Holistic Practice Research Articles

Strengthening cancer care through the inclusion of audiological services

Aim Commonly used cancer treatments that treat the priority cancers are ototoxic. Ototoxicity can add to the already severe morbidity experienced by cancer survivors. It affects the quality of life and consequently has dire psycho-socio-emotional, cognitive, occupational, and scholastic effects. This article aims to highlight that the inclusion of audiological services, such as ototoxicity monitoring and management, can strengthen cancer care by reducing the morbidity and effects of ototoxicity. It explores the current practices of ototoxicity monitoring and management for cancer patients in South Africa and offers practical and innovative evidence-based solutions on how the practice can be improved. The paper also discusses how the National Care Strategic Framework (NCSF) (2017-2022) can be expanded to support the inclusion of audiological services by including ototoxicity monitoring and management in cancer care. Methods A review of literature was conducted utilising a narrative approach to explore audiological service provision for cancer care in South Africa. Peer-reviewed publications and clinical guidelines related to audiological and/or vestibular ototoxicity caused by cancer treatments were reviewed. Findings Despite the inroads that have been made in South Africa, resource and logistical limitations hinder the effectiveness of ototoxicity monitoring and management programmes. In addition, a lack of awareness of the ototoxic effects of some cancer treatments by oncology nurses, as well as ambiguity regarding the roles and responsibilities of the multidisciplinary cancer team in terms of ototoxicity monitoring, management, and patient counselling, further exacerbate the problem. Conclusions The effectiveness of ototoxicity monitoring and management could be enhanced by having a national and standardised protocol and programme incorporating tele-audiology and task-shifting. In addition, collaborative work among the cancer multidisciplinary team will foster holistic practice and integration of audiological services. Future versions of the NCSF should encompass considerations to reduce the associated burdens of cancer treatment, and audiological services, through ototoxicity monitoring, and ought to be included when providing cancer care to patients being treated with ototoxic agents.

Fostering collaboration: an exploration of knowledge exchange between Rongoā Māori practitioners and surgical clinicians.

This research investigates the potential for collaboration of Rongoā Māori, the Indigenous healing practices of Māori, with New Zealand's contemporary healthcare system. It aims to bridge the gap between Rongoā Māori and Western medicine by exploring the perspectives of practitioners from both fields, identifying barriers to integration, and highlighting potential areas for collaboration. Qualitative interviews were conducted with both Rongoā practitioners and Western surgeons. The data collected were subjected to thematic analysis to extract key themes related to the integration process, challenges faced, and the potential for mutual recognition and respect between the two healing paradigms. The study reveals a deep respect for Rongoā Māori among Western surgeons but identifies significant systemic barriers that impede its integration. These include bureaucratic challenges and the absence of clear referral pathways. Rongoā practitioners express concerns over being overlooked within the healthcare system and highlight a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals about their practices. Despite these challenges, there is a shared interest in collaborative approaches to healthcare that respect and incorporate Rongoā Māori. The findings underscore the need for systemic changes to facilitate the integration of Rongoā Māori into mainstream healthcare, including the development of clear referral pathways and initiatives to raise awareness among healthcare professionals. The study highlights the need for a more collaborative healthcare approach that values the contributions of Rongoā Māori, aiming to improve patient care through holistic practices.

Integrating Classical Yoga and Modern Psychology: Insights from Neuroimaging and AI on Mind Transformation

Yoga is traditionally understood as a holistic practice that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual development. This paper explores how classical yoga concepts align with modern psychological research, emphasizing insights gained through neuroimaging and artificial intelligence (AI). By analyzing the stages of the mind, its modifications, and psychological afflictions from both traditional and contemporary perspectives, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of yoga’s impact on mental and emotional transformation. The integration of neuroimaging techniques and AI tools offers new ways to examine and enhance the efficacy of yoga practices in promoting mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Integrative Treatment Approaches with Mind-Body Therapies in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathophysiology characterized by intense pruritus, often associated with psychological stress and atopic and non-atopic comorbidities that significantly reduce quality of life. The psychological aspects of AD and the interaction between the mind and body via the skin-brain axis have led to an interest in mind-body therapies (MBT). The aim of this article is, therefore, to reinforce the importance of psychodermatological care in AD. We performed a focused literature review on holistic practices or integrative MBT in AD, including education, cognitive behavioral therapy, habit reversal, meditation, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, autonomous sensory meridian response, music therapy, massage, and touch therapy. A multidisciplinary holistic approach with MBT, in addition to conventional pharmacologic antipruritic therapies, to break the itch-scratch cycle may improve AD outcomes and psychological well-being. Although there is a paucity of rigorously designed trials, evidence shows the potential benefits of an integrative approach on pruritus, pain, psychological stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality. Relaxation and various behavioral interventions, such as habit reversal therapy for replacing harmful scratching with massaging with emollient 'plus', may reduce the urge to scratch, while education may improve adherence to conventional therapies.

A Reclassification of al-Ījī’s Akhlāq al-ʿAḍudiyya into a Model of Traditional Islamic Virtues (TIV)

While psychologists have only recently become extensively interested in character development and virtue acquisition, such an interest has existed for centuries among Muslim scholars. Islamic scholars have created many typologies and classifications of the virtues building upon the tradition they inherited from the ancient Greeks. Among the most notable works in this genre is the treatise most famously known as al-akhlāq al-ʿaḍudiyyah, written by the 14th century scholar ʿAḍud al-Dīn al-Ījī (d. 756 AH/1355 CE), which provided a comprehensive yet concise manual of the Islamic virtues that synthesized the previous work of Islamic philosophers situated within Islamic scripture. This paper provides a revised classification of the Islamic virtues by adjusting al-Ījī’s classification of virtues in his al-akhlāq al-ʿaḍudiyyah. This revised classification of virtues, referred to as Traditional Islamic Virtues (TIV), adopts the four cardinal virtues of wisdom, temperance, valor, and justice, with the addition of spirituality as an independent chief virtue with accompanying sub-virtues. TIV provides an aggregation of many of the sub-virtues enlisted by al-Ījī due to the degree of overlap between them. TIV also makes minor linguistic revisions and adds a few new sub-virtues. The definitions of each of the TIV sub-virtues are constructed by drawing upon numerous sources in the Islamic tradition while still relying mostly on al-Ījī’s classification. The process of aggregation and revision has produced five cardinal TIV virtues with 31 sub-virtues. This paper further demonstrates that a review and integration of the Islamic tradition into mainstream psychological discourses can greatly enrich the holistic practice of clinical and community psychology.

The Complementary Relationship between Forward-Facing Dog and Downward-Facing Dog Poses in Yoga Practice: A Comprehensive Review

Yoga is a holistic practice that encompasses physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation to promote overall health and well-being. Among the multitude of yoga poses, forward-facing dog (upward-facing dog) and downward-facing dog stand out as fundamental postures that are often practiced together in yoga sequences. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the complementary relationship between forward-facing dog and downward-facing dog poses in yoga practice, highlighting their biomechanical, physiological, and psychological benefits. Drawing upon existing research and expert insights, this paper explores how these poses offer a balanced approach to strength, flexibility, and mind-body connection, contributing to a holistic yoga practice.

Conceptualizing Australian First Nations Fashion, Art and Style

Decolonial scholars call for fashion definitions and perspectives from all cultures, and this article responds to these requests. Numerous theories and positions have inspired and shaped this conceptual model, including valuable insight from First Nations scholars who have explored fashion theories that integrate First Nations philosophies and ontologies. This First Nations fashion, art and style conceptual model explores the practice and outlines the themes of Culture, Expression, and Self-determination. First Nations fashion, art and style, as a term, acknowledges the holistic practice and industry, which includes fashion design, style, and the intersection of art via textiles and garments. The Cultural element within the model explores the continuation of cultural practice through design and dress and how it can contribute to cultural well-being. The Expression element describes contemporary cultural and intersectional identity forms through traditional and modern garments. The Self-determination component explores the autonomy of First Nations fashion practices and how First Nations people self-determine their fashion brands via cultural, financial, and environmental sustainability. This article concludes with recommendations for further theoretical and empirical research on First Nations fashion, art and style.

INTEGRATING YOGA INTO MENTAL HEALTH CARE: ENHANCING HOLISTIC WELL-BEING

Yoga is a holistic practice that originated in ancient India and has evolved over thousands of years. It encompasses physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, and ethical principles aimed at achieving harmony between the mind, body, and spirit. Yoga offers numerous benefits, including improved flexibility, strength, balance, stress reduction, relaxation, and mental clarity. It is practiced by people of all ages and backgrounds worldwide, with various styles and approaches catering to different needs and preferences. Beyond its physical aspects, yoga is often embraced as a lifestyle that promotes overall well-being and inner peace. Yoga in mental health care refers to the integration of yoga practices, such as physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and mindfulness, into therapeutic interventions for individuals dealing with mental health challenges. It aims to promote emotional regulation, stress reduction, improved self-awareness, and overall well-being as adjunctive or complementary treatments alongside traditional mental health interventions. Yoga in integrative medicine refers to the incorporation of yoga practices into a holistic approach to healthcare that combines conventional medical treatments with complementary and alternative therapies. Integrative medicine emphasizes treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—to promote overall health and wellness. Yoga, with its focus on physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness, can play a significant role in managing various health conditions and enhancing overall well-being when integrated into an integrative medicine approach. Yoga in integrative mental health care involves the incorporation of yoga practices, such as physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness, into a comprehensive approach to mental health treatment. Integrative mental health care emphasizes treating the whole person and considers various factors contributing to mental well-being, including biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. Yoga can be used as an adjunctive or complementary therapy alongside conventional mental health treatments like psychotherapy and medication. It offers a range of benefits for mental health, including stress reduction, anxiety and depression management, improved mood regulation, increased self-awareness, and enhanced emotional resilience. In integrative mental health care settings, yoga practices are often tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of individuals with mental health concerns. Yoga sessions may be conducted in group settings or one-on-one sessions with trained instructors who can adapt the practice to accommodate different levels of ability and comfort. Research has shown promising results regarding the effectiveness of yoga in improving various mental health outcomes, making it a valuable component of integrative mental health care approaches aimed at promoting holistic well-being.

Exploring the Synergy between Yoga and Mindfulness Sport Practices: Enhancing Mental and Physical Well-Being

Yoga, rooted in ancient India, is a holistic practice for harmony and well-being, blending physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines. Evolving over millennia, it promotes health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. Yoga and sports, seemingly distinct practices, share commonalities that can significantly enhance physical and mental well-being when integrated. This paper examines the synergistic relationship between yoga and sports, highlighting their shared emphasis on physical movement, mental focus, stress reduction, and community building. Both disciplines promote flexibility, strength, and concentration, which are essential for athletic performance and overall health. Additionally, they facilitate stress management and emotional well-being by releasing endorphins and relaxation techniques. Furthermore, yoga and sports foster a sense of belonging and social support, contributing to holistic wellbeing. By integrating yoga into sports training and vice versa, individuals can unlock their full potential, leading to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Traditional and modern perspectives on yoga and sports are discussed, emphasising their enduring value in promoting holistic wellness. The application of yoga and sports in the education system is explored, highlighting their benefits for student development and well-being. Lastly, strategies for promoting yoga and sports as a healthy culture at national and global levels are proposed, encompassing education, community outreach, public health initiatives, infrastructure development, cultural promotion, professional training, inclusive programming, and research evaluation. By adopting a comprehensive approach, nations can foster a healthy, well-being, and active living culture, benefiting individuals and societies.

MANASHILA: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS THROUGH THE CLASSICAL TEXTS

Manashila, Haratala, and Somala are significant arsenic compounds that are deeply integrated into holistic prac-tices. Among these, Manashila is revered for its versatility and efficacy in treating various ailments. Its wide-spread employment extends to addressing afflictions such as Shwasa-Kasa (respiratory disorders), Agnimandya (digestive weaknesses), Kshaya (emaciation), Anaha (abdominal distention), Jwara (fever), Krimi (parasitic in-fections), Visharoga (poisoning disorders), Raktavikara (blood disorders), and more. The present study offers a comprehensive critical review of Classical literature focusing on Manashila. Numerous classical texts of Rasa Shastra have been meticulously scrutinised to furnish an exhaustive depiction of Manashila, encompassing its Praptisthana (occurrence), Prayaya (synonyms), Vargikarana (classification), Karma (pharmacological proper-ties), Ashuddha Manashila Dosha, its Prativisha (antidote), Shodhana (purification), Marana (incineration), Matra (therapeutic dose), Chikitsiya Prayoga (therapeutic indications), Satvapatana (extraction), along with elu-cidation on artificial methods of Manashila preparation, complemented by insights into Realgar. It is crucial to emphasise that Manashila is exclusively utilised in a purified and detoxified state for internal and external thera-peutic purposes.

It is time for more holistic practices in mental health

It is time for more holistic practices in mental health

A Human Saliva Quality and Holistic Practices A Review on the Effects of Meditation, Dance and Exercise

This review article provides an overview of the effects of meditation, dance, and exercise on human saliva quality. Physical and mental fitness is essential for overall well-being, and engaging in these activities has been shown to promote physical and mental health. However, with the decline in physical activity due to technological advancements, stress has become a prevalent issue in modern society. Meditation, dance, and exercise have emerged as effective strategies for stress management. Stress levels can be measured through biomarkers, including those found in blood and saliva. Saliva may serve as a potential indicator of stress levels. Saliva contains various components that can serve as biomarkers for detecting systemic diseases and assessing overall health. Exploring the changes in saliva composition and understanding the physiological significance in response to meditation, dance, and exercise can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying their positive effects on health. Saliva biomarkers have been associated with stress, inflammation, immune function, and even neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, investigating the impact of these practices on saliva quality can uncover novel connections between mind-body interventions and overall well-being. This review highlights the importance of considering saliva as a valuable biofluid and encourages further research on salivary biomarkers in the context of meditation, dance, and exercise to expand our understanding of their therapeutic potential and optimise health outcomes.

Towards kinship literacies: attending to place relations in a play-based library program

ABSTRACT Kinship relationality understands the world as alive and sentient, and positions humans as participants within interconnected ecological networks. Inherently, this worldview can challenge how many educators and learners have been trained in extractive, transactional, and sedentary cultures; that is, separated out of relationship. This article shares the work of a large urban public library in western Canada, and their ‘Play Professor,’ as they built and facilitated an outdoor play-based literacy program. Following the program, amid subtle and stark reminders of ecological disaster, we noted the possibilities and complexities when moving literacy learning outdoors. Guided by kinship relationality [Donald. 2021. “We Need a New Story: Walking and the wâhkôhtowin Imagination.” Journal of the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies 18 (2): 53–63. https://doi.org/10.25071/1916-4467.40492], this article centres how conceptions of literacies might be expanded and nuanced to engage languages and stories already alive within the place-based ecologies where the learning occurs. Sharing vignettes of how the program unfolded, we sketch shifts in facilitation as other life forms came into the storied play. To support relational renewal in and through literacy practices we then bring forward the notion of kinship literacies and articulate three catalysts to support its growth: attuning to ecological stories, enhancing holistic practices, and expanding dialogue.

Impact of the Great Invocation Practice at Vellalar College of Education

This paper explores the integration and impact of The Great Invocation, a prayer adapted by Alice Bailey, within the context of Vellalar College of Education. Since its introduction in 2018 as part of Yoga Prana Vidya (YPV) practices, The Great Invocation has become a daily ritual at the college, fostering spiritual alignment and personal growth among students and staff. Through a diverse body of research, the paper examines the positive outcomes associated with holistic practices, such as stress reduction, improved academic performance, and enhanced well-being. The influence of The Great Invocation on student well-being, teacher-student relationships, campus dynamics, and institutional achievements is explored, highlighting its significance in contributing to a culture of holistic development and continuous improvement within educational settings.

Navigating the Physical and Mental Landscape of Cardio, Aerobic, Zumba, and Yoga

This review delves into the effect of cardio, aerobic, Zumba, and yoga on physical, mental, and emotional health. Cardiovascular exercises enhance heart strength, aid weight management, boost lung capacity, increase endurance, and positively impact metabolism. Aerobic exercise contributes to heart health, lowers blood pressure, and promotes mental wellness. Zumba a dynamic dance-fitness program offers cardiovascular benefits, calorie burning, muscle toning, enhanced coordination, and stress reduction, fostering both physical and social well-being. Yoga, a holistic practice, improves flexibility, strengthens muscles, enhances balance, supports joint health, and cultivates good posture. Additionally, yoga positively influences mental and emotional health by promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, enhancing focus, and fostering self-awareness. The combination of scientific insights across these diverse exercise modalities offers a holistic understanding of how physical activity profoundly shapes our overall well-being, making this review paper a valuable resource for individuals and health-care professionals alike.

Best Practices for Treating Blind and Visually Impaired Patients in the Emergency Department: A Scoping Review.

Blind and visually impaired individuals, an under-represented population of the emergency department (ED), possess comorbidities and have a higher chance of in-hospital sequelae, including falls. This potentially vulnerable population, if not treated mindfully, can be subject to decreased quality of care, recurrent and/or longer hospitalizations, persistence of health issues, increased incidence of falls, and higher healthcare costs. For these reasons, it is crucial to implement holistic practices and train clinicians to treat blind and visually impaired patients in the ED setting. We identified and used a comprehensive article describing best practices for the care of blind and visually impaired patients to establish the ED-specific recommendations presented in this paper. A scoping review of the literature was then performed using PubMed to identify additional articles to support each recommendation. To ensure that recommendations could be implemented in a representative, scalable, and sustainable manner, we consulted an advocate for the blind to help refine and provide additional suggestions. We identified 14 recommendations that focus on communication strategies, ED resource access, and continuity of care. The main recommendation is for the clinician to support the unique healthcare needs of the visually impaired individual and maintain the patient's autonomy. Another recommendation is the consistent use of assistive devices (eg, canes, guide dogs) to aid patients to safely ambulate in the ED. Also identified as best practices were discharge education with the use of a screen reader and timely follow-up with a primary care physician. While we summarize a variety of recommendations in this article, it is important to implement only the strategies that work best for the patients, personnel, and environment specific to your ED. After implementation, it is vital to refine (as frequently as needed) the interventions to optimize the strategies. This will enable the provision of exceptional and equal care to blind and visually impaired patients in the ED.

Caring for Health, Bodies, and Development

Over the last fifty years a plethora of new spiritual practices has emerged in the Church of Sweden. Many fall within a category of holistic practices, aimed at engaging body, soul, and spirit. Among these, two categories are dominant: meditations and movement-based bodily practices. Some of these practices are contested by other Christians on a theological basis. The article asks: Who are the new ritual specialists teaching these practices? Why do they teach these practices? Why in the church? By using a bottom-up perspective and studying practices which lie outside the traditional Christian religious rites, which has been the focus in research on the Church of Sweden, we find that the holistic practices are framed in a culture of care, focusing on bodily and spiritual wellbeing. We suggest that the predominance of women in body-movement practices should be understood as a generational feature rather than as an expression of the feminization of the church. Many of the leaders are women who were part of new spiritual movements as well as body-mind practices and various forms of dance in gyms and yoga studios in the 1990s and early 2000s, finding an openness to bringing their knowledge into the church.

Shifting dynamics in restoration ecology: Concrete steps towards centering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color's communities and perspectives

Abstract Ecological restoration is a crucial tool for mitigating climate change and addressing the global biodiversity crisis. The extensive knowledge of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) will play a key role in accelerating the advancement of restoration efforts but has historically been excluded. BIPOC traditions and practices of protecting and restoring ecological communities include intricate socio‐ecological systems whose holistic practices preserve cultural knowledge while simultaneously addressing environmental issues. If we are to have a seat at the table for everyone and meet the lofty goals of the U.N. Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to contribute to reversing the biodiversity and climate crises, the field of restoration ecology can no longer afford to exclude BIPOC communities and their irreplaceable social, cultural, and ecological knowledge. Solution: We offer opportunities to engage BIPOC communities and their contributions to restoration, and to introduce a restoration community to connect and center BIPOC through the Black Earth Restoration Collective. This is a call to action to those with power and access in restoration ecology to make vital shifts needed to accomplish a more equitable and just approach to restoration.

Perception and practice of the eight limbs of yoga in yoga teachers: A cross-sectional descriptive study.

Yoga is an ancient wisdom that originated in India and encompasses eight limbs, including yama, niyama, asanas, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. Despite its holistic nature, many studies on yoga tend to focus solely on its physical aspects, breathing practices, and meditation, neglecting other essential components. To address this gap, a study was conducted to determine the perception and practice of all eight limbs of yoga among yoga teachers. A self-designed questionnaire containing 28 items was used for assessing the knowledge, perception, and practice of the eight limbs of yoga among yoga teachers. A total of 37 yoga teachers participated in the study. Cross-tabulation was performed to analyze the data. The majority of participants (>80%) in this study on the practice of astanga yoga reported that all limbs of yoga were essential in their practice. However, there were varying degrees of emphasis placed on each limb. Pranayama (91.9%) and asana (89.2%) were given the most emphasis, while niyama (75.7%), yama (73%), pratyahara (70.3%), dhyana (70.3%), and dharana (64.9%) were given slightly less emphasis. Interestingly, those with more experience placed greater emphasis on various aspects of yoga. Practitioners should embrace all eight limbs of yoga when introducing it to new populations to increase access to yoga. This will help promote the benefits of yoga and make it more accessible to those who may benefit from it. Health professionals should have a comprehensive understanding of the holistic practice of yoga, including its ethics, postures, breath, mindfulness, and meditation, to promote its maximum benefits and avoid potentially harmful practices.

Adults diagnosed with gynecologic cancer and their relationship with their body: A study on the supportive role of yoga using interpretative phenomenological analysis

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and perceptions of adults diagnosed with gynecologic cancer on their body, and the role of yoga in shaping these aspects. A phenomenological research design was used. Fifteen women (Mage=50.1 ± 13.5 years, range=28–66) who practice yoga at least once/week completed a sociodemographic survey online, two semi-structured interviews, and a 30-day journal online. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Participants’ responses and the authors’ interpretations were summarized into four main superordinate themes: (1) internal monologue of the changed body, (2) balancing act between acceptance and improvement, (3) value of taking time to prioritize oneself by practicing yoga, and (4) transformative catalysts of expectation and mindset on body-related self-perceptions after yoga. Body functionality and appearance, and their sexual health were often deeply interconnected, and impacted participants’ self-perceptions and behaviours. Yoga was a vehicle for growth and acceptance; however, participants’ expectations and mindsets before and during yoga could lead to negative self-perceptions after yoga. The findings underscore the importance of integrating yoga – a holistic practice – into survivorship care programs, while emphasizing the need to address expectations and attitudes that could hinder positive outcomes.