RECENT RESEARCH of TCM treatment was observed in major symptoms, such as fatigue( P <. 001), impaired physical performance( P <. 001), and exertional dyspnea( P <. 001). TCM treatment was associated with significant improvements in post-COVID symptoms, warranting further evaluation through randomized controlled studies.
Andrade KB, Rodrigues CAO, Souza VCF, Teixeira WS, Andrade C, Gusmão ROM, Corrêa HP, Ruela LO, Silva RRV, Sawada NO, Moura CC, Araújo DD. Auricular acupuncture associated with low-frequency laser in chronic low back pain: A randomized clinical trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2025 Jun; 42:1098-1105. doi: 10.1016 / j. jbmt. 2025.03.019. Epub 2025 Mar 13. PMID: 40325643.
Background: Low back pain is recognized as the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting various populations and leading to social, psychological, functional, and economic consequences. Research into effective treatments for this condition is clinically relevant.
Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture combined with low-frequency laser therapy in treating chronic low back pain in primary care patients.
Design: A randomized clinical trial.
Participants: A sample of 104 individuals with chronic low back pain was divided into two groups: the experimental group( n = 52), which received four sessions of auricular acupuncture and low-frequency laser therapy( modified intravascular laser irradiation of blood), and the control group( n = 52).
Intervention: Participants were evaluated at the beginning and seven days after the last treatment session. Pain intensity was measured using a numerical pain scale, while the degree of physical disability was assessed using the Roland-Morris disability questionnaire. Quality of life was evaluated with the WHOQOL-BREF, and perceived self-efficacy in managing chronic pain was measured using the chronic pain selfefficacy scale.
Results: The experimental group showed significant reductions in pain intensity and improvements in physical disability, quality of life( specifically in health satisfaction, psychological wellbeing, and environmental factors), and self-efficacy in chronic low back pain management( all p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Auricular acupuncture combined with low-frequency laser therapy was effective in reducing pain, improving physical disability, enhancing quality of life, and increasing self-efficacy beliefs related to chronic low back pain management.
Aromatherapy
Özer E, Döner Şİ, Dağ Tüzmen H. The effect of aromatherapy intervention with Bergamot and Grapefruit essential oils on premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2025 May 1; 25( 1): 162. doi: 10.1186 / s12906-025-04857-3. PMID: 40312670; PMCID: PMC12044709.
Background: Premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms adversely affect approximately 80-95 % of women of reproductive age. Aromatherapy interventions are used to reduce premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms. This study was conducted to determine the effect of aromatherapy intervention with bergamot and grapefruit essential oils on premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms.
Methods: Ninety women with premenstrual syndrome were included the study. Participants were randomly divided into 3 groups: Bergamot( n = 30), Grapefruit( n = 30), Placebo( n = 30). Participants in each group were made to smell pure essential oil for 30 min 3 times a day for 4 days during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The used was repeated in 3 menstrual cycles. " Premenstrual Syndrome Scale( PMSS)" was used to evaluate premenstrual syndrome and " Menstrual Symptom
Questionnaire( MSQ)" was used to evaluate menstrual symptoms. All measurements were performed before and after the study.
Results: The results showed that grapefruit essential oil was effective in reducing PMSS total score( p = 0.010) and sub-scale scores( depressive affect, anxiety, fatigue, depressive thoughts, appetite changes, sleep changes and bloating( p < 0.001), irritability( p = 0.024), pain( p = 0.047)). Although grapefruit essential oil had no effect on the total score of the MSQ. Grapefruit essential oil was found to be effective in reducing the MSQ scale sub-scale scores( menstrual pain symptoms( p = 0.024) and the use of coping methods with menstrual pain( p = 0.011)). Bergamot essential oil was found to be effective in reducing PMSS total score( p = 0.001) and PMSS sub-scale scores depressive affect( p = 0.013), irritability( p = 0.034), depressive thoughts and appetite changes( p = 0.026), pain( p = 0.001)). In addition, there was no effect on the menstrual syndrome scale and its subdimensions( p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Grapefruit essential oil was effective in reducing both premenstrual syndrome and menstrual symptoms, whereas bergamot essential oil was only effective in reducing premenstrual symptoms.
Öner U, Cengiz Z, Erol A. Effects of Thyme Oil on Respiratory Systems, Hemodynamic Parameters and Vital Signs in COPD Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Holist Nurs Pract. 2025 Apr 23. doi: 10.1097 / HNP. 0000000000000745. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40262016
The present study aimed to determine the effects of aromatherapy through thyme oil inhalation on respiratory symptoms, hemodynamic parameters and vital signs in COPD patients. The pre-test post-test randomized controlled experimental study was conducted with inpatients COPD( intervention group = 60, control group = 60). Data were collected using the " Patient Information Form ", " COPD Symptoms Form ", and " Hemodynamic
JATMS | Winter 2025 | 105