Advances In Mind-body Medicine[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Conceptualizations of Qigong in Chinese and English Research Literature: The Overlooked Cultural Knowledge of "State of Unity" and "Heart".
Li J, Jouper J
Adv Mind Body Med · 2018 Spring · PMID 31370041
Qigong belongs to the tradition of self-healing and traditional Chinese ethnic sport. In a scientific context, how Qigong is conceptualized influences the quality and comparability of research. Unfortunately, the concept...
Qigong belongs to the tradition of self-healing and traditional Chinese ethnic sport. In a scientific context, how Qigong is conceptualized influences the quality and comparability of research. Unfortunately, the concept of Qigong is vague. The aim of this paper is to explore the conception of Qigong by comparing the similarities and differences in the notions of Qigong published in Chinese and English literature. A case-based comparative method is used to analyze Chinese and English notions of Qigong. These 2 cases are compared using a conceptual frame of reference. The results show that the conceptual structure of the 2 cases is similar. The most essential cultural knowledge "state of unity," as the unique mechanism of healing and the aim of Qigong, is overlooked in the Chinese and English notions. In addition, the Chinese cultural knowledge "Heart" is translated into the English word mind. Vagueness about the aim of Qigong ("state of unity") and the cultural trait of the "Heart" (vs "mind" in English) hinders the quality and comparability of research. Researchers should, therefore, be more precise about these essential cultural aspects of knowledge when the concept of Qigong is defined and its effectiveness studied.
Stress Coping Via Musical Neurofeedback.
Alexander F
Adv Mind Body Med · 2018 Spring · PMID 31370040
BACKGROUND: Music therapy (MT) and electroencephalogram (EEG)-based neurofeedback (NFB) are frequently used for treating central nervous system dysregulation. The advantages of using music as a signal for NFB have been r...
BACKGROUND: Music therapy (MT) and electroencephalogram (EEG)-based neurofeedback (NFB) are frequently used for treating central nervous system dysregulation. The advantages of using music as a signal for NFB have been recently shown. To combine these advantages with extreme personalization of NFB, the original musical NFB method has been developed. Instead of excessively wide-band, traditional EEG rhythms, it uses typical and significant for the individual narrow-band EEG oscillators automatically revealed in real time. DESIGN: This pilot study aimed to examine the efficiency of music stimulation online controlled by feedback signals from patient's EEG oscillators for the correction of stress-induced functional disturbances. METHODS: Sixteen specialists complaining from stress due to urgent workload voluntarily participated in 2 treatment sessions. In one of them, they simply listened to composition of classical music, whereas in another one, the loudness of the same music varied in strict accordance with the current amplitude of subject's alpha EEG oscillator. RESULTS: At the end of both treatments, normalization of the EEG, reduction of stress sensations, and positive shifts in mental and emotional status of the patients were observed. However, statistically significant positive changes occurred only in the case of feedback EEG control of music loudness. CONCLUSION: After further elaboration, a proposed and tested approach may be used in a wide range of rehabilitation procedures and for stress coping.
Qigong: An Effective Intervention on Positive Affect Traits for Forensic Mental Health Consumers.
Quinn C
Adv Mind Body Med · 2018 Spring · PMID 31370039
BACKGROUND: People experiencing mental illness require services that provide them with a sense of personal safety, a place where they can experience a reduction to their distress and assistance in managing their feelings...
BACKGROUND: People experiencing mental illness require services that provide them with a sense of personal safety, a place where they can experience a reduction to their distress and assistance in managing their feelings. Interventions need to explore therapies that enhance feelings of personal safety and comfort for consumers and within a forensic mental health service, therapies and support that can assist in combating the antecedents to violent offending. The practice of Qigong is reported to have numerous health benefits; however, little has been reported regarding the possible benefits of Qigong for people experiencing severe mental illness and, more specifically, for people experiencing severe mental illness who have serious offending histories such as forensic consumers. This study explores the possibility of using Qigong to reduce personal frustrations that can lead to violence. OBJECTIVES: The object of this study was to explore whether Qigong is an effective intervention on positive affect traits for forensic mental health consumers, and whether other benefits are experienced. METHODS: An exploratory design using quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. Consumers participated in weekly Qigong groups delivered for a 10-wk period. Data were collected using an adapted version of the positive affect rating scale measuring the degree to which people experience different positive emotions. Qualitative measures were added to the scale to obtain a deeper understanding of the consumer experience, with 67 scales completed. CONCLUSIONS: Consumers in a forensic hospital responded positively to participating in Qigong groups. Strategies such as Qigong are interventions that mental health clinicians can use to promote positive feelings of personal relaxation, peacefulness, and safety. Qigong can promote positive affective traits for consumers in forensic hospitals. These positive affective traits can act as protective factors to inpatient aggression and violence. Forensic consumers report that Qigong is easy to learn and helpful for them in managing their frustrations. The findings from this study may add to the paucity of data discussing the use of Qigong with consumers as an effective relaxation intervention and possibly as an intervention in reducing negative affective states by promoting positive affective states, thereby reducing aggression and possible violence occurring within the forensic inpatient environment.
Effect of 1-month Cyclic Meditation on Perceived Stress, General Health Status, and Cardiovascular Parameters in School Teachers.
Dahal PP, Pradhan B
Adv Mind Body Med · 2018 Spring · PMID 31370038
BACKGROUND: Teaching, known as a novel profession, is very stressful occupation. BACKGROUND: Methods and Materials • The sample was composed of 62 male and female Nepalese high school teachers with an age range between 2...
BACKGROUND: Teaching, known as a novel profession, is very stressful occupation. BACKGROUND: Methods and Materials • The sample was composed of 62 male and female Nepalese high school teachers with an age range between 25 to 55 y (M ± SD, 37.42 ± 8.59) . Only interested teachers were included, and those with physical disabilities and long-term meditation practitioners were excluded. Twenty daily sessions, lasting 30 min each, of cyclic meditation (CM) intervention were held for 1 mo. Assessment such as stress, using measures such as the perceived stress scale (PSS); blood pressure (BP); pulse through an automatic BP machine; and general health status, using the general health questionnaire (GHQ), were made on the first day and last day of the sessions. BACKGROUND: Results • After 1 mo of intervention, pulse rate (P < .01), PSS (P < .001), systolic BP (P < .001), GHQ-A (P < .001), GHQ-B (P < .001), GHQ-C (P < .001), GHQ-D (P < .001), and total GHQ (P < .001) showed significant results, but diastolic BP did not show any significant change (P ≤ .13). BACKGROUND: Conclusion • Providing deep relaxation CM helps teachers cope with stress.
Yoga Intervention for an Adolescent With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Case Study.
Feinstein AB, Cohen LL, Masuda A … +5 more , Griffin AT, Gamwell KL, Stiles MT, Angeles-Han ST, Prahalad S
Adv Mind Body Med · 2018 Winter · PMID 29406303
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic rheumatic disease associated with pain, stiffness, and psychosocial difficulties. The purpose of this case study was to investigate the impact of a yoga intervention on pa...
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic rheumatic disease associated with pain, stiffness, and psychosocial difficulties. The purpose of this case study was to investigate the impact of a yoga intervention on pain and morning stiffness in an adolescent female with JIA. A secondary aim was to assess the impact of this intervention on self-efficacy, mindfulness, health-related quality of life, and disease activity. A 17-y-old female with JIA participated in 3 yoga groups and home yoga practice with a digital video disc. She engaged in daily self-monitoring of pain and stiffness and completed questionnaires assessing psychosocial functioning and disease activity at pre- and postintervention, and psychosocial functioning at 3-mo follow-up. Primary outcomes were evaluated using quasi-experimental single-case design structure (ie, ABAB), with emphasis on the report of means. Results suggested that yoga reduced pain intensity, stiffness intensity, and duration of morning stiffness. Outcomes for disease activity also suggested improvements. Modest changes were revealed on psychosocial outcome measures, however not consistently in the direction of hypotheses. Anecdotal reports from the participant indicated acceptability of the intervention and improvements in pain and stiffness attributed to engaging in the yoga intervention. More research is warranted to further explore the impact of yoga for youth with JIA as an adjunctive component of multidisciplinary treatment targeting pain, stiffness, disease activity, and psychosocial factors.
Brief Report: Knowledge of, Interest in, and Willingness to Try Behavioral Interventions in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease.
Benge JF, Roberts RL, Kekecs Z … +1 more , Elkins G
Adv Mind Body Med · 2018 Winter · PMID 29406302
Purpose/Objective • Behavioral interventions hold enormous promise for managing a variety of motor and nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite this, prior studies have suggested that the utilization of the...
Purpose/Objective • Behavioral interventions hold enormous promise for managing a variety of motor and nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite this, prior studies have suggested that the utilization of these interventions is relatively low. The current study seeks to understand factors that could relate to the utilization of PD behavioral strategies. Specifically, the study evaluates the self-described knowledge of, interest in, and willingness to participate in behavioral interventions in a community-dwelling sample of individuals with PD. Research Method/Design • Forty-five individuals with PD completed a survey that assessed knowledge, interest, and willingness to participate in 5 behavioral interventions: hypnosis, relaxation training, mindfulness/meditation, computerized "brain games," and counseling. In addition, participants self-reported their quality of life across several domains; these domain scores were correlated with overall ratings of interest and willingness to participate in behavioral interventions. Results • Self-reported knowledge of behavioral interventions was low, but interest and willingness to participate was moderate to high across modalities. Statistically significant correlations were noted between perceived knowledge of the techniques and interest (r = 0.29, P = .05) as well as willingness to participate (r = 0.32, P = .03) in these techniques. Interest and willingness were also correlated with self-reported bodily discomfort (r = 0.36, P = .02). Conclusions/Implications • The participants of the current sample were interested and willing to participate in behavioral interventions but had limited knowledge of the potential for these techniques to manage their symptoms. The reported high level of willingness to participate in behavioral interventions suggests that it is feasible to provide behavioral interventions in this population.
The History of Mind (Psyche)-Body (Soma) Medicine: Practical Examples.
Martins PN
Adv Mind Body Med · 2018 Winter · PMID 29406301
This article discusses the relationship between health and disease, considering the mind/body dichotomy that has occurred in the history of medicine, both in Western and Eastern cultures. The author begins by referring t...
This article discusses the relationship between health and disease, considering the mind/body dichotomy that has occurred in the history of medicine, both in Western and Eastern cultures. The author begins by referring to the magical concept of disease, passing through the classical Greek period, and the medieval and Renaissance vision, to the evolution of modern concepts proposed by psychoanalysis. The author references some practical examples about the importance of the mind-body relationship, such as the psychological steps experienced by the oncological patient, as well as the psychiatric disorder.
Overview of Systematic Reviews of Mindfulness Meditation-based Interventions for People With Long-term Conditions.
Long J, Briggs M, Astin F
Adv Mind Body Med · 2017 Fall · PMID 29306938
Context • Increasing numbers of people worldwide live with a long-term health condition (LTC). Finding new ways to support people diagnosed with LTCs is important, both to improve their health-related quality of life and...
Context • Increasing numbers of people worldwide live with a long-term health condition (LTC). Finding new ways to support people diagnosed with LTCs is important, both to improve their health-related quality of life and to manage the demands on health services that their conditions present. This effort includes a recognition of the importance of interventions to promote self-care. A growing number of systematic reviews of mindfulness meditation-based interventions (MMIs) for people with LTCs have been published but are diverse in scope and quality. Objectives • This systematic review of reviews aims to provide a critical overview of reviews evaluating studies using MMIs and to identify outcomes and conditions for which the clearest evidence exists for MMI effectiveness. Design • The Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane, Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Medline, PsycInfo, and Web of Science databases were searched in November 2013 for systematic reviews of MMIs for LTCs published since January 2005. Review selection and methodological quality assessment were subject to independent checking. Results • Of 3178 identified articles, 27 papers reporting on 26 reviews met the inclusion criteria. A substantially consistent picture emerged. Improvements in depressive disorders, particularly recurrent major depression, were strongly supported. Evidence for other psychological conditions was limited by lack of data. In populations with physical conditions, the evidence for significant improvements in psychological well-being was clear, regardless of population or specific mindfulness intervention. Changes in physical health measures were inconclusive; however, pain acceptance and coping were improved. Further research is needed to determine long-term and mindfulness-specific effects and to clarify the relationship between levels of mindfulness practice and outcomes. Conclusions • MMIs are potentially beneficial to people with depression and a range of long-term physical conditions, particularly in improving psychological well-being.
The Effects of Stress and Meditation on the Immune System, Human Microbiota, and Epigenetics.
Househam AM, Peterson CT, Mills PJ … +1 more , Chopra D
Adv Mind Body Med · 2017 Fall · PMID 29306937
Context • Globally, more than 25% of individuals are affected by anxiety and depression disorders. Meditation is gaining popularity in clinical settings and its treatment efficacy is being studied for a wide array of psy...
Context • Globally, more than 25% of individuals are affected by anxiety and depression disorders. Meditation is gaining popularity in clinical settings and its treatment efficacy is being studied for a wide array of psychological and physiological ailments. An exploration of stress physiology is an essential precursor to delineation of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of meditation practices. Objective • The review outlines a model of interconnected physiological processes that might support the continued inclusion and expansion of meditation in the treatment of diverse medical conditions and to investigate the role that gut microbiota may play in realizing well-being through meditation. Design • The authors conducted a scientific literature database search with the goal of reviewing the link between stress management techniques and human microbiota. Their goal was also to identify the extent of underlying epigenetic reactions in these processes. The review was completed in approximately 2 y. Databases searched included Medline via PubMed and Ovid, PsycINFO via Ovid, Spinet, ProQuest Central, SAGE Research Methods Online, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Wiley Online Library. Keywords searched included, but were not limited to, stress, meditation, mindfulness, immune system, HPA axis, sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system, microbiota, microbiome, gut-barrier function, leaky gut, vagus nerve, psychoneuroimmunology, epigenetic, and NF-κB. Setting • The study took place at New York University (New York, NY, USA), the University of California, San Diego (La Jolla, CA, USA), and the Chopra Foundation (Carlsbad, CA, USA). Results • Psychological stress typically triggers a fight-or-flight response, prompting corticotropin-releasing hormone and catecholamine production in various parts of the body, which ultimately disturbs the microbiota. In the absence of stress, a healthy microbiota produces short-chain fatty acids that exert anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. During stress, an altered gut microbial population affects the regulation of neurotransmitters mediated by the microbiome and gut barrier function. Meditation helps regulate the stress response, thereby suppressing chronic inflammation states and maintaining a healthy gut-barrier function. Conclusions • The current research team recommends the integration of meditation into conventional health care and wellness models. Concurrently, studies to explore the effects of meditation on human microbiota are warranted.
Remote Healing of Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Fibromyalgia, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Through Lifestyle Change.
Brogan K
Adv Mind Body Med · 2017 Fall · PMID 29306936
This case report illustrates the relationship between gut, hormonal, and brain function in that dietary change, mindfulness interventions, and detoxification led to resolution of disabling psychiatric symptoms. In this c...
This case report illustrates the relationship between gut, hormonal, and brain function in that dietary change, mindfulness interventions, and detoxification led to resolution of disabling psychiatric symptoms. In this case, a single Caucasian female resolved her symptoms of bipolar disorder (BD) including psychotic features and suicidality, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms from childhood torture, disordered eating, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome through lifestyle interventions. This patient survived a severe trauma history only to develop alcohol dependence, disordered eating, and depressive symptoms, which were treated with a polypharmaceutical psychiatric approach. She was formally diagnosed with BD after being treated with antidepressants and went on to be treated with up to 15 medications in the ensuing years. Disabled by the side effects of her treatment, she worked with her treating psychiatrist to taper off of 4 medications before she learned of nutritional change through a book authored by the author. After completing 1 mo of these recommendations including dietary change, detox, and meditation, she enrolled in the author's online program and went on to resolve her symptoms, physical and psychiatric, to the extent that BD has been removed from her medical record. She has been symptom free for 1 y. This case is evidence of the potential for self-directed healing and resolution of chronic illness.
Hypnosis and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Visual Disorders During Pregnancy: A Case Report.
Russo G, Remonato A, Remonato R … +1 more , Zanier E
Adv Mind Body Med · 2017 Summer · PMID 28987037
Context • Pregnancy causes physiological alterations to the visual system, particularly in relation to retinal vascularization, with a consequent increase of intraocular pressure, and to the lacrimal fluid, with a conseq...
Context • Pregnancy causes physiological alterations to the visual system, particularly in relation to retinal vascularization, with a consequent increase of intraocular pressure, and to the lacrimal fluid, with a consequent ocular dryness, which both can lead to a reduction in visual acuity. Numerous case reports refer to the employment of hypnotic treatment in cases of myopia, but the literature does not report any case of decreased visual acuity postpartum that was treated with hypnosis. Objective • For women with visual disorders that had appeared during pregnancy or were preexisting, the study intended to evaluate the benefits of treatment of the diaphragm by hypnotherapy and osteopathy to modify intracorporeal pressure and restore the women's visual function. Design • The research team performed a case study. Setting • The setting was a private osteopathic clinic. Participant • The participant was a 35-y-old woman lacking visual acuity postpartum. Intervention • The study took place during a period of 1 d. The participant first took part in a hypnotherapy session, the first intervention, and then participated in an osteopathic session, the second intervention. Outcome Measures • For the first evaluation of visual function at baseline, 3 tests were performed: (1) a visual acuity test; (2) a cover test for near and distance vision; and (3) a test for near point convergence. The visual function evaluation (all 3 tests) occurred after the 2 types of treatment (T1, T2). Finally, a visual function evaluation (all 3 tests) occurred at a follow-up session 1 mo after the end of treatment (T3). Results • The intervention produced a significant improvement in visual acuity, due to the multidisciplinary approach of treatment with hypnotherapy and osteopathy, and achieved a result that was maintained in the medium term. Conclusions • Hypnosis and osteopathy produced a significant improvement in visual acuity and the result was maintained in the medium term. Further studies are needed to verify the efficacy of the 2 treatments.
Prayer Healing: A Case Study Research Protocol.
Kruijthoff DJ, van der Kooi C, Glas G … +1 more , Abma TA
Adv Mind Body Med · 2017 Summer · PMID 28987036
Context • Prayer healing is a common practice in many religious communities around the world. Even in the highly secularized Dutch society, cases of prayer healing are occasionally reported in the media, often generating...
Context • Prayer healing is a common practice in many religious communities around the world. Even in the highly secularized Dutch society, cases of prayer healing are occasionally reported in the media, often generating public attention. There is an ongoing debate regarding whether such miraculous cures do actually occur and how to interpret them. Objective • The aim of the article was to present a research protocol for the investigation of reported cases of remarkable and/or unexplained healing after prayer. Design • The research team developed a method to perform a retrospective, case-based study of prayer healing. Reported prayer healings can be investigated systematically in accordance with a step-by-step methodology. The focus is on understanding the healing by studying it from multiple perspectives, using both medical judgment and patients' narratives collected by qualitative methods Setting • The study occurred at Vrije Universiteit (VU) and VU Medical Center (Amsterdam, Netherlands) as well as the general medical practice of the first author. Participants • Potential participants could be any individuals in the Netherlands or neighboring countries who claim to have been healed through prayer. The reports of healing came from multiple sources, including the research team's medical practices and their direct vicinities, newspaper articles, prayer healers, and medical colleagues. Outcome Measures • Medical data were obtained before and after prayer. Subsequently, a member of a research team and of a medical assessment committee made a standardized judgment that evaluated whether a cure was clinically remarkable or scientifically unexplained. The participants' experiences and insider perspectives were studied, using in-depth interviews in accordance with a qualitative research methodology, to gain insight into the perceptions and explanations of the cures that were offered by participants and by the members of the medical assessment committee. The medical findings and participants' experiences were weighed and interpreted based on a transdisciplinary framework, including biopsychosocial and theological perspectives, with reference to a conceptual framework derived from Ian Barbour's typology of positions in the science-religion debate. Conclusion • A case-based, research study protocol that compares medical and experiential findings and that interprets and structures those findings with reference to Ian Barbour's conceptual model is an innovative way of gaining deeper insight into the nature of remarkable and/or unexplained cures.
The Psychoneuroimmunological Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder.
Rutkofsky IH, Khan AS, Sahito S … +1 more , Kumar V
Adv Mind Body Med · 2017 Summer · PMID 28987035
Context • Psychoneuroimmunology is the interdisciplinary study that links behavioral health with the neuroendocrinal system and investigates that link's bidirectional impact on the human immune system. Mechanistic studie...
Context • Psychoneuroimmunology is the interdisciplinary study that links behavioral health with the neuroendocrinal system and investigates that link's bidirectional impact on the human immune system. Mechanistic studies have shown how omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), like those found in fish oil, can modulate key pathways involved in inflammation, sympathetic activity, oxidative stress, transcription factors, and inflammatory cytokine production. Objective • The research team intended to investigate the effects that PUFAs have on the brain and the immune system, including the effects of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, and their therapeutic benefits in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder, either as an alternative monotherapy or a complementary adjunct treatment. Design • A literature search was conducted through PubMed and Google Scholar, with no restrictions on the publication dates or geographically. Setting • The research occurred at research facilities in Washington, DC, and Davis, California. Results • Well-described links between inflammation and MDD and bipolar disorder have been established. Similarly, a highly inflammatory state is a contributing factor to many significant health complications, and omega-3 PUFAs can help treat those issues. Conclusions • The research team concluded that omega-3 fatty acids have therapeutic benefits in the treatment of both MDD and bipolar disorder and are effective as a monotherapy and, particularly, as an adjunct therapy. The efficacy of omega-3 supplementation is clearly useful in promoting better health overall and supplementation should be encouraged in the primary care setting. A meta-analysis exploring an adjunct treatment of supplemental eicosapentaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid is likely to yield the greatest benefits to psychiatric conditions and provide an answer to proper dosing regimens. The team also created a chart of the supplements' salient features, demonstrating the overall health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
Psychiatric Presentations During All 4 Phases of the Lunar Cycle.
Francis OJ, Kopke BJ, Affatato AJ … +1 more , Jarski RW
Adv Mind Body Med · 2017 Summer · PMID 28841578
Context • Anecdotal evidence concerning a relationship between human illnesses and a full moon is frequently claimed by as many as 81% of mental health workers. Previous scientific investigations have studied only the fu...
Context • Anecdotal evidence concerning a relationship between human illnesses and a full moon is frequently claimed by as many as 81% of mental health workers. Previous scientific investigations have studied only the full-moon phase and its possible effect on psychiatric presentations. However, information is limited about all 4 phases of the lunar cycle and their effects on different types of psychiatric disorders. Objective • This study primarily intended to evaluate the number of psychiatric presentations to a hospital's emergency department across all 4 phases of the lunar cycle. The secondary objective was to investigate the statistical differences among 5 categories of common mental disorders in relation to the 4 lunar phases. Design • This study was an observational analytic cohort study. Setting • The study took place in the emergency department of a 140-bed, community-teaching hospital. Participants • Participants were 1857 patients who were aged >17 y and who had had a psychiatric component to a visit to the emergency department. Outcome Measures • Data from electronic medical records were collected for 41 consecutive months. The participants were divided into 5 diagnostic groups based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed (DSM-5). The study measured the number of psychiatric presentations for each group during the 4 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-defined phases of the lunar cycle, and the study was statistically powered to detect small effects. Results • The following psychiatric presentations occurred: (1) 464 during the new moon; (2) 483 during the first quarter; (3) 449 during the full moon; and (4) 461 during the third quarter (4-group overall χ2, P = .89). Differences between the 5 diagnostic categories across the 4 lunar phases were not statistically significant (4-group overall χ2, P = .85 for the 5 diagnostic categories). Conclusions • Although many traditional and nontraditional providers believe in effects caused by the full moon based on casual observation or anecdotal evidence, this perception was not supported in the current study. Furthermore, no evidence demonstrated increased psychiatric presentations during the other 3 phases of the lunar cycle. The study found that the lunar cycle did not have an effect on the incidence of psychiatric presentations or on the DSM-5 categories. If lunar effects exist, they are probably small or infrequent, making them difficult to validate statistically. The current study's results, in concert with those of most other studies on the subject, provide evidence that should help dismiss misconceptions about the magnitude or frequency of lunar effects on psychiatric illnesses.
Ronald Epstein, MD: Bringing Mindfulness Into the Examination Room.
Epstein R
Adv Mind Body Med · 2017 Spring · PMID 28659511
Advances in Mind-Body Medicine (Advances): You have come out with a book recently, titled Attending: Medicine, Mindfulness, and Humanity. What was the motive for writing this book? Dr Epstein: I knew that it was time to...
Advances in Mind-Body Medicine (Advances): You have come out with a book recently, titled Attending: Medicine, Mindfulness, and Humanity. What was the motive for writing this book? Dr Epstein: I knew that it was time to expand beyond writing for medical audiences and peer-reviewed journals when 2 realizations struck me. One is that important change in medicine often comes from the outside in as opposed to from the inside out. The degree to which the public is educated and energized about an issue can produce a change in medicine. The second is that the issue of being present, attentive, and curious and having a beginner's mind goes well beyond medical practice. I think the message is relevant to anyone who does work that involves people.
Swedish Massage: A Systematic Review of its Physical and Psychological Benefits.
Barreto DM, Batista MVA
Adv Mind Body Med · 2017 Spring · PMID 28659510
Context • Swedish massage is the systematic application of manual pressure and the movement of soft tissue, with rhythmical pressure and stroking to obtain or maintain health. Studies have revealed its many benefits. Obj...
Context • Swedish massage is the systematic application of manual pressure and the movement of soft tissue, with rhythmical pressure and stroking to obtain or maintain health. Studies have revealed its many benefits. Objective • The aim of the current study was to determine the results of past studies that evaluated the benefits of Swedish massage for various populations and to highlight its relevance as an alternative medical practice in health promotion and disease prevention. Methods • The research team performed a review of the literature using the key terms massage, relaxation, and benefits of massage. Original case reports and literature reviews of manual therapy published from 2004 to 2014 were included in the current review. The search was conducted using the SciELO, PubMed, and Medline databases. Setting • The study was performed at the Central Library of the Federal University of Sergipe, in São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. Participants • Participants in the reviewed studies included varied populations, such as nurses in hospitals, infants and older children, pregnant women, older adults, and cancer patients. Results • A total of 4516 articles were identified for consideration through the electronic database searches. After screening, 117 potentially relevant articles were identified for full review, and 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies showed beneficial results in most cases, including improved nasal breathing and cleanliness in children, reduced lower-back pain for nurses, and improved adrenocortical function in infants. Massage is not completely risk free, however, and should be done by a professional very cautiously. Conclusions • Swedish massage has shown beneficial effects for multiple populations and can be used as a therapy. Its use in disease prevention is highly recommended.
The Impact of Self-directed Voice of Love Messages on Anger: A Pilot Study.
Tzvieli A, Zaig T, Ayal I … +3 more , Thieberger G, Rothschild S, Barak Y
Adv Mind Body Med · 2017 Spring · PMID 28659509
Context • Buddhist texts direct practitioners to generate a feeling of love to stop the affliction of anger. Modern self-help practices and clinical psychology have demonstrated that generating emotions of love can reduc...
Context • Buddhist texts direct practitioners to generate a feeling of love to stop the affliction of anger. Modern self-help practices and clinical psychology have demonstrated that generating emotions of love can reduce anger. More studies are needed, however, to identify the active components of interventions and their applicability in clinical populations. Objective • The study investigated the hypothesis that enhancing self-love through frequent listening to recorded self-loving messages can reduce anger. Design • The pilot study was designed to measure changes in anger level between baseline and postintervention in the course of 12 wk. Setting • The study occurred at Moa Oasis, Israel. Participants • Participants were adults enrolled in a program of study on advanced Tibetan Buddhism. Intervention • Participants were directed to record statements expressing love and appreciation of themselves in their own voices, inserting their names as the recipients of the messages. Participants listened to their recording for 2 min every morning, for 12 wk. Outcome Measures • At baseline and postintervention, the participants completed a self-reported questionnaire, the clinical anger score (CAS). Every 2 wk, they completed the short dimensions of anger reactions (DAR-5) scale to assess temporal changes in anger. Results • Eighty-six participants, 69 women and 17 men with a median age of 45 y and a range from 20 to 70 y, enrolled in the study. Fifty-six completed all designated tests. The mean CAS score decreased significantly, from 10.4 to 6.7 (P < .001). The analysis of variance demonstrated a time-X-practice effect, with 6 wk of practice being necessary to achieve a significant reduction in the DAR-5 score. Conclusions • The present study provided encouraging preliminary evidence on the effectiveness of a daily regimen of listening to a short recording of self-love and appreciation in reducing anger. The findings indicate that the technique merits replication in larger controlled studies. If supported, it could be applied in conflict resolution.
Resolution of Refractory Bipolar Disorder With Psychotic Features and Suicidality Through Lifestyle Interventions: A Case Report.
Brogan K
Adv Mind Body Med · 2017 Spring · PMID 28659508
Background • This case illustrates the relationship between gut, hormonal, and brain function in that dietary change, mindfulness interventions, and detoxification led to resolution of disabling luteally exacerbated psyc...
Background • This case illustrates the relationship between gut, hormonal, and brain function in that dietary change, mindfulness interventions, and detoxification led to resolution of disabling luteally exacerbated psychiatric symptoms. Summary • A 45-y-old, married, Caucasian female with a history of diagnosed bipolar disorder with psychotic features, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, panic disorder, and repeated occurrence of suicide attempts and self-mutilating behavior presented for outpatient management. She reported limited gains through conventional treatment consisting of medication. The patient was prescribed a dietary, detox, and meditation regimen for 1 mo, after which supplementation was added to support detoxification, digestion, hormonal balance, and nervous system structure and function. Additional lifestyle management therapeutics included daily meditation, dry-skin brushing, and coffee enemas. Conclusion • This case exemplifies dramatic clinical remission after cessation of medication treatment and engagement of lifestyle interventions, which include dietary change, meditation, and detoxification. When medication demonstrates limited results, tapering combined with dietary interventions as the first-line therapy should be considered.
Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: A Case Report With a Psychosomatic Perspective.
Alves P, von Doellinger O, Quintela ML … +2 more , Fonte A, Coelho R
Adv Mind Body Med · 2017 Winter · PMID 28183073
Context • The Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare condition characterized by a triad of symptoms: (1) recurrent and/or persistent orofacial swelling, (2) recurrent facial paralysis, and (3) a fissured tongue. A...
Context • The Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare condition characterized by a triad of symptoms: (1) recurrent and/or persistent orofacial swelling, (2) recurrent facial paralysis, and (3) a fissured tongue. Although various contributing factors have been suggested, the etiology and mechanisms of the syndrome have not been fully elucidated. Objective • The aim of the current study was to examine for the first time some psychosomatic aspects of the syndrome and to evaluate the benefits of a brief psychotherapeutic process in which the research team worked to reintegrate the complex bio-psycho-social functioning of the patient. Design • The research team performed a case study. Setting • The study took place at the outpatient clinic for psychiatric services of the Alto Minho Local Health Unit (Viana do Castelo, Portugal). Participant • The participant was a 26-y-old woman suffering from MRS who received services at the clinic for depression. Her clinical history revealed that significant life events had acted as triggers for her syndrome, both at the start and during several exacerbations of her symptoms. Intervention • The intervention consisted of 15 weekly sessions focused on insight promotion. Outcome Measures • The case study measured changes in the patient's condition through her verbal self-reports about her physical and mental state, and the research team's clinical evaluation. Results • The treatment allowed remission of her depression and diminished the frequency of her relapses of MRS. Conclusions • The current case study offers the first report that describes how significant affective phenomena can act as triggers in the MRS. It also opens the possibility of providing psychiatric and psychological therapeutic interventions to help prevent relapses and exacerbations of that syndrome.
Alternative Therapies for Excoriation (Skin Picking) Disorder: A Brief Update.
Torales J, Barrios I, Villalba J
Adv Mind Body Med · 2017 Winter · PMID 28183072
Context • Excoriation (skin picking) disorder is characterized by the need or urge to pick, scratch, pinch, touch, rub, scrub, squeeze, bite, or dig the skin, and it can be a perplexing condition for the inexperienced ph...
Context • Excoriation (skin picking) disorder is characterized by the need or urge to pick, scratch, pinch, touch, rub, scrub, squeeze, bite, or dig the skin, and it can be a perplexing condition for the inexperienced physician. Treatments include pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and alternative therapies. Alternative therapies for excoriation disorder and other body-focused repetitive behaviors include yoga, aerobic exercise, acupuncture, biofeedback, hypnosis, and inositol and N-acetylcysteine, among others. Objective • This review article intended to review the current literature on the alternative therapies to provide a brief update on their benefits for the treatment of excoriation disorder for use in conjunction with psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in the management of a challenging group of patients. Design • This review (focusing on literature published in the last 15 y, selected from a search of PubMed) critically considers the evidence for the use of alternative therapies in the treatment of excoriation disorder. Setting • This review was conducted at the National University of Asunción (San Lorenzo, Paraguay). Results • Results for yoga were as follows: This technique may influence the structure and functioning of the areas of emotional processing involved in the pathophysiology of excoriation disorder and other body-focused repetitive behaviors, such as trichotillomania. Although still limited, the current research team's use of yoga as a treatment has given useful results. Results for aerobic exercise were as follows: People suffering from excoriation disorder and other-body focused repetitive behaviors generally have a worsening of their behaviors in times of negative mood and anxiety. As exercise has qualities that allow individuals to improve their mood and reduce their anxiety, it is likely that it also can help reduce behaviors like hair pulling or scratching, and it should be considered to be an adjunctive therapy. Results for acupuncture were as follows: The mechanism of action of acupuncture increases serotonergic activity and releases endorphins in the hypothalamus and limbic region, which could be beneficial in patients with trichotillomania and excoriation disorder. Results for biofeedback were as follows: Several case reports have suggested the value of biofeedback in reducing tics, which bear some psychophysiological similarities to body-focused repetitive behaviors, such as trichotillomania and excoriation disorder. Results for hypnosis were as follows: When used as a channel for other types of interventions, such as psychotherapy, hypnosis can help counteract the stress that triggers the picking behaviors in some patients. Results for inositol and N-acetylcysteine were as follows: Although more research is needed, these are promising drugs that may be helpful in reducing the picking behavior. Conclusions • The review indicates that yoga, aerobic exercise, acupuncture, biofeedback, hypnosis, and inositol and N-acetylcysteine all show promise in the treatment of excoriation disorder and other body-focused repetitive behaviors, such as trichotillomania. In the current research team's experience, mainly yoga and aerobic exercise have been shown useful in combination with psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Obtaining solid evidence about the long-term beneficial effects of these alternative therapies for the treatment of excoriation disorder requires more investigation.
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