Body, Mind & Spirit Articles and Latest News

The TwF project: promoting bilingualism for public health in Wales.

Community Pract. 2011 Oct;84(10):20-3

Authors: Woodcock E

Abstract
The Twf project was established in Wales in 2001 with the overall aim to increase the transfer of the Welsh language within the family. The project has two main strategies, which are to work with midwives and health visitors in order that they can inform parents of the advantages of raising children bilingually, and to raise awareness among parents-to-be, parents and the general public of the advantages of raising children bilingually. The project is funded by the Welsh government through the Welsh Language Board, and its community workers provide health visitors, midwives and other partners within their areas with Twf resources and information about relevant research, and visit antenatal and postnatal clinics on a regular basis to talk to parents. Where a particular need is identified, the Twf worker runs groups for new parents and parents-to-be to help them to speak Welsh to the baby through interesting activities, such as baby massage, singing and stories.

PMID: 22096832 [PubMed - in process]

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[Effect of massage on hemodynamics parameters of uterine artery and serum prostaglandin in treating patients with primary dysmenorrhea].

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2011 Oct;31(10):1355-8

Authors: Chen Y, Shang GD, Fu GB

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To observe the curative effect of massage in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (PD), and its effect on hemodynamics parameters of uterine artery and serum prostaglandins.
METHODS: 60 PD patients were randomly assigned to the massage group and the control group, 30 in each. Patients in the massage group received massage, while those in the control group orally took ibuprofen sustained release capsule, both for three menstrual cycles. The pain degree was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS). The hemodynamics parameters of uterine artery [including pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic to diastolic peak ratio (S/D)], the serum levels of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) and PGE2 in the menstruation were detected in the two groups before and after treatment.
RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in each index before treatment between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the scores of VAS (mm, 33. 17+/-7.93 vs 63.53+/-9.48), PI (2.18+/-0.18 vs 2.74+/-0.23), RI (0.67+/-0.09 vs 0. 86+/-0.27), S/D (5.44+/-0.47 vs 7.56+/-0.28), and serum PGF2a level (ng/L, 28. 10+/-2.41 vs 37.68+/-2.16) were lower and serum PGE, level (ng/L, 29.82+/-2.13 vs 26.43+/-1.42) higher in the massage group, showing statistical difference (P<0.05, P<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: Massage had favorable therapeutic effect on PD. Its effect might be achieved through improving the blood circulation of uterus, adjusting the abnormal levels of PGF2a and PGE2, thus exerting pain relief effect.

PMID: 22097204 [PubMed - in process]

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[Diagnostic algorithm of syncope: integrative approach].

Vnitr Lek. 2011 Oct;57(10):826-33

Authors: Plásek J, Doupal V, Václavík J, Petejová N, Martínek A, Táborský M

Abstract
Syncope is a symptom, defined as transient loss of consciousness and postural tone with spontaneous and mostly prompt recovery. At first it is necessary to differentiate other non-syncopal transient loss of consciousness and simple falls, where thorough history taking is pivotal. EGSYS and OESIL risk scores seem to be contributional in initial risk stratification, however they are neither widely accepted nor a part of national guidelines. They are part of the European society of cardiology guidelines, though. Next it is essential expert ECG evaluation, thorough physical status examination, supine and standing blood pressure measurement and carotid sinus massage, if not contraindicated. Successively one has to decide if hospitalization or outpatient management is more suitable. Recently it has been shown, that so-called syncope management units (aimed for short-term hospitalization or fast outpatient examination, including vital function monitoring, echocardiography and facile cathlab access) are effective in fast syncope evaluation. Echocardiography, ECG monitoring and head-up tilt test should be a part of complex diagnostic evaluation. If syncope is not clarified by upon stated methods moreover syncope is recurrent, electrophysiological study, ILR implantation or both are justified. Despite of entire health practitioner’s effort, more than 1/3 of syncopes remain unexplained.

PMID: 22097691 [PubMed - in process]

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Complementary therapies in rehabilitation: stroke patients’ narratives. Part 2.

J Clin Nurs. 2011 Nov 18;

Authors: van der Riet P, Dedkhard S, Srithong K

Abstract
Aims and objectives.  To document the narratives of nursing staff and patients in a Thailand Rehabilitation Centre where complementary therapies are used and to discuss perceived progress of these stroke patients. Specific complementary therapies used at this Rehabilitation Centre include Thai massage and herbal therapies. Background.  Whilst there has been a small amount of quantitative research on stroke patients and complementary therapies there has been no qualitative research on the experience of stroke patients and the use of complementary therapies. Design.  Qualitative pilot study using narrative inquiry and discourse analysis framed by poststructural theory. Method.  Six stroke patients were interviewed about their involvement in complementary therapy practice and treatments and their experiences of these therapies in rehabilitation. Results.  This study represents a reflective mining of patients’ stories and captures the main theme of changes in stroke patients’ embodiment and a main discourse of attending to and enabling progress. Throughout the storylines there are many other discourses such as hope, desire, helplessness, despair, fear, motivation, gratefulness, gladness and fragility. Conclusion.  Threaded throughout the stroke patients’ stories of their rehabilitation there is a layering of discourses involving tensions and a longing to overcome their disability. There are twists and detours in their stories that show the complexity of the illness experience. Progress is not straightforward with a quick recovery. Many contexts or variables influence progress such as spatiality, temporality and people. Relevance to clinical practice.  What is offered here is the reality of the rehabilitation process for stroke patients. Through the use of narrative inquiry the contexts of people, spatiality (environment) and temporality (time) are an important part of rehabilitation process.

PMID: 22098401 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Experiences of abdominal massage for constipation.

J Clin Nurs. 2011 Nov 21;

Authors: Lämås K, Graneheim UH, Jacobsson C

Abstract
Aim.  This study aims to illuminate participants’ experiences of receiving abdominal massage for constipation. Background.  Abdominal massage has been found to decrease the severity of constipation and abdominal pain, but little is known about how patients experience receiving abdominal massage. Design.  The present study is a qualitative descriptive study, based on individual interviews. Method.  Nine adults receiving abdominal massage for constipation were invited to participate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Sweden between 2005-2007. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results.  Four themes were formulated: ‘being on one’s guard’, ‘becoming embraced by safe hands’, ‘being touched physically and emotionally’ and ‘feeling vulnerable’. The participants reported that they were on guard, i.e. they were sceptical about whether or not abdominal massage was effective and suitable. However, as the massage sessions continued, they found the massage pleasant and began to feel embraced and in safe hands. They described how the abdominal massage made them feel as ‘being touched physically and emotionally’ and their bowel habits were improved. Along with the improvements, their agony was gone and they felt relieved. However, they considered their new condition fragile and they felt vulnerable to relapse. Conclusions.  Abdominal massage was experienced as pleasurable, and after treatment, the participants felt more comfortable with their bowel function. Participants described abdominal massage as affecting the whole person. Relevance to clinical practice.  Abdominal massage has been shown to be an effective intervention for constipation. A crucial aspect is that nurses need to be sensitive and respect the intimacy associated with the abdomen.

PMID: 22098585 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The role of alternative medicine in rhinology.

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2012 Feb;20(1):73-81

Authors: Roehm CE, Tessema B, Brown SM

Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) includes treatments from traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, herbal medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, mind-body medicine, chiropractic or osteopathic manipulations, and massage. More than 40% of patients in the United States use CAM, with 17% of CAM use related to otolaryngology diagnoses, but nearly half of CAM users do not communicate their use of these medications to their physicians. Perioperative risk of bleeding is a particular concern in surgical specialties, and knowledge of these therapies and their potential adverse effects is critical.

PMID: 22099619 [PubMed - in process]

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Pleasant human touch is represented in pregenual anterior cingulate cortex.

Neuroimage. 2011 Nov 10;

Authors: Lindgren L, Westling G, Brulin C, Lehtipalo S, Andersson M, Nyberg L

Abstract
Touch massage (TM) is a form of pleasant touch stimulation used as treatment in clinical settings and found to improve well-being and decrease anxiety, stress, and pain. Emotional responses reported during and after TM have been studied, but the underlying mechanisms are still largely unexplored. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) to test the hypothesis that the combination of human touch (i.e. skin-to-skin contact) with movement is eliciting a specific response in brain areas coding for pleasant sensations. The design included four different touch conditions; human touch with or without movement and rubber glove with or without movement. Force (2.5N) and velocity (1.5cm/s) were held constant across conditions. The pleasantness of the four different touch stimulations was rated on a visual analog scale (VAS-scale) and human touch was rated as most pleasant, particularly in combination with movement. The fMRI results revealed that TM stimulation most strongly activated the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC). These results are consistent with findings showing pgACC activation during various rewarding pleasant stimulations. This area is also known to be activated by both opioid analgesia and placebo. Together with these prior results, our finding furthers the understanding of the basis for positive TM treatment effects.

PMID: 22100768 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Syncope and autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction in Parkinson disease.

Neurol Neurochir Pol. 2011 Jul-Aug;45(4):335-41

Authors: Leńska-Mieciek M, Derecka-Charzyńska I, Fiszer U, Królicki L, Kułakowski P

Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE : The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between syncope or presyncope occurrence and dysfunction of the cardiovascular autonomic system in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). MATERIAL AND METHODS : Twenty-four PD patients were studied, including 10 subjects with syncope/presyncope and 14 con-trols without those symptoms. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), Holter electrocardiographic monitoring, carotid sinus massage, tilt test, and cardiac scintigraphy with 123I metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) were performed. RESULTS : Differences between the two groups were found in myocardial scintigraphy and ABPM. The stepwise regression analyses suggest that the values of late phase reduced uptake of MIBG (95% CI: 0.0-0.77; p < 0.05) and day-time minimum systolic blood pressure (95% CI: 0.78-0.98; p = 0.007) may be related to the occurrence of syncope/presyncope. CONCLUSIONS : The findings suggest an association between syncope/presyncope occurrence and dysfunction of the cardiovascular autonomic system in PD patients. Both 123I MIBG myocardial scintigraphy and ABPM may help identify a group of patients with an elevated risk for syncopic episodes which, in turn, may affect the choice of treatment.

PMID: 22101994 [PubMed - in process]

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Chronic proctalgia and chronic pelvic pain syndromes: New etiologic insights and treatment options.

World J Gastroenterol. 2011 Oct 28;17(40):4447-55

Authors: Chiarioni G, Asteria C, Whitehead WE

Abstract
THIS SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ADDRESSES THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION, AND TREATMENT OF SEVERAL CHRONIC PAIN SYNDROMES AFFECTING THE PELVIC ORGANS: chronic proctalgia, coccygodynia, pudendal neuralgia, and chronic pelvic pain. Chronic or recurrent pain in the anal canal, rectum, or other pelvic organs occurs in 7% to 24% of the population and is associated with impaired quality of life and high health care costs. However, these pain syndromes are poorly understood, with little research evidence available to guide their diagnosis and treatment. This situation appears to be changing: A recently published large randomized, controlled trial by our group comparing biofeedback, electrogalvanic stimulation, and massage for the treatment of chronic proctalgia has shown success rates of 85% for biofeedback when patients are selected based on physical examination evidence of tenderness in response to traction on the levator ani muscle-a physical sign suggestive of striated muscle tension. Excessive tension (spasm) in the striated muscles of the pelvic floor appears to be common to most of the pelvic pain syndromes. This suggests the possibility that similar approaches to diagnostic assessment and treatment may improve outcomes in other pelvic pain disorders.

PMID: 22110274 [PubMed - in process]

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Headaches are one of the most common forms of pain. For some people a headache may be a minor irritation once or twice a year, while others can suffer disabling pain on an almost daily basis. Researchers are studying treatments for different types of headaches, including a number of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. This fact sheet provides basic information on headaches, summarizes research on the effectiveness and safety of selected complementary and alternative practices for headaches, and suggests sources for additional information. If you are considering a complementary and alternative therapy for headaches, this information can help you talk to your health care provider about it.

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