Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

{"title":"Academic ageism: Marginalizing experienced researchers","authors":"Lucindo J. Quintans-Júnior , Davi Pereira de Santana","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103164","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103164","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103164"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143865068","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 impact of aromatherapy on pain, comfort, and anxiety in post-cesarean women: A randomized controlled study","authors":"Gülnihal ARTUĞ CANSIZLAR ,&nbsp;Nevin HOTUN ŞAHİN","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103161","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103161","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy on acute pain, anxiety, and comfort levels in primiparous women who underwent cesarean delivery.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>A randomized controlled experimental design was employed.</div></div><div><h3>Setting</h3><div>The study was conducted between March 2022 and March 2023 in a public hospital in Istanbul with 120 women who met the inclusion criteria and participated voluntarily.</div></div><div><h3>Sample</h3><div>The sample consisted of 120 women divided into three groups: Intervention 1 (Inhaler) Group (<em>n</em> = 30), Intervention 2 (Massage) Group (<em>n</em> = 30), and Control Group (<em>n</em> = 60).</div></div><div><h3>Interventions</h3><div>Participants were assigned to groups using a simple random number table. Pre-test assessments included the Descriptive Information Form, State Anxiety Inventory, and Trait Anxiety Inventory. In the Massage Group, participants received a 10-minute essential oil massage starting at the 8th postoperative hour on Day 0 and twice daily for 10 min on Days 1 and 2. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). In the Inhaler Group, aromatherapy with essential oil inhaler sticks was administered four times daily for 5 min on postoperative Days 0, 1, and 2, followed by VAS evaluation. The Control Group received standard clinical care. On Day 2, all participants were reassessed using the State Anxiety Inventory, Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Postpartum Comfort Scale (PCS).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Pre-test scores showed no significant differences in anxiety levels between the groups (<em>p</em> &gt; 0.05). In the final evaluation, the Massage and Inhaler Groups had significantly lower VAS scores (1.670±0.922; 1.730±1.081) and State Anxiety Inventory scores (42.270±3.162; 44.530±3.181), and higher PCS scores (4.010±0.150; 3.819±0.245) compared to the Control Group. The Control Group exhibited higher VAS and anxiety scores and lower PCS scores.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Aromatherapy, particularly when applied via massage, is an effective non pharmacological method for reducing pain and anxiety and enhancing comfort in the postpartum period following cesarean delivery. Incorporating this approach into clinical protocols is recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103161"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143823439","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 treatment of primary immune thrombocytopenia from the perspective of spleen blood deficiency: a case report","authors":"Qiao Liu,&nbsp;Yong Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103163","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103163","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Primary immune thrombocytopenia (pITP) is caused by the increase of platelet destruction and decrease of platelet production mediated by immune disorders. The specific pathogenesis of ITP is complicated and unclear, so the treatment of ITP is still under exploration in both Chinese and Western medicine.</div></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><div>A 56-year-old female patient with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) achieved normalization of platelet levels following a 4-month course of combined Chinese and Western medical treatment. During the gradual reduction of both Chinese and Western medications over these 4 months, the patient's condition remained stable, with the goal of eventually discontinuing treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our case demonstrates that TCM therapy targeting spleen blood deficiency can achieve favorable therapeutic outcomes in ITP, thereby providing a novel treatment alternative for this condition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103163"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143814818","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":"Investigation of the effect of emotional freedom technique (EFT) on sleep quality and fatigue in young people with sleep problems: Randomized controlled study","authors":"Handan Özcan ,&nbsp;Merve Meşedüzü ,&nbsp;Esma Gülen ,&nbsp;Beyza Çopur","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103162","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103162","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Insomnia is a condition that negatively affects the quality of life, daily functioning, and academic success of university students.This study aims to investigate the effect of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) on sleep quality and fatigue in young people with sleep problems.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>This study is a randomized controlled trial. A total of 64 students were included in the study and divided into two groups. There were 32 participants in the intervention group and 32 in the control group. The intervention group received two EFT sessions with a four-week interval, while no interventions were applied to the control group. Data were collected using a questionnaire form that included socio-demographic characteristics, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Fatigue Severity Scale. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the intervention group that received EFT, significant differences were found compared to the control group in terms of Insomnia Severity (t= 6.732, p= 0.001), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (t= 2.16, p= 0.034), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (t= 3.934, p= 0.001) scores. However, no significant difference was found in Fatigue Severity Scale scores (t= 0.910, p= 0.366). Nevertheless, the expected fatigue levels were maintained.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>According to the results, the application of EFT to young individuals with insomnia reduces insomnia and sleepiness issues and improves sleep quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103162"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143843275","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":"Treatment of iatrogenic brachial plexopathy persisting for 3 years due to cervical foraminotomy using Korean medicine: A case report (CARE-compliant)","authors":"Siyun Sung ,&nbsp;Han-Gyul Lee ,&nbsp;Seungwon Kwon ,&nbsp;Woo-Sang Jung ,&nbsp;Sang-Kwan Moon","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103160","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103160","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Extrinsic or iatrogenic brachial plexopathy often resolves spontaneously within six months. Although steroid therapy and rehabilitation interventions are employed in the management of brachial plexopathy, their efficacy remains limited with insufficient supporting evidence. Moreover, therapeutic options to improve symptoms after the natural recovery period are limited.</div></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><div>A 49-year-old Asian woman was admitted with a three-year history of right upper extremity weakness and pain. The patient was diagnosed with sequelae of iatrogenic right brachial plexus injury due to cervical foraminotomy based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the right brachial plexus and medical history. The patient was treated with a comprehensive treatment regimen, including the herbal prescription Bojungikgi-tang, bee venom pharmaco-acupuncture, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and electro-moxibustion. After 62 days of treatment, her motor strength, assessed using the modified Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, improved significantly from Grade 2.5 to Grade 4.5. The tolerated weight for dumbbells increased from 0.5 kg to 2 kg, and that for the weight bar increased from 0 kg to 2.07 kg. Pain intensity, measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), decreased from 5 to 1. The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score markedly reduced from 81 to 23, and her performance in the Box and Block Test (BBT) improved from -6.24 to -2.82. Additionally, all domains of the Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) reflected significant enhancement in the patient's physical and mental health.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This case suggests that combined treatment with Korean medicine might be an effective tool for treating brachial plexopathy symptoms. However, further studies are required to confirm the efficacy of this treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 3","pages":"Article 103160"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143814817","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":"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}