RECENT RESEARCH
Parameters and Vital Signs Monitoring Form " as well as a saturation device. Following the pre-test, patients in the intervention group inhaled thyme oil 3 times a day for 5 days but the control group did not receive anything. COPD symptoms and hemodynamic parameters were measured on the fifth day as the post-test. Vital signs were measured and recorded 3 times every day over 5 days. It was found that thyme oil application through inhalation significantly reduced all COPD symptoms( dyspnea, cough, secretion, etc.) in the intervention group compared to the control group. pH and O 2 levels were higher while CO 2 levels were lower in the intervention group, and as of the third day, saturation levels were higher whereas respiratory rates were lower. In this regard, thyme oil is recommended as a non-pharmacological treatment method for COPD patients.
Chang KM, Whu SW, Shen TS, Lai YJ. Vetiver and Orange Blossom Aid in Lowering Blood Pressure and Heart Rate and Improving Sleep Quality. Holist Nurs Pract. 2025 Apr 22. doi: 10.1097 / HNP. 0000000000000738. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40261984.
Aromatherapy has emerged as a prominent therapeutic modality, particularly for individuals grappling with insomnia and stress. This study delves into the sleep patterns of a general population and evaluates the impact of 3 distinct essential oils over a 4 to 6-week period. The study rigorously assesses changes in sleep quality and various cardiovascular parameters before and after the utilization of these essential oils. A total of 67 participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index( PSQI) questionnaire and expressed their willingness to partake in the experiment through an online platform. Subsequently, the participants underwent comprehensive measurements of cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system parameters. Following random assignment into 1 of 3 groups, the subjects diligently used the prescribed essential oils for the specified duration. A posttest was conducted to meticulously document the changes in cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system parameters, as well as the PSQI scale. The 3 essential oils employed were lavender, vetiver, and orange blossom, with 21, 18, and 17 participants, respectively. The experimental findings revealed a noteworthy reduction in PSQI scores after 4 to 6 weeks of using vetiver and orange blossom essential oils. The scores decreased from 7.92( 3.55) and 8.32( 3.71) to 6.08( 3.30, P =. 007) and 6.47( 2.20, P =. 042), respectively. This reduction was even more pronounced among subjects with initial PSQI scores of 5 or higher. Furthermore, the utilization of vetiver and orange blossom essential oils demonstrated a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure( SYS) over the 4 to 6-week period. Vetiver SYS levels decreased from 108.39( 5.67) to 105.33( 5.93)( P =. 0016), and orange blossom SYS levels decreased from 110.53( 9.49) to 108.18( 9.49)( P =. 0414). In addition, the heart rate of the vetiver group also exhibited a significant decrease from 78.33( 12.06) to 76.00( 12.06)( P =. 0342). Thus, the results strongly suggest that vetiver and orange blossom essential oils contribute to the reduction of blood pressure, heart rate, and the enhancement of sleep quality, particularly in individuals experiencing sleep disturbances. These findings align with previous research on the soothing effects of essential oils and their potential in promoting both cardiovascular and sleep-related well-being.
Complementary therapies
Aitchison KA, McFerran KS. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Music Therapy Assessment: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis. J Music Ther. 2025 Jan 10; 62( 1): thaf005. doi: 10.1093 / jmt / thaf005. PMID: 40336261.
Recovery-oriented mental health care emphasizes hope, empowerment, personally defined recovery, and the importance of systemic change and action on the social determinants of mental health and wellbeing. It has been argued that music therapy is highly compatible with recovery principles. This critical interpretive synthesis explores published music therapy assessments designed for use with children and adolescents experiencing mental health challenges, including assessment development, contextual influences, and potential applications in recovery-oriented mental health settings. Database searches, citation tracking, and hand searching identified nine relevant publications( 1988-2019), reflecting eight separate assessments. Publications describe the assessment of multiple domains to inform planning; use a range of quantitative rating scales and qualitative descriptions; focus on information sharing and enhancing credibility; and reveal the influence of verbal psychotherapeutic models. Some assessments use terminology that was common in the era that they were published but are not considered congruent with recovery-oriented care. An emphasis on clinician dominance and duplication of information collected by other professionals in interdisciplinary settings is also apparent, potentially affecting usability in mental health services. Exploration of musical phenomena is evident in all assessments and may offer a unique contribution to interdisciplinary processes. Although a significant focus on individual pathology is evident, consumers ' resources and contexts are explored in many of the music therapy assessments. This synthesis reveals a need to explore and develop music therapy assessment practices that align with recovery-oriented principles to meet consumer needs and improve integration in interdisciplinary contexts.
Vagedes J, Breitkreuz T, Heinrich V, Sobh M, Islam MOA, Vagedes K, Mergelsberg J. Whole-body hyperthermia as part of a multimodal treatment for patients with post-covid syndrome- a case series. Int J Hyperthermia. 2025 Dec; 42( 1): 2488792. doi: 10.1080 / 02656736.2025.2488792. Epub 2025 May 7. PMID: 40336247.
Background: Post-Covid syndrome( PCS) has been an ongoing challenge since the COVID-19 pandemic. Relatively little is known about the effect of whole-body hyperthermia( WBH) in the treatment of PCS.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with PCS who were
106 | vol31 | no2 | JATMS