Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing最新文献

{"title":"The effect of acupressure on polyneuropathy-related pain and sleep quality in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomised controlled trial","authors":"Fatma Gündüz-Oruç ,&nbsp;Elanur Yilmaz-Karabulutlu","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103262","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103262","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aimed to determine the effect of acupressure on polyneuropathy-related pain and sleep quality in patients with type 2 diabetes.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>A randomized controlled experimental design was employed in the study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study sample consisted of 86 patients with type 2 diabetes (44 in the acupressure group and 42 in the control group) who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group received six sessions of acupressure over six consecutive days, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Pain Quality Assessment Scale (PQAS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS for Windows 22.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the acupressure group, post-test mean scores of the PQAS subscales—Paroxysmal Pain (t=-8.636; p&lt;0.001), Surface Pain (t=-7.649; p&lt;0.001), and Deep Pain (t=-10.349; p&lt;0.001)—significantly decreased compared to the control group. Additionally, the acupressure group demonstrated a significant improvement in post-test PSQI total scores (U=70.000; p&lt;0.001) and sleep quality subscale scores compared to the control group, except for the Sleep Medication Use subscale (U=831.000; p=0.149), which showed no significant difference.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Acupressure was found to reduce polyneuropathy-related pain and enhance sleep quality in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, acupressure may be considered an alternative nursing intervention for individuals with type 2 diabetes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103262"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158100","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":"Compassion, connection, and capacity: Outcomes of a yearlong contemplative medicine fellowship","authors":"Anne Kennard ,&nbsp;Jennifer Clinkenbeard ,&nbsp;Erin Gillespie ,&nbsp;David Iozzi","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103269","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103269","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate how a year-long Contemplative Medicine Fellowship impacts physician burnout, moral injury, work-life integration, meaning, capacity for compassion, and professional resilience.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>A pre–post survey observational study using a combination of validated survey tools and questionnaire items authored by the research team.</div></div><div><h3>Setting</h3><div>The New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care (NYZC), an educational nonprofit in the US, offers a year-long, remote learning fellowship in contemplative medicine that integrates mindfulness, compassion training, reflective inquiry, community engagement, and other contemplative approaches to the practice of medicine.</div></div><div><h3>Intervention</h3><div>Participation in the Contemplative Medicine Fellowship, which includes experiential contemplative practice, didactic instruction, mentorship, peer-group reflection, and cultivation of a community of support over 12 months.</div></div><div><h3>Main outcome measures</h3><div>Primary outcomes included changes in burnout, well-being, and compassion (Maslach Burnout Inventory, Physician Well-Being Index, DPES-Compassion Scale).</div><div>Participant’s perceived value of the intervention is also assessed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants showed statistically significant reductions in emotional exhaustion (–10.0 points, <em>P</em> &lt; .001) and depersonalization (–3 points, <em>P</em> = .015); increases in measures related to well-being; and statistically significant increases in compassion (+0.4 points, <em>P</em> = .022). Participants also reported a high level of satisfaction with the intervention and an increased sense of community.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Contemplative training may mitigate burnout and moral distress while fostering compassion, meaning, connection, and leadership in clinical practice. Future endeavors may consider more widespread education and implementation of these concepts into medical education and practice as part of a cultural shift of medicine towards sustainable clinician well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103269"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145362056","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":"NREM and REM sleep, cholinergic levels and memory","authors":"Angie Lillehei","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103245","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103245","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103245"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049002","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 on plasma oxytocin and dopamine levels through a five-minute audiovisual stimulus of Greek Syrtaki: An intervention-control primary care study","authors":"Panagiotis Volkos ,&nbsp;Panagiotis Stachteas ,&nbsp;Manolis Linardakis ,&nbsp;Evangelia Skouradaki ,&nbsp;Stavroula Baritaki ,&nbsp;Sirja Koutonen ,&nbsp;Niki Malliaraki ,&nbsp;Marilena Kampa ,&nbsp;Emmanouil K Symvoulakis","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103263","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103263","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Culturally familiar or preferred music has been found to impact levels of neurotransmitters and hormones. The study aimed to explore the potential influence of an audiovisual stimulus, featuring Greek Syrtaki music, on plasma oxytocin and dopamine levels among primary care attendees and the associations between their variations, socio-demographic factors, and baseline levels of loneliness.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Eighty primary care attendees participated in the study (40 in the intervention group and 40 in the control group). Early morning blood sample collection took place between December 2023 and June 2024. Commercial ELISA kits from Abcam (Cambridge, UK) were used to measure oxytocin and dopamine levels. Syrtaki music by M. Theodorakis was provided in audiovisual format. The University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (Version 3) was used and correlated with oxytocin and dopamine levels.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Post-intervention oxytocin levels increased on average by 0.72 pg/ml (p &lt; 0.001) in 85.0 % of intervention group participants, while dopamine levels increased by 0.21 ng/ml (p = 0.001) in 67.5 % of intervention group participants. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that, for each unit increase in the loneliness scale, the odds of post-intervention elevated oxytocin and dopamine levels significantly decreased (OR=0.88, p = 0.039).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Decoding hormonal response to a well-known culturally based music element and its associations with baseline loneliness offers new knowledge on the interrelation between proactive behaviors of bonding, social connection, and personal well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103263"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118329","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":"Decrease in shear wave elastography values and associated risk factors in patients of NAFLD with Unani treatment: clinical case series","authors":"Asim Ali Khan ,&nbsp;Md. Wasi Akhtar ,&nbsp;Gulnaz Azmi ,&nbsp;Sadia Nikhat","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103243","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103243","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a global health concern, and leading cause of liver cirrhosis and carcinoma, with no approved treatment till date. In Unani medicine, the management of fat deposition in liver is done with <em>mufatteḥ-i-sudad</em> (de-obstruent) and <em>muḥallil-i-waram</em> (anti-inflammatory) drugs, to expel morbid matter and restore hepatic functions. This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of Unani drugs in NAFLD on specific biochemical and radiological parameters.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>This case series was carried out on five patients of ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD, between December 2024 to May 2025. Drugs recommended in classical Unani literature for the treatment of fat deposition in liver (<em>R. emodi, D. costus, A. absinthium</em> and Lac) were prescribed for 3 months. NAFLD was graded by shearwave elastography before and after the treatment. Safety and efficacy were assessed clinically and with biochemical investigations.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There was a noticeable decrease in BMI, ALP, and SGPT. TAI values decreased in all patients although some patients showed better improvement than others. There was no significant change in haemogram and KFT, indicating the safety of the formulation. The drugs were well-tolerated and no adverse effects were reported.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The observations of this study are highly encouraging as the test drugs treated the hepatic pathology, and also mitigated risk factors (obesity, hyperlipidemia), which are known to aggravate NAFLD progression. With further researches, Unani drugs used in this study may provide the much-needed holistic management of NAFLD and its associated comorbidities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103243"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144932829","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":"Translational reinterpretation of ancestral healing rituals: Structured physiological modulation through adaptive biological responses","authors":"João Francisco Pollo Gaspary ,&nbsp;Alfred Lee Edgar ,&nbsp;Fernanda Peron Gaspary ,&nbsp;Eduarda Grando Lopes ,&nbsp;Luis Felipe Dias Lopes","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103274","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103274","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Ancestral healing rituals have long been embedded in cultural traditions as symbolic practices. However, emerging evidence suggests these rituals may act as structured behavioral interventions capable of eliciting adaptive physiological responses. This study proposes a translational reinterpretation of ancestral healing rituals through the lens of contemporary redox biology, systems physiology, and bioenergetic modulation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and PRISMA-guided systematic reviews, the study was organized into five work packages (WP’s). Historical (WP2) and physiological (WP3) systematic reviews identified Fundamental Points of View (FPV’s) and Critical Success Factors (CSF’s). Heuristic triangulation in WP4 led to the emergence of the APEIC model (Adaptive Psychoneuroendocrineimmunometabolic Cascade), integrating behavioral practices with bioenergetic and metabolic processes. The model was validated in WP5 using SMART and FINER criteria.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Five FPV’s (e.g., meditation, fasting, ritual celebration) and thirteen CSFs (e.g., redox modulation, neuroplasticity, immune adaptation) were identified. Findings suggest that rituals rhythmically modulate proton gradients, redox balance, and metabolic flexibility, contributing to systemic coherence. The APEIC model explains how ritual-induced stimuli can synchronize psychoneuroendocrine, immune, and metabolic systems via transient physiological oscillations. Endogenous DMT is proposed as a potential biomarker of integrative coherence.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Ancestral healing rituals can be reinterpreted as biologically plausible platforms for inducing adaptive physiological states. The APEIC model provides a conceptual foundation for non-pharmacological health strategies rooted in ancestral behavioral intelligence. Future studies should experimentally test the model’s mechanisms to inform integrative and personalized healthcare applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103274"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145446405","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":"Traditional Chinese medicine combined with biologic therapy for refractory severe ulcerative colitis: A case report","authors":"Pengfei Tian,&nbsp;Mingdian Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103260","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103260","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Acute severe ulcerative colitis (UC) may show suboptimal early response to corticosteroids and biologics, with ongoing hematochezia and anemia increasing the risk of rescue failure and surgery. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is used adjunctively in East Asia and may aid hemostasis, barrier repair, and symptom control; however, evidence for timing and integration with biologic induction remains limited.</div></div><div><h3>Case summary</h3><div>An 18-year-old man with extensive, severe UC (Mayo 12; endoscopic Mayo 3) had only partial improvement after intravenous steroids and two infliximab (IFX) infusions, with persistent hematochezia and a hemoglobin nadir of 59 g/L. A modified TCM regimen (Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu San plus Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian Tang) was started, achieving a hemostatic “inflection” within 3–4 days; Huangtu Tang–intent herbs were added for recurrent bleeding. IFX was then accelerated with a third infusion at week 2. By discharge, symptoms remitted (Mayo 2; Lichtiger 2), and by day-14 endoscopy the mucosa improved (endoscopic Mayo 1). At two months, clinical indices were 0 with normalized C-reactive protein and sustained remission thereafter. No new serious adverse events occurred during combination therapy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In steroid-refractory severe UC with inadequate early bleeding control during IFX induction, adjunctive TCM—combined with accelerated IFX—was temporally associated with rapid hemostasis, clinical improvement, and endoscopic healing without new safety signals. This case supports the feasibility of an integrative, treat-to-target strategy and highlights the need for standardized protocols and prospective trials to validate efficacy and clarify mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103260"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049004","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":"An interpretative phenomenological inquiry into older adults’ experience of nature through virtual reality and its effect on their perceived well-being","authors":"Ave Kotze ,&nbsp;Tony Ward ,&nbsp;Erinma Ochu","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103273","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103273","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To explore older adults’ lived experiences of nature through immersive virtual reality (VR) and its influence on their perceived well-being in care home settings.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), eight older adults (aged 85–98) residing in care homes engaged with 360-degree VR videos of natural environments. Data were collected via VR-assisted interviews and follow-up semi-structured interviews.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants reported a broad spectrum of complex emotional responses, ranging from relaxation and reminiscence to sadness and disconnection. Key experiential themes included immersion and escapism, emotional evocation, and reflections on limitations and loss.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The study reveals that virtual nature experiences can evoke emotionally complex responses, underscoring the need for individualised and context-sensitive implementation. It cautions against overstating VR’s positive effects and calls for trauma-informed, age-appropriate approaches that take account of personal history and technological limitations. By openly reporting less favourable experiences, this study contributes to a more balanced evidence base and challenges prevailing publication bias in VR research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103273"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145410619","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":"Efficacy of a traditional persian fruit infusion (Naqu Fawakeh) versus silymarin in reducing chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity in pediatric ALL: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial","authors":"Fariba Ettehadi ,&nbsp;Omid Reza Zekavat ,&nbsp;Ali Tavakkoli ,&nbsp;Foroogh Namjoyan ,&nbsp;Mehrab Sayadi ,&nbsp;Yasaman Vazani","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103265","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103265","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Maintenance-phase Chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity is concerned in pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) recommends <em>Naqu Fawakeh</em>, a fruit-based infusion, for liver inflammation. This study compare the effect of <em>Naqu Fawakeh</em> and silymarin on Chemotherapy side effects.</div><div>In this triple-blind, randomized clinical trial, 82 children aged 5–17 years received either <em>Naqu Fawakeh</em> (<em>n</em> = 44) or silymarin (<em>n</em> = 38) for eight weeks. Both groups were administered by 5 mL (&lt;30 kg body weight) and 10 mL (≥30 kg), three times daily after meals. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT) and chemotherapy-related symptoms (nausea, vomiting, constipation, thirst) were assessed before and after the intervention. No placebo group was included due to ethical considerations.</div><div>Both interventions significantly reduced liver enzyme levels, with a greater effect in the <em>Naqu Fawakeh</em> group. The mean difference between groups was significant for ALT (<em>P</em> = 0.029). ALT decreased significantly in the <em>Naqu Fawakeh</em> group (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) and in the silymarin group (<em>P</em> = 0.005); AST also decreased in both groups (<em>Naqu Fawakeh: P</em> = 0.005; silymarin: <em>P</em> = 0.011). Both treatments reduced nausea and vomiting within and after 24 h, as well as thirst, though the between-group mean difference was significant only for thirst (<em>P</em> = 0.001). Reductions in nausea and thirst were consistently greater in the <em>Naqu Fawakeh</em> group. No adverse renal or hematologic effects were observed.</div><div>Therfore <em>Naqu Fawakeh,</em> as a safe and supportive therapy, is more effective than silymarin in reducing liver enzyme. Further studies are confirmed findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103265"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145266360","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 of auricular acupressure on neuropathy symptoms and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial","authors":"Ali Mohammadalinia ,&nbsp;Hosein Ajamzibad ,&nbsp;Seyed Javad Mojtabavi ,&nbsp;Tahereh Baloochi Beydokhti","doi":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.explore.2025.103264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes, often leading to pain, disability, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Complementary medicine practices, such as acupressure, are increasingly used by patients with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of auricular acupressure (AA) on neuropathic symptoms and QoL in patients with type 2 diabetes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 41 participants with type 2 diabetic neuropathy meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (<em>n</em> = 20) or the sham group (<em>n</em> = 21). The intervention group received auriculotherapy by applying pressure to labels containing five plant seeds placed on the foot reflex area of the external ear three times daily for six weeks. The sham group received pressure on labels containing five plant seeds placed on the cardiac reflex area of the external ear for the same duration. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, the Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS) questionnaire, and the Neuropathy-Specific Quality of Life (Neuro-QoL) questionnaire, administered before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, employing independent <em>t</em>-tests, paired <em>t</em>-tests, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, and chi-square tests, with a significance level set at <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Before the intervention, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of neuropathy symptom severity. After the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in neuropathy symptoms (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), while the reduction in the sham group was not statistically significant (<em>p</em> = 0.17). Additionally, QoL scores improved significantly in the intervention group post-intervention (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Auriculotherapy appears to be a cost-effective, non-invasive, and practical approach for reducing neuropathic symptoms and improving QoL in individuals with type 2 diabetes.</div></div><div><h3>Trial Registration</h3><div>This study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20220413054530N1), Registration date: 2022–05–02.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50459,"journal":{"name":"Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing","volume":"21 6","pages":"Article 103264"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145208260","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}