Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

{"title":"An experiment with three studies of physiological connectedness amongst twins and its possible relationship to attachment","authors":"Göran Brusewitz ,&nbsp;Adrian Parker","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Fourteen pairs of twins were selected on the basis of their high scores on <em>The Exceptional Experiences Questionnaire (EEQ</em>), which documents the frequency and intensity of telepathic and synchronistic experiences amongst twins. The twins alternated in the role of sender in which they were exposed to a surprise or shock stimulus and in the role of receiver in which their electrodermal activity (EDA) was monitored. Sender and receiver were placed in laboratory rooms at remote ends of a building separated by distance and barriers ensuring sensory isolation. Twins in the role of sender were presented with a series of surprise or shock stimuli during the period randomly selected for presentation. This was one out of the 8 periods occurring in the block of 5 min. Within the selected period, the actual presentation lasted 30 s and occurred at approximately the midpoint of the period. The stimulus presentation in this block of 5 min was repeated 5 times making thereby a 25-minute session for each twin belonging to the sender-receiver pair. During this session, the other twin in the role of receiver, had been equipped with electrodes recording EDA and otherwise advised to relax during the session. The task for the judge in the studies was to use the electrophysiological data from the non-shocked twin to identify the exact periods when the stimuli had been exposed to the sending twin. The EDA from 91 useable presentations were displayed and analysed for the purpose of locating any peak EDA response in each of the possible eight periods corresponding to the stimuli exposure times. Correct identifications would thus occur by chance one in eight times. The attempts at these identifications were carried out by GB, a researcher experienced at EDA interpretation but blind as to the periods that had been chosen for the stimulus exposure. The findings from the three experimental studies showed there were 18 correct identifications out of the total 91 stimulus exposures (MCE = 11.4), which reached statistical significance on a one-tailed <em>t</em>-test (<em>p</em> = 0.043), and with a binomial test (<em>p =</em> .03, one-tailed). However, only one of the three studies reached significance, in this case at the same level as the collective results (<em>p</em> = 0.043, one-tailed). Two explanations for this are the observed variability in the task-performances of the pairs of twins and in the differences in the sources of the twins for each of the studies. The results of a questionnaire entitled ‘<em>Experiences in Close Relationships’</em> (ECR), adapted for twin relationships to assess their degree of attachment, indicated that those twins with many “correct identifications of epochs from the EDA” were not significantly different from the others on this measure of attachment. However, it should be noted that the twins here according to the ECR all had close emotional relationships to each other, thereby giving too little variation to adequately test","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139516539","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 effects of dry needling and face yoga on pain, depression, function, and sleep quality in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><p>Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) poses significant challenges due to its diverse symptoms and impact on patients' daily lives.</p></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of two innovative interventions, dry needling and face yoga, in managing TMD-related issues such as pain, depression, and sleep quality.</p></div><div><h3>Design and study participants</h3><p>Ninety patients with TMD symptoms were enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled trial. The patients were divided into three groups: dry needling, face yoga, and a control group. Various assessments, including Visual Analog Scale for pain, Beck Depression Inventory for depression, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality, were conducted before and 6 weeks after the interventions.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>A decrease in pain levels and a statistically significant increase in jaw joint movements (mouth opening, protrusive movement, lateral movements) were observed in the dry needling and face yoga groups after treatment (<em>p</em> &lt;0.05). Additionally, improvements in sleep quality were observed (<em>p</em> &lt;0.05).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Dry needling and face yoga interventions demonstrated efficacy in managing TMD symptoms, including pain relief and improved jaw movement. The findings suggest that these interventions can be valuable additions to the treatment regimen for patients suffering from TMD-related issues. However, further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and mechanisms underlying these interventions in TMD management.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139501774","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":"Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for adherence of immunosuppressive treatment in liver transplant recipients: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Semra Bulbuloglu ,&nbsp;Hüseyin Gunes","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on the adherence of liver transplant recipients to immunosuppressive therapy with a randomized controlled design.</p></div><div><h3>Method</h3><p>This randomized controlled trial was performed with 120 liver transplant recipients hospitalized at the liver transplant department of a research and practice hospital (<em>n</em> = 120). While we administered no intervention to the patients in the control group (<em>n</em> = 60), we provided Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to those in the experimental group (<em>n</em> = 60). We used the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and the Immunosuppressant Therapy Adherence Scale to collect data. We utilized descriptive statistics, paired-samples <em>t</em>-tests, independent-samples <em>t</em>-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and chi-squared tests to analyze the data.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>After the intervention, the immunosuppressive therapy adherence levels of the experimental group increased significantly (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). On the other hand, the control group had significantly higher adherence to immunosuppressive therapy and significantly higher levels of mindfulness in the pretest phase than it did in the posttest phase (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Complete adherence to immunosuppressive therapy is imperative for the prevention of graft rejection in liver transplant recipients. In our study, the experimental group equipped with enhanced mindfulness had higher adherence to immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, the use of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in the promotion of adherence to immunosuppressive therapy is recommended.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139482079","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":"Effects of myofascial release technique in patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy: A single blind-randomized clinical trial","authors":"Fatih Bali ,&nbsp;Gülay Aras Bayram","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the myofascial release technique in individuals diagnosed with unilateral cervical radiculopathy.</p></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><p>Thirty-four cervical radiculopathy patients were randomly assigned to either the myofascial release group or the exercise group. Both groups received conventional treatment. Additionally, the exercise group performed stretching and strengthening exercises while the myofascial release group received the myofascial release technique. The pain pressure threshold, muscle strength, cervical range of motion, pain, and disability variables were assessed for all patients.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The myofascial release group demonstrated significantly larger improvements in flexion (<em>p</em> = 0.001), extension (<em>p</em> = 0.037), left rotation (<em>p</em> = 0.012), and left lateral flexion (<em>p</em> = 0.001) range of motions compared to the exercise group. Muscle strength in the wrist flexors (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), wrist extensors (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.010), biceps (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) and triceps (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) were significantly higher in the myofascial release group compared to the exercise group. And, again, the myofascial release group demonstrated significantly larger improvements in wrist flexors (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), wrist extensors (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), biceps (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), triceps (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), pectorals (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), subscapularis (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), upper trapezius (<em>p</em> = 0.002), and the pain pressure threshold. Finally, the myofascial release group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) and disability (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) scales compared to the exercise group.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Evaluation of the arm muscle strength and pain pressure threshold variables in patients with cervical radiculopathy may benefit clinicians in the preparation of treatments. Cervical radiculopathy symptoms may improve after the application of myofascial release techniques. A customized cervical exercise program and conventional treatment could be added to the non-surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139484012","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":"Effect assessment of traditional Chinese medicine, Guilu Erxian Jiao, in patients with osteoporosis: A case-control study of the Chang gung memorial hospital","authors":"Yuan-Xin Lai ,&nbsp;Chu-Yao Tseng ,&nbsp;Huang-Yu Yang ,&nbsp;Sien-Hung Yang ,&nbsp;Pai-Wei Lee ,&nbsp;Tsung-Hsien Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Osteoporosis is a chronic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and increased risk of fracture. In Taiwan, Guilu Erxian Jiao (GEJ) is the commonly used formula of Chinese herbal medicines for patients with osteoporosis. However, the effect of GEJ on subsequent fractures in the long term is unclear. This is the first long-term case-control study of the effects of GEJ on the rates of fracture in patients with osteoporosis.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We collected data from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2019 from the Chang Gung Research Database. We interpreted from the reports of DXA to confirm whether the patients met the criteria for osteoporosis (T score ≤ -2.5). Eighty-five patients were enrolled in the GEJ group. After two propensity score matchings, 425 patients were identified as the non-GEJ group. We assessed four outcomes to confirm the effects of GEJ in patients with osteoporosis, including the change in the T-score, new occurrences of fractures, cumulative rate of fracture, and how many doses of GEJ need to be administered to effectively reduce fractures</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>There was no significant difference in either the improvement in the T score or the 5-year overall fracture (<em>p</em> = 0.335) between these two groups. At the fracture-prone sites, the fracture in lumbar vertebrae was less in the GEJ group (<em>p</em> = 0.034). A total of 600 GEJ pills are required to effectively reduce the incidence of fractures (p value= 0.0039).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Patients who take at least 600 GEJ pills would have a decreased fracture risk at fracture-prone sites.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139538233","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":"Alternative therapy for acute appendicitis with appendicolith using traditional Chinese medicine: A case report","authors":"Shih-Han Wang ,&nbsp;Shi-Chen Ou ,&nbsp;Ting-Yen Lin ,&nbsp;Tung-Ti Chang","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Treating older patients with acute appendicitis with multiple underlying diseases is a challenging situation in the clinical setting. Throughout the history of East Asian medicine, many texts have noted the use of herbal decoctions to successfully treat symptoms associated with appendicitis, thereby providing an alternative management strategy for treating frail patients with acute appendicitis.</p></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><p>This report presents the case of a 93-year-old male diagnosed with acute appendicitis with appendicolith who was unsuitable for surgical intervention due to poor lung condition and prolonged prothrombin time caused by Apixaban. By receiving complementary therapy consisting of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and antibiotics, he recovered successfully.</p></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><p>In the early stage of acute appendicitis, infection control and gastrointestinal mobility are the most important factors to consider. Scientific research has demonstrated that many herbs used in TCM formulas possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immune attenuation effects. For many patients who are unsuitable for surgical intervention due to unfavorable conditions, such as the prolonged prothrombin time presented in this case, complementary treatment with TCM offers adjuvant therapeutical effects associated with infection control, and improvement of the gastrointestinal environment and function of elderly patients.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139462262","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":"Exploring client's experiences of a new energy healing modality: Magdalena energy session(s)","authors":"Angela U. Ekwonye,&nbsp;Alvina Brueggemann","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><p>Anecdotal experience of Magdalena energy session(s) offers some indication of its health benefits, yet the literature on this new energy healing modality is scarce.</p></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To explore the personal experience of recipients of the Magdalena energy session(s).</p></div><div><h3>Method</h3><p>In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 generally healthy volunteer adults from around the world who had received at least one Magdalena energy healing session with a certified Magdalena practitioner. Thematic analysis was used to discern patterns in the experience.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Participants had different motives for attending the Magdalena energy session(s). Clients reported experiencing movement and release of energy, changes in sensation and feeling, and transcendental experience during the Magdalena energy session(s). After the session(s), there were reports of a sustained feeling of lightness, increased positive emotions, increased self-awareness, and deeper spiritual connection. Participants noted the uniqueness of the Magdalena energy session(s) compared to other energy healing practices.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The findings from this qualitative study suggest that Magdalena energy session(s) can elicit a relaxation response, alter emotions, and increase spiritual connections to facilitate a subjective healing experience. Therefore, the present study recommends further investigations to elucidate variables for a larger-scale intervention study of the effects of Magdalena energy session(s) on health outcomes and the underlying mechanisms of action.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830724000016/pdfft?md5=2b6505c1c6385d22a5828006ced75f89&pid=1-s2.0-S1550830724000016-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139421146","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":"Comparing the effects of rosemary aromatherapy and music therapy on anxiety levels in patients undergoing general surgery: A randomized controlled clinical trial","authors":"Mandana Sayadi Mank-halati ,&nbsp;Mansour Rezaei ,&nbsp;Mohammad Hussein Farzaei ,&nbsp;Alireza Khatony","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2024.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Preoperative anxiety is a prevalent concern among patients undergoing surgery, potentially elevating the risk of postoperative complications. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of inhalation aromatherapy using rosemary essential oil and music therapy in reducing anxiety levels among general surgery patients.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>This study employed a randomized controlled clinical trial design involving 236 patients scheduled for general surgery. The participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: aromatherapy with Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil (<em>n</em> = 59), music therapy (<em>n</em> = 59), combined aromatherapy and music therapy (<em>n</em> = 59), and a control group (<em>n</em> = 59). Data collection instruments consisted of the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, a personal information form, a music player, and wireless headphones. In the aromatherapy group, patients were instructed to inhale three drops of 25% rosemary essential oil. The music therapy group listened to instrumental music through headphones, while the combined group received both inhalation aromatherapy with rosemary essential oil and music therapy. The control group received three drops of an aromatic placebo. The interventions were administered for a duration of 30 min, starting one hour before surgery. Inferential statistics, including the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, chi-square test, paired <em>t</em>-test, one-way analysis of variance, and LSD post-hoc test, were employed for data analysis.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The study findings demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing anxiety among surgical patients for aromatherapy (<em>P</em> = 0.001), music therapy (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), and combined aromatherapy and music therapy (<em>P</em> = 0.001). Aromatherapy showed the highest anxiety-reducing effect, whereas combined therapy exhibited the lowest effect.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The results indicate that inhalation aromatherapy, music therapy, and combined aromatherapy and music therapy are all effective approaches for anxiety reduction in surgical patients. Hence, the implementation of these cost-effective and non-invasive interventions is recommended to alleviate anxiety among surgical patients.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2024-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139421013","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":"Melatonin, vitamins and minerals supplements for the treatment of Covid-19 and Covid-like illness: A prospective, randomized, double-blind multicenter study","authors":"Lobna Mahjoub ,&nbsp;Rym Youssef ,&nbsp;Hajer Yaakoubi ,&nbsp;Houda Ben Salah ,&nbsp;Rahma Jaballah ,&nbsp;Moez Mejri ,&nbsp;Adel Sekma ,&nbsp;Imen Trabelsi ,&nbsp;Semir Nouira ,&nbsp;Mariem Khrouf ,&nbsp;Houda Ben Soltane ,&nbsp;Zied Mezgar ,&nbsp;Lotfi Boukadida ,&nbsp;Asma Zorgati ,&nbsp;Riadh Boukef","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2023.06.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2023.06.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Melatonin, zinc, and multivitamins are among most recommended supplements in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of this association in the treatment of COVID-19 and COVID-like illnesses.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We conducted a multicenter prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Patients with no medical history consulting the emergency department for covid and covid-like illness and who were not hospitalized were included. Patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the treatment or the placebo group. The primary outcome was studying the effectiveness of zinc multivitamin supplement and melatonin in the treatment of COVID and -like illnesses symptoms’ according to the time from randomization to clinical improvement. The pre-specified secondary outcomes were date of disappearance of symptoms present on admission, appearance of an adverse effect due to the administration of the treatment, number of patients developing complications, requiring hospitalization, requiring respiratory support.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>One hundred sixty four patients were eligible for the study and were randomized to either the treatment group or the placebo group. Overall, 128 of the 164 patients had a PCR for SARS-CoV-2, yielding a positive PCR result in 49.1% of them. Regarding the disappearance of all initial presenting symptoms: on the ^5th day of the follow-up, there was a significant difference between the two groups with a p value 0.04;On the 10th day, there was a significant difference too with p value of 0.038. There were no significant differences between the two groups in recovery during the 15th day of follow-up p&gt;0.5. Finally, 100% of patients fully recovered in the treatment group vs 98.8% in the placebo group. No severe adverse events were reported throughout the trial.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Our results showed that daily doses of Melatonin, zinc and vitamins did significantly reduce the duration of symptoms accelerating its disappearance among patients consulting with COVID-19 or COVID-19 like illness.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10281695/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9763693","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":"Effect of a lavender essential oil and sleep hygiene protocol on insomnia in postmenopausal women: A pilot randomized clinical trial✰✰✰","authors":"Leandro Lucena ,&nbsp;Jair Guilherme Santos-Junior ,&nbsp;Sergio Tufik ,&nbsp;Helena Hachul","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2023.07.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2023.07.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Insomnia and vasomotor symptoms are frequently experienced during the menopausal transition and in postmenopause, worsening sleep maintenance and quality of life. Our study evaluated the use of lavender essential oil and sleep hygiene guidance on quality of life, sleep patterns and self-reported hot flashes in postmenopausal women with insomnia diagnosis.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>This study is part of a larger experimental, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. We included 35 postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of insomnia who were distributed in two groups: A Placebo group (sunflower oil) and an Aroma group (<em>Lavandula angustifolia</em> essential oil); both inhaled the oils before bedtime for 29 days. The groups received sleep hygiene guidelines and weekly follow-up. Validated questionnaires were used to assess the effect of the intervention, and a sleep diary was used to assess sleep onset latency (SOL), total sleep time (TST), and sleep efficiency (SE) daily. Participants who complained of vasomotor symptoms at baseline kept a daily record of their frequency and intensity.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>All participants benefited in almost all domains of quality of life and in the self-assessed TST and SE. The Aroma group achieved a significant improvement in their overall quality of life score over time. No differences were observed in respect of the hot flashes record and daytime sleepiness.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The aromatherapy intervention was effective in improving the overall quality of life in the Aroma group. Moreover, the sleep diary and sleep hygiene instructions helped all participants to, respectively, self-assess and improve their sleep patterns.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9876551","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}