Journal article
Mind-body therapies: Connecting the parts and embracing diversity
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Vol.40(40), pp.214-214
2018
PMID: 30219452
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Abstract
Editorial Mind-body therapies: Connecting the parts and embracing diversity Mind-body practices are a major part of health care, with at least 11.6% of the US population (equaling > 25 million adults) having used one or more mind-body technique in 2012 for their health. 1 Mind-body therapies comprise a variety of techniques designed to enhance mind's positive impact on the body, including behavioral, psychological, social, artistic and spiritual approaches. While knowledge of the mind-body connection is not a new thought, the development of medicine as a science, and the technological advances have led to a Western medical view where mind and body were separate entities. Only in the early to mid-20th century, with groundbreaking research into the physiology of stress, 2,3 and placebo, 4 the impact of thoughts, feelings, beliefs and attitudes on the body have been recognized, and research has increasingly been conducted in the past decades on the mind-body connection. For some mind-body techniques such as biofeedback, hypnosis and cognitive behavioral approaches the evidence of effectiveness can be considered robust, other mind-body techniques however still face a lack of sufficient evidence of its benefits and safety. This special issue has been designated specifically to the submissions of studies on mind-body therapies, without any limitation regarding the type of investigation, and we are confident that the Special Issue reflects the richness of current research approaches in a way that inspires further research. The variety of mind-body techniques represented in this Special Issue reflects the diversity of approaches, with studies investigating for example the effects of yoga and tai chi, meditation, several variations of mindfulness programs, and expressive art therapies like singing or dancing. The range in therapies investigated in those research papers is an extract of the basket of approaches for individuals to select from, depending on the respective needs and capabilities. The manuscripts also show that mind-body therapies may have its place in the (supportive) treatment of a variety of medical conditions, benefitting patients with headache, kidney failure or Parkinson's disease, or patients undergoing weight loss surgery and those bound to wheelchairs. While mind-body therapies are no cure for the above mentioned diseases, they can certainly empower patients, support their mental health and well-being, and contribute substantially to a higher quality of life. One important aspect that this Special Issue addresses is the way in which patients of minority populations or those who are socially disadvantaged may benefit from mind-body therapies. All too often research shows that complementary medicine is predominantly used by the 'privileged', while those without sufficient access to health services are literally left uncared. Mind-body techniques may provide specific benefits for those populations, as they may enable underserved individuals to take charge of and actively contribute to their own health. Finally this Special Issue comprises a variety of research methods, from cross-sectional analyses to feasibility studies, clinical trials, qualitative research and implementation science projects. Research of mind-body intervention is necessary in all stages and on all levels, providing evidence for their acceptance, their efficacy and effectiveness, their safety and their applicability to different contexts. We are confident that this special issue, covering a broad spectrum of mind-body therapy research, contributes to the evidence base in this emerging field and brings forward innovative approaches to implement mind-body therapies in mainstream clinical care.
Details
- Title
- Mind-body therapies: Connecting the parts and embracing diversity
- Creators
- Romy Lauche (Author) - University of Technology SydneyHolger Cramer (Author) - University of Duisburg-Essen
- Publication Details
- Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Vol.40(40), pp.214-214
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Identifiers
- 991012856298702368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health; National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article