by Peter Morrell

Received: 06 June 2018;  Published: 23 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1803016

This paper explores some of the conceptual issues that bedevil any attempt to compare home-opathy with the mainstream medical system, both in terms of their underpinning philosophies and in their treatment methods, and especially when applied to the problem of cancer. A review is undertaken of the key concepts that underpin both medical approaches and the holistic approach of homeopathy is viewed as more naturalistic than—and thus superior to—the reductionist approach of allopathic medicine. This view is upheld as [...]

by Fraser L.E. Fisher  and Aileen M. Pidgeon

Received: 10 July 2018;  Published: 21 August 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1803015

Elevated levels of psychological distress in university students is a growing area of concern as it is associated with a variety of consequences including mental illness symptoms, absenteeism, and poor academic performance. A growing body of research has indicated that resilience in university students is associated with reduced psychological distress and perceived stress. The construct of resilience and the factors that contribute to its development are not well understood, hampering the development of effective i [...]

by Peta Stapleton  and Hannah Chatwin

Received: 17 May 2018;  Published: 02 July 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1803014

(1) Background: Because patients vary in their response to treatment, including adherence, the effect of treatment length in the use of EFT on food cravings was examined by comparing two studies in order to ascertain if shorter programs are as effective. This may then impact treatment adherence and completion. (2) Methods: In study one, 96 overweight and obese adults were randomly allocated to a 4-week treatment for their food craving or waitlist condition. In study two, an 8-week EFT program for 47 adults, the [...]

by Patricia Lynn Dobkin

Received: 23 April 2018;  Published: 02 July 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1803013

Objectives: Living with any chronic pain condition is a challenge that can be met when one reduces reactivity to the sensory aspects of it. The aim of this case study is to show how a clinical psychologist with expertise in chronic illness applied Buddhist principles to her own experience. Methods: When one realizes that suffering is the combination of pain plus resistance then one can learn how to accept rather than exacerbate it. Using the Four Noble Truths as central to understanding and coping with her conditi [...]

by Im Quah-Smith

Received: 09 May 2018;  Published: 25 June 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1802012

The Auricular approach to diagnostics and therapeutics has gained momentum over the last 15 years. Battlefield Acupuncture has taken on a life of its own and has been adopted into NATO and even been introduced into neonatal intensive care. It is time to take on the challenge of Auricular Medicine - the application of the neurophysiological phenomenon referred to as the Vascular Autonomic Signal or VAS to identify active ear sites in Auricular interventions. It is time to utilize the VAS in therapeutics, recognizing [...]

by Jonathan Manh Dang  , Luma Bashmi  , Stephen Meeneghan  , Janet White  , Rebecca Hedrick  , Jelena Djurovic  , Brigitte Vanle  , Dennis Nguyen  , Jonathan Almendarez  , Paula Ravets  , Yasmine Gohar  , Sophia Hanna  , Itai Danovitch  and Waguih William IsHak

Received: 28 March 2018;  Published: 25 June 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1802011

Abstract Background: An increasing number of patients and practitioners are using mindfulness meditation programs despite uncertainty about the evidence supporting these programs’ health benefits. Aim: To review the current evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) on depressive symptoms and quality of life (QOL) among patients with depression comorbid medical conditions and those with major depressive disorder. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and PsycINFO was [...]

by Katie M. Hinsey  , Karen E. Atler  , Christine A. Fruhauf  , Ruby A. Bolster  , Marieke Van Puymbroeck  and Arlene A. Schmid

Received: 07 March 2018;  Published: 11 June 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1802010

(1) Background: The Merged Yoga and Occupational Therapy intervention (MY-OT) focused on post-stroke fall prevention for the individual with stroke and included their caregivers in the 8-week intervention. (2) Methods: The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to quantitatively assess changes in caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview) and positive aspects of caregiving (Positive Aspects of Caregiving scale) and qualitatively explore the experience of the caregivers in the study. Focus groups and individual int [...]

by Alberto Dionigi

Received: 16 February 2018;  Published: 31 May 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1802009

Clowning has a varied tradition and a long history. Recently, clowns have entered the medical setting and this has become an appreciated approach aimed at decreasing the negative emotions that can be experienced during hospitalization and medical procedures, as well as inducing positive feelings in patients, their relatives, and the hospital’s staff. Due to an increase in the number of clowns working in hospitals and the large amount of interest shown in utilizing this approach, more research studies have focused o [...]

by Emily Gutierrez  and Yousef Elyaman

Received: 04 March 2018;  Published: 23 May 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1802008

Lifestyle and dietary interventions can have a significant impact on patients with dyslipidemia and should be encouraged with the use of dietary supplements. With new research, there is evidence that using dietary supplements, specifically nutraceuticals can be helpful for cholesterol management. Four commonly used supplements are: Red Yeast Rice, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Niacin and Berberine.

by Andrew Hanna  and Aileen M. Pidgeon

Received: 04 April 2018;  Published: 15 May 2018;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.1802007

Objective: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown promise in cultivating resilience and are widely accepted as efficacious in the treatment of a range of psychological disorders. This paper explores the feasibility of a Mindful-Awareness and Resilience Skills Training (MARST) program to enhance mindfulness and resilience, as a means of increasing psychological well-being and alleviating burnout and compassion fatigue in human service professionals. Method: In this randomised control trial, 46 human servi [...]