Complementary therapies in medicine最新文献

{"title":"Efficacy and safety of acupressure for primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Xiaohan Yu ,&nbsp;Bohong Liu ,&nbsp;Jiaxin Li ,&nbsp;Yuanjie Gao ,&nbsp;Jianpeng Chen ,&nbsp;Rongming Qi ,&nbsp;Yuxuan Yuan ,&nbsp;Yaru Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103272","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103272","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This systematic review aimed to evaluate the existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for evidence of the association between using acupressure and reducing pain and related symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea (PD).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Six electronic databases were searched for published reports on RCTs—from database inception until May 2025—that compared the use of acupressure with that of placebo acupressure, oral medication, or usual treatment and measured the intensity of menstrual pain and related symptoms. Two independent reviewers extracted and assessed the data. Risk of bias was assessed for each article; the meta-analysis was conducted according to the type of control. Results are presented as mean differences (MDs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In total, 23 RCTs were included in the systematic review and data from 20 RCTs were evaluated in the meta-analysis. Most studies showed a low or unclear risk of bias. We found that using acupressure was more effective in reducing menstrual pain than using placebo acupressure (MD = −1.58; 95 % CI, [−1.96, −1.20]), oral medication (MD = −1.11; 95 % CI, [−1.79, −0.43]), or usual treatment (MD = −1.29; 95 % CI, [−1.77, −0.80]). The adverse events, reported in only two studies, were mild.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupressure can effectively reduce the pain and related symptoms of PD, though the current evidence is of low quality. Future studies with rigorous designs and larger sample sizes are warranted to verify the efficacy and safety of acupressure. Subsequent findings should be incorporated into clinical practice and nursing care to refine the treatment strategies for PD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103272"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145360721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Complementary therapies for chronic knee pain: A placebo-controlled RCT of Reiki and mindfulness","authors":"Adam W. Hanley ,&nbsp;Yoshio Nakamura ,&nbsp;Robert R. Edwards ,&nbsp;Ayaka Lingard ,&nbsp;Kennedi Childs ,&nbsp;Jim Faulkner ,&nbsp;Ruthie Schnitt ,&nbsp;Samantha Vaca-St. Claire ,&nbsp;Elizabeth Bridge ,&nbsp;Eric L. Garland","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103278","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103278","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent chronic pain condition that significantly impairs quality of life and is often treated with interventions that carry risks or provide limited relief. Reiki, a non-invasive complementary therapy, has shown early promise for pain management but lacks rigorous evaluation among American adults with KOA.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study evaluated the specific efficacy of Reiki and mindfulness for adults with chronic KOA pain compared to sham and waitlist control conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this placebo-controlled randomized trial, 164 adults with physician-confirmed KOA were assigned to one of four groups: Reiki, sham Reiki (i.e., Feiki), mindfulness meditation, or a waitlist control. Active treatments were delivered in four weekly 30-minute sessions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>KOA symptom severity, assessed using the WOMAC at baseline, 1-month, and 2-month follow-ups, significantly improved in both the Reiki (<em>p</em> = .02) and mindfulness (p &lt; .001) groups compared to waitlist controls. Mindfulness significantly outperformed Feiki (<em>p</em> = .004). Reiki demonstrated effects comparable to mindfulness (p = .22). Clinically meaningful reductions in symptoms (&gt;30 %) were reported by 55 % of participants in the Reiki and mindfulness groups, compared to 20 % in the Feiki group and 13 % in the waitlist group. High retention (96 %) and successful blinding support the feasibility and internal validity of this approach.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings indicate that both Reiki and mindfulness may offer effective, well-tolerated, and time-efficient alternatives for managing KOA-related pain, with meaningful symptom improvement after just two hours of intervention. Larger trials are warranted to confirm efficacy and explore long-term outcomes and underlying mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103278"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145437753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Meta analysis of the intervention of Baduanjin in middle-aged and elderly patients with essential hypertension","authors":"Tianhao Zhang,&nbsp;Li Chen,&nbsp;Mingang Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103258","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103258","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>We systematically evaluated Baduanjin efficacy for improving blood pressure, lipid metabolism, and heart rate in middle-aged and elderly patients with essential hypertension, explored its physiological mechanisms, and assessed evidence quality using GRADE criteria.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched CNKI, PubMed, and Web of Science (January 2010–March 2025) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Twenty-four RCTs (1994 participants, aged 35–80 years, interventions: 3–12 months) met inclusion criteria. Primary outcomes: systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), heart rate (HR). We assessed risk of bias using Cochrane/PEDro tools and performed meta-analysis using random-effects models. Sensitivity analyses excluded studies with high bias risk, non-standard interventions, or inconsistent control groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Baduanjin significantly reduced SBP by 8.3 mmHg (3 months), 11.4 mmHg (6 months), and 5.4 mmHg (12 months); DBP by 3.9 mmHg (3 months), 6.2 mmHg (6 months), and 4.1 mmHg (12 months). It improved TG (SMD = −0.34 [95 % CI: −0.49, −0.19]), TC (SMD = −0.92 [−1.49, −0.34]; high heterogeneity), and HR (SMD = −1.07 [−1.76, −0.38]). GRADE rated evidence quality as moderate (most BP outcomes), low (TG), and very low (TC), primarily due to methodological limitations.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Baduanjin is an effective, low-cost adjunct intervention for essential hypertension, particularly reducing blood pressure within 3–6 months. We recommend implementing 3–6-month Baduanjin programs (5–6 sessions/week) in clinical practice. Benefits on lipid metabolism and heart rate require confirmation via higher-quality trials. Future research should standardize protocols and explore mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103258"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145387359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acupuncture with micro-needle for dry eye disease: A study protocol for a randomized, sham-controlled, clinical trial","authors":"Monica Sun ,&nbsp;Guancheng Li ,&nbsp;Shifen Xu ,&nbsp;Xuan Yin ,&nbsp;Shanshan Li ,&nbsp;Xiang Li ,&nbsp;Jiali Liu ,&nbsp;Baojun Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103265","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103265","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Introduction&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a prevalent and significant condition that affects a large number of people. Artificial tears can alleviate the symptoms in patients with mild to moderate dry eyes, but they do not have a long-term effect. Micro-needle is a novel type of acupuncture, with needle tips arrayed on a silicon chip attached to medical plaster, without penetrating the skin. Its effectiveness and efficacy need to be proven clinically.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods and analysis&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This is a single-center, randomized, sham-controlled trial. In total, 129 DED patients will be recruited and randomized into three groups: micro-needle, sham, and artificial tears. They will receive four weeks of treatment and undergo follow-up at six and ten weeks. The primary outcome is measured by the Objective Symptoms Scoring Sheet (OSSS). Secondary outcomes include the China Dry Eye Questionnaire (CDEQ), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), non-invasive tear film break-up time (NIBUT), Schirmer Test I (SIT), Tear Meniscus Height (TMH), and Corneal Fluorescein Staining (CFS).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Questionnaires, including OSSS, CDEQ, and OSDI, will be administered at screening, at the end of week two, and at the conclusion of week four, when treatment is completed. They will also be conducted at follow-up in week six and week ten; OSSS will be taken additionally on day two of the treatment.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Tests of Intraocular Pressure (IOP), Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), NIBUT, SIT 1, TMH, and CFS are conducted at screening and upon completion of treatment. At week two, NIBUT, SIT 1, TMH, and CFS tests are taken as intermittent measurements.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethics and dissemination&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The trial protocol and informed consent document were reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Approval Number: 2023SHL-KY-101–01). Prior to enrollment, each potential participant undergoes a structured informed consent process conducted by a trained research coordinator, which includes explaining the trial purpose, design, interventions, benefits, risks, and time commitments; providing sufficient time for participants to review the plain-language written informed consent document; addressing all questions to ensure comprehension; and obtaining signed written consent, with a copy provided to the participant and the original stored in the trial file. To safeguard participant confidentiality, all data are labeled with a unique study ID instead of personal identifiers; paper records are stored in locked cabinets in a restricted-access office, and electronic data are stored on password-protected, encrypted servers accessible only to authorized team members via unique logins; de-identified data are used solely for analysis and reporting, with personal identifiers accessible only to the trial coordinator for enrollment and follow-up and never shared with other parties; and study findi","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103265"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145299048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness and safety of turmeric for the treatment of COVID-19: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Ratree Sawangjit ,&nbsp;Saranrat Sadoyu ,&nbsp;Siripong Manosanthipaibul ,&nbsp;Nattawat Teerawattanapong ,&nbsp;Panupong Puttarak ,&nbsp;Kulthanit Wanaratna ,&nbsp;Rawiwan Charoensup ,&nbsp;Poonsit Hiransai ,&nbsp;Thunyaluk Meetam ,&nbsp;Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103295","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103295","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We conducted a comprehensive and updated systematic review and meta-analysis (SR-MA) to determine the effectiveness and safety of turmeric in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Multiple databases were searched from inception to July 31, 2024, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing turmeric in mild to severe COVID-19. This SR-MA uniquely includes recent trials conducted alongside modern antiviral-based regimens and explores effect modifiers by disease severity, comorbidity, formulation, and treatment duration. Twenty-three RCTs with 1407 participants were included, making this the largest synthesis to date. Most studies (17/23, 73.9 %) enrolled hospitalized patients; over half involved mild to moderate cases. The most common intervention was nano-curcumin 160–240 mg/day (39 %), used as an adjunct to standard care. Nine studies were rated high risk of bias (ROB). Meta-analysis showed turmeric significantly reduced all-cause mortality (Relative risk (RR) = 0.39; 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI): 0.23–0.67; <em>I</em>² = 0 %; n = 8 RCTs; moderate certainty), suggesting a 61 % reduction in risk of death. It also reduced the need for intubation/mechanical ventilation (RR = 0.35; 95 %CI: 0.17–0.72) and clinical deterioration (RR=0.36; 95 %CI: 0.22–0.59), while improving overall symptom resolution (RR = 1.36; 95 %CI: 1.16–1.59). These results remained robust after excluding high ROB studies. Adverse events, mostly mild gastrointestinal symptoms, were comparable to placebo. In conclusion, turmeric, particularly bioavailability-enhanced nano-curcumin, provides meaningful clinical benefits and favorable safety profile as adjunctive therapy for COVID-19. Further large-scale, high-quality, multicenter RCTs are warranted to confirm its therapeutic potential, particularly in resource-limited settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103295"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145426478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Fitness Qigong on muscle function in elderly patients with sarcopenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Chu Liu,&nbsp;Jiling Zou,&nbsp;Chu Zhang,&nbsp;Lin Zhu,&nbsp;Jun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103292","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103292","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Sarcopenia, characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, significantly impairs quality of life in the elderly. This study systematically evaluated the effects of Fitness Qigong (including Baduanjin, Wu Qin Xi, and Yi Jin Jing) on muscle function in elderly patients with sarcopenia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched eight electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, CINAHL) from inception to January 22, 2024, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.4 to assess grip strength, sit-to-stand time, gait speed, Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT) time, and peak muscle torque.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Seventeen RCTs involving 1029 patients were included. Fitness Qigong significantly improved grip strength (MD = 2.39, 95 % CI [1.42, 3.36], P &lt; 0.05). After sensitivity analyses to address heterogeneity, Fitness Qigong also significantly improved sit-to-stand time (MD = 2.27, 95 % CI [1.74, 2.80], P &lt; 0.001) and gait speed (MD = 0.04, 95 % CI [0.01, 0.08], P = 0.02). Additionally, it reduced TUGT time (MD = −3.20, 95 % CI [-4.35, −2.04], P &lt; 0.05) and increased peak muscle torque (MD = 11.19, 95 % CI [2.70, 19.68], P = 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Fitness Qigong is an effective, safe, low-intensity, and cost-effective exercise for improving muscle function in elderly patients with sarcopenia.</div></div><div><h3>Systematic review registration number</h3><div><span><span>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>/， identifier registration number. CRD42024592804</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103292"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145430593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of horticultural activities on negative psychological emotions among Chinese residents: A cross-sectional study of a national representative sample based on propensity score matching","authors":"Yanming Zhang ,&nbsp;Cheng Tan ,&nbsp;Diyue Liu ,&nbsp;Saier Yang ,&nbsp;Lei Shi ,&nbsp;Mingchen Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103293","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103293","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This study aims to analyze the prevalence characteristics of negative emotions among Chinese residents and explore the impact of participating in horticultural activities on negative emotions of Chinese residents.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data for this study were obtained from the 2022 China Residents' Psychological and Behavioral Investigation and Research Program. This study used propensity score matching (PSM) to balance the variables and employed both binary and multiple logistic regression analyses to investigate the effects of horticultural activity participation (including frequency and duration) on levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and loneliness among respondents was 56.5 %, 45.7 %, and 44.7 %, respectively. Female respondents exhibited significantly higher risks of depression (<em>P </em>&lt; 0.01) and anxiety (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) compared to males. Adults aged 18–45 years showed markedly increased vulnerability to depression and anxiety relative to other age groups. Retired and unemployed individuals reported substantially elevated levels of depression and anxiety compared to employed respondents. Rural residents demonstrated significantly higher risks of negative psychological emotions than urban residents (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01). Participation in horticultural activities was significantly associated with reduced levels of depression (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) and anxiety (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), with more frequent participation correlating with stronger protective effects. Regarding loneliness, significant associations were found with gender, age, occupation, education level, and involvement in horticultural activities, including frequency, duration, and acceptance of horticultural therapy (all <em>P </em>&lt; 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The prevalence of negative emotions among Chinese residents is relatively high, and horticultural activity participation was associated with reduced levels of negative psychological symptoms. Governments, social organizations, and other stakeholders should promote related activities with frequencies and durations that are scientifically grounded and tailored to individual needs. In addition, to comprehensively enhance people's mental health, attention must be given to the characteristics and needs of different groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103293"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145430621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting?","authors":"Yingying Liu ,&nbsp;Zhen Chen ,&nbsp;Zhiqiang Zhang ,&nbsp;Qian Hu ,&nbsp;Jiasheng Wang ,&nbsp;Ruiyang Cao ,&nbsp;Wenkai Liu ,&nbsp;Lifeng Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103294","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103294","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common perioperative complication that can increase the incidence of complications such as aspiration, bleeding, incision dehiscence water-electrolyte disorders; prolong hospital stays; and increase medical costs. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) is important for preventing perioperative PONV, and TEAS may reduce the incidence of PONV by activating the brain-gut axis and regulating autonomic nerve function, anti-inflammatory activity and other mechanisms; however, it is necessary to further promote standardized clinical application through mechanistic research, parameter optimization and high-quality clinical research.‌ This article discusses the risk factors for PONV, the possible mechanism of TEAS in the prevention of PONV and the clinical application of TEAS to provide some reference for the clinical application of TEAS in preventing PONV.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103294"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145457642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of yoga as mind-body exercise in fibromyalgia management: A systematic review","authors":"Ebru Durusoy ,&nbsp;Edibe Ünal","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103290","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103290","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Fibromyalgia is a syndrome linked to chronic pain and biopsychosocial problems, with management limited by unclear etiology and treatments. Yoga is a mind-body practice combining movement, breathing, meditation, and coping skills that may address treatment needs. However, evidence is limited. This study aims to evaluate the effect of yoga on fibromyalgia symptoms and assess the quality of existing studies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published since 2005 that examined yoga practice in adults with Fibromyalgia were searched in March 2025 in the Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PEDro, and Cochrane Library databases. The PEDro scale was used to assess methodological quality.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Three RCTs (reported in four publications) with 116 female participants (aged 18–60) were included. All studies reported significant improvements in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ)/Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) scores in favor of yoga, with three also indicating reduced pain. Studies evaluating psychosocial parameters and FIQ/FIQR subgroup analyses have shown significant and clinically important improvements in fatigue, depression, anxiety, strength, and coping strategies. Follow-up data showed that gains were largely maintained, with positive changes observed in physical strength, perception of improvement, acceptance level, and coping strategies. Studies’ quality score average was 6.5 (Good).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Results suggest that yoga may improve FIQ/FIQR scores, pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, muscle strength, and coping strategies. These results point to the possibility that yoga may be an effective complementary intervention option for alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms and improving psychological and physical well-being. High-quality research is required to strengthen generalisability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103290"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145414175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of aromatherapy on physiological and psychological symptoms during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Victor Hugo Alves Mascarenhas ,&nbsp;Adriana Caroci-Becker ,&nbsp;Jan M. Nick ,&nbsp;Safiye Sahin ,&nbsp;Rayane Teresa da Costa Drigo ,&nbsp;Maria Luiza Riesco ,&nbsp;Marlise de Oliveira Pimentel Lima","doi":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103279","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103279","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To evaluate the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing physiological and psychological symptoms during pregnancy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This review followed the JBI methodological guidelines for Systematic Reviews of Effectiveness and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Guided by the PICO framework: population (P) comprised pregnant women; intervention (I) was aromatherapy; comparison (C) included conventional treatment, other complementary therapies, or placebo; outcomes (O) involved physiological and psychological symptoms. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies involving pregnant women who received aromatherapy to manage these symptoms were included. Nine databases were searched in January 2022 and August 2024, including Medline, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, yielding 1063 registers.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twenty-one studies were included (16 randomised controlled trials and five quasi-experimental), conducted in Iran, Indonesia, Japan, and Taiwan. Meta-analysis revealed that aromatherapy significantly reduced nausea and vomiting (standardised mean difference [SMD] = −0.92; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: −1.09, −0.74) and maternal anxiety (SMD = −0.67; 95 % CI: −0.95, −0.40). Improvements in sleep quality were also noted (mean difference = −1.55; 95 % CI: −2.09, −1.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Aromatherapy appears to be an effective and safe option for alleviating certain gestational symptoms. Citrus essential oils such as peppermint, bitter orange, lemon, and mint have been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting. Citrus aurantium, Rosa damascene, mint, and orange blossom have demonstrated efficacy in reducing maternal anxiety. Citrus aurantium, orange blossom, and lavender may also improve sleep quality. However, further high-quality studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.</div></div><div><h3>Registration</h3><div>This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10545,"journal":{"name":"Complementary therapies in medicine","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 103279"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145450602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}