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The healing arts are a group of holistic, alternative, and nonmedical practices, which practitioners claim promote health and well-being.

The healing arts include a wide range of practices, including chiropractic, art and music therapy, acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy, naturopathy, Reiki, tai chi, and numerous other practices. They may also include creative expressions in healing, especially as a part of medical care. For example, a psychotherapist may offer therapy outside, or an addiction clinic might offer hikes.

Practitioners may also refer to the healing arts as alternative medicine or complementary medicine. Alternative medicine is another option besides standard treatment, while complementary medicine is an additional form of treatment that a person can use alongside traditional Western care.

Americans are increasingly turning to the healing arts. For example, in a 2015 Gallup poll, about two-thirds of Americans said chiropractic could treat at least some types of pain. Some doctors may even recommend healing arts as a complement to standard care.

People who choose healing arts should consider the role of these practices in their care. However, they should only work with trained providers who encourage them to pursue standard medical treatments rather than asking them to replace typical treatments with healing arts.

The healing arts include a vast array of practices. Some are increasingly mainstream, such as acupuncture and chiropractic, while others remain on the fringe, such as energy healing.

Healing arts have the designation art because they do not follow traditional medical protocols. However, this does not mean they are ineffective. A number of studies suggest some healing arts may improve outcomes, especially for issues that Western medicine struggles to treat effectively, such as chronic pain.

For example, some studies state acupuncture may help with chronic pain from migraine and osteoarthritis. However, many acupuncture studies do not use well-controlled methods, do not compare acupuncture to a placebo, or find that real acupuncture performs no better than sham acupuncture.

The effectiveness of healing arts for resolving health problems varies. Reiki, for example, claims to manipulate energy fields in the body, but there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that such fields exist.

The following are some types of healing arts.

Chiropractors use manipulation techniques, such as moving portions of the body back into alignment. Many of these manipulations focus on treating the spine.

Chiropractors need to have a license in the state in which they practice. State licensing requirements vary, but many states require a college degree. Chiropractors also need to study at a chiropractic school, which takes 3 to 4 years. Some chiropractors seek additional training in specific challenges or patient groups, such as by taking classes on chiropractic and pregnancy.

A licensed chiropractor has the title of doctor of chiropractic.

Learn more about chiropractic.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses many different methods, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, and tai chi.

Acupuncture uses needles to redirect energy in the body, while acupressure involves placing pressure on specific pressure points to accomplish the same goal.

Acupuncture may help with some chronic pain conditions, but there are also risks, especially if a practitioner uses dirty needles or injures an organ.

Education and training requirements vary for acupuncturists but generally require that people attend acupuncture school and apply for a state license.

Other TCM practitioners may not require formal licensure but often have education in their chosen field. A tai chi practitioner, for example, may train under a respected tai chi expert.

However, it is important to note that TCM practitioners are not medical doctors.

A wide range of mind-body therapies aims to promote relaxation. Some claim to heal the body by healing the mind, and others work to increase mindfulness of the body. For example, biofeedback trains a person to notice subtle changes in bodily states, so they can increase mindfulness and better control those states.

Meditation, hypnosis, progressive muscle relaxation, breathwork, and guided meditation or imagery are also mind-body therapies.

Practitioners of these therapies do not usually need a license and are not medical providers. However, some offer these therapies as part of an umbrella of services. For example, a psychotherapist might provide guided meditation, while a medical doctor might offer biofeedback services.

A range of certifications and training programs can teach people specific techniques for mind-body therapies.

Energy therapies aim to redirect energy in or outside the body to promote healing or well-being. These practices often draw upon notions about energy within the universe or various spiritual practices.

In Reiki, one popular energy therapy, practitioners move their hands lightly just above a person to redirect energy and promote healing.

Because energy therapy does not usually involve changing anything about the body, practitioners do not usually need a license or any specific training. However, many organizations offer training and certifications in various forms of energy medicine.

Energy medicine practitioners are not medical providers. However, licensed medical providers may take additional classes in energy healing modalities, so a doctor could also be a Reiki master. Some hospitals and medical clinics may also offer energy healing.

Learn more about Reiki.

Massage therapy uses massage and pressure to relieve pain.

Each state establishes its own licensing requirements. In general, massage therapists must undergo training to familiarize themselves with various massage techniques and avoid injuring clients.

Massage therapists can also pursue a National Board Certification. This requires them to take classes at an accredited school and gain 500 to 1,000 hours of massage practice experience. They must also complete a licensing exam.

There are many types of massage. Learn more about them.

Herbal medicine refers to a wide range of practices that attempt to use plants and herbs to heal medical conditions or complement medical treatments.

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal supplements, meaning anyone can recommend or take them.

Homeopathy, a popular type of herbal medicine, focuses on the belief that small doses of herbs that cause symptoms may actually reduce problematic symptoms. For example, an herb that causes nausea at high doses may counteract nausea at very low doses.

There is no single, specific path a person must take to practice homeopathy.

Some medical doctors or other clinicians, such as nurse practitioners, may recommend herbal remedies. Lay practitioners may also call themselves herbalists or homeopathic medicine experts.

Some professional organizations lobby for herbal medicine and offer formalized training. For example, 26 states offer licensure for naturopathic doctors. These professionals must complete a 4-year educational program and take a licensing exam.

Qi gong, yoga, Pilates, and other movement-based arts offer exercise and stretching. Some practitioners also claim they can help heal some medical conditions. For example, yoga may support relaxation and help with some types of pain.

These interventions do not require any specific training to practice or teach, though many people pursue certification or other programs to conduct classes.

Creative practices, such as singing, dancing, drawing, painting, and other artist expressions, can be healing.

For example, a 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that music therapy in people with Alzheimers and dementia may improve quality of life, reduce depression, and boost brain function.

A person can pursue creative practices as stand-alone therapies, such as taking a writing workshop to help manage depression. Medical providers can also integrate these practices into other therapies, such as when a nursing home offers weekly music therapy.

Learn more about creative therapy here.

Mainstream healing approaches, such as medicine and psychotherapy, may incorporate creative practices and expression as a form of healing arts. Some examples of these practices include:

For instance:

A huge range of other healing arts may help people as they pursue healing. These arts do not usually require a license to practice or teach them, although an individual could train with various organizations that promote specific interventions. Some other approaches include:

The healing arts are not a replacement for conventional medicine. Instead, they can complement and potentially improve the care a person receives, so an individual might pursue healing arts while undergoing conventional treatment. Additionally, when no conventional treatment is available, they might choose an alternative therapy anecdotally, many individuals claim that they do sometimes work.

In some cases, people use healing arts to counteract the effects of conventional medicine. For example, they might use relaxation techniques to cope with the pain of chemotherapy.

The healing arts may foster a sense of healing, offering a person more support than they get from a mainstream Western practitioner. This may foster a sense of health and healing beyond the benefits of the practice itself.

An individual who undergoes treatment from an acupuncturist or naturopath, for example, may find support from a practitioner who listens attentively and takes their concerns seriously. They may feel less frustrated, more at peace, and more hopeful about their prospects for healing.

Hope may also help heal. A 2020 study found that a greater sense of hope improved overall health, encouraged people to adopt healthy behaviors, and reduced the risks of dying from all causes.

In some cases, healing arts may act as placebos. A placebo induces improvements when a person thinks it will. Importantly, they actually work a person is not faking their improvements with a placebo.

Some healing arts may also offer a distraction from the challenges and pain of their condition. A weekly tai chi class offers something to look forward to, an incentive to exercise, and in many cases, a chance to socialize with others.

Numerous practices fall under the umbrella of healing arts, and some have strong scientific support. And while others have only weak support in the form of a few poorly designed studies, others have no scientific support at all. There is no evidence that healing arts can fully replace conventional care.

However, the healing arts may complement care, ease pain, and help a person feel more in control of their own healthcare. In some cases, insurance may cover healing arts and doctors may recommend them.

Talk with a healthcare professional about how the right healing art form may promote healing and a greater sense of wellness.

More here:

What are the healing arts? - Medical News Today

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers amongst women in the United States, second only to skin cancer [1]. Each year, about 255,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the United States. Additionally, about 100,000 women go on to have some form of mastectomy each year either prophylactically or as a definitive treatment [2]. Unfortunately, these procedures can be very burdensome in terms of post-operative pain and emotional burden for patients. Breast biopsies alone have been shown to contribute to anxiety and depression in women both before and after the procedure due to fear of the procedure itself as well as fear of a potential cancer diagnosis [3]. Therefore, pain management and mental health support are crucial in achieving an optimal recovery [4].

The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) has compiled a workgroup to encourage breast surgeons to consider the use of non-opioid alternatives to combat post-operative pain control and mitigate the current opioid crisis. This workgroup has recommended the use of a multidisciplinary approach in combination with standardized quantities of narcotics. It also strongly supports the use of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol [5]. ERAS protocols have successfully implemented evidence-based practices to reduce post-operative pain, nausea, vomiting, opioid use, and length of hospital stay [6]. They aim to optimize patient outcomes during the pre-surgical, surgical, and post-surgical intervals. This can be accomplished through patient education and pre-surgical counseling, early transitions to oral pain medications post-operatively, and expedited post-procedure mobilization, for example [7]. Although ERAS protocols have been proven to lower both recovery time and post-operative complications in a cost-effective manner, compliance to all protocol items can be difficult to accomplish [8-10].

Gillis et al. conducted a patient-led narrative style study assessing the ERAS protocol patient experience, which brought to light several unaddressed patient needs. The success of ERAS protocols lies in the physical components of surgical recovery; however, these protocols lack to address patients emotional needs. In Gillis et al.s study, patients felt ill-equipped to resolve stressors on their own during the pre-surgical phase and they were not informed of available community resources by their healthcare providers [11].Importantly, patients with a higher psychological burden prior to undergoing a mastectomy faced poorer post-surgical outcomes, including a higher risk of complications, prolonged hospital stays, and increased costs of care [12].

Some women with breast cancer occasionally desire to utilize alternative remedies as a complement to traditional medications [13]. Many women who chose to use complementary therapies cited experiencing greater motivation to heal and an improved sense of control over their health [14].The therapies utilized included massage, meditation, hypnosis, music, myofascial release, aromatherapy, guided imagery, and electro-puncture. The goal of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the adjunctive therapies that have been implemented to augment post-operative recovery in breast surgery patients.

A systematic literature review was conducted in order to determine what non-pharmacologic treatments could be used to optimize breast cancer patient care pre-, peri-, or post-operatively.The search terms were as follows: (alternative medicine or complementary medicine or integrative medicine or holistic medicine or natural medicine or mediation or aromatherapy or music or art or reiki or massage) and (surgery) and (pain). All articles were uploaded from PubMed into COVIDENCE, an online software program used for the production of systematic reviews. Once imported into COVIDENCE, all abstracts underwent initial screening by members of the review team. Studies included in this review required at least one alternative medicine intervention and a description of a pre-, post-, or peri-operative surgical outcome (pain, opioid requirements, infection rate, wound healing, length of stay, hospital readmission, etc.). All systematic reviews, literature reviews, meta-analyses, opinion pieces, non-English, non-human, chronic pain studies, and studies on non-surgical screening techniques (ex: ultrasound, mammography, etc.) were excluded. Articles with a focus on medicationsincluding vitamins, herbs, and supplements were also excluded from this study. Following abstract screenings, the full text of each article was screened using the predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria, and qualitative data was extracted from all articles which met this criterion. Additionally, the references of select articles were screened in order to identify and include any additional relevant studies.

The original search identified 1,645 total papers related to surgery and holistic medical interventions. Of that, 1,625 studies were excluded because they lacked a surgical intervention on the breast.Of the 20 remaining papers, two were excluded from being non-English studies.Thus, 18 met the criteria for review (Figure 1). The alternative medicine interventions identified in this review include massage therapy, meditation, hypnosis, music, myofascial release, aromatherapy, guided imagery, acupuncture, and electro-puncture.

Massage/Reflexology

Under the overarching term massage, several studies in this review covered subtypes of massage including reflexology, Swedish massage, and acupressure. Reflexology has been used since 2330 BCE to alleviate pain and stress [15,16]. The three main theories behind its efficacy are energy channeling, the breaking down of lactic acid build up and the utilization of the neuromatrix to prevent the transmission of pain [16]. Varying pressures are applied to different areas of the foot. The area that corresponds to the breast spans the distal, dorsal aspect of the foot, proximal to the phalanges. Acupressure is a similar form of therapy that utilizes manual pressure, commonly performed with the fingertips to specific points in the body with the goal of releasing muscle tension.

Three papers utilized foot reflexology as a form of massage. Ucuzal et al. specifically used reflexology in the experimental group in addition to analgesic therapy, while the control group was provided with analgesic therapy alone. This trial demonstrated a significant improvement in pain compared to the control group following reflexology as determined by the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire [17].

The two other studies compared the effectiveness of massage therapy alone to a massage therapy in combination with other interventions. Dilaveri et al. studied breast cancer patients undergoing reconstructive surgery who were evaluated post operatively using visual analog scores (VAS) to determine pain, mood, energy, relaxation, insomnia, stress, anxiety, alertness, fatigue, and tension after massage alone or with the addition of acupuncture. The massage techniques utilized included foot reflexology and Swedish massage. Using the VAS scores, Dilaveri et al. determined that stress and anxiety decreased significantly, while relaxation increased in both treatment groups. Although both groups showed improvement, the massage-only group experienced a greater effect in all metrics [18]. Similarly, Dion et al. concluded that while massage and massage with the addition of meditation individually demonstrated a benefit, the addition of meditation to massage resulted in no additional change to VAS scores when compared to the massage-only group [19].

Thus, the use of massage alone as an adjunctive therapy to patients following breast procedures has shown to be beneficial and can reduce numerous post-operative symptoms including pain and anxiety.

Myofascial Release

Fascia is the connective tissue that encases various structures in the human body. It has tremendous tensile strength and any disruption in the fascial planes can cause dysfunction, pain, and discomfort. Myofascial release is the practice of placing direct pressure on the restricted fascia until a moment of release is felt. Serra-Ano et al. studied the effectiveness of myofascial release compared to placebo manual lymphatic drainage in patients who underwent breast cancer surgery. Fascial manipulation improved the range of motion in the shoulder determined by measuring the active angular reach via a goniometer. Pain severity, measured with VAS scores, was also decreased in patients undergoing myofascial manipulation with greater significance than those undergoing placebo manual lymphatic drainage [20].

Music

Music was first reported to aid in surgical procedures in 1914 [21]. Music can be incorporated into the pre-, peri-, and post-operative time periods with the goals of reducing pain, anxiety, and improving overall patient comfort. The pathophysiology behind its benefit is thought to be due to its ability to attenuate the neuroendocrine stress response to surgery [22]. The genre, dynamics, and duration of the music played is patient dependent, as long as it is used in an appropriate clinical setting.

Six studies evaluated the effect of music on breast-related surgical procedures. Tellez et al. aimed to determine the effect of music on breast biopsies. By analyzing VAS scores, the study concluded that when compared to a standard breast biopsy, the pre- or post-operative addition of music reduced stress, pain, and anxiety [3].

Deng et al. compared the effects of music and the combination of music and aromatherapy in the peri-operative treatment of breast cancer. Patients treated with music therapy demonstrated a reduction in pain intensity and anxiety when compared to standard therapy alone and the combination of music and aromatherapy demonstrated an even greater decrease in pain intensity and anxiety [23].

Soo et al. investigated the impact of relaxing music played during an image-guided core-needle breast biopsy. Using multiple questionnaires, there was a demonstrated reduction in anxiety, fatigue, and pain when compared to the standard care control [24]. Wren et al. studied the effects of music in patients undergoing breast biopsy or breast cancer surgery. There was a significant reduction in pain in those listening to pre-, peri-, and post-operative music compared to the control group [25]. Li et al. similarly demonstrated a reduction in pain for women undergoing radical mastectomy with music therapy [26]. Thus, the addition of music therapy in breast-related surgical procedures has been shown in numerous studies to improve anxiety, fatigue, pain, and stress in the post-operative period.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils that come from seeds, stems, leaves, needles, petals, flowers, rinds and fruits, woods and resins, roots and rhizomes, and grasses for medical purposes [27]. Four papers explored the use of aromatherapy in breast-related procedures. Chao et al. demonstrated that aromatherapy resulted in a decrease in pain, anxiety and levels of IL-6 and HMGB-1 compared to standard therapy. While the combination of aromatherapy and music therapy was superior to either intervention alone in reducing pain and anxiety, there was no significant difference between music-only and aromatherapy-only interventions [23].

Three papers explored the effect of lavender aromatherapy. Kim et al. investigated the addition of lavender to post-operative oxygen therapy. There was no difference in narcotic requirements or objective pain scores between control and intervention; however, patients in the lavender group reported a higher satisfaction rate with pain control than control patients [28].Franco et al. explored the addition of either lavender fleur oil (LFO) or unscented oil (UO) aromatherapy in the care of breast surgery patients. The study demonstrated that the addition of LFO significantly decreased post-operative anxiety relative to the control group [29]. Shammas et al. examined the effects of lavender oil on post-operative breast cancer outcomes but found no significant differences in peri-operative depression and anxiety scores, pain scores, or sleep scores between the control and intervention groups [30].

Overall, while there were no adverse effects of aromatherapy documented, the evidence supporting the benefits of aromatherapy was mixed in the studies analyzed.

Guided Imagery, Hypnosis, and Meditation

Guided imagery is a relaxation technique, also known as visualization, that involves creating specific conscious experiences, such as imagining oneself on a beach, without the use of external stimuli [31]. When fully immersed in this technique, one can truly perceive the event created by their thoughts [32,33]. According to the United States National Center for Health Statistics, approximately five million adults report using guided imagery to reduce stress and address health-specific complaints [32]. Guided imagery is often used in combination with mediation, hypnosis, and other relaxation exercises as all of these focus on profound thought formation [34,35].

Kwekkeboom et al. tested the efficacy of guided imagery in reducing post-operative pain in women with breast and gynecologic cancers. Participants who underwent breast surgery completed guided imagery tasks and returned pain diaries 48 hours after discharge. Though this study reported a high percentage of patients opting to implement nonpharmacological pain management strategies, pain-related intensity and distress remained similar among patients who used analgesics alone and those who used an analgesic in combination with a nonpharmacologic intervention, such as guided imagery, re-positioning, heat, music, or meditation [36].

Three papers examined the impact of meditation as an intervention, one in patients undergoing autologous tissue reconstruction and two in patients undergoing breast biopsies. Using various scales, both Soo et al. and Wren et al. found that guided meditation reduced pain and anxiety about both breast surgery and the potential cancer diagnosis. Additionally, Wren et al. demonstrated a significant improvement in self-compassion and heart rate over time compared to the control group. The papers differed in that Soo et al. saw a significant reduction in fatigue scores following biopsy, while Wren et al. demonstrated no difference in fatigue compared to controls [24].

Dion et al. analyzed patients who underwent autologous tissue reconstruction and were treated with either massage or massage in combination with mediation. There was no difference in stress, anxiety, relaxation, insomnia, alertness, fatigue, tension, pain, mood, and energy between the two cohorts [19].

In two studies comparing hypnosis to a control group, both demonstrated significant psychological benefits. Schnur et al. investigated the effects of presurgical hypnosis on psychological stress in patients undergoing excisional breast biopsy. Prior to surgery, the hypnosis group had significantly improved relaxation and anxiety and decreased emotional upset and depression compared to the control group [37].

Montgomery et al. investigated the effects of adding a 15-minute hypnotic session prior to a breast-related surgical intervention. Patients receiving required less propofol and lidocaine during the intervention and had decreased post-operative pain, discomfort, fatigue, and nausea [38].

Overall, in terms of pain management, patients who took analgesics experienced similar outcomes to those using guided imagery in combination with analgesics. However, hypnosis and meditation both independently demonstrated significant pain reduction and psychological benefits for patients.

Yoga Therapy

Yoga is a practice that combines a sequence of postures with purposeful breathing and heightened self-awareness in order to achieve a state of relaxation andincreased awareness of the mind, body, and spirit [39]. In recent years, yoga and meditation practices have become an increasingly popular and accepted practice in the United States. The health benefits of yoga practice are widespread. Notably, yoga has been shown to reduce stress, improve blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels as well contribute to weight loss [40,41]. In western medicine, Hatha yoga, a commonly practiced form of yogaplaces emphasis on the physical component of the yoga practice [40].

Sudarshan et al. investigated the effects of 12 one-hour weekly Hatha yoga sessions on anxiety, depression, range of motion, and flexibility following breast surgery. The study showed that the Hatha yoga intervention significantly improved flexibility during right and left shoulder abduction, as well as range of motion during left shoulder flexion following breast surgery-related procedure [42].

Electro-Puncture and Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the stimulation of predefined acupoints on the body in order to stimulate the central nervous system. In the most commonly used form of acupuncture, needles are inserted into the acupoints and subsequently manually manipulated by lifting or twisting the needle. Electroacupunctureis a more recently established technique involving the insertion of two needles within acupoint sites. The two needles serve as electrodes to pass an electric current. One of the major benefits of electroacupuncture is the ability to objectively and quantifiably measure the intensity of the electrical stimulation, which is not possible with the traditional form of acupuncture [43].

Bosco et al. investigated the efficacy of combined electroacupuncture and homeopathic medicine (Arnica montana and Apis mellifica) in place of opioid use in two breast surgery candidates who could not tolerate the standard medications due to liver disease. This combination provided sufficient pain relief, maintained liver function, reduced time spent in the post-surgical recovery area, and total time spent in the hospital [44].

Dilaveri et al. demonstrated that acupuncture in combination with massage resulted in decreased levels of anxiety, relaxation, nausea, fatigue, pain, and mood following breast reconstructive surgery compared to baseline. Although the benefits of this intervention were similar to the benefits of massage-only intervention in regards to fatigue, anxiety, relaxation, nausea, pain, and mood scores, the massage plus acupuncture intervention increased stress levels compared to massage alone [18].

Overall, acupuncture and electro-puncture were able to improve post-surgery outcomes and demonstrated to be helpful alternatives or adjuncts to standard treatment options.

All articles incorporated into this review are summarized inTable 1.

ERAS protocols focus on reducing post-operative pain and improving the patients overall experience. In addition to the standard care addressed in ERAS protocols, a multitude of low-risk adjunctive options exist for increasing patient satisfaction, with the potential for creating superior outcomes. The alternative practices discussed in this review outline such benefits. However, patients are often unaware that complementary measures such as these exist and most physicians do not receive education regarding implementation of these therapies in the clinical setting. Complementary therapies can be tailed to the needs and interests of patients. For instance, patients with an interest in music may benefit more from music therapy compared with patients who lack this interest. Thus, physician and patient education are critical to ensure that patients have the empowering experience of choosing the adjunctive therapies that best fits their needs.

Alternative therapies can play a role in optimizing the surgical experience for patients undergoing breast procedures, but the intervention should be tailored to each patient. If a patient has the autonomy to select which interventions they choose to utilize based on their lifestyle and personal preferences, adherence may be improved. Most interventions are fairly easy to implement and do not add a lengthy teaching component to patient-provider encounters. Additionally, many can be self-administered and/or taught through self-help books, video recordings, and classes. Once introduced in the hospital setting, many interventions can be continued at home with little or no cost to the patient. Furthermore, alternative therapies are extremely low-risk and can be utilized in patients with contraindications to standard medications or those wishing to minimize their medication exposure.

The studies reviewed should be considered in light of limitations. One limitation in several of the papers was the small sample size which could affect the power of the studies. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to furtherstrengthen the established relationship between alternative therapies and the reduction of post-operative complications.An additional limitation inherent to alternative therapy interventions is lack of concealment or blinding. Given the impossibility of blinding individuals to interventions including massage, meditation, hypnosis, music, myofascial release, aromatherapy, guided imagery, and electro-puncture, patients are aware of the interventions they are receiving. This can lead to a placebo bias that may sway is review [45]. Studies have demonstrated that several neurotransmitter systems, such as opiate and dopamine systems, are involved in the placebo effect, which may explain its impact on pain control [46]. However, these interventions pose essentially no risk relative to their potential benefits. Therefore, the potential benefits of placebo effects may add to the rationale for implementing these interventions.

Read the rest here:

Improving Breast Surgery Outcomes Through Alternative Therapy: A Systematic Review - Cureus

LONDON, March 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to The Business Research Companys research report on the essential oil market, the growing spa industry across the globe is expected to propel the growth of the essential oils market. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine to support health and well-being. Consumer preference is increasing for natural and organic oil products all around the globe. For instance, according to the Global Wellness Institute, in 2020 there were over 1,60,000 spas, earning $68 billion in revenue globally. Spa revenue was growing by 8.7% annually prior to 2020. Therefore, the increasing spa industry across the globe is driving the essential oils market growth.

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The global essential oils market size is expected to grow from $12.36 billion in 2021 to $13.58 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.90%. The global essential oils market share is expected to grow to $21.85 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 12.62%.

New product launches are a key trend gaining popularity in the essential oils market. For instance, in October 2020, doTERRA, a multi-level marketing company based in Pleasant Grove, Utah that sells essential oils and related products, announced several new essential oil products and diffusers like Helichrysum Touch, which is an ideal balance of Helichrysum oil and fractionated coconut oil used to promote a youthful complexion, glow, and reduce signs of aging.

Major players in the essential oils market are Givaudan SA, Young Living Essential Oils, The Lebermuth Company Inc., Symrise, Essential oils of New Zealand, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc, Robertet SA, BIOLANDES SAS, Cargill Inc, DuPont, Koninklijke DSM N.V., dTERRA International LLC, Sensient Technologies Corporation, Firmenich SA, Mane, Rocky Mountain Oils LLC, Falcon, Farroti, Indian Essential Oils, and Ungerer Limited.

The global essential oils market is segmented by type into orange oil, lemon oil, lime oil, peppermint oil, corn mint oil, citronella oil, spearmint oil, geranium oil, clove leaf oil, eucalyptus oil; by method of extraction into distillation, carbon dioxide extraction, cold press extraction, solvent extraction, others; by application into food and beverage, aromatherapy, cosmetics and toiletries, pharmaceuticals, cleaning and home care, animal feed, fragrances.

In 2021, North America was the largest region in the essential oils market. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global essential oils market during the forecast period. The regions covered in the global essential oil market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.

Essential Oils Global Market Report 2022 Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2022-2026 is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provide essential oils market overviews, essential oils market analyze and forecast market size and growth for the whole market, essential oils market segments and geographies,essential oils market trends,essential oils market drivers, essential oils market restraints, essential oils market leading competitors revenues, profiles and market shares in over 1,000 industry reports, covering over 2,500 market segments and 60 geographies.

The report also gives in-depth analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the market. The reports draw on 150,000 datasets, extensive secondary research, and exclusive insights from interviews with industry leaders. A highly experienced and expert team of analysts and modelers provides market analysis and forecasts. The reports identify top countries and segments for opportunities and strategies based on market trends and leading competitors approaches.

Not the market you are looking for? Check out some similar market intelligence reports:

Personal Care Ingredients Global Market Report 2021 - By Ingredients (Emollients, Surfactants, Emulsifiers, Rheology Modifiers, Conditioning Polymers), By Source (Natural Ingredients, Synthetic Ingredients), By Application (Skin Care, Hair Care, Oral Care, Cosmetics), COVID-19 Growth And Change

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With The Growing Spa Industry, The Essential Oils Market Is Set To Reach $21 Billion By 2026 As Per The Business Research Company's Essential Oils...

By Express News Service

HYDERABAD:For the first time in India, the procedure of Bronchoscopic Thermal Vapour Ablation (BTVA), which is an endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) treatment was done at the Yashoda Hospital. The procedure is known to help reduce hyperinflation and improve respiratory mechanics in patients with severe emphysema.

Emphysema is a sub-type of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) wherein the air sacs within the lungs are destroyed. The patient who received the procedure at Yashoda Hospital was a 65-year-old man, previously a chain-smoker, who was nearly bed-ridden due to a lack of oxygen absorption

A-65-year old male was struggling to breathe when he entered my OPD. Over the previous five years, he has complained of increasing dyspnea and cough. He smoked 10-15 cigarettes every day until he was 55 years old. He was diagnosed with COPD by multiple physicians and his symptoms were worsening even though he was on three different inhalers. He couldnt walk more than 100 steps without panting for air. We examined what could be done to make his life easier, said Dr V Nagarjuna Maturu, Consultant Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad.

His team then decided to perform the BTVA procedure as a last option. The diseased parts of the lung are collapsed/made non-functional in this sort of lung volume reduction operation. As a result of this, the adjacent healthier segments function better. This also results in a reduction in lung over-inflation, making breathing more simpler for the patient. The persons symptoms improve after the treatment, and their quality of life improves, added, Dr Maturu.

Overnight procedure

The procedure involved in this is using a CT scan of the chest. The software then determines which parts/segments of the lung are the most diseased. After this, a catheter is directed to the target segment under general anaesthesia, and regulated steam is administered to that area. Patients are kept in the hospital overnight after the procedure and then discharged. It takes about two-three months to feel the benefits of the procedure, added experts.

Over the last three months, Dr Maturu has performed four surgeries for patients with severe emphysema using BTVA. All the patients are improving after the therapy, he said, adding that this could be a new leading alternative treatment for COPD patients.

Path-breaking

Lung volume reductionoperation

Consultant Pulmonologist Dr Nagarjuna Maturu at Yashoda Hospitals performed BTVA for the first time in India on an elderly man whose lungs were badly affected due to his smoking habits. The diseased parts of the lung are collapsed/made non-functional in this sort of lung volume reduction operation. As a result of this, the adjacent healthier segments function better.

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65-yr-old breathes free after Indias 1st BTVA procedure - The New Indian Express

Pfizer is voluntarily recalling some lots of its blood pressure pill Accuretic that have elevated levels of nitrosamine, an impurity that can increase the risk of cancer.

The company said in a statement that it is recalling six lots of brand-name Accuretic tablets with nitrosamine levels above the acceptable daily intake, along with several lots of generic versions of this blood pressure drug.

Everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines, which are found in water as well as foods including cured and grilled meats, dairy products, and vegetables, Pfizer said in its recall notice. Many medicines contain low levels of nitrosamines, and people can take them daily for decades without increasing their cancer risk.

But nitrosamine levels in the recalled medicines were high enough that daily pills might eventually raise users cancer risk.

These impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time, Pfizer said.

Studies have linked nitrosamines to an increased rate ofdeath by certain cancers, including malignancies of the esophagus, oral cavity, and pharynx.

Pfizer said it is not aware of any adverse events associated with nitrosamine impurities in the recalled lots of Accuretic tablets.

There is no immediate risk to patients taking this medication, Pfizer said in its recall notice. Patients currently taking the products should consult with their doctor about alternative treatment options.

There are many reasons why nitrosamines might be found in prescription medicines, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Sometimes these impurities are present because of a drugs chemical structure, the way it's manufactured, or how its stored or packaged.

Nitrosamine impurities have previously been found in a wide range of medications, including blood pressure medicines known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), the heartburn drugs ranitidine and nizatidine, and the diabetes drug metformin, according to the FDA.

When impurities are detected, companies are required to take steps to prevent distribution of medicines containing nitrosamine levels above the acceptable intake limit set by the FDA of 26.5 nanograms per day (ng/day). This can include voluntary recalls.

Pfizer has previously recalled lots of its smoking cessation drug Chantix because of high nitrosamine levels, according to the FDA. Sandoz Inc. issued a voluntary recall of its orphenadrine citrate extended release tablets, a treatment for pain from muscle spasms, the same day that Pfizer recalled Accuretic.

Patients taking brand-name or generic versions of Accuretic should consult with their doctor to determine if their medication is covered by the recall, Pfizer advised. People who suspect they have a recalled lot of this medicine can call 888-843-0247 during weekday business hours to get information on how to return the pills and get a refund.

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Pfizer Recalls Blood Pressure Drug That Contains Potential Carcinogen - Everyday Health

Sophomore Hannah Petersen when dressed for this years Valentines Day, she wears a pink dress with red hearts and neon pink eyeliner. She is one example of the way students break out of the traditional clothing expectation. Photos courtesy of Hannah Peterson

The walk across Mullin Town Square or to class can evolve into a catwalk, inspired by a multitude of subcultures ranging from Y2K to goth and everything in between.

Many students said they believe college allows them the chance to experiment away from the expectations of parents and the environments they grew up in. One of the many ways Pepperdine students experiment is with uniquely curated outfits, precise colorful eyeliner and bright hair colors.

The environment I grew up in was very conservative, sophomore Hannah Petersen said. Both at school and at home, they allowed self expression as long as it agreed with what they thought. So after exiting high school and entering college, it was like, Wow, theres so much freedom. I dont have to answer questions about why I choose certain colors, patterns or levels of midriff showing.

Petersen, who has always experimented with her makeup and style of dress, said college finally gave her the excuse to dress and look how she wanted. While she doesnt identify with any particular subculture, she said she is very inspired by TikTok and makeup influencers. Her style uses a lot of bright colors, patterns and fun eyeliner that matches the colors of her clothes.

Petersen said it can sometimes be hard to dress non-traditionally. Despite the support she receives from her roommates and friends, Petersen said many people treat her differently because of her style of dress.

There is a very popular demographic within Pepperdine, if you dont necessarily fall into it, it can be really hard to find acceptance, Petersen said. If I do my makeup darker and heavier I tend to get less receptive responses. But if I do something more colorful, experimental or feminine I get a lot of compliments, but it really does depend who I talk and interact with.

As a feminine person studying Sports Medicine and planning to attend medical school, Petersen said a lot of people are surprised by the way she dresses. A big struggle from this year has been learning how to express herself and feel good about herself, while also presenting as professional and being accepted by her department.

Junior Anna Skupin identifies as goth and also plans on going to medical school after undergrad.

She also agreed with Petersens struggle with femininity and professionalism.

Dressing feminine in STEM is just this whole big thing, Skupin said. Youre expected to keep your head down, focus on your work and if you have any personal style youre out the window, you and your work arent valid.

Skupins experience in alternative fashion has been very different than Petersens. She said she always gravitated toward darker aesthetics. It wasnt until she was doing classes remotely and seeing the rise of alternative styles like the E-Girl and gothic-inspired outfits on both TikTok and her friends that she decided to embrace the style fully.

Skupin said her experience at Pepperdine has felt accepting of her fashion choices, but she also cites that her decision to study Psychology as being the main reason for that.

Nobodys gonna make fun of you in the field of psychology, Skupin said. When you dress differently, you do stand out here because so many people wear just jeans and a T-shirt. But I think people appreciate the variety.

Both students offered similar advice to others interested in experimenting with their fashion. They suggested starting small with one piece of clothing and seeing how it makes them feel and how the people around them react. If the reactions and feelings are positive, continue to add pieces that nurture those feelings.

Additionally, both Petersen and Skupin encouraged people to be themselves and dress however they want.

More variety in clothes and alternative fashion styles is good for everyone. Skupin said. You can be free to finally express yourself the way you want to and wear things that are flattering and make you feel comfortable and confident. Just go for it, dont be afraid to buy alternative clothes you like because you might end up discovering something new to incorporate in your daily style.

Follow the Graphic on Twitter: @PeppGraphic

Email Hope Lockwood: hope.lockwood@pepperdine.edu

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Students Get Creative With Alternative Fashion Trends - Graphic