Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

{"title":"The effect of laughter yoga on disease acceptance, treatment adherence and comfort in hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled study","authors":"Betül BAL ,&nbsp;Nagihan KÖROĞLU-KABA ,&nbsp;Havva ÖZTÜRK ,&nbsp;Yeter KURT ,&nbsp;Aysel ÖZSABAN","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103201","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103201","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this study was to determine the effect of laughter yoga on hemodialysis patients' disease acceptance, treatment adherence and comfort levels. This randomized controlled study was conducted with 42 patients (experimental group=21, control group=21) who were treated in the hemodialysis unit. Hemodialysis patients in the experimental group received 12 sessions of laughter yoga for four weeks, three days a week. Data were collected using Patient Information Form, Disease Acceptance Scale, End-Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire, and Hemodialysis Comfort Scale. A significant difference was found between the disease acceptance scale (t(41) = 4.39, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001, <em>d</em> = 1.364), end-stage renal failure adaptation scale (t(41) = 2.69, <em>p</em> = 0.010, <em>d</em> = 0.830) and hemodialysis comfort scale (t(41) = 5.58, <em>p</em> = 0.010, <em>d</em> = 1.710) of hemodialysis patients who underwent laughter yoga. In addition for the Disease Acceptance Scale, the SD of the pre-test scores was 7.51. Accordingly, the MCID thresholds were calculated as 3.75 (0.5 SD), 3.11 (1 SEM), and 6.09 (1.96 SEM). For the End-Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire, the SD was 178.79, and the MCID was calculated as 89.40 (0.5 SD), 63.47 (1 SEM), and 124.39 (1.96 SEM). For the Hemodialysis Comfort Scale, the SD was 6.43, resulting in MCID estimates of 3.21 (0.5 SD), 2.01 (1 SEM), and 3.94 (1.96 SEM). Laughter yoga practiced during hemodialysis increased acceptance of the disease, adherence to treatment, and comfort (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). In contrast, no statistically significant difference was found in the control group (p &gt; 0.05). Increasing hemodialysis patients' acceptance of the disease, adherence to treatment, and comfort levels ensure the successful continuation of the disease management process. The practice of laughter yoga in clinics during hemodialysis sessions is recommended to increase disease acceptance, adherence to treatment and comfort levels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103201"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144589094","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":"Integrative application of bloodletting and cupping for refractory herpes zoster in an immunocompromised patient with ovarian cancer","authors":"Yue-Fang Chen ,&nbsp;Qian-Qian Liu ,&nbsp;Yi Ji ,&nbsp;Ting Li","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103202","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103202","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Refractory herpes zoster in immunocompromised patients, particularly those receiving chemotherapy, poses significant clinical challenges due to limited responsiveness to standard antiviral and analgesic therapies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been explored as an adjunctive modality to enhance analgesic efficacy and support lesion resolution.</div></div><div><h3>Case Report</h3><div>A 79-year-old patient with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy developed severe HZ affecting the T10–L2 dermatomes. Despite a six-day course of intravenous penciclovir and oral pregabalin, neuropathic pain intensified (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS]: 7–8/10), accompanied by worsening bullous eruptions. A TCM-based intervention consisting of plum-blossom needle bloodletting followed by flash-fire cupping was subsequently implemented. Pain severity was reduced by approximately 90 % (NRS: 2) within 24 h and fully resolved (NRS: 0) by 48 h post-intervention. Skin lesions exhibited complete epithelialization without evidence of secondary infection. At 21-day follow-up, no recurrence or postherpetic neuralgia was observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This case demonstrates the potential benefit of integrating TCM modalities with conventional antiviral regimens in the management of refractory herpes zoster among immunocompromised patients. The combined therapeutic approach may contribute to rapid symptom alleviation, improved dermal recovery, and prevention of long-term complications. Further evaluation through rigorously designed controlled studies is recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103202"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144523191","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":"Masthead page","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103226","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103226","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103226"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144634133","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 online mindful stretching exercises for loneliness, mindfulness, and hair cortisol: A mixed method study","authors":"Freda Jia Xin Jong ,&nbsp;Caryn Chuen Wei Lee ,&nbsp;Rachel Sing-Kiat Ting ,&nbsp;Mei-Hua Lin ,&nbsp;Lin Kooi Ong ,&nbsp;Xin Fei Quek ,&nbsp;Shaun Wen Huey Lee ,&nbsp;Alvin Lai Oon Ng ,&nbsp;Siew Li Teoh","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103204","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103204","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Loneliness is a prevalent concern among young adults, with prior research indicating mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may help mitigate the effect. This study aimed to investigate the effects of online MBIs in alleviating loneliness in university students, with a specific focus on comparing mindful stretching with or without a mindful breathing component.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study employed a mixed-method design (i.e., pre-post study and qualitative interviews). One hundred and three university students were randomly assigned to a four-week mindful stretching with mindful breathing (MSB) or a mindful stretching only (MSO) group. Fifteen-minute daily practices were required, and adherence was monitored. Outcomes assessed included loneliness, mindfulness, and hair cortisol. The qualitative study used a thematic approach to code for the perceived benefits, challenges, and feedback.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>No significant between-group differences were observed for all the outcomes. However, both MSB and MSO interventions showed significant pre-post attenuation in loneliness in small-to-moderate effect sizes (Cohen’s <em>d</em>_MSB = 0.45; Cohen’s <em>d</em>_MSO = 0.19), and moderate to large effect sizes improvement in mindfulness (Cohen’s <em>d</em>_MSB = 1.18; Cohen’s <em>d</em>_MSO = 0.49). Qualitative results revealed that participants from both groups experienced calming effects and increased awareness toward themselves and their surroundings after the interventions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Findings suggested that the brief online self-help mindful stretching interventions, regardless of the inclusion of a mindful breathing component, are useful for coping with loneliness and enhancing mindfulness in university students. The effects of mindfulness could be further extended among general populations due to its established psychological benefits.</div></div><div><h3>Preregistration</h3><div>This trial was registered in ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT04394013)</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103204"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144535222","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":"Alexander technique for older adults—An evidence based low-cost method for chronic pain and frailty prevention","authors":"Mikhail Kogan ,&nbsp;Anna Furman","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103131","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103131","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103131"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143257215","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":"A proposal to “Whole” our knowing: Clinical medicine in the Noosphere","authors":"Joseph J. Lamb ,&nbsp;P. Michael Stone ,&nbsp;Lindsey E. Wilkens ,&nbsp;Deanna M. Minich ,&nbsp;Jeffrey S. Bland ,&nbsp;Brian Thomas Swimme","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103203","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103203","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A significant challenge facing healthcare clinicians during communication with their patients relates to the context and frame of reference of the conversation between practitioner and patient. Individuals often have unique perspectives on the origin of their health and disease patterns. These perspectives are influenced by their “knowing” of themselves and the world they inhabit. This concept of “knowing” derives from a perspective encompassing physical, psychological, and cosmological domains. Contemporary medicine has traditionally focused heavily on the physical contributions to health and disease, whereas historically, cultures have drawn their “knowing” from their personal and spiritual relationship to planetary health and cosmological processes. A critical convergence of these perspectives is emerging in a broader and more inclusive way of “knowing” in the 21st century. One of the most potent models of knowing derives from the evolutionary sciences. We now know that each of us emerges out of a fourteen-billion-year evolutionary process. Each of us is suffused with the same energy that transformed clouds of atoms into radiant stars and ignited life on our planet. Modern science has demonstrated that our self-healing processes were constructed over 200 million years of mammalian evolution. From a cosmological perspective, healing can be understood as interventions that amplify the self-healing capacities of our bodies. This process of amplification is unique to each person. This is the N-of-1 era where respect for differences in “knowing” requires a broad-based understanding of the entire spectrum of relationships that an individual experiences with their environment and lifestyle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 5","pages":"Article 103203"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144570927","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":"Knowledge, attitude, perception and satisfaction level of Ayurveda and allopathy in India: A systematic literature review","authors":"Subhajit Hazra,&nbsp;Kailash Singh Bisht,&nbsp;Shimon Makkar,&nbsp;Kundan Singh Bora","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103208","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103208","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, remains integral to India's healthcare despite the dominance of allopathy. The lack of scientific validation, standardized regulations, and clinical trials has hindered its integration into modern healthcare. The Ministry of AYUSH has played a key role in promoting Ayurveda, though regional disparities persist in its implementation. The COVID-19 pandemic revived interest in Ayurveda, highlighting its preventive aspects but also raising concerns about misinformation. A balanced, integrative approach combining Ayurveda and allopathy can enhance healthcare by leveraging the strengths of both systems. This study aimed to decipher the knowledge, attitude, perception, and satisfaction levels of Ayurveda and Allopathic, and/or integrative system of medicine, among the Indian Population.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The search for eligible studies for inclusion was conducted via the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Original research, review, early access, open/early access articles, and meeting abstracts were eligible for inclusion.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This search generated 10,690 articles published between 2004 and 2024, and of these, 24 were assessed for eligibility. This included 20 original research and 4 review article. Only the research articcles were considered for the present review, with a collective total of 7952 participants. The manuscript revealed that the preference for Ayurveda was driven by perceptions of naturalness, safety, cultural familiarity, and affordability, rather than scientific validation. Additionally, while patients viewed it as a low-risk alternative, it was revealed through the included studies that there is limited awareness of proper dosage, risks, and potential interactions with Allopathy, leading to unsafe practices. Moreover, the gap between public interest in Ayurveda and the healthcare system’s ability to provide regulated, evidence-based services was highlighted as one of the key issues in the adoption of Ayurvedic system of medicine. Thus, despite increased government support, integration remains weak due to operational barriers, professional hesitancy, and regional disparities in AYUSH services. Additionally, the private sector has not significantly incorporated Ayurveda, limiting urban access to integrative care.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The review highlights the preference for Ayurveda in chronic disease management and Allopathy for acute care, driven more by perceptions of safety and affordability than scientific validation. However, a lack of awareness about proper usage and herb-drug interactions leads to unsafe practices like unsupervised dual-use. Despite government efforts, integration remains limited due to operational barriers, professional hesitancy, and uneven AYUSH service distribution. The private sector has not meaningfully adopted Ayurveda, restricting urban acces","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 5","pages":"Article 103208"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144563384","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 self-auriculotherapy on the severity of restless leg syndrome, sleep quality, and fatigue in hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial","authors":"Fatemeh Asgari ,&nbsp;Mohammad Aghajani ,&nbsp;Sara Mortazavi Nia","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103205","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103205","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a sensory-motor sleep disorder common among hemodialysis patients. Today, complementary and alternative medicine considered in alleviating symptoms for some people with RLS. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of self-auriculotherapy on the severity of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), sleep quality, and fatigue among hemodialysis patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This was randomized controlled trial. Sixty participants randomly assigned to either an intervention or a sham group. The intervention, consisting of auriculotherapy sessions conducted three times a week for six weeks, was assessed using validated scales at baseline, week six, and week ten.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Significant improvements observed in RLS severity, sleep quality, and fatigue in the intervention group compared to the sham group at baseline, week 6, and week 10. The auriculotherapy group showed significant improvements in mean RLS, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) scores compared to baseline at week 6 and week 10. (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings suggest that auriculotherapy is an effective non-pharmacological treatment for managing RLS and enhancing sleep quality and fatigue in hemodialysis patients. The study underscores the potential of auriculotherapy as a non-invasive, time-efficient therapeutic option, although further research with varied populations and longer follow-up periods recommended confirming these findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 5","pages":"Article 103205"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144548942","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":"Linking faith and health: spiritual care in the ethiopian orthodox tewahedo church and its contribution to SDG 3","authors":"Girum Melkamu Tadesse","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103199","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103199","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The research investigates the importance of spiritual care practices within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) regarding well-being along with insights for Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3). The research analyzed the real experiences of 15 participants made up of clergy members along with ordinary church members through a qualitative phenomenological approach. The combination of prayer with rituals and community backing and traditional healing methods creates an emotional and psychological resilience system according to research findings. The research demonstrates how EOTC delivers distinct benefits for complete health while providing knowledge for developing culturally appropriate health services and policies. The proposed strategy includes two components: first, system-wide integration of spiritual care practices and second, development of faith-based health models within communities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103199"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144470344","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":"Advancing biophysics in energy-based clinical interventions: a narrative review","authors":"Rick Sá ,&nbsp;G. Pignataro Neto","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103198","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103198","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence and emerging models that explain how energy-based interventions may influence biological systems, with particular emphasis on the roles of ultraweak photon emissions (UPEs). Additionally, through this synthesis, we seek to propose a plausible biophysical mechanism of biocommunication that may underlie the effects observed in Biofield Therapies (BTs).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a comprehensive literature review of preclinical (<em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em>) and clinical studies on BTs, Electromagnetic Therapies modalities, and photon-mediated biocommunication. Additionally, we examined theoretical models from biophysics and quantum spin dynamics to explore plausible mechanisms underlying nonlocal biological effects.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Clinical and preclinical evidence suggests that BTs and Electromagnetic Therapies interventions modulate pain, inflammation, immune responses, and oxidative stress. UPEs emerge as sensitive biomarkers of physiological coherence and may mediate photonic signaling both within and between biological systems. Recent theoretical advances indicate that long-range spin-mediated coherence and photon-sucking mechanisms may contribute to our understanding of biocommunication, potentially enabling spectral- and coherence-dependent therapeutic effects.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In particular, Electromagnetic Therapies demonstrate clinically relevant effects in modulating inflammation, pain, and tissue repair, supported by both mechanistic insights and clinical evidence. More broadly, energy-based interventions such as BTs show promise in influencing biological regulation, supposedly through coherent photonic and electromagnetic processes. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms could strengthen the scientific foundation and clinical application of energy medicine approaches. Further experimental validation is essential to elucidate, for example, the role of BTs at both short and long distances and their potential therapeutic outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 4","pages":"Article 103198"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144482436","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}