BACKGROUND: Recent research has demonstrated significant associations between body image dissatisfaction and mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, across diverse populations. AIM: This systematic review...BACKGROUND: Recent research has demonstrated significant associations between body image dissatisfaction and mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, across diverse populations. AIM: This systematic review aims to synthesize existing evidence on the relationship between body image and these mental health outcomes, identify gaps in current research, and explore the mediators and moderators of this relationship. METHODS: Utilizing the PRISMA guidelines for rigorous and transparent reporting, this review synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed studies published between January 2015 and December 2024. A Boolean search was performed on databases like Scopus, Medline, and PubMed. 12 studies were found eligible for review. RESULTS: The literature reveals significant associations between body image dissatisfaction and increased levels of anxiety and depression. These relationships are evident across various life stages and cultural contexts, with pronounced impact during periods of significant physical changes such as puberty, pregnancy, and aging. This review also identifies a cyclical interplay between negative body perceptions and mental health disorders, exacerbated by societal pressures and idealized media portrayals. Key mediators like stress and coping strategies and moderators including gender, age, and cultural norms are explored to understand their roles in this complex relationship. CONCLUSION: While body image dissatisfaction consistently correlates with poorer mental health, the dynamics of these associations vary, warranting the need for tailored interventions. KEYWORDS: Body Image, anxiety, Depression, Depressive symptoms, body dissatisfaction.
ABSTRACT: Adolescence is a crucial period that can have lifelong effects on health. The COVID-19 pandemic's adverse effects on adolescent health, particularly the physical and mental well-being, have been emphasized in s...ABSTRACT: Adolescence is a crucial period that can have lifelong effects on health. The COVID-19 pandemic's adverse effects on adolescent health, particularly the physical and mental well-being, have been emphasized in several World Health Organization (WHO) reports. Factors contributing to health disparities, including socioeconomic determinants, limited healthcare access, and psychosocial challenges, are identified. This article delves into the potential of yoga as a holistic wellness approach, presenting existing evidence on its benefits for adolescents. The mechanisms through which yoga addresses health inequalities are described by emphasizing its impact on physical well-being, mental health, and social connectivity. The implementation strategies for yoga programs, within school curricula and community-based initiatives, are outlined, focusing on cultural sensitivity, accessibility, and inclusivity. It also promotes the role of evidence-based interventions, including yoga, in cultivating resilient adolescent populations in society. Since yoga programs are also offered through telehealth platforms, there is an urgent need to explore the role of these online platforms in extending the reach of yoga, especially in promoting accessibility and inclusivity. The importance of accessibility and inclusivity, including physical and financial aspects, in yoga programs should be considered. Besides, cultural sensitivity is also crucial for effective healthcare promotion, emphasizing the need for tailored yoga interventions that respect diverse cultures. This article also identifies research gaps, offers future directions in studying yoga interventions for adolescents, and highlights the need for longitudinal studies and diverse intervention approaches. In essence, this article promotes a holistic approach to adolescent health, leveraging the benefits of yoga to foster equity and well-being for adolescents in present and future pandemics. KEYWORDS: Adolescents Health Disparities, Yoga, Pandemic, COVID-19.
BACKGROUND: Air pollution poses a significant public health risk, particularly in urban areas such as Delhi-NCR, where airborne pollutants are prevalent. This exposure contributes to impaired pulmonary function and incre...BACKGROUND: Air pollution poses a significant public health risk, particularly in urban areas such as Delhi-NCR, where airborne pollutants are prevalent. This exposure contributes to impaired pulmonary function and increased psychological stress. While pharmacological interventions exist, holistic approaches such as yoga remain underexplored in this context. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the impact of a structured yoga program on pulmonary function and psychological well-being in individuals chronically exposed to air pollution in Delhi-NCR. METHODS: A 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted among 86 adults, aged 18-50 years. Participants were randomly assigned to a yoga intervention group or a control group. The intervention group practiced a structured daily yoga regimen informed by Hatha Yoga philosophy, comprising 60-minute sessions of asanas, pranayama, and guided meditation, five days a week. Pulmonary functions, such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiration flow rate (PEFR), were assessed using spirometry. Psychological health was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). Quality of life was evaluated using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). All assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: The yoga group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pulmonary function (FVC: +0.83 L, FEV1: +0.93 L, PEFR: +2.06 L/sec), psychological well-being (reduced DASS-21 and PSS scores), and quality of life (improved SGRQ scores). In contrast, the control group showed deterioration in all measured outcomes. CONCLUSION: Yoga appears to be an effective, non-pharmacological strategy to counteract the negative health effects of air pollution. These findings suggest that integration of structured yoga programs into public health interventions may be beneficial for populations residing in polluted urban environments. KEYWORDS: Yoga, Air Pollution, Pulmonary Function, Psychological Health, Pranayama, Oxidative Stress, Quality of Life.
ABSTRACT: Due to the shift-based nature of their work, security personnel are prone to inadequate sleep, elevated stress levels, and other psycho-physiological challenges. The present study adopted a pre-post design to e...ABSTRACT: Due to the shift-based nature of their work, security personnel are prone to inadequate sleep, elevated stress levels, and other psycho-physiological challenges. The present study adopted a pre-post design to evaluate the efficacy of yoga practice in enhancing sleep quality and stress-coping ability among shift-based security personnel. 64 participants were randomly assigned to the Experimental Group (n = 32) and the Control Group (n = 32). The Experimental Group received thirty sessions of yoga intervention from 7.00 AM to 8.00 AM, over two months, comprising selected asanas, pranayama practices, silent meditation, and relaxation techniques, while the Control Group continued their routine activities without any intervention. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and perceived stress was assessed through the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Blood pressure was recorded using a digital monitor. The findings revealed a statistically significant improvement (P < .05) in the Experimental Group across the measured parameters, whereas the Control Group showed no significant changes in any of the variables. Based on the analysis, the present study concludes that the yoga intervention could effectively enhance sleep quality and reduce stress among the security personnel. KEYWORDS: Yoga, Security personnel, Quality of sleep, Stress, Blood pressure, Shift work.
BACKGROUND: The need to investigate safe and innovative clinical therapies is highlighted by the fact that chronic recurrent aphthous ulcers, also known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis, are a very prevalent but poorly u...BACKGROUND: The need to investigate safe and innovative clinical therapies is highlighted by the fact that chronic recurrent aphthous ulcers, also known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis, are a very prevalent but poorly understood mucosal condition that significantly affects patients' quality of life with frequent recurrences. Although aphthous ulcers have received a lot of clinical and research attention, treatment is usually symptomatic. Despite a plethora of therapeutic options for oral ulcers in Unani medicine, there is little empirical evidence to support them. In this case report, we describe a case of recurrent aphthous stomatitis that was treated with Habb-e-Zaranbad, a Unani formulation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old male patient presented to our service with painful ulcerative lesions on the upper labial mucosa for the past 5 days. The patient was examined clinically before intervention and was diagnosed with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Data was collected through detailed patient history, clinical examination, and relevant laboratory investigations, including assessments for nutritional deficiencies. The patient received twice-daily doses of Habb-e-Zaranbad (morning and evening) for 14 days. In addition to assessing the ulcer healing state, a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale for pain and burning sensation was used to gauge therapeutic response. Following a two-week follow-up, the discomfort and burning sensation had diminished dramatically, and the ulcers had healed entirely. Also, a three-month follow-up revealed no recurrence, and no adverse effects were reported during the treatment. CONCLUSION: Our case investigation highlighted the efficacy of the Unani formulation Habb-e-Zaranbad as a safe and non-invasive therapeutic option, positioning it as a potential avenue for managing recurrent aphthous stomatitis. However, further research, particularly large-sample randomized controlled trials, is imperative to establish its efficacy and effectiveness in preventing and treating this condition. KEYWORDS: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis, Unani medicine, Habb-e-Zaranbad, Case report.
CONTEXT: Epilepsy is a potentially disabling brain disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Laying on of hands has been used as a complementary treatment among patients with epilepsy. OBJECTIVE: This study assess...CONTEXT: Epilepsy is a potentially disabling brain disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Laying on of hands has been used as a complementary treatment among patients with epilepsy. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed brain activity in patients with epilepsy exposed to laying on of hands-off (no physical contact) with healing intent, with or without Spiritual connection, and control. DESIGN: This is a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: The study was conducted at the Center for Integrative and Complementary Practices of the Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with epilepsy, aged over 18 years. Subjects were excluded if they refused to sign the consent form, could not understand the questionnaires, were pregnant, or were newly diagnosed with epilepsy. INTERVENTION: Using block randomization, eligible patients were allocated to one of three groups: laying on of hands-off with healing intent and Spiritual connection by Spiritist "passe" (Spiritual healing); laying on of hands-off with healing intent and without Spiritual connection; and control group. Each intervention lasted five minutes. Patients were evaluated by a blinded researcher at baseline and post-intervention. OUTCOME MEASURES: Brain activity was assessed using an Electroencephalogram before, during, and after five minutes of intervention. RESULTS: The result of the study showed a significant increase within-subject in alpha rhythm between during- and post-intervention in both the laying on of hands with healing intent, with (P = .040; Bonferroni post-hoc test P = .006), and without (P = .010; Bonferroni post-hoc test P = .021) Spiritual connection groups, with no significant improvement in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the laying on of hands with healing intent as adjuvant therapy can promote changes at the neurophysiological level by increasing the alpha rhythm in patients with epilepsy. However, further studies with long-term follow-ups are warranted. KEYWORDS: Spiritual healing; Biofield energy therapy; Alternative medicine; Laying on of hands; Epilepsy; "Spiritism passe".
Deepa Y, Kumar KM, Gowtham S
… +2 more, Manavalan N, Christa SE
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2025 Summer · PMID 40489372
BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, requiring effective management strategies. While pharmacological treatment remains the cornerstone, non-pharmacological interventions such as y...BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, requiring effective management strategies. While pharmacological treatment remains the cornerstone, non-pharmacological interventions such as yoga and naturopathy are promising in blood pressure regulation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of integrated yoga and naturopathy therapies (INYTs) in managing blood pressure and cardiovascular parameters among hypertensive patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed inpatient medical records from January to December 2018 at the Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College and Hospital. 281 hypertensive patients were allocated to two groups: patients receiving antihypertensive medication (n = 156) and those without medication (n = 125). INTERVENTIONS: All participants received a standardized 15-day individualized and group INYT sessions, including yoga practices (asana, pranayama, meditation), naturopathy-based hydrotherapy, mud therapy, massage, acupuncture, and dietary interventions. MAIN OUTCOMES: Primary outcomes included changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), pulse pressure (PP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), rate pressure product (RPP), and double product (DoP) measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant reductions (P < .05) in SBP, DBP, HR, PP, MAP, RPP, and DoP following the intervention. Hypertensive patients without medication exhibited a greater reduction in SBP (142.1 ± 11.9 mmHg to 129.8 ± 14.7 mmHg) and DBP (86.4 ± 9.4 mmHg to 76.5 ± 6.5 mmHg) than those on medication (SBP: 126.2 ± 3.5 mmHg to 118.7 ± 2.4 mmHg; DBP: 74.5 ± 4.2 mmHg to 66.5 ± 9.0 mmHg). The intergroup analysis confirmed a significantly greater improvement in the non-medication group (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: INYTs were associated with significant improvements in blood pressure and cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive patients. The greater magnitude of improvement observed in the non-medication group suggests potential benefits of INYTs as an adjunct to conventional management.
BACKGROUND: Asthma, a chronic inflammatory lung condition, often brings symptoms like chest tightness, breathlessness, and wheezing. While treatments exist, this study explored the impact of yoga as a therapeutic interve...BACKGROUND: Asthma, a chronic inflammatory lung condition, often brings symptoms like chest tightness, breathlessness, and wheezing. While treatments exist, this study explored the impact of yoga as a therapeutic intervention for asthma management in India. METHODS: Thirty patients with mild-to-moderate asthma were recruited from AIIMS Rishikesh. They were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (standard treatment plus yoga) or a control group (standard treatment plus placebo exercises). Key measures, including the Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Quality of Life (AQOL), and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), were assessed weekly for three months. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant improvements in ACT and AQOL scores (P < .001) compared to the control group. Although PEFR improvements were observed, they were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Combined with standard treatment, yoga offers a promising, cost-effective complementary therapy for asthma patients. The positive response to online yoga also opens doors for broader research and application. Further studies on larger populations are recommended to validate these findings. KEYWORDS: Asthma, Breathing Exercise, Pranayama, Pulmonary Function, Yoga, Quality of Life.
Sreedhar P, Patil SS, Nagarathna R
… +3 more, Netravathi M, Ramalingaiah AH, Gangaraju SH
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2025 Summer · PMID 40489370
BACKGROUND: Yoga practices have shown benefits in people with multiple sclerosis, improving their memory, fatigue, bladder symptoms, perception, stress, mood, and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the e...BACKGROUND: Yoga practices have shown benefits in people with multiple sclerosis, improving their memory, fatigue, bladder symptoms, perception, stress, mood, and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the effects of add-on yoga in people with recurrent remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single group, pre-post retrospective study, involving 92 participants with RRMS in remission and residual symptoms, undergoing neurorehabilitation at Kuratorium Wohnen Alter (KWA) in Germany (n = 32) and SVYASA University in India (n = 60). All participants received a two-week integrated yoga module, without changes to medications. Clinical assessments were performed using a symptom checklist for Indian and the Barthel index for German participants, before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements (P < .05) in their symptoms and vital parameters. The Barthel index improved by 21%, and the symptom scale by 53%. Vital parameters revealed a 5.6% and 3.3% reduction in systolic blood pressure in the German and Indian cohorts, respectively, and a 2.3% and 4.0% reduction in diastolic blood pressure in the two respective cohorts. Resting respiratory rate decreased by 13.34%, with an increase in exhalation time (humming Bhramari) by 49%, indicating reduced autonomic arousal. 26 and 50 participants in the German and Indian cohorts, respectively, were on disease-modifying agents (standard medication). Symptom analysis showed significant reductions (P < .05) in fatigue, pain, imbalance, stiffness, numbness, and impaired mobility, with gait improvement. After 7 years, the Indian cohort showed a 53% reduction in their symptom score. CONCLUSION: Add-on integrated yoga therapy improved symptoms and vital parameters for both Caucasian and Indian people with MS. No relapses were observed over 7 years in regular Indian yoga practitioners using disease-modifying agents.
Ayurvedic stress management offers a comprehensive, individualized approach to health by viewing stress as a disruption of the body's natural equilibrium rather than solely a psychological condition. Rooted in the ancien...Ayurvedic stress management offers a comprehensive, individualized approach to health by viewing stress as a disruption of the body's natural equilibrium rather than solely a psychological condition. Rooted in the ancient principles of mind-body-spirit integration, Ayurveda identifies stress as a manifestation of imbalances influenced by physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Central to this framework is the concept of dosha-based stress expression: Vata imbalances result in anxiety and restlessness; Pitta imbalances manifest as irritability and inflammation; and Kapha imbalances lead to lethargy and emotional withdrawal. Gender-specific stress patterns also play a role, with women more prone to Vata-related imbalances and men to Pitta-related conditions, due to hormonal and physiological differences. At the core of Ayurvedic stress reduction lies the preservation of Agni (digestive fire), which supports optimal metabolism and mental clarity. Disruption in Agni contributes to toxin accumulation (ama), further intensifying stress and health issues. Ayurveda addresses these disruptions through dietary guidelines emphasizing warm, nourishing foods; lifestyle practices such as dinacharya (daily routines) aligned with circadian rhythms; and therapeutic techniques like yoga, meditation, pranayama, Abhyanga (self-massage), and Shirodhara (oil therapy). Special attention is given to stress-related reproductive challenges and the holistic rejuvenation offered by Panchakarma detox therapies. Gender-specific recommendations further refine treatment protocols, offering Pitta-pacifying regimens for men and Vata-soothing practices for women. Ayurvedic herbs, classified for their adaptogenic and nervine properties, play a vital role in modulating stress responses by supporting the nervous system and balancing doshic influences. Through its integrative and preventative approach, Ayurveda provides a time-tested, personalized pathway to enhance resilience, restore equilibrium, and cultivate long-term emotional and physical well-being.
INTRODUCTION: Om is considered the primordial sound of the universe and is highly regarded in the Indian tradition. Dhyana (meditation) on the Om mantra, a yogic mento-spiritual practice, can be performed through various...INTRODUCTION: Om is considered the primordial sound of the universe and is highly regarded in the Indian tradition. Dhyana (meditation) on the Om mantra, a yogic mento-spiritual practice, can be performed through various methods such as verbal/mental chanting, listening to it, and gazing or visualization. Several health-related benefits are reportedly associated with it. The study aimed to qualitatively analyze all the health-related benefits from the existing scientific literature. METHODS: A systematic advance search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases which yielded 101 studies, and 5 additional studies were identified through searching citations. After removing duplicates and screening the relevant studies, 20 studies were finalized for review. Studies were grouped according to their reported effects and analyzed qualitatively by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for Quasi-Experimental Studies and Randomized Controlled Trials. RESULTS: Out of 20 reviewed studies, 17 were quasi-experimental, while 3 were randomized controlled studies. 11 studies monitored brain functions, 8 assessed cardiac functions, and 1 evaluated pulmonary functions. The duration of most studies (18 studies) assessing the effect of Om chanting was ≤3 days. Studies reported increased alpha and theta activities of brain waves, enhanced cognition, relaxation, greater heart rate variability, and autonomic balance. The overall quality of the studies (as per the JBI tool) was fair (18 out of 20 studies). CONCLUSION: Overall, a tendency towards balancing and improving the brain and cardiac functions was seen through enhanced relaxation and awareness. However, studies with robust designs exploring the long-term effects of Om meditation on a larger population are needed.
CONTEXT: Frequent screen use in adolescents is linked to adverse health effects. Yoga practice fosters self-regulation, which can help limit screen time and promote healthy behaviors. This study developed and validated a...CONTEXT: Frequent screen use in adolescents is linked to adverse health effects. Yoga practice fosters self-regulation, which can help limit screen time and promote healthy behaviors. This study developed and validated a first-of-its-kind yoga module to minimize excessive screen time among adolescents. OBJECTIVE: This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and potential efficacy of yoga intervention in promoting healthy screen time regulation and reducing related symptoms like depression, anxiety, eye strain, and physical health issues. DESIGN AND SETTING: A yoga module was designed using the Integrative Approach to Yoga Therapy, incorporating holistic yogic principles. The study was conducted at the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA) University, Bengaluru, India. PARTICIPANTS: The module was developed and validated by 26 yoga professors from various yoga schools in India. The pilot study included 26 female adolescents (ages 16-17 years) from Bengaluru, South India. INTERVENTION: The intervention group underwent a four-week, expert-approved integrated yoga program comprising 12 sessions of 45-minute yoga techniques. The control group received digital hygiene education. OUTCOME MEASURES: Content validity was assessed using Lawshe's Content Validity Ratio (CVR), and standard questionnaires were used to measure screen time, anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), well-being (WHO-5, KIDSCREEN-10), and smartphone addiction (SAS-SV). RESULTS: Six practices were removed due to low CVR scores, and 21 out of 27 validated practices were retained in the final module (CVI = 0.72). After 12 yoga sessions, participants showed a significant decline in screen time and associated complications. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that yoga reduces anxiety and depression, enhances physical and psychological well-being, and improves self-regulation, leading to a decline in excessive screen time behaviors.
Mooventhan A, Nivethitha L, Kahlil Subramanian K
… +1 more, Manavalan N
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2025 Spring · PMID 40265987
BACKGROUND: Obesity increases the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hepatic steatosis, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc. Unhealthy food habits and lack of physical activity play an important r...BACKGROUND: Obesity increases the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hepatic steatosis, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc. Unhealthy food habits and lack of physical activity play an important role in obesity. Yoga and naturopathy provide holistic and individualized care to treat the disease by promoting the innate self-healing capacity and thus may be beneficial in obesity management. AIM: This study aimed to assess the impact of a residential yoga and naturopathy intervention on weight and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients with obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study design was adopted in which data between August 2019 and October 2022 were screened from hospital inpatient records and 452 eligible patients' data were included. Subjects received a residential yoga and naturopathy intervention. Their baseline and post-intervention parameters were extracted and data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. RESULTS: A significant reduction was observed in weight, body mass index, hip circumference, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, mid-arm circumference, mid-thigh circumference, blood pressure, pulse rate, mean arterial pressure, rate pressure product, double product, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and perceived stress scale score after yoga and naturopathy intervention. However, no significant changes were noticed in postprandial blood glucose levels in the post-test compared to the pre-test assessments. CONCLUSION: Residential yoga and naturopathy intervention have a potential therapeutic impact in reducing weight and its associated cardiovascular risk factors in patients with obesity. However, prospective randomized controlled trials are recommended to validate the study findings.
Mooventhan A, Sheeja Begum N, Gowthami R
… +1 more, Nivethitha L
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2025 Winter · PMID 40064007
BACKGROUND: Yoga is an ancient lifestyle practice and science of the spiritual realm. According to the philosophy of yoga, the most sacred syllable of chanting is Om. Despite ample evidence on the effect of Om chanting o...BACKGROUND: Yoga is an ancient lifestyle practice and science of the spiritual realm. According to the philosophy of yoga, the most sacred syllable of chanting is Om. Despite ample evidence on the effect of Om chanting on several physiologic variables, there is no comprehensive review of Om chanting and its effect on various systems of the body. OBJECTIVES: To provide a comprehensive review of the evidence-based effect of Om chanting on various systems of the body. METHODS: To find the relevant articles in English, a literature search was conducted using the search terms "Om chanting," "AUM chanting," and "Om meditation" in the Cochrane Library and PubMed up to March 17, 2023. Articles available from the literature search (n=130) were screened and potentially eligible articles were recognized and incorporated (n=21) into this review. RESULTS: Om chanting has been shown to modulate brain activity, regulate neurohemodynamics, activate parasympathetic activity, improve lipid profile, memory, emotional processing, and relaxation, and reduce stress, blood pressure, inflammatory biomarkers, and pain without any adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Available scientific literature suggests that Om chanting is a safe, feasible, and cost-effective intervention that produces beneficial effects on the nervous, cardiopulmonary, and musculoskeletal systems. However, additional basic and clinical studies are needed to explore its effect on different systems of the body.
Kalpana ML, Mooventhan A, Mangaiarkarasi N
… +1 more, Manavalan N
Adv Mind Body Med
· 2025 Winter · PMID 40064006
BACKGROUND: Acupuncture and moxibustion are used worldwide for treating various diseases including asthma. Conception Vessel 17 (CV-17) is the influential point for the respiratory tissues. It is commonly used in the man...BACKGROUND: Acupuncture and moxibustion are used worldwide for treating various diseases including asthma. Conception Vessel 17 (CV-17) is the influential point for the respiratory tissues. It is commonly used in the management of asthma. However, there are no known studies that report the effect of needling with moxibustion at CV-17 alone in asthma patients. Thus, this study aimed to examine the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion at CV-17 on pulmonary functions in asthma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized placebo-controlled study, a total of sixty participants with asthma were recruited from a medical college and hospital located in Chennai, India. All the recruited participants were randomly assigned to either the acupuncture with moxibustion group (AMG) or placebo control group (PCG). AMG received needling with moxibustion at the CV-17 acupuncture point, while PCG received needling with moxibustion at a non-acupuncture point for 20 minutes once a day, daily for 2 weeks. RESULTS: Within-group analysis showed a significant increase in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expired volume in 1s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, forced expiratory flow (FEF)25-75%, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in AMG, whereas PCG showed a significant increase in only FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, and FEF25-75%. Furthermore, the increase in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEFR were greater in AMG than PCG. None of the participants reported any serious adverse effects during the study period. CONCLUSION: Two weeks of needling with moxibustion at CV-17 improved pulmonary functions better than needling with moxibustion at a non-acupuncture point in asthma patients.