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)
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)
Open Access
Research Article
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 [...] |
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
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 [...] |
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
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
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 [...] |
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 [...] |
Open Access
Original Research
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 [...] |
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
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 [...] |
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
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. [...] |
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 [...] |
Open Access
Research Article
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 [...] |
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
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 [...] |
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
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 [...] |
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 [...] |
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 [...] |