Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons^™

Using Weekly Guided Meditation To Develop Community, Connection And Improved Overall Experience And Wellbeing At Work, Mary Patterson Friedmeyer

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

The majority (99%) of respondents rated the Weekly Guided Meditation (via zoom) as being both impactful and valuable in their lives. The majority (82%) of respondents reported finding more balance in the workday and improvement in overall well-being. The majority (63%) of respondents were neutral on building community, with just over one third (36%) of respondents responding positively to community building.

A Critically Appraised Topic: Effectiveness Of Hydrogen-Rich Water Therapies In Reducing Inflammation, Bill Craig, Dawn Hammerschmidt, Jay Albrecht

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Inflammation is an important part of healing, but prolonged inflammation or inflammatory disease can cause excess pain and tissue damage. Hydrogen-rich water therapies have shown to have positive effects on this wide variety of conditions and may have a role in future therapeutic intervention for inflammatory conditions and acute injury care. Hydrogen is a commonly known element that has recently been the subject of scientific studies to analyze its beneficial properties when used as a therapeutic intervention. Hydrogen is physically the smallest element on the periodic table, and when two hydrogen atoms combine to form H2, it is known as …

Impact Of Routine Yoga Practice On Metabolic And Hormonal Outcomes In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Priya Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting approximately 8–12% of reproductive-aged women and is commonly associated with insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic dysfunction¹. Lifestyle modification remains first-line therapy; however, adherence to conventional interventions is often limited²,³. As a result, there has been growing interest in complementary approaches such as yoga, which integrates physical activity, breath control, and stress reduction⁴.

This focused literature review evaluates the impact of routine yoga practice on metabolic and hormonal outcomes in women with PCOS. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Embase was conducted, identifying 201 articles. After screening and applying …

What Are The Effects Of Exposure To Green Spaces On Attention, Adhd Symptoms, Depression, And Overall Mental Health?, Emily Marie Hackett

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This poster is a literature review examining the relationship between green space exposure and mental health outcomes. Examples of green spaces include nature, hiking trails, city parks, tree cover, and gardens. This literature review finds that green space exposure has positive effects on the symptoms of ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Nature exposure may serve as a complementary intervention to improve patient well-being.

Effect Of Sauna On Cardiovascular Health In Patients With Heart Failure, Rikuto Abe, Piotr Domaszewski, Safe Elhakeem

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is one of the hallmark diseases that represent a decline of cardiovascular function. Heart failure is characterized by a decrease in the ability of the heart to pump blood throughout the body, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, and swelling. HF is shown to decrease quality of life and increase mortality. Traditional treatments include pharmacology, lifestyle modifications, and surgery. Among the treatments, deliberate heat exposure in the form of dry saunas has been highlighted as a potential treatment option for HF. Dry saunas, especially infrared saunas, are shown to increase body temperature which improves circulation …

Digital Orientalism: Examining Eastern Practices In The Wellness Industry, Celia Golden

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

As popularity rises for global and domestic wellness retreats as tourist destinations, their predominantly Western audience invites an American offshoot of Orientalism that commodifies Asian names and practices into “mindfulness.” This paper examines the guest guide of the Miraval Berkshires wellness facility and its treatment of Eastern practices. Findings revealed 55.6% of the specialists at the Miraval Berkshires employ Eastern techniques, and 74.14% of those offerings are restricted to paid and private sessions to create exclusivity. The word “ancient” is disproportionately leveled against Eastern practices in the guest guide to further cement them as relics of the past. Alongside minimalist …

Towards Dementia-Inclusive Digital Text-Based Health Information: A Multi-Method Investigation Of Cognitive And Affective Accessibility, Margi Engineer

All Dissertations

This dissertation examines the accessibility, readability, emotional tone, and trustworthiness of digital, text‑based dementia information and investigates how older adults with and without dementia cognitively and affectively engage with such content. It further explores the potential of generative AI to improve dementia information delivery through the development of a domain‑specific retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG) large language model (LLM) chatbot designed to deliver accessible, stigma‑free information. The dissertation comprises four studies using complementary quantitative and qualitative methods. Study I conducts a large‑scale content analysis of 300 medical articles, 35 websites, and 50 blogs, applying readability metrics, LIWC‑based linguistic and sentiment analysis, and …

Emotional Intelligence Documentary - The Journey, Not The Destination: A Spain Reflection, Elise I. Palacios

Cultivating Emotional Intelligence through the Humanities in Spain

The Journey, Not the Destination follows my study abroad experience in Madrid and Toledo, Spain through a Medical Humanities course. Through art, history, culture, and personal reflection, I explore how travel broadened my understanding of the human experience and shaped my perspective as a future physician. More than a story about a place, this documentary is about growth, empathy, and the lessons we learn along the journey.

The Effects Of Dietary Interventions On Gut Microbial Balance In Healthy Adults: An Integrative Review, Miranda Demars

Senior Honors Theses

The goal of this review is to answer the question: What dietary changes are most effective in restoring gut dysbiosis in healthy adults? The gut microbiome (GM), a community of microorganisms that colonizes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, can become imbalanced, a condition known as dysbiosis, which is associated with an increased risk of dysbiosis-induced disease. Dysbiosis-induced diseases include GI disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity (Shen et al., 2025). Pharmacologic interventions are often not …

A Functional Nutrition Literature Review For Brain Fog And Adhd-Like Symptoms In Adults, Natalie Elisani Aldahondo-Matos

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD-like symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, mental fatigue, and problems with executive functioning, are increasingly recognized in adults. Although medication is commonly used to manage ADHD, there is growing interest in whether nutrition may also play a role in supporting brain function and attention. Several nutrients involved in brain health including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, magnesium, iron, and choline  have been suggested as potential contributors to cognitive performance and attention. However, the research examining the connection between diet and ADHD symptoms is still limited and sometimes shows mixed results.

The purpose of this project was …

Treating Depression With L-Methylfolate: A Review Of Evidence, Marianna G. Pettit

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

Introduction & Background: Depressive disorders have many different causes. Folate deficiency can sometimes be behind these disorders, due to this vitamin’s role in neurotransmitter synthesis. Some research suggests that supplementing with an active form of folate improves depressive symptoms with and without antidepressant use. Purpose Statement Question: For individuals with depressive disorders, does supplementation with L-methylfolate (LMF) reduce symptoms of depressive disorders with or without use of an antidepressant? Literature Review: A manual literature search for sources published within the past 7 years revealed 557 documents from four different databases. Key search words included, “depression,” “treatment,” …

Impact Of Ashwagandha Treatment On Cytokine Production And Macrophage Differentiation Into Thp-1 Cells, Betsi Diaz Chavarin, Aditi Kumar

Posters - 2026

Inflammation is a critical biological response that enables the immune system to react to infections, injuries, or stressful situations. However, chronic or excessive inflammation can lead to tissue damage and contribute to a wide range of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndromes, and immune dysregulation. 3,4 Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in initiating and amplifying the immune response. 1,2 It is primarily produced by activated monocytes and macrophages in response to stimuli such as pathogens or stress signals. In addition, IL-1β acts on the hypothalamus to induce fever, which creates an environment …

Heroes Of Medicine In The Rio Grande Valley: Documentary Interview With Dr. Cynthia Cavazos Gonzalez, Cynthia Cavazos Gonzalez, Raquel Elena Orellana

Heroes of Medicine in the Rio Grande Valley

Cynthia Cavazos Gonzalez PhD is an Associate Professor of Clinical Practice at UTRGV in Edinburg, Texas and she is the clinic director of the UTRGV Psychology training clinic. She completed a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology in Fresno, California. Her doctoral degree is in Clinical Psychology with a major specialization in Neuropsychology and minor specialization in Health Psychology. She completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at UTMB in Galveston with a major emphasis in hospital consultation, outpatient psychotherapy, and psychological and neuropsychological evaluations with diverse populations. She completed an informal neuropsychology post-doctoral residency in Texas …

Phytochemistry And Pharmacological Activities Of Sphagneticola Trilobata: A Systematic Review With Perspectives For Drug Discovery, Sonali Dnyaneshwar Labhade, Suraj Kamadi, Pawan Nandkishor Karwa, Ritesh Prakash Bhole, Harshad Sunil Kapare, Sohan Satyanarayan Chitlange

Makara Journal of Science

Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, wound healing, and CNS depressant effects. Despite its broad pharmacolo-gical potential, clinical application is limited due to a lack of mechanistic understanding, standardization, and clinical validation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, and therapeutic potential of S. trilobata, while highlighting research gaps and suggesting future directions for clinical translation. A systematic review of scientific literature, ethnobotanical sources, and pharmacological studies was conducted, focusing on phytochemical analysis, biological activity, toxicity, and potential applications …

In Vitro And In Silico Evaluation Of Calcined Chicken Eggshell Powder As An Antibacterial Agent Against Staphylococcus Aureus, Hadi Kurniawan, Hariyanto Ih, Fajar Nugraha, Siti Nani Nurbaeti, Inarah Fajriaty, Ardi Kurniawan, Ridho Maulana Difa

Makara Journal of Science

Staphylococcus aureus is a major Gram-positive pathogen that is increasingly resistant to antibiotics, significantly contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related deaths. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the antibacterial activity of calcined chicken eggshell powder (CCEP), a waste-derived material rich in calcium compounds. CCEP was prepared by calcining eggshell powder at 900 °C for 3 hours. Its antibacterial potential was evaluated using in vitro assays, including agar disc diffusion and broth microdilution, as well as in silico molecular docking against penicillin-binding protein 4 (PBP4, PDB ID: 3HUM). The in vitro results showed that a 20% (w/v) CCEP solution in glycerol produced …

Bridging The Gap In Women's Healthcare — The Homoeopathic Perspective And Evidence Base, Subhash Kaushik

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

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Investigation Of Molecular Footprints In Ultra-High Diluted Homoeopathic Solutions Of Arnica Montana And Rhus Toxicodendron Through Combined Infrared And Impedance Spectroscopy, Sharbadeb Kundu, Usha Rani Dash, Chirasree Roychaudhuri, Aindrila Roy, Sanatan Chattopadhyay, Rathin Chakravarty, Debadatta Nayak, Subhash Kaushik, Amit Roy Chowdhury, Ananya Barui, Subhadip Chakraborty

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: The study of ultra-high diluted (UHD) solutions is a compelling and controversial domain in modern science. Despite numerous investigations and hypotheses, there is a lack of rigorous, reproducible empirical evidence supporting the existence of molecular footprints beyond the Avogadro's limit. Objective: This study conducted a detailed investigation of the molecular and electrical properties, focusing on hydrogen bonding and impedance to understand the fundamental nature of UHD solutions. Materials and methods: Combined impedance and infrared spectroscopic investigations were performed to probe the structural behaviour of relevant water networks at the molecular level of UHD alcoholic extract of Arnica montana (AM) …

Non-Invasive Treatment For Indolent Chronic Venous Ulcer Using Individualised Homoeopathy: An Evidence-Based Case Series, Vinitha Edavattath Ramanan, Geethu Kp

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Venous ulcers account for 60–70% of all leg ulcers. They are irregular ulcers with sloping edges mainly seen above the medial malleolus associated with oedema, lipodermatosclerosis and hemosiderosis. Conventional medicine mentions chronic venous ulcers as a surgical disease. It usually results in further co-morbidities and reduces the patient's quality of life. Homoeopathic literature describes many medicines for the treatment of varicose ulcers. This case series demonstrates the role of homoeopathic treatment in the complete healing of venous ulcers non-invasively. Case Summary: This is a case series of five patients suffering from chronic venous ulcers resistant to conventional external medications …

Homoeopathic Management Of Mania With Psychotic Symptoms-A Case Report, R. Bhuvaneswari, Sakthivel V

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Manic episode (ICD-F30.2) is typically characterised by distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, along with abnormally and persistently increased goal-directed activity or energy, lasting at least 1 week and causing significant disruption in occupational and social functioning. The lifetime risk of experiencing manic episodes is approximately 0.8–1%. These episodes typically recur in three to four-month cycles. This case report aims to highlight significance of individualised homoeopathic treatment in managing mania with psychotic symptoms over a 41-month period without relapse, and without the use of conventional medication. Case Summary: An 18-year-old female was brought …

Panic Disorder Treated With Individualised Homoeopathic Medicines: A Case Series, Hima Bindu Ponnam, Gr Kiranmayee Rompicherla

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Introduction: Panic disorder is one category of generalised anxiety disorder that is commonly reported in a majority of the outpatient departments of primary care hospitals, especially in the COVID-19 post-pandemic era. Although its prevalence is lower compared to other anxiety disorders, panic disorder remains a serious concern, as it often leads to cardiorespiratory emergencies; therefore, prompt recognition and timely management are crucial. Since the first-line pharmacological interventions of modern medicine are expensive and associated with certain undesirable side effects, the homoeopathic system of medicine appears to be a safer and more economical alternative in such cases. Keeping this in view, …