OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine is an international peer-reviewed Open Access journal published quarterly online by LIDSEN Publishing Inc. It covers all evidence-based scientific studies on integrative, alternative and complementary approaches to improving health and wellness.

Topics contain but are not limited to:

  • Acupuncture
  • Acupressure
  • Acupotomy
  • Bioelectromagnetics applications
  • Pharmacological and biological treatments including their efficacy and safety
  • Diet, nutrition and lifestyle changes
  • Herbal medicine
  • Homeopathy
  • Manual healing methods (e.g., massage, physical therapy)
  • Kinesiology
  • Mind/body interventions
  • Preventive medicine
  • Research in integrative medicine
  • Education in integrative medicine
  • Related policies

The journal publishes a variety of article types: Original Research, Review, Communication, Opinion, Comment, Conference Report, Technical Note, Book Review, etc.

There is no restriction on paper length, provided that the text is concise and comprehensive. Authors should present their results in as much detail as possible, as reviewers are encouraged to emphasize scientific rigor and reproducibility.

Publication Speed (median values for papers published in 2023): Submission to First Decision: 5.9 weeks; Submission to Acceptance: 14.7 weeks; Acceptance to Publication: 8 days (1-2 days of FREE language polishing included)

Current Issue: 2024  Archive: 2023 2022 2021

Topical Collection

Mind-Body Approaches that are Revolutionizing the Health Field

Editor

Peta Stapleton, PhD

Associate Professor, Faculty of Society and Design, Bond University, Australia

Website | E-Mail

Research Interests: complementary and alternative medicine/integrative medicine; energy psychology; health psychology; eating disorders; obesity

Topical Collection Information

There is mounting evidence for the role of the mind in disease and healing and recent years have seen a greater acceptance of mind–body medicine. These approaches are commonly used to treat a variety of chronic health conditions, including depression and anxiety, and offer a potentially more accessible and acceptable alternative to conventional mental health treatment for disadvantaged individuals, who may not otherwise receive mental health treatment.

These approaches are a diverse group of health care practices focused on the relationships among the mind, body, brain, and behavior that are not currently considered a part of conventional medicine. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health lists the following as mind–body practices: acupuncture, massage, meditation (including mindfulness meditation), movement therapies, relaxation (breathing exercises, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation), spinal manipulation, t'ai chi or qigong, yoga, healing touch, and hypnotherapy (www.nccam.nih.gov). Mind–body approaches are among the most commonly used complementary health approaches, and they continue to increase in popularity.

This special edition examines evidence for the efficacy of these interventions that are revolutionising the health and medical field: specifically mind–body approaches for several mental and physical health symptoms, functioning, self-care, and overall quality of life.

Publication (20 papers)

2024

Jump to: 2023 2022 2021 

Open Access Research Article

Simplifying the Understanding and Measurement of Mental Disorders Thru a Comprehensive Framework of Psychosocial Health

Received: 20 December 2023;  Published: 23 January 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2401011

Abstract

The assessment of mental health and mental disorders has undergone extensive exploration within the field of psychology, resulting in various models and approaches. In addition to traditional ways like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, psychologists have proposed alternative [...]
Open Access Review

An Overview of Gratitude as a Mind-Body-Spirit Practice in Optimizing Health and Human Functioning

Received: 20 October 2023;  Published: 10 January 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2401008

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of gratitude as a concept and as a mind-body-spirit practice, impacting health and human functioning throughout the lifespan, that can be integrated into daily life to great benefit at no cost. Current society is rife with increases in stress, anxiety, dep [...]
Open Access Original Research

Participation in an Online Prenatal Mindfulness- Relationship-Based (PMRB) Program: Outcomes for Maternal Mindfulness, Mental Health, Interoception, and Mother-Infant Relationship during Pregnancy and Post-Partum

Received: 06 July 2023;  Published: 02 January 2024;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2401001

Abstract

This feasibility study sought to investigate the impact of an online 9-session Prenatal Mindfulness Relationship-Based (PMRB) group treatment program upon maternal mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress), interoception, and mother-infant relationship during pregnancy and post-partum. The stu [...]

2023

Jump to: 2024 2022 2021 

Open Access Review

Coping with Burnout in the Healthcare Field

Received: 27 July 2023;  Published: 13 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2304042

Abstract

The healthcare industry is the largest and fastest growing industry in the world; however, being a part of the healthcare system involves being at an increased risk of experiencing mental health problems, loneliness, stress, and increased susceptibility to experiencing compassion fatigue [...]
Open Access Original Research

‘It’s Nice for My Body but I Don’t Like It’ – Experiences of Soothing Rhythm Breathing in Clients with Depression

Received: 25 August 2023;  Published: 11 October 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2304041

Abstract

Soothing-rhythm breathing (SRB) is a core component of compassion focused therapy (CFT). While integral to CFT, research has yet to explore personal experiences of SRB. This study aimed to explore the experiences of individuals with depression who had practiced SRB in NHS primary care se [...]
Open Access Original Research

Nature and City Sounds Influence Physiological and Psychological Markers in College Students

Received: 02 March 2023;  Published: 28 September 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2303039

Abstract

Worldwide, human population growth has led to a higher demand for urbanization. While this development is in accordance with our gregarious lifestyles, our availability and contact with nature has consequentially been minimized. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether sounds from nature versu [...]
Open Access Hypothesis

Allostatic Mechanism of Mind-Body Medicine for Neuroinflammation

Received: 13 October 2022;  Published: 12 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2301005

Abstract

Chronic inflammatory diseases are the most significant cause of death in the world and entail severe impairment to quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks chronic inflammatory diseases as the greatest threat to human health and wellbeing. Inflammation is epicentral to [...]

2022

Jump to: 2024 2023 2021 

Open Access Original Research

Mapping, Meeting and Modulating Stress and Emotion: Combining Mindfulness and the Workable Ranges Model

Received: 05 August 2022;  Published: 22 December 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2204055

Abstract

This article examines the practice of combining explorations of regulated and dysregulated states through the Workable Ranges Model (WRM) with the skills and qualities taught in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBSR was designed to help participants to self-regulate stress. Didactic teachi [...]
Open Access Review

Systematic Review of High-Dimensional Omics in Mind-Body Medicine

Received: 27 March 2022;  Published: 05 December 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2204052

Abstract

The multi-dimensional measurement of complex biological systems and sub-systems is made possible by high-dimensional omics technologies. This frontier of research is promising for elucidating disease processes, physiological parameters, and therapeutic action mechanisms. Omics have potential merit f [...]
Open Access Original Research

Clinical Significance of Stress, Depression, Anxiety, and Worry Symptom Improvement Following Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction

Received: 12 April 2022;  Published: 07 June 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2202022

Abstract

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teaches mindfulness meditation to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and related forms of distress among a variety of patients. Much research has documented statistically significant reductions across a variety of self-report measures following MBSR, but re [...]
Open Access Short Review

Mindfulness in Well-Being, Cognition and Learning: Benefits on Higher Education and Health-Care Professions

Received: 14 November 2021;  Published: 04 March 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2201009

Abstract

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that can be defined as one’s ability to be present to the surroundings and environment, and not overreact to what is happening around us. With the recent pandemic still affecting the world, more studies have recently become known describing the suitabi [...]
Open Access Original Research

Experimental Phenomenology as Personalized Health Intervention: A Case Illustration

Received: 27 July 2021;  Published: 15 February 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2201008

Abstract

Experimental phenomenology is the investigation of phenomenological practices and their effects. To engage in a phenomenological practice means to focus attention on aspects of one’s experiences (e.g., sense impressions or body sensations) while adopting a specific kind of attitude (e.g. [...]
Open Access Commentary

Sensorimotor Therapy Using Vestibular Stimulation: A Complementary Method for ‘Treatment’ of Developmental Coordination Disorder and a Possible Way to Awaken the Innate Potential for a Physically Active Life

Received: 15 August 2021;  Published: 29 January 2022;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2201005

Abstract

The aim of this commentary is to present characteristics of an “unidentified psychological barrier,” which we previously have speculated to be associated with vestibular underachievement, an overlooked part for the understanding of the resistance to physical activity [...]

2021

Jump to: 2024 2023 2022 

Open Access Research Article

A Qualitative Study Comparing the Experiences of the Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification Program with Multi-professional Psychiatric Treatment for Female Outpatients with Mild to Moderate Depression

Received: 31 July 2021;  Published: 14 December 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104054

Abstract

Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification (MBLM) is a complex eight-week mind-body intervention based on the traditional eight-fold path of classical yoga. MBLM was developed for mental health care, and it combines ethical living, physical yoga, and meditation. In this qualitative study, t [...]
Open Access Review

Dance/Movement Therapy and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Reflection of Clinical Practices and History

Received: 25 August 2021;  Published: 26 November 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104052

Abstract

Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is a strengths-based approach to psychotherapy that uses dance and movement as the primary form of communication, while emphasizing the movement relationship in addition to verbal dialogue. Positive and negative symptomatology of a diagnosis on the schizophrenia spectrum [...]
Open Access Research Article

Hatha Yoga Improves Psychophysiological Responses of College Students in Both Indoor and Outdoor Environments

Received: 15 July 2021;  Published: 12 November 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104046

Abstract

College students experience increased stress levels that could predispose them to develop mental and physical health conditions throughout adulthood. Yoga is an ancient mind-body practice including breath techniques, body exercises, and meditation that may be a useful strategy for enhanc [...]
Open Access Case Report

Emotional Freedom Techniques for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Single Case Study

Received: 17 June 2021;  Published: 26 October 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104038

Abstract

A 37-year-old female with a history of complex trauma, anxiety and depression was treated with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) supplemented with guided imagery within the first 24 hours of having a stroke that affected the right side. CT scans indicated a haemorrhage and brain clot. S [...]
Open Access Original Research

Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) Program with iMINDr Application Support for Older Adults with Depression Symptoms: A Feasibility Study

Received: 16 April 2021;  Published: 14 October 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104034

Abstract

The growing population of older adults with depression is a significant public health concern, and effective treatments are necessary. Mindfulness meditation intervention offers effective treatment for depression, but little research has been conducted on the older population. This study [...]
Open Access Review

Mindfulness in Tai Chi Chuan as Practised amongst Higher Education Students with Implications for Health and Learning: A Narrative Review

Received: 17 May 2021;  Published: 09 October 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2104033

Abstract

This review examines the quality of the research exploring mindfulness within tai chi chuan and the way this integrative practice benefits health and learning for higher education students. A narrative review based on a systematic search was conducted. Ten English and three Chinese datab [...]
Open Access Review

Applications of Energy Psychology in Addressing the Psychological Roots of Illness

Received: 01 February 2021;  Published: 19 April 2021;  doi: 10.21926/obm.icm.2102014

Abstract

The ways psychological factors affect illness is, in recent years, being biochemically mapped. The subspecialties of psychosomatic medicine, health psychology, psychoneuroimmunology, and integrative medicine work with mind and body in concert to promote health and healing. A specialized mind-body ap [...]
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