Main Research Findings

This article summarizes research findings on the side effects of various alternative and spiritual treatments. suggests that patients' imagination can be a powerful tool in cancer treatment. The study posits that patients' own experiences, accessed through their imagination, have the potential to significantly impact the healing process. highlights the importance of research safety in mindfulness meditation. This paper points out that while mindfulness meditation is gaining popularity, there is a need for established participant screening procedures, safety guidelines, and researcher training to ensure responsible research practices. examines how spiritual and mind-body beliefs affect HIV-positive individuals' treatment decisions and adherence. The study found that for some patients, spiritual beliefs act as a barrier to treatment, while for others, these beliefs can improve adherence by helping them cope with side effects. presents a case for psychedelic drugs as potentially valuable therapeutic options for mood and anxiety disorders. This paper explores the history of psychedelics in spiritual rituals and traditional medicine and advocates for further research into their therapeutic applications. explores the similarities between conventional and unconventional medicine, suggesting that both might be effective through shared mechanisms. The study notes that while some unconventional therapies lack scientific backing, there may be commonalities in how they impact the body, including pharmacological effects, placebo effects, suggestive aspects, and mind-body medicine components. 1 investigates the neuroendocrine response to 5-hydroxytryptophan in patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This study reveals that SAD patients have slightly but significantly higher baseline levels of prolactin and cortisol compared to controls. After administering 5-hydroxytryptophan, both groups showed a significant increase in cortisol and a decrease in prolactin levels. reviews the 30-year journey of integrative oncology, highlighting advancements in the field from a North American naturopathic oncology perspective. Integrative oncology aims to enhance cancer patient care by combining conventional treatments with alternative therapies. provides a comprehensive review of interventions rooted in psychoneuroimmunology, examining their associations with psychological, neuroendocrine, and immunological variables. Interventions like yoga, meditation, tai chi, acupuncture, mindfulness, religious/spiritual practices, cognitive behavioral therapy, coping skills, and exercise have been linked to lower levels of stress hormones and a potential reduction in inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines related to conditions such as cancer, HIV, depression, anxiety, wound healing, sleep disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and fibromyalgia. investigates the impact of yoga and meditation on cardiovascular disease. Research suggests that yoga and meditation can help control risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, and psychosocial stress. This indicates the potential of yoga and meditation for preventing or slowing down the progression of cardiovascular disease. analyzes the side effects and benefits of bright light therapy across the spectrum of symptoms. This study examined a broad range of 88 physical and subjective symptoms to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how bright light therapy can impact individuals with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).