Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Complementary And Integrative Approaches For Occupational Therapy Practitioners: An Educational Experience, Wanda Kay Lauer

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Background and purpose: The use of complementary health approaches and integrative health (CHAIH) practices are on the rise in the United States. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) supports their use as occupations, activities, or interventions to support occupations yet many occupational therapists do not feel comfortable discussing or implementing complementary approaches in their therapy practice. The purpose of this project was to develop a two-day continuing education course to provide occupational therapy practitioners with information to increase their competency and confidence in utilizing complementary and integrative approaches in practice.

Methods: A literature review was completed to determine if there …

The Ot Well-Being Summit 2021, Deanna Waggy Otr

Journal of Transformative Touch

The OT Well-Being Summit empowers occupational therapists and other holistic practitioners around the globe to have confidence with holistic health and wellness skills for their therapy practice. The OT Well-Being Summit brings together 11 occupational therapists who share holistic health and wellness strategies and tools that you can use in your integrative medicine practice today with the confidence (and evidence) to use them. The OT Well-Being Summit is an online self-paced course with 12 hours of information and insights to give you the confidence to move forward in areas related to holistic health, wellness, and prevention. https://tinyurl.com/t9cc6afp

Addressing Psychosocial Outcomes Of Social Isolation In Older Adults, Megan Friesen, Madeline M. Christensen

Nursing DNP Projects

Purpose and Rationale

The aim of the evidence-based practice (EBP) project is to improve psychological outcomes for socially isolated older adults enrolled in a Homebound Program (HP) through the implementation of an EBP intervention. Social isolation has a multitude of negative consequences, including impacting the psychological health (e.g. depression, loneliness, anxiety) of the older adult population.

Synthesis of Evidence

Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials addressing the clinical problem of social isolation were identified. Through critical appraisal of the evidence, physical activity, psychotherapy, and socialization interventions have shown to decrease depression and loneliness in older adults. There were mixed …

Mindfulness: How It Affects Pregnancy, Labor And Delivery, Olivia R. Snipes

OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal

Pregnancy is a very physical and mental process during which many women face a wide variety of complications. The influx of hormones that happens during pregnancy has the ability to make pregnant women more susceptible to depression, anxiety and other stress related illnesses. High levels of stress can negatively affect the mother and unborn child and potentially the mother-child relationship. Many women prefer not to take the pharmaceutical route when coping with stress, anxiety and depression while pregnant. As a result, mindfulness practices have been utilized as an alternative method to reduce the negative effects of these complications and lower …

An Esoteric Case For The Scientific Study Of Meditation, Vish Chatterji

The Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal

The science of meditation has served to help overcome ego-related obstacles in meditation, and has enable the propagation of a powerful tool for the increased consciousness, health and peace of humanity.

Mindfulness Therapy Is An Effective Adjunctive Treatment For Adolescents Living With Hiv, Samantha Rea

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report appraising Webb L, Perry-Parrish C, Ellen J, Sibinga E. Mindfulness instruction for HIV-infected youth: a randomized controlled trial. AIDS Care. 2018;30(6):688–695. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540121.2017.1394434

From "Hooah" To "Om": Mindfulness Practices For A Military Population, Kimberlee B. Bonura, Dawn M. Fountain

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Mindfulness practices, in general, have a growing body of evidence of effectiveness for improving both physical health and mental health. Further, these practices are showing promise when implemented with military populations for mental health issues such as PTSD. Challenges arise for practitioners in understanding the military's cultural differences and the functional aspects of mindfulness that may be specifically useful to military members. We outline strategies for referring military members to quality services and instruction, as well as best practices for connecting with military clients. Recommendations are made for further research with female service members and using single case design.

Participation In Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy On The Immune Function Of Survivors Of Breast Cancer: A Literature Review And Pilot Study For Clinical Practice, Bianca Marteja

Nursing | Senior Theses

A review of current literature presented in this work suggests that MBSR participation results in NKCA, T-cell and B-cell restoration as well as a reduction in inflammatory biomarkers. While results from these studies are statistically significant, they are, however, relatively small. Furthermore, the reliability and one’s ability to generalize study findings from this literature review is limited by consistently small sample sizes, high attrition, differing forms of MBSR application, and inconsistent adherence to MBSR home practices.

The distribution of a 10-point survey using likert scales occured in a pilot study associated with the aforementioned literature review; this survey evaluated registered …

A Longitudinal, Randomized And Controlled Study Of App-Delivered Mindfulness In The Workplace, Jennifer S. Mascaro, Kathryn Wehrmeyer, Veronica Mahathre, Alana Darcher

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: Workplace mindfulness meditation programs are of great interest for improving employee well-being and job performance, fueled in part by the apparent effectiveness of mindfulness meditation as well as by the recent proliferation of mobile mindfulness applications (apps) that can be incorporated into a workplace setting. It is critical to examine the facilitators and barriers to engaging with app-delivered mindfulness in the workplace to understand how biological, psychological, and socio-demographic variables impact practice time.

Methods: Using a longitudinal and randomized controlled design, we explored facilitators of and barriers to practicing app-delivered mindfulness in the workplace among predominately non-white call center …

The Effectiveness Of A Mindfulness-Based Intervention: A Neuropsychological Perspective Using An Electroencephalography, Elizabeth Mary Grace

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in mindfulness-related techniques. The willingness to experience emotions fully, just as they are, is a catalyst for psychological change to occur. Mindfulness has been used to alleviate stress and promote healthy living (Lagopoulos et al., 2009). The clinical utility of mindfulness has grown exponentially; however, the neuropsychological process of mindfulness is still being understood. The present study sought to examine the influence of a brief mindfulness intervention on brain activation in college students. A sample (n = 17) of undergraduate participants were randomly assigned into a prepost mindfulness intervention or control …

Immediate Effects Of Yoga On Mindfulness, Self-Criticism, Self-Compassion And Depressed Mood, Blaire Cain

West Chester University Master’s Theses

This study examines changes in self-compassion, self-criticism, mindfulness and depressed mood following a single yoga session. This study sets itself apart from already completed research by examining the effects of one single yoga session, as opposed to 4-, 6-, or up to 12 weeks of yoga intervention. Other research exists in this growing knowledge base, see Woodyard (2011) for a review, and the research has deemed positive results over time. This project was designed to determine if any change can be measured after just one yoga class, supporting the idea that yoga may be utilized as a singular or complementary …

Exploring The Use Of A Mindfulness Based Yoga Intervention For Children With Severe Asthma, Sharon Lack

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: A diagnosis of severe asthma greatly impacts the physical and psychological health of children. Often experiencing increased stress, decreased physical activity, and increased exacerbations, children with severe asthma frequently exhibit poor health outcomes. Mindful yoga is a complementary health approach that may improve the physical and psychological well-being of children with severe asthma. The aims of this research were to evaluate the tolerability, feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a mindful yoga intervention in children with severe asthma. A novel theoretical framework encompassing concepts from three vulnerability nursing theories guided the research.

Methods: A mixed methods pilot …

The Relationship Between Frequency Of Yoga And Meditation On Ptsd Symptoms In Individuals Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence, Kimberly Polignani

Dissertations

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has become a growing phenomenon in the United States,

affecting nearly 13% of the population. The adverse mental health outcomes from people who experience IPV are prevalent and more than half have a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, therapeutic techniques for PTSD appear to be feasible for IPV survivors and their mental health issues. Complementary and alternative medicine has become a widely accepted approach for PTSD. Being two complementary and alternative medicine techniques, yoga and meditation are effective forms of therapy in many diagnoses, including PTSD. This study utilized a not-for-profit organization called the …

An Integrative Approach To Mindfulness-Based Symptom Management For Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lisa Barer

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic health condition; its etiology is poorly understood, and treatment options are limited to management of symptoms. Current recommended treatment options are controversial, and evidence of effectiveness is limited. This paper proposes a novel model for symptom management of ME/CFS using mindfulness-based interventions, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and relaxation techniques. A comprehensive review of available evidence is used to support this approach. The idea is that, working synergistically, these three approaches, grounded by mindfulness-based principles, can address many of the symptoms of the illness and help patients better cope and manage their day-to-day …

Sometimes A Crucible: Mindfulness Art Therapy Experientials In A Dbt-Oriented Residential Partial Hospitalization Program For Dually-Diagnosed Adults, Joan Mancuso

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

My thesis concerns observations made while incorporating mindfulness-oriented art therapy experientials into hour-long, didactic DBT skills-training groups at a residential partial program serving dually-diagnosed adults. For the thesis, I adapted two exercises from Clark’s DBT-Informed Art Therapy. My research method was arts-based grounded theory, referencing Corbin’s grounded theory and Wadeson and Allen’s thinking on the use of art for professional processing. My data took the form of a journal, word clouds, poems, and small artworks I iteratively created to deepen my learnings. My experientials highlighted areas of confusion regarding mindfulness that I attempted to address. Through the process, I …

Know(Ing) Thyself: Examining Complementary Practices Of Health And Wellness Through A Teacher's Standpoint, Ernest Andre Poole

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

How do we know the nature of a thing; of a person? This is not just a compilation of skills, theories, methods, and methodologies but an examination of the various facets of a human being trying to make sense of a single human being: himself. The research presented here is an attempt to gain a better understanding of self through examination of emotions and how they are expressed, movement and how it brings forth and may hold the possibility of inner wellness, pain and its power as a common language, and the relationship between knowing and feeling. Burgeoning spirituality, self-worth, …

A Singer’S Stress: Yoga And Meditation Techniques In The Collegiate Voice Studio, Zackery David Morris

Theses and Dissertations--Music

Often neglected in voice study is the understanding that a singer’s instrument lives in his/her body and therefore cannot be packed away like other musical objects. Yoga and mindfulness compliment the belief of a whole body instrument. Data gathered on college campuses report that stress and anxiety are on the rise, thus reinforcing the need for MBSR and yoga as beneficial and proven tools for stress relief. The current state of research in the realm of mental health in colleges merits the study of a cohesive layout of these exercises and their expected outcomes in singing as well as stress …

The Quest For Self: Using Mandala Art In Reflective Practice Journaling, Kathleen Quinn

Comparative Woman

This article is a nexus of research, personal journaling reflections, and mandala creation from the authors own journals and focuses on the use of Mandalas as part of a reflective practice journaling process. Attention to mandala usage within reflective practice considering depth interiority, engaging and sharing with others. The authors approach to mandala construction is included followed by an exercise for observation and assessment of mandalas. The structure for reflective practice helps shape transformational leaders, using expressive arts, narratives in journaling. This transformational Discovery pathway and narrative exercises can be used for creating professional learning communities. This form of reflective …

Efficaciousness Of Mindfulness Interventions For Trauma Using Psychophysiological Measures: A Review, Sherief Y. Eldeeb

Scholarly Undergraduate Research Journal at Clark (SURJ)

In recent decades the efficaciousness of mindfulness has been proven in a wide variety of contexts, but some crucial populations remain understudied. This review critically examines the literature on mindfulness in individuals with trauma using psychophysiological measures. Psychophysiological measures offer critical insight into this intersection of mindfulness and trauma due to the known somatic components in each, as well as serving as an objective response. Mindfulness-based treatments seem to show great promise in treating trauma, however there are significant limitations in the literature. Future studies should standardize the minimum length of treatment, utilize gender-balanced and ethnically diverse samples, and introduce …

Dancing, Mindfulness, And Our Emotions: Embracing The Mind, Body, And Sole, Alisha M. Collins

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This capstone project examines dance, as an intervention and mindfulness practice that assists with managing our emotions. There is a need for dance therapy in social institutions such as, healthcare facilities, schools, and community centers. Dance therapy has the potential to reduce negative emotions, create mindfulness, improve self-expression, and promote a healthy well-being. I am proposing that dance therapy is applied as a regular practice in social institutions to develop mindfulness and promote emotional stability.

In this study, I argue that dance therapy can contribute to our well-being long term. In addition to this written thesis, a visual component of …

Mindful Mornings: Piloting A Meditation Group With Vulnerable Adults In A Drop-In Center, Iyo Kubota

Master's Projects and Capstones

An accumulation of stress and lack of coping resources can contribute to a higher incidence of mental and physical health disparities. Homeless adults are one of the most vulnerable subgroups who utilize Enterprise Resource Center, a peer-run day-center in Marin County. Because stress from multiple factors was identified in this transient and high-risk population, an intervention for stress reduction and management was explored. The findings from the needs assessment suggested that there was a need for an integrated approach for stress reduction and management. The challenge of sustaining a program was also highlighted during the needs assessment.

A brief mindfulness …

Mindfulness And Law Enforcement: An Effective Approach To Implementing Mindfulness For First Responders, Gina White

Mindfulness Studies Theses

An increasing number of studies show that people employed as first responders in high trauma service jobs tend to experience a high level of stress, at work and after hours. Studies suggest that constant exposure to job related stress leads to both physical and mental dysregulation. This study looks at the effects of implementing mindfulness tools and techniques to those working in law enforcement. Other works on this topic report mindfulness as a successful tool to increase wellbeing to a broad spectrum of populations. The methodology used in this study was designed specifically for first responders. The data findings were …

Is Mindfulness-Based Therapy Effective In Increasing Total Sleep Time In Adults?, Johanna F. Detwiler

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not mindfulness-based therapy is effective in increasing total sleep time in adults.

Study design: Review of three randomized controlled trials published in 2011, 2014 and 2015, all English language.

Data source-The three randomized controlled trials that were used in this review were found using PubMed.

Outcomes measured: Total sleep time, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, number of awakenings, time in bed, subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medications, and daytime dysfunction were …

Peaceful Ninjas: Merging Mindfulness Education With Holistic Arts, Zachariah Z. Fisher, April Tucker

The Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal

Peaceful Ninjas is a Holistic Peace Education Movement Empowering Youth to Co Create World Peace by Merging Ancient and Modern Mindfulness Practices. This piece provides an overview of the activities and approach we use.

Mindfulness And Prevention In Western Medicine: Focus On Physician Assistant, Amber Bernelis

Honors Theses

The health and wellness of the mind has been an important aspect that has been recognized by different cultures and medical traditions for thousands of years, but was generally neglected in the United States until recently. The beginning of the western mindfulness revolution started when Jon Kabat-Zinn introduced the concept and practice of mindfulness to care for the health and wellness of our mind. “Mindfulness is a simple concept in which one pays attention on purpose, in the present moment, nonjudgmentally” (Kabat-Zinn, 1994, p. 4). Research indicates that mindfulness helps to treat aspects of chronic diseases, pain, as well as …

Mindfulness: Being Present In The Moment, Stephanie Ann Stathas, Christine Frazer

Walden Faculty and Staff Publications

This article serves to enlighten childbirth educators’ knowledge about mindfulness and the mother-baby benefits associated with incorporating mindfulness- based interventions into practice. Jon Kabat-Zinn, who developed the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program, brought the concept of mindfulness into the world of healthcare and mainstream society. Mindfulness is the practice of bringing awareness to the here and now using a variety of methods. Nancy Bardacke has taken the practice of mindfulness further and developed a program for expecting mothers, known as Mindfulness Based Childbirth and Parenting. This program has been shown to reduce stress responses that may be harmful to a …

Yoga For The Pelvic Floor, Sandi Tenfelde, Rich Logan, Melinda Abernethy

Nursing: School of Nursing Faculty Publications and Other Works

A detailed, instructional guide to yoga that helps strengthen the pelvic floor.

A Brief History Of Mind-Body Medicine, Elliot S. Dacher

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

From its earliest sources the medical tradition has recognized the causal role of the interface of mind and body in health and disease. Cultural and historical circumstances have determined the degree to which each of these two key factors are emphasized. In modern times we are emerging from an exclusive materialistic emphasis on biology to a renewed acceptance and understanding of the role of the mind and consciousness in health and disease. This re-balancing of the two great forces of healing can be traced to a progressive expansion of knowledge in the fields of stress, past-traumatic stress, biofeedback, cognitive and …

A Prospective Examination Of Mindfulness Training On The Mitigation Of Postraumatic Stress Symptoms, Abby E. Blankenship

Dissertations

The current study investigated the ability of a one-session computerized mindfulness intervention to mitigate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like symptoms in response to a trauma analogue. Ninety-two participants were randomly assigned to either mindfulness training or no treatment. Participants assigned to the mindfulness training completed a 1-hour computerized mindfulness training and practiced their skills for 1 week. All participants were exposed to an analogue for real-life trauma and were assessed at 1- and 2-week follow-up. Participants assigned to the mindfulness condition exhibited significantly lower levels of PTSD-like symptoms at 2-week follow-up in comparison to the no treatment condition. In addition, participants …

The Effects Of Mindfulness Meditation On Rumination In Depressed People, Rachel A. Sluder

Honors Theses and Capstones

Mindfulness meditation is a practice of focus, awareness, and non-judgmental acceptance of one's thoughts (Deyo et al., 2009; Kenny et al., 2007). Rumination is a maladaptive pattern of thought that is common in people with depression and other mood disorders. It can lead to further episodes of depression, and can be very destructive in that way (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2008). This paper reviews several studies on mindfulness meditation, depression, and rumination, with a focus on certain areas and phenomena such as alpha asymmetry (Keune et al 2013) and gamma band activity (Berkovich-Ohana et al., 2012). Modalities such as fMRI and EEG are …