OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine is an international peer-reviewed Open Access journal published quarterly online by LIDSEN Publishing Inc. It covers all evidence-based scientific studies on integrative, alternative and complementary approaches to improving health and wellness.

Topics contain but are not limited to:

  • Acupuncture
  • Acupressure
  • Acupotomy
  • Bioelectromagnetics applications
  • Pharmacological and biological treatments including their efficacy and safety
  • Diet, nutrition and lifestyle changes
  • Herbal medicine
  • Homeopathy
  • Manual healing methods (e.g., massage, physical therapy)
  • Kinesiology
  • Mind/body interventions
  • Preventive medicine
  • Research in integrative medicine
  • Education in integrative medicine
  • Related policies

The journal publishes a variety of article types: Original Research, Review, Communication, Opinion, Comment, Conference Report, Technical Note, Book Review, etc.

There is no restriction on paper length, provided that the text is concise and comprehensive. Authors should present their results in as much detail as possible, as reviewers are encouraged to emphasize scientific rigor and reproducibility.

Publication Speed (median values for papers published in 2023): Submission to First Decision: 5.9 weeks; Submission to Acceptance: 14.7 weeks; Acceptance to Publication: 8 days (1-2 days of FREE language polishing included)

Special Issue

Health Benefits of Meditation

Submission Deadline: September 30, 2018 (Closed) Submit Now

Guest Editor

Sok Cheon Pak, PhD

School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia

Website | E-Mail

Research Interests: bee venom application; acupuncture: pain threshold; morphine dose reduction; medicinal herbs: anti-inflammatory; anti-allergic; immune-enhancing; polycystic ovarian syndrome; pap smear; evidence-based practice

Co-Editor

Soo Liang Ooi

Centre for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, Singapore 247909

Website | E-Mail

About This Topic

People meditate to attain self-regulation and consciousness transformation. Regardless of personal preference, the underlying rationale for either approach is similar in terms of viewing meditation as a therapeutic means. Despite the fact that meditation techniques are increasingly popular amongst the public, we still have scarce, preliminary evidence that stems from research within the therapeutic context. Numerous studies have been conducted to look for effects of meditation, yet there is even more lack of scientific theories for mind-body interactions. Thus, the atheoretical methodology is frequently mirrored in the way of data collection used in the studies which include dependent variables that are not specific to meditation research. Future research on meditation intervention needs to be standardized as much as possible to ensure credibility. Disease-specific approach to meditation intervention is highly recommended to refine the role of meditation with the elimination of conventional medication. Understanding of different types of meditation with each unique interacting pathway among the brain, mind, body and behavior associated with clinically significant resiliency will facilitate the development of meditation as new therapeutics.

Keywords

Meditation; Health; Immune system; Brain; Therapeutics

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted through the LIDSEN Submission System. Detailed information on manuscript preparation and submission is available in the Instructions for Authors. All submitted articles will be thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process and will be processed following the Editorial Process and Quality Control policy. Upon acceptance, the article will be immediately published in a regular issue of the journal and will be listed together on the special issue website, with a label that the article belongs to the Special Issue. LIDSEN distributes articles under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) License in an open-access model. The authors own the copyright to the article, and the article can be free to access, distribute, and reuse provided that the original work is correctly cited.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). Research articles and review articles are highly invited. Authors are encouraged to send the tentative title and abstract of the planned paper to the Editorial Office (icm@lidsen.com) for record. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Editorial Office.

Welcome your submission!

Publication

Open Access Editorial

The Landscape of Current Meditation Research: An Overview to the Special Issue on 'Health Benefits of Meditation'

Received: 29 May 2019;  Published: 31 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902033

Abstract

The Landscape of Current Meditation Research: An Overview to the Special Issue on “Health Benefits of Meditation”
Open Access Review

Meditation, Sleep, and Performance

Received: 12 February 2019;  Published: 24 May 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902031

Abstract

Meditation describes a large variety of traditions that are extremely variable, but all include the conscious focus or awareness of attention. By maintaining their attention, meditators experience both acute and long-term changes in physiology, anatomy, and cognitive performance. The literature shows that the type of performance benefits [...]
Open Access Original Research

Comparison of Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia between Zen-meditation and Control Groups

Received: 30 July 2018;  Published: 01 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1902021

Abstract

(1) Background: This research is aimed to develop new methods to investigate the cardiorespiratory interaction of Zen-meditation practitioners (Zen-meditation group) and healthy ordinary young people (control group) by quantitatively evaluating the respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) behavior. (2) Methods: Twenty-five voluntary controls and [...]
Open Access Communication

Proposal for a Compassionate Emotional Accompaniment Technique (CEAT) Based on Mindfulness to Manage Disturbing Emotions

Received: 23 August 2018;  Published: 14 March 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901017

Abstract

One of the objectives of psychological intervention is to help individuals manage their emotions effectively by providing patients the necessary tools to accompany their own emotional states. Furthermore, at present there are not so many therapeutic resources aimed at facilitating emotions in patients, nor helping them with their regulation [...]
Open Access Original Research

An Evaluation of a New Programme Training Mindfulness Teachers to Deliver Non-Eight Week Adapted Mindfulness-Based Interventions

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

Abstract

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 [...]
Open Access Original Research

Mindful Self-Compassion and Adult Learner Retention in Post-Compulsory Education

Received: 15 July 2018;  Published: 23 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901004

Abstract

(1) Background: Adult learners often engage in formal education because they want to create changes in their lives and are determined to succeed in their chosen field. However, they also come with emotional “baggage” of early educational experiences, frequently have to deal with a multitude of competing demands, have financial strain [...]
Open Access Review

Cultivating Well-Being through the Three Pillars of Mind Training: Understanding How Training the Mind Improves Physiological and Psychological Well-Being

Received: 03 October 2018;  Published: 16 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901003

Abstract

Research on the physiological and emotional health benefits of meditative practices has grown exponentially over the last two decades, influencing both scientific literature and popular media. Research has highlighted three distinct components or pillars at the core of meditative practices and mind training. They are, focused attention, open [...]
Open Access Review

Health Benefits of (Mindful) Self-Compassion Meditation and the Potential Complementarity to Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Review of Randomized-Controlled Trials

Received: 04 July 2018;  Published: 06 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901002

Abstract

Background. This article systematically reviews methodologically rigorous randomized-controlled trials examining the health benefits of mindfulness and self-compassion interventions in medical and/ or mental health populations. Method. Searches were conducted on PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science in March 2018. Out of 2427 results (276 for [...]
Open Access Review

State of the Research: Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Children and Adolescents

Received: 20 August 2018;  Published: 04 January 2019;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1901001

Abstract

Background: Research support for a variety of health benefits of mindfulness-based interventions for adults is robust. These include management of stress, anxiety, and depression; as a supportive treatment for eating disorders, PTSD, and psychosis; improved sleep; chronic pain management; support for tobacco, alcohol, and substance abstinence; [...]
Open Access Review

Binary Model of the Dynamics of Active versus Passive Mindfulness in Managing Depression

Received: 27 July 2018;  Published: 23 December 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804037

Abstract

Background: Meditation has developed over many centuries within a diverse range of religious traditions including Middle-Eastern, Indian, and East-Asian. Of these, mindfulness meditation from the Buddhist (Indian) tradition, has been the most extensively adopted in the Western secular world primarily with applications in health and well-being [...]
Open Access Review

Meditation and Immune Function: The Impact of Stress Management on the Immune System

Received: 16 July 2018;  Published: 02 December 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804032

Abstract

As alternative forms of medicine have become increasingly popular, research on the health benefits of meditation has grown. Specifically, Mindfulness Meditation, Transcendental Meditation, and Qigong have been shown to be effective in treating psychological disorders, enhancing immune function, and in delaying disease progression in patients [...]
Open Access Original Research

Impacts of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on the Psychological and Functional Wellbeing of Patients with Bipolar Disorders

Received: 24 July 2018;  Published: 05 November 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804028

Abstract

Background: This time series analysis investigated variations in psychic and somatic anxiety during and after completion of MBCT compared to baseline in patients diagnosed with BD. Secondary variables considered were sleep quality and quality of life, as well as depressive and manic symptoms. Methods: HAMD-29, HAMD-7 and YMRS were administered [...]
Open Access Review

Integrating Mindfulness and Physical Exercises for Medical Students: A Systematic Review

Received: 25 May 2018;  Published: 26 October 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804027

Abstract

Abstract: (1) Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to appraise the empirical evidence and refereed literature pertaining to medical students and the integration of mindfulness and physical exercise regimens. (2) Methods: A systematic review protocol was implemented. Five databases were utilised to survey the salient literatur [...]
Open Access Original Research

A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding Conceptions of Mindfulness Meditation

Received: 19 June 2018;  Published: 14 October 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804026

Abstract

Background: Mindfulness meditation (MM) is an increasing area of interest for health professionals and the general public alike. Beneficial outcomes are associated with this practice; however, definitions of mindfulness and meditation are varied, and anecdotal accounts suggest that people hold misconceptions about the constructs. Furthermore [...]
Open Access Communication

Meditation as an Intervention for Health: A Framework for Understanding Meditation Research

Received: 30 July 2018;  Published: 09 October 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804025

Abstract

We propose a framework for understanding meditation that can support greater scientific rigor in conducting meditation research, and selecting meditation health interventions. There are no consistent and rigorous standards for describing meditation research interventions. This impedes rigor of meditation research design and interpretation [...]
Open Access Original Research

Feasibility of a Meditation Video Game to Reduce Anxiety in College Students

Received: 27 July 2018;  Published: 07 October 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804024

Abstract

(1) Background: Meditation is a common intervention for college students suffering from issues with anxiety. Due to this popularity, several meditation-based video games have been released which can be used to supplement or motivate meditation practice. However, these tools are not often given scrutiny in a laboratory setting before being [...]
Open Access Original Research

Specific Somatic Symptoms Alleviated by Mindfulness Meditation Training

Received: 20 April 2018;  Published: 29 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1804023

Abstract

Background: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based intervention developed to teach mindfulness meditation to a wide range of patients. Although the efficacy of MBSR has been established for a variety of medical and psychiatric conditions, measured outcomes typically are limited to anxiety, depression, and/or stress [...]
Open Access Review

A Review of the Efficacy of Yoga and Meditation-Based Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Received: 27 June 2018;  Published: 05 September 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1803018

Abstract

Abstract: (1) Background: This paper presents a review of the evidence regarding the efficacy and impact of yoga and meditation-based interventions among patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Patients who suffer from RA express a variety of symptoms that negatively impact their physical functioning and performance in social roles. Yoga [...]
Open Access Original Research

The Four-Facet Model of Eudaimonic Resilience and Its Relationships with Mindfulness, Perceived Stress and Resilience

Received: 10 July 2018;  Published: 21 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1803015

Abstract

Elevated levels of psychological distress in university students is a growing area of concern as it is associated with a variety of consequences including mental illness symptoms, absenteeism, and poor academic performance. A growing body of research has indicated that resilience in university students is associated with reduced psychological [...]
Open Access Case Report

Living with Spondylolisthesis with (Relative) Equanimity

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

Abstract

Objectives: Living with any chronic pain condition is a challenge that can be met when one reduces reactivity to the sensory 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 [...]
Open Access Review

The Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Received: 28 March 2018;  Published: 25 June 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1802011

Abstract

Abstract Background: An increasing number of patients and practitioners are using mindfulness meditation programs despite uncertainty about the evidence supporting these programs’ health benefits. Aim: To review the current evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) on depressive symptoms and quality of life [...]
Open Access Original Research

Leveraging Mindfulness to Build Resilience and Professional Quality of Life in Human Service Professionals

Received: 04 April 2018;  Published: 15 May 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1802007

Abstract

Objective: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown promise in cultivating resilience and are widely accepted as efficacious in the treatment of a range of psychological disorders. This paper explores the feasibility of a Mindful-Awareness and Resilience Skills Training (MARST) program to enhance mindfulness and resilience, as a means [...]
Open Access Original Research

Mindfulness Meditation in College Students to Advance Health Equity

Received: 21 February 2018;  Published: 15 May 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1802006

Abstract

Purpose High levels of mindfulness correspond with some positive health behaviors such as exercise participation, fruit and vegetable intake, and effective stress management. This study provided mindfulness meditation during an academic semester to a group of predominantly minority college students derived from a population in which 77.9 [...]
Open Access Communication

Open Dialogue and the Impact of Therapist Mindfulness on the Health of Clients

Received: 28 January 2018;  Published: 27 March 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1801001

Abstract

The value of mindfulness for clinical staff in the mental health field has thus been increasingly recognised over recent year and thus is now culminating in the evaluation and, potential future role out, of whole system approaches like Open Dialogue that put clinician mindfulness at the heart of the model. It is anticipated that this will [...]
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