intrusive thoughts, h [...]

Open Access Review

A Review on the Ethnomedicinal Plants Used in Zimbabwe for the Treatment and Management of Skin Conditions: Perspectives on Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation

Received: 05 March 2025;  Published: 19 August 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2503036

Abstract

Medicinal plants remain central to healthcare in Africa, where up to 80% of the population relies on traditional remedies to manage a range of health conditions, including skin ailments. In Zimbabwe, the country's rich biodiversity and favourable agroecological zones support a diverse range of ethnomedicinal plants. However, much of the knowledge surrounding these plants remains dispersed and scientifically under-evaluated. This review consolidates evidence from ethnobotanical surveys, peer-revi [...]

Open Access Original Research

Treatment Choices and Healthcare Services Utilization Amongst Lumbosacral Radiculopathy Patients: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Received: 06 January 2025;  Published: 07 August 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2503035

Abstract

Lumbosacral radicular pain (LRP) is a common sequelae of low back pain, the world’s leading cause of years lived with disability. LRP typically causes numbness, weakness, and tingling into the lower extremity and is associated with high rates of pain and impaired function. Despite its prevalence, there is significant heterogeneity among clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of LRP, which may contribute to poor patient outcomes. The aim of the present study was to identify trea [...]

Open Access Review

Exercise Training and Cardioprotection in Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Mechanisms

Received: 27 November 2024;  Published: 05 August 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2503034

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, prompting extensive research into effective methods for treatment and prevention. Among these, exercise training and physical activity are widely recognized as the safest and most effective strategies for improving health. Specifically, exercise training has been explored for its role in cardioprotection, particularly in reducing damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and myocardial infarction (MI). Both high-intens [...]

Open Access Perspective

Performance Art as Lifestyle: Art in Action for Health Promotion

Received: 11 May 2025;  Published: 28 July 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2503033

Abstract

Performance art is both a visual arts practice and kinaesthetic approach to place-based health. The perspective of this commentary is to promote the attributes of performance art to showcase its capacity to extend people into new configurations of cultural engagement with beneficial effects. Performance art is an opportunity to engage both mind and body in actions that transform predictability and encourage wellness within the context of people’s life studios (their everyday lives). Wellness is [...]

Open Access Original Research

The Multiple, Embodied Positive Effects of a Community-Based Aerial Sling Class: Improved Body Schema, Fitness, Mental Health, and Diet

Received: 06 April 2025;  Published: 17 July 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2503032

Abstract

Contrary to the dominant ultra-cognitive approach in public health whereby only thought processes are supposed to link to action (e.g., physical activity) and health, in this research an embodied (body-mind unison) philosophy was examined by showcasing the importance of holistic and performative movement experiences to health and well-being. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine the interrelated, multiple, and embodied benefits of a community-based aerial sling c [...]

Open Access Review

An Exploration of the Psycho-Social Factors that Impact the Mental Wellbeing of Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children in UK: A Narrative Review

Received: 23 January 2025;  Published: 17 July 2025;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2503031

Abstract

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) are amongst the most vulnerable populations worldwide, facing significant psycho-social and mental health challenges influenced by pre-migration, migration, and post-migration experiences. This narrative review examines the structural, legal, and practical factors affecting UASC, focusing on their lived experiences within the UK’s asylum system. Key areas explored include trauma caused by forced migration (pre-, during and post-migration), ethical dil [...]

Open Access Editorial

Frank Bahr – A Life Dedicated to Energy Medicine-- In Memory of Prof. Dr. Frank Bahr (1944–2025)

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

Abstract

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.

Open Access Original Research

Exploring the Practice of One-to-One Therapeutic Viniyoga: A Qualitative Investigation Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Directed Content Analysis

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

Abstract

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 therapis [...]

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