Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

{"title":"Wet cupping therapy and acupuncture applications in migraine patients: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Rana Celikkol ,&nbsp;Suleyman Ersoy ,&nbsp;Osman Cavus ,&nbsp;Emin Pala ,&nbsp;Velittin Selcuk Engin","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103158","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103158","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>Although there are numerous complementary treatments for migraine, comparisons among themselves are relatively rare. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effectiveness of wet cupping therapy (WCT) and acupuncture applications in treating migraine patients.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and method</h3><div>This was a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted between 01.03.2022 and 01.10.2023 in the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Center of a tertiary hospital. Patients diagnosed with migraine were included in the study and randomized into three arms. The WCT group received cupping 3 times, once a month. The acupuncture group received 10 sessions of acupuncture once a week. The waiting list was assigned as the control group. VAS and MIDAS scales were applied to all groups at the beginning and the end of the treatment, and the results were compared.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All three groups were similar regarding age and sex. Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores decreased significantly in both treatment groups after the applications, while they remained similar for the same period in the control group. Additionally, the post-treatment values of MIDAS and VAS in both the WCT and acupuncture groups were significantly lower compared to controls, while they were similar when compared in between.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Both of these applications were found to be similarly effective in improving disability status and pain intensity in patients with migraine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103158"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143783047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Code of ethics for mediums and trance channelers","authors":"Siri K. Zemel,&nbsp;Helané Wahbeh","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103159","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103159","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The research objective of this study was three-fold: identify ethical standards currently used by adult, English-speaking mediums/channelers; based on emergent categories, establish a draft framework for ethical standards for the field of mediumship/channeling; and obtain consensus approval of an aspirational code of ethics for mediums/channelers. The first of two surveys engaged 119 mediums/channelers, 74 % of whom lived in the United States. Roughly two-thirds (66 %) of survey participants reported currently adhering to a specific code of ethics in their work as a medium/trance channeler. Participants were asked to upload any ethical standards followed and/or provide feedback on specific elements they believed needed to be included in a code of ethics for the field. Open-ended responses (137 entries) were qualitatively analyzed and organized into specific elements to be included in a first draft code of ethics. The draft code was shared with the same participants in a follow-up survey and received a 91 % approval rating. The development of this code of ethics is a novel milestone in the professionalization journey of mediums/channelers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103159"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retrospective case control study of microcurrent therapy in autism spectrum disorder: Behavioral outcomes and dose-response analysis","authors":"Rickie Lee Ryan ,&nbsp;Garrett Gianneschi","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103156","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103156","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microcurrent therapy (MCT) is an emerging treatment modality in medicine, but its potential effects on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of MCT on ASD symptoms to inform future clinical trials. We conducted a retrospective case-control study involving 21 pediatric patients and one adult with ASD who underwent MCT using a standardized protocol. The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) was administered before and after treatment to evaluate behavioral changes. A paired <em>t</em>-test compared pre- and post-treatment ATEC scores, while an unpaired <em>t</em>-test compared the MCT-treated group with age-matched historical controls reported in the literature. Linear regression analysis assessed the dose-response relationship. MCT was well tolerated, with no serious side effects. The 22 patients completed an average of 32 sessions. Paired <em>t</em>-test analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in ATEC scores, with an average decrease of 28.6 points (42.8 %) (<em>p</em> = 0.007, 95 % CI: 8.3–48.9). In comparison to historical controls, the MCT-treated group showed greater improvement (26.4 points, 42.6 %) versus controls (7.9 points, 13.2 %) (<em>p</em> = 0.0001, 95 % CI: 19.9–47.5). Linear regression demonstrated a strong correlation between the number of MCT sessions and the magnitude of improvement (<em>R</em> = 0.693, <em>F</em> = 18.5, <em>p</em> = 0.0003, 95 % CI). These findings suggest that MCT may have a therapeutic effect on ASD, as evidenced by significant pre- and post-treatment improvements compared to historical controls and a dose-dependent response. Further research through larger clinical trials is warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103156"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143681104","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A novel approach using acupuncture for dysphagia after brainstem stroke: A CARE-compliant case report","authors":"Yixiao Han ,&nbsp;Yihao Zhou ,&nbsp;Weibin Gao ,&nbsp;Dongyan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103155","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103155","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Dysphagia is a common sequela of brainstem stroke, often leading to complications such as aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition. Traditional rehabilitation methods may not be effective for all patients, necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. Herein, we report a case of acupuncture for dysphagia after brainstem stroke.</div></div><div><h3>Case description</h3><div>In this report, we describe a 61-year-old male patient with persistent dysphagia, aspiration during water intake, and hoarseness following acute brainstem infarction. Despite undergoing thrombolysis and rehabilitation, his swallowing function remained unimproved. A videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) demonstrated substantial barium residue in bilateral valleculae and pyriform sinuses with significant aspiration. The patient received 14 days of acupuncture therapy, combining electrical stimulation at primary acupoints in the cephalocervical region with rapid needling techniques at extraordinary points in the cervical area. Post-treatment evaluation revealed remarkable improvement in swallowing function with complete resolution of aspiration, enabling nasogastric tube removal. Three-month follow-up confirmed sustained normal swallowing function without recurrence.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The innovative acupuncture treatment regimen we proposed may be a promising therapeutic option for dysphagia after brainstem stroke.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103155"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143704556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of aromatherapy applied to pregnant women on sleep quality and fatigue level: A randomized clinical trial","authors":"Sule Celik ,&nbsp;Evşen Nazik","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103157","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103157","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Sleep disturbances and fatigue can negatively impact pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to assess changes in sleep quality and fatigue levels pre- and post-aromatherapy intervention using lavender oil inhalation in pregnant women in the third trimester.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The research was conducted in the gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic of a training and research hospital between October 2022 and March 2023. The study was designed as a randomized controlled experimental trial with a pretest-posttest control group. The sample consisted of a total of 74 pregnant women (37 intervention and 37 control). Aromatherapy with lavender oil was applied to pregnant women in the intervention group for one month using the \"Inhalation Application Form.\" \"Personal Information Form\", \"Visual Analog Scale (VAS)\", \"Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)\" and \" Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue (VASF)\" were used to collect data. Percentage distributions, chi-square significance test, t-test in independent groups, and Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests were used to evaluate the data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the study, the post-test <strong>PSQI</strong> score average of the pregnant women in the intervention group who received lavender oil inhalation was <strong>4.10±1.36</strong>, it was <strong>5.45±2.48</strong> in the control group. The post-test <strong>fatigue score</strong> average of the pregnant women in the intervention group was <strong>65.91±7.02</strong>, it was <strong>75.40±10.79</strong> in the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the post-test <strong>PSQI and VAS-F total score averages</strong> of the pregnant women in the intervention and control groups (<strong><em>p</em> &lt; 0.05</strong>).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study findings indicate that aromatherapy applied via inhalation to pregnant women improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue levels. According to these findings, lavender oil aromatherapy can be recommended to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue levels in pregnant women during the third trimester.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103157"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143681103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Critical analysis of the article – A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of individualized homeopathic medicinal products in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children","authors":"Parth Aphale,&nbsp;Himanshu Shekhar,&nbsp;Shashank Dokania","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103154","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103154","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103154"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143674896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sleep characteristics and the Human Phenotype Project","authors":"Angie Lillehei","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103141","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103141","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103141"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143674900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Science, precognitive remote viewing, and our future","authors":"Stephan A. Schwartz","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103142","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103142","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103142"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143681106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interventions to increase time spent outdoors for preventing incidence and progression of myopia in children: Summary of a Cochrane review","authors":"Amy Verstappen","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103139","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103139","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103139"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Promoting elderly wellbeing through indigenous music and choral performance","authors":"Ntshengedzeni Evans Netshivhambe","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103145","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103145","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper explores the impact of indigenous instrumental music and choir performances on the wellbeing of elderly individuals who perform their music at the Hlanganani Malamulele Society for the Aged centre in Giyani, Limpopo Province, South Africa. It examines how these musical activities provide emotional nourishment and promote happiness and wellbeing among the elderly. Through interviews, performances, music transcription, participation, and observation, the study finds that engagement in music activities, such as choir singing, performing and listening to indigenous instruments, significantly promotes the wellbeing and health of the elderly. The findings suggest that these musical activities contribute to the reduction of stress and depression while encouraging a fulfilling lifestyle for the elderly participants. This paper argues that indigenous instrumental and choral music play a crucial role in fostering a healthy, wellbeing and happy life for the elderly members.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103145"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143681105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}