Models of integrative oncology care in a resource-poor setting: an overview

The interest in integrative oncology is growing worldwide. Patients with cancer are seeking traditional complementary and integrative medicine to mitigate the symptoms and enhance their well-being. Though there is supporting evidence for inter-disciplinary team care in oncology, the integrative oncology models in a resource-poor setting have not been explored. The current manuscript provides an overview of the integrative oncology model focusing on how complementary therapies such as psychosocial services, dietetics, yoga, and wellness programs could be integrated in clinical oncology care in a cost-effective way in a resource poor settings. Manuscript also discusses examples where such a model of care has currently been implemented for patients as well as caregivers.

Elemene Antitumor Drugs Development Based on "Molecular Compatibility Theory" and Clinical Application: A Retrospective and Prospective Outlook / 中国结合医学杂志

Elemene, derived from Curcuma wenyujin, one of the "8 famous genuine medicinal materials of Zhejiang province," exhibits remarkable antitumor activity. It has gained wide recognition in clinical practice for effectiveness on tumors. Dr. XIE Tian, introduced the innovative concept of "molecular compatibility theory" by combining Chinese medicine principles, specifically the "monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy" theory, with modern biomedical technology. This groundbreaking approach, along with a systematic analysis of Chinese medicine and modern biomedical knowledge, led to the development of elemene nanoliposome formulations. These novel formulations offer numerous advantages, including low toxicity, well-defined composition, synergistic effects on multiple targets, and excellent biocompatibility. Following the principles of the "molecular compatibility theory", further exploration of cancer treatment strategies and methods based on elemene was undertaken. This comprehensive review consolidates the current understanding of elemene's potential antitumor mechanisms, recent clinical investigations, advancements in drug delivery systems, and structural modifications. The ultimate goal of this review is to establish a solid theoretical foundation for researchers, empowering them to develop more effective antitumor drugs based on the principles of "molecular compatibility theory".

Medicina e espiritualidade: o perfil de estudantes e médicos de uma escola médica brasileira / Medicine and spirituality: the profile of students and physicians at a Brazilian medical school

Resumo Introdução: Pesquisas científicas indicam que a espiritualidade desempenha um papel importante na vida da maioria dos pacientes. Além disso, atividades e crenças religiosas podem, de acordo com algumas pesquisa, estar relacionadas à melhor saúde e qualidade de vida1. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivos avaliar o nível de espiritualidade de estudantes de Medicina e de médicos já formados, e analisar o ensino da interface "medicina e espiritualidade" na escola médica. Método: Realizamos um estudo transversal descritivo por meio da aplicação de questionários a estudantes de Medicina e médicos de uma escola médica pública brasileira. Resultado: Avaliaram-se 234 participantes. A maioria acredita em uma força superior. A espiritualidade foi maior entre médicos já formados e entre pessoas do sexo feminino. A maioria acredita que a formação universitária não prepara o médico para abordar o tema com os pacientes. Apesar dessa limitação, a maioria já abordou a espiritualidade com seus pacientes. Conclusão: Médicos e estudantes de Medicina consideram importante contemplar, de maneira ecumênica e respeitosa, aspectos espirituais dos pacientes. Apesar disso, consideram que não receberam preparo suficiente na escola médica para essa abordagem.

Abstract Introduction: Scientific research indicates that spirituality plays an important role in the daily life of most patients. Moreover, there are studies indicating that religious activities and beliefs may be related to better health and quality of life1. Objective: to evaluate the level of spirituality of medical students and graduated physicians, in addition to analyzing the teaching of the "Medicine and Spirituality" interface in medical school. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out by applying questionnaires to medical students and doctors at a Brazilian public medical school. Results: a total of 234 participants were evaluated. Most believe in a higher power. Spirituality was higher among doctors who had already graduated and among females. Most believe that university education does not prepare doctors to address the topic with the patients. Despite this limitation, most have already discussed spirituality with their patients. Conclusion: Doctors and medical students consider it important to contemplate spiritual aspects of patients using an ecumenical and respectful approach. Nevertheless, they consider they were not sufficiently prepared in medical school for this approach.

Prácticas integradoras y complementarias, perfil y cuidados de enfermeras(os) a personas con hipertensión: estudio mixto / Integrative and complementary practices in health, nurses' profile and care provided to people with hypertension: a mixed study design / Práticas integrativas e complementares, perfil e cuidados de enfermeiras(os) às pessoas com hipertensão: estudo misto

Objetivo: analizar el perfil de enfermeras(os) acerca de las prácticas integradoras y complementarias en salud y comprender cómo son utilizadas en el cuidado a personas con hipertensión arterial. Método: explicativo, secuencial y mixto. La etapa cuantitativa transversal contó con 386 enfermeras(os), a través de cuestionario virtual, abordando el perfil sociodemográfico y profesional y la formación y actuación, con análisis descriptivo e inferencial. La etapa cualitativa se realizó mediante 18 entrevistas virtuales con profesionales que poseían formación en las prácticas y las utilizaban en el cuidado a personas con hipertensión, fundamentadas en el análisis participativo. La integración se realizó por conexión. Resultados: el 36,8% tuvo formación en las prácticas con predominio de mujeres, blancas, casadas, funcionarias públicas, con media de edad de 37 años (+ 9,4). El 14,2% utilizaba las prácticas en el cuidado en personas con hipertensión, predominando la auriculoterapia (28,2%) y la sangría en la crisis hipertensiva. Se evidenció el abordaje integral del paciente, no limitado a signos vitales alterados, con intervención en la ansiedad, estrés, sueño y reposo. Como potencialidad, tenemos el auxilio en la adhesión al tratamiento. Conclusión: se presentó el perfil de enfermeras(os) con formación en prácticas integradoras y complementarias. Se comprende que esas prácticas tienen implicación en la disminución de la presión arterial y que son utilizadas en el cuidado a personas con hipertensión, sin embargo de manera incipiente, considerando el potencial en el cuidado de enfermería.

Objective: to analyze the profile of nurses regarding integrative and complementary practices in health (ICPH) and understand how they are used in the care of people with arterial hypertension. Method: mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. The cross-sectional quantitative stage included 386 nurses who completed an online questionnaire addressing sociodemographic and professional information, training, and practice, with a descriptive and inferential analysis. The qualitative stage was performed via 18 online interviews with professionals who had ICPH training and implemented it in the care provided to individuals with hypertension, with a participatory analysis. Integration occurred through a connecting approach. Results: 36.8% had ICPH training; most were women, Caucasian, married, public servants, aged 37 (+ 9.4) on average; 14.2% incorporated ICPH into the care provided to people with hypertension; predominantly auriculotherapy (28.2%) and bloodletting in hypertensive crises. The results show that nurses integrally approached patients, and their approach was not limited to the vital sign altered at the time, but they also intervened in anxiety, stress, sleep, and rest. A potentiality observed concerns support treatment adherence. Conclusion: the profile of nurses with ICPH training is presented, and such practice has implications for lowering blood pressure. ICPH has been incorporated into the care of people with hypertension, but its use is still incipient, considering its potential in nursing care.

Objetivo: analisar o perfil de enfermeiras(os) acerca das práticas integrativas e complementares em saúde e compreender como são utilizadas no cuidado às pessoas com hipertensão arterial. Método: explanatório sequencial misto. A etapa quantitativa transversal contou com 386 enfermeiras(os), via questionário virtual, abordando perfil sociodemográfico e profissional, formação e atuação, com análise descritiva e inferencial. A etapa qualitativa ocorreu mediante 18 entrevistas virtuais com profissionais que possuem formação nas práticas e as utilizam no cuidado às pessoas com hipertensão, fundamentada na análise participativa. A integração se deu por conexão. Resultados: 36,8% tinham formação nas práticas, predominando mulheres, brancas, casadas, servidoras públicas, com média de idade de 37 anos (+ 9,4). 14,2% utilizam as práticas no cuidado às pessoas com hipertensão, predominando a auriculoterapia (28,2%) e a sangria na crise hipertensiva. Evidenciou-se a abordagem integral do paciente, não limitada ao sinal vital alterado, com intervenção na ansiedade, estresse, sono e repouso. Como potencialidade, tem-se o auxílio na adesão ao tratamento. Conclusão: apresentou-se o perfil de enfermeiras(os) com formação em práticas integrativas e complementares. Compreende-se que tais práticas têm implicação na diminuição da pressão arterial, e são utilizadas no cuidado às pessoas com hipertensão, porém de forma incipiente, considerando o potencial no cuidado de enfermagem.

Medicina Integrativa en Chile: Hacia una visión más global de la salud de las personas / Integrative Medicine in Chile: Towards a more global vision of people's health

La Organización Mundial de la Salud ha definido salud como un estado de completo bienestar físico, mental y social, no solo como la ausencia de enfermedad. La medicina integrativa considera la articulación de diferentes prácticas y sistemas médicos, como las terapias mente-cuerpo, las terapias manuales, la medicina energética, los sistemas completos y los estilos de vida saludables, que permite ampliar la comprensión de los procesos de salud y enfermedad, junto con dar herramientas concretas en este abordaje, centrado en la persona más que en la enfermedad. En Chile, el Ministerio de Salud planteó la incorporación de las medicinas alternativas y complementarias a través del decreto 42, reglamentándolas como auxiliares a la atención tradicional, normando las condiciones de los recintos donde se realizan y regulando hasta el momento el ejercicio de la acupuntura, la homeopatía y la naturopatía. Existen múltiples barreras para la implementación de unidades de medicina integrativa, como la percepción de que son costosas, poco efectivas y que muchas veces existe resistencia por parte de los equipos de salud. Para su avance es importante ir incorporando la disciplina en los currículums de las carreras de la salud, el consensuar taxonomías y resultados a evaluar, no perder de vista que el tronco de la atención en salud se encuentra en la atención primaria y generar un mayor desarrollo de la evidencia asociada a su uso, sobre todo a nivel local, incorporando de manera más rutinaria el informar también sobre sus potenciales efectos adversos.

The World Health Organization has defined health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not just the absence of disease. Integrative medicine considers the articulation of different medical practices and systems such as mind-body therapies, manual therapies, energy medicine, whole systems and healthy lifestyles, allowing focusing on the cause of diseases and giving concrete tools to focus on the person rather than just the disease. In Chile, the Ministry of Health proposed incorporating alternative and complementary medicines through Decree 42, regulating them as auxiliary to traditional care, the conditions of practice for the exercise of acupuncture, homeopathy, and naturopathy. There are multiple barriers to implementing integrative medicine units, such as the perception that they are expensive and ineffective and, frequently, the resistance of health teams. For its advancement, it is essential to gradually incorporate this discipline in health careers curricula, agree on taxonomies and outcomes, and maintain sight that the core of health care is at the primary level. It is also necessary to generate evidence on the use of integrative medicine, especially at the local level, incorporating its practice more routinely and reporting on its potential adverse effects.

Progress on Prevention and Treatment of Cerebral Small Vascular Disease Using Integrative Medicine / 中国结合医学杂志

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a senile brain lesion caused by the abnormal structure and function of arterioles, venules and capillaries in the aging brain. The etiology of CSVD is complex, and disease is often asymptomatic in its early stages. However, as CSVD develops, brain disorders may occur, such as stroke, cognitive dysfunction, dyskinesia and mood disorders, and heart, kidney, eye and systemic disorders. As the population continues to age, the burden of CSVD is increasing. Moreover, there is an urgent need for better screening methods and diagnostic markers for CSVD, in addition to preventive and asymptomatic- and mild-stage treatments. Integrative medicine (IM), which combines the holistic concepts and syndrome differentiations of Chinese medicine with modern medical perspectives, has unique advantages for the prevention and treatment of CSVD. In this review, we summarize the biological markers, ultrasound and imaging features, disease-related genes and risk factors relevant to CSVD diagnosis and screening. Furthermore, we discuss IM-based CSVD prevention and treatment strategies to stimulate further research in this field.

Advances in integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of hepatic fibrosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a key stage in the progression of chronic hepatitis to liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer, and it is a dynamic and reversible pathological change. Studies have shown that integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapy has a good therapeutic effect on HF and can delay or reverse the progression of this disease. This article summarizes the pathogenesis of HF and discusses the diagnosis of HF, traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine therapies, and the path of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapy, so as to provide ideas for the basic research and clinical application of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in the prevention and treatment of HF.

Cultural stress: The undiagnosed epidemic of our time / 中西医结合学报

Global technologies that have made the world more interconnected have also, inadvertently, amplified the forces of stress that are now with us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The accumulated impact of this stress I call cultural stress anxiety syndrome and call on integrative medicine practitioners to recognize that it is exacerbating whatever acute stressors are also present in our patients' lives. In this Commentary, I outline seven major components of cultural stress (time pressure, digital intrusion, digital dependency, isolation, sedentary lifestyle, poor sleep and uncertainty), describe their health consequences, and finally, offer cultural stress-specific remedies I have utilized in my own practice, along with studies that affirm their efficacy. My hope is that we, as integrative medicine practitioners who are cognizant of the role that stress plays in disease development, will more fully appreciate the added impact of cultural stress, and advise our patients on the importance of proactive stress management. Please cite this article as: Murad H. Cultural stress: the undiagnosed epidemic of our time. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(3): 221-225.

Multi-disciplinary coordination model in palliative care based on integrated medicine / 中华全科医师杂志

Palliative care is the final link in the whole lifecycle health management and is an important part of promoting a healthy China. In order to further improve service efficiency and the quality of end-of-life care, Shanghai Jiading Yingyuan Hospital has constructed a new interdisciplinary team collaboration model for palliative care from the perspective of integrated medical theory, and applied this model to clinical practice. By elaborating on the theory of team integration, member composition and division of labor, implementation process and preliminary effects, this study aims to provide a theoretical basis and reference for other regions to carry out the integration path and collaborative model of interdisciplinary services in palliative care.

Establishment of integrative medicine with patient first model in the clinical practice of hemodialysis access / 中华肾脏病杂志

Vascular accesses are the lifelines for hemodialysis patients. This paper proposes to establish an integrative medicine with patient first model in the clinical practice of vascular access based on characters of hemodialysis patients and combined with the domestic and global innovation of management of vascular access. This model emphasizes the integration of vascular access plan with the whole life plan of renal replacement therapy, the combination of characters of vessel and entire condition of the patient, as well as balanced with patient's psychosocial characters. To implement this model in clinical practice, a multidisciplinary team with different professional background should be built, suitable job position should be set up and workflows should be formulated and optimized.

Promoting whole person health: Exploring the role of traditional Chinese medicine in Polish healthcare / 中西医结合学报

Poland has a unique history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dating back to the 17th century when Polish missionary Michael (Michał) Boym was a pioneer in the field. In the 20th century, his successor, Professor Zbigniew Garnuszewski, reintroduced acupuncture to medical practice in Poland. However, other methods of TCM and its holistic approach to patient care have not found their place in modern medicine in Poland. At present, the legal status of TCM in Poland remains unregulated, with TCM included in the broad spectrum of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices. Few reports are available on the use of TCM methods among the Polish population. Integrative medicine combines conventional medicine with evidence-based CAM interventions and considers all aspects of a patient's health, including physical, emotional, mental, social, and environmental factors. An integrative healthcare model that incorporates TCM modalities and lifestyle recommendations as well as a whole person approach may provide a more sustainable solution for the constantly underfinanced Polish healthcare system, which faces challenges of multimorbidity in an aging society and limited access to care. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, war in Ukraine, and ongoing climate crisis have underscored the need to strengthen the resilience of the Polish healthcare system and search for new solutions. A model of care that blends the best of biomedicine and TCM healing approaches may be a better option for both patients and the healthcare system in Poland. Please cite this article as: Rybicka M, Zhao J, Piotrowicz K, Ptasnik S, Mitka K, Kocot-Kępska M, Hui KK. Promoting whole person health: Exploring the role of traditional Chinese medicine in Polish healthcare. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(6): 509-517.

A clinical pathway for integrative medicine in the treatment of functional constipation in Hong Kong, China / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Functional constipation (FC) is a common intestinal disease worldwide. Despite the presence of criteria such as Roman IV, there is no standardized diagnosis and treatment algorithm in Hong Kong that combines both Western and Chinese medicine approaches. This study integrates current effective and safe diagnosis and treatment methods for FC and provides a clear and scientific pathway for clinical professionals and patients.@*METHODS@#A systematic search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases was performed from their inception to June 30th, 2022, collecting the current evidence about the efficacious integrative management for FC. We organized a meeting of professionals in fields relevant to treatment and management of FC to develop a consensus agreement on clinical pathway process.@*RESULTS@#We developed a clinical pathway for the treatment of FC based on the most recent published guidelines and consultation with experts. This pathway includes a hierarchy of recommendations for every step of the clinical process, including clinical intake, diagnostic examination, recommended labs, diagnostic flowchart, and guidance for selection of therapeutic drugs.@*CONCLUSION@#This pathway establishes clinical standards for the diagnosis and treatment of FC using Chinese medicine and Western medicine; it will help to provide high-quality medical services in Hong Kong for patients with FC. Please cite this article as: Wei DJ, Li HJ, Lyu ZP, Lyu AP, Bian ZX, Zhong LL. A clinical pathway for integrative medicine in the treatment of functional constipation in Hong Kong, China. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(6): 550-560.

Efficacy and safety of Kangxian Huanji Granule as adjunctive treatment in acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: An exploratory randomized controlled trial / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) is an important occurrence in the natural history of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), associated with high hospitalization rates, high mortality and poor prognosis. At present, there is no effective treatment for AE-IPF. Chinese herbal medicine has some advantages in treating IPF, but its utility in AE-IPF is unclear.@*OBJECTIVE@#The treatment of AE-IPF with Kangxian Huanji Granule (KXHJ), a compound Chinese herbal medicine, lacks an evidence-based justification. This study explores the efficacy and safety of KXHJ in patients with AE-IPF.@*DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS@#We designed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, exploratory clinical trial. A total of 80 participants diagnosed with AE-IPF were randomly assigned to receive KXHJ or a matching placebo; the treatment included a 10 g dose, administered twice daily for 4 weeks, in addition to conventional treatment. Participants were followed up for 12 weeks after the treatment.@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#The primary endpoints were treatment failure rate and all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included the length of hospitalization, overall survival, acute exacerbation rate, intubation rate, the modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) score, and the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire for IPF (SGRQ-I) score.@*RESULTS@#The rate of treatment failure at 4 weeks was lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (risk ratio [RR]: 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.051 to 0.965, P = 0.023). There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality at 16 weeks (RR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.179 to 3.138; P > 0.999) or in the acute exacerbation rate during the 12-week follow-up period (RR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.334 to 1.434; P = 0.317). The intervention group had a shorter length of hospitalization than the control group (mean difference [MD]: -3.30 days; 95% CI, -6.300 to -0.300; P = 0.032). Significant differences in the mean change from baseline in the mMRC (between-group difference: -0.67; 95% CI: -0.89 to -0.44; P < 0.001) and SGRQ-I score (between-group difference: -10.36; 95% CI: -16.483 to -4.228; P = 0.001) were observed after 4 weeks, and also in the mMRC (between-group difference: -0.67; 95% CI: -0.91 to -0.43; P < 0.001) and SGRQ-I (between-group difference: -10.28; 95% CI, -15.838 to -4.718; P < 0.001) at 16 weeks. The difference in the adverse events was not significant.@*CONCLUSION@#KXHJ appears to be effective and safe for AE-IPF and can be considered a complementary treatment in patients with AE-IPF. As a preliminary exploratory study, our results provide a basis for further clinical research.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900026289). Please cite this article as: Li JS, Zhang HL, Guo W, Wang L, Zhang D, Zhao LM, Zhou M. Efficacy and safety of Kangxian Huanji Granule as adjunctive treatment in acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: an exploratory randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(6): 543-549.

Ioga e suas práticas meditativas em dores crônicas / Yoga and its meditative practices in chronic pain / El yoga y sus prácticas meditativas en el dolor crónico

Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos das práticas meditativas que envolvem posturas físicas, respiração, uso de som, visualização, e práticas de relaxamento como parte da terapêutica para controle e melhora das dores crônicas . Método: Trata-se de uma revisão da literatura nas bases de dados Medline, Science Direct, Pubmed e Scielo, tendo como período de referência os últimos 15 anos. As palavraschave utilizadas foram "ioga" e "dores crônicas" e suas correspondentes em inglês, "Yoga" e "chronic pain", isolados ou de forma combinada, sem delimitar um intervalo temporal. Resultados: Um número crescente de estudos científicos tem demonstrado a melhora de questões físicas, mentais, emocionais, espirituais e relacionais da prática de ioga e suas técnicas isoladas RM indivíduos com diferentes condições de saúde. Houve redução de ansiedade e de estresse, bem como melhora da atenção plena, da função executiva, humor, estado emocional, autocompaixão e saúde mental geral. Considerações Finais: As evidências em literatura vêm demonstrando que a dor crônica não é unifatorial, mas associada a comorbidades que acabam levando a inúmeras patologias e interferência na qualidade de vida. A ioga oferece vários benefícios para controle da dor, remodelação e fortalecimento do corpo e da psique. Portanto, a ioga pode ser uma terapia complementar benéfica para o manejo de dores crônicas, embora sejam necessários mais estudos e mais evidências na prática clínica

Objective: To analyze the effects of meditative practices involving physical postures, breathing, sound use, visualization, and relaxation practices as part of therapy for the control and improvement of chronic pain. Method: This is a review of the literature in medline, science direct, pubmed and scielo databases, having as reference period the last 15 years. The keywords used were "yoga" and "chronic pain" and their corresponding ones in English, "Yoga" and "chronic pain", isolated or in combination, without delimiting a time interval. Results: An increasing number of scientific studies have demonstrated the improvement of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and relational issues of yoga practice and its techniques isolated RM individuals with different health conditions. There was a reduction in anxiety and stress, as well as improvement in mindfulness, executive function, mood, emotional state, self-compassion and general mental health. Final Considerations: The evidence in the literature has shown that chronic pain is not unifactorial, but associated with comorbidities that end up leading to numerous pathologies and interference in quality of life. Yoga offers several benefits for pain control, remodeling and strengthening of the body and psyche. Therefore, yoga can be a beneficial complementary therapy for the management of chronic pain, although more studies and more evidence are needed in clinical practice.

Objetivo: Analizar los efectos de las prácticas meditativas que involucran posturas físicas, respiración, uso del sonido, visualización y prácticas de relajación como parte de la terapia para el control y la mejora del dolor crónico. Método: Se trata de una revisión de la literatura en las bases de datos medline, science direct, pubmed y scielo, teniendo como período de referencia los últimos 15 años. Las palabras clave utilizadas fueron "yoga" y "chronic pain" y sus correspondientes en inglés, "Yoga" y "chronic pain", aisladas o en combinación, sin delimitar un intervalo de tiempo. Resultados: Un número creciente de estudios científicos han demostrado la mejora de los problemas físicos, mentales, emocionales, espirituales y relacionales de la práctica del yoga y sus técnicas aisladas RM individuos con diferentes condiciones de salud. Hubo una reducción en la ansiedad y el estrés, así como una mejora en la atención plena, la función ejecutiva, el estado de ánimo, el estado emocional, la autocompasión y la salud mental general. Consideraciones Finales: La evidencia en la literatura ha demostrado que el dolor crónico no es unifactorial, sino que se asocia con comorbilidades que terminan dando lugar a numerosas patologías e interferencias en la calidad de vida. El yoga ofrece varios beneficios para el control del dolor, la remodelación y el fortalecimiento del cuerpo y la psique. Por lo tanto, el yoga puede ser una terapia complementaria beneficiosa para el tratamiento del dolor crónico, aunque se necesitan más estudios y más evidencia en la práctica clínica.

What is alternative, complementary, and integrative medicine?

The concept of alternative medicine was created by Western medicine to differentiate conventional medicine from medical practices such as traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, homeopathy, neural therapy, osteopathic and chiropractic medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and indigenous traditional medicine, which also have philosophical, scientific, and therapeutic foundations. Unfortunately, over time, the belief that alternative medicine encompasses all medical practices that are not part of conventional medicine has gained ground, causing many inaccuracies and controversies. Medicine arose from the need for human self-preservation, with health defined as a state of complete well-being and disease as a loss of this state. Over the course of history, various approaches have appeared and some of them have developed into medical systems. Conventional medicine was structured in the West based on existing medical reasoning and focused on modifying disease, resulting in marked conceptual differences with existing medical treatment systems that focused on the individual and on modifying disease processes. All medical systems have had an impact in various social fields. Likewise, trends and strategies aimed at integrating conventional medicine with other medical systems such as electroacupuncture according to Voll, homotoxicology, electromagnetic polar balance, anthroposophy, sintergenetics, and biophotonics have also emerged. It is now considered that the aim of medicine is to integrate and complement knowledge from different medical approaches within the concept of a single medicine. Taking this into account, this paper aims to clarify the concepts of the different forms of medicine, propose some definitions, and offer a definition of alternative, complementary, and integrative medicine.

El concepto de medicina alternativa fue creado por la medicina occidental para identificar prácticas médicas diferentes a la medicina convencional, tales como la medicina tradicional china y acupuntura, la homeopatía, la terapia neural, la medicina osteopática y quiropráctica, la medicina ayurveda y la medicina tradicional indígena, que también tienen fundamentos filosóficos, científicos y terapéuticos. Desafortunadamente, con el tiempo se estableció la creencia de que la medicina alternativa comprende todas las prácticas médicas que no son parte de la medicina convencional, lo que ha causado muchas inexactitudes y controversias. La medicina surgió como una necesidad de auto preservación del ser humano que considera a la salud como bienestar completo y a la enfermedad, como pérdida de esta condición. A lo largo de su evolución han emergido diversas racionalidades y algunas de ellas se han convertido en sistemas médicos. La medicina convencional se estructuró en Occidente, fundamentada en racionalidades médicas existentes para la época y enfocada en modificar la enfermedad, lo que resultó en marcadas diferencias conceptuales con sistemas de tratamiento médico ya existentes que se centraban en el individuo y en modificar los procesos de la enfermedad. Todos los sistemas médicos han tenido un impacto en diversos campos sociales. Asimismo, han surgido tendencias y estrategias de integración de la medicina convencional con otros sistemas médicos como la electroacupuntura de Voll, la homotoxicología, el balance polar electromagnético, la antroposofía, la sinter -gética y la biofotónica. Actualmente se considera que el objetivo de la medicina es integrar y complementar conocimientos de diferentes racionalidades médicas dentro del concepto de una sola medicina. Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior, el objetivo del presente artículo es clarificar los conceptos de las diferentes formas de medicina, plantear algunas definiciones al respecto, y proponer una definición de medicina alternativa, complementaria e integrativa.

Entre legitimação científica e legitimação cultural: transformações no campo das Práticas Integrativas e Complementares / Between scientific legitimation and cultural legitimation: transformations in the field of Integrative and Complementary Practices

Resumo A Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PNPIC) foi publicada há 15 anos e entre 2017 e 2018 passou por dois atos de ampliação, partindo de cinco para 29 modalidades de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares em Saúde (PICS), um aumento de 24 novas práticas no período de um ano. O objetivo deste artigo é compreender as condições para tais transformações ao redor das PICS no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), refletindo como os atores sociais compreendem essas mudanças. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com oito interlocutores/as, analisadas à luz da teoria do campo de Pierre Bourdieu. Os resultados apontam que a ampliação da PNPIC, motivada por atravessamentos político-institucionais, é compreendida em duas matrizes de pensamento que se relacionam com a legitimação cultural e a legitimação científica das PICS nos SUS. Conclui-se que a rápida expansão da PNPIC gerou uma crise no campo, mostrando a necessidade de uma reestruturação dialogada com suas bases sociais.

Abstract The National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices (NPICP) was published 15 years ago, and between 2017 and 2018 it saw two phases of growth and increased from 5 to 29 modalities of Integrative and Complementary Practices (ICP), namely an increase of 24 new practices within a year. The scope of this article is to understand the conditions for such transformations in the ICPs in the Unified Health System (SUS), reflecting upon how social actors interpret these changes. Thus, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight interlocutors, analyzed in the light of Pierre Bourdieu's field theory. The results show that the expansion of the NPICP, motivated by political-institutional factors, is comprehended in two matrices of thought that are related to the cultural and scientific legitimation of the ICPs in the SUS. The conclusion drawn is that the rapid expansion of the NPICP generated a crisis in the field, showing the need for a restructuring dialogue with its social bases.

Acompañamiento de un paciente con cáncer avanzado desde un enfoque psicosomático e integrativo: una propuesta de mirada integradora / Psychosomatic and integrative accompaniment to a patient with advanced cancer: an integrated sight proposal

RESUMEN: Los avances de la medicina moderna nos han permitido la subespecialización de diversas áreas, con gran ganancia en múltiples ámbitos, pero adoleciendo a veces de perder la perspectiva del ser humano completo. La salud como la enfermedad suceden a un sujeto que es más que la suma de sus partes. La psiquiatría, especialmente la de enlace, busca integrar las miradas y superar la "falsa escisión" del ser. Logra hacerlo cuando el síntoma inicia en la psiquis. La medicina psicosomática emerge como oportunidad de hacerlo cuando el síntoma/enfermedad se origina en el cuerpo. Se presenta la historia de una persona, que presenta una enfermedad orgánica muy frecuente en nuestros días, abordando lo convencional y clásico, sumando además la mirada psicosomática. Para ello usa las herramientas de la medicina integrativa, específicamente las de la medicina antroposófica y terapia artística de dicha corriente. El objeto de su presentación es mostrar esta mirada de como enfocar a estos paciente y su acompañamiento terapéutico, que intenta reunificar psique-soma como una forma de sanación del Ser. Este enfoque propone un camino concreto, con una mirada y un lenguaje común, entre diversas especialidades, que permita recuperar el lugar de centro de la identidad del ser humano, como ser sujeto a acompañar en salud y enfermedad. Pienso que esto puede tener beneficios en la morbi- mortalidad de los pacientes.

ABSTRACT The advances of modern medicine have allowed us to subspecialize in various areas, with great gain in multiple areas, but sometimes suffering from losing the perspective of the complete human being. Health and illness happen to a subject who is more than the sum of its parts. Liaison Psychiatry seeks to integrate the looks and overcome the "false split" of being. It manages to do it when the symptom starts in the psyche. Psychosomatic medicine emerges as an opportunity to do so when the symptom / illness originates in the body. I present the story of a pathient, who has a very frequent organic disease in our days, addressing the conventional view, and also adding the psychosomatic perspective. For this we use the tools of integrative medicine, specifically those of anthroposophic medicine and artistic therapy. The purpose of his presentation is to show this sight of how to approach these patients and their therapeutic accompaniment, which tries to reunify psyche-somatism as a form of healing of the Being. This approach proposes a concrete path, with a common sight and language, between various specialties, that allows to recover the place of center of the identity of the human being, as being subject to accompany in health and illness. I think this may have benefits in the morbidity and mortality of patients.

Eficacia del tratamiento alternativo con oleozón tópico en pacientes con onicomicosis / Effectiveness of alternative treatment with topical oleozon in patients with onychomycosis

RESUMEN Introducción: las onicomicosis son infecciones fúngicas de la lámina ungueal y tejidos adyacentes. Objetivo: determinar la eficacia del tratamiento alternativo con oleozón tópico en pacientes con onicomicosis de los consultorios 24 y 25 del Policlínico Universitario "Luis Augusto Turcios Lima" de la provincia de Pinar del Río, de 2017-2018. MétodoS: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y de corte transversal a los pacientes diagnosticados con onicomicosis en los consultorios 24 y 25 del Policlínico "Luis Augusto Turcios Lima" durante el 2017-2018, el universo estuvo conformado por 90 pacientes con el diagnostico de esta enfermedad, se trabajó con la totalidad de ellos; se estratificó en tres grupos, grupo A (ketoconazol tópico más fluconazol tableta), grupo B (oleozón tópico) y grupo C (fluconazol tableta más oleozón tópico). Resultados: predominó el grupo etáreo de 60-69 (31,1 %) y el sexo masculino (65,6 %), predominaron los pacientes que presentaron cambios de coloración en las uñas (32 %), en el grupo A el 56,7 % de los pacientes presentaron mejoría entre tres y seis meses, el grupo B el 93,3 % en el mismo periodo que el grupo A y en el grupo C el 100 % se curaron en el mismo periodo que los demás grupos. Conclusiones: predominó el grupo de 60-69 años de edad, el sexo masculino fue el más afectado. El signo más frecuente fue el cambio de coloración y el síntoma el dolor; el tratamiento combinado fue el más efectivo.

ABSTRACT Introduction: onychomycoses are fungal infections of the nail plate and adjacent tissues. Objective: to determine the efficacy of alternative treatment with topical oleozon in patients with onychomycosis of the 24th and 25th Doctor's Offices belonging to Luis Augusto Turcios Lima University Polyclinic in Pinar del Rio province during 2017-2018. Methods: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on patients diagnosed with onychomycosis in the 24th and 25th Doctor's Offices belonging to Luis Augusto Turcios Lima University Polyclinic in Pinar del Rio province during 2017-2018. The target group comprised 90 patients diagnosed with this disease, working with all of them, which were stratified into three groups, group-A (topical ketoconazole plus fluconazole tablet), group-B (topical oleozon) and group-C (fluconazole tablet plus topical oleozon). Results: the age group 60-69 (31,1 %) and male sex (65,6 %) predominated, patients with nail discoloration changes predominated (32 %), in group-A 56,7 % of patients showed improvement between 3 and 6 months, group-B 93,3 % in the same period as group-A and in group-C 100 % were cured in the same period as the other groups. Conclusions: the age group from 60-69 predominated, male sex was the most affected. The most frequent sign was discoloration change and the symptom was pain; combined treatment was the most effective.

Medicina integrativa en la enseñanza de la Psiquiatría: actitudes y conocimientos respecto a la medicina complementaria y alternativa en docentes de programas de la especialidad / State of complementary and alternative medicine education in psychiatry residency programs

Background: The incorporation of integrative medicine as a holistic approach increased in medical education. However, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) formal teaching in psychiatry residency programs is limited. Aim: To assess the incorporation of CAM education in different Chilean psychiatry programs and to determine the knowledge and attitudes toward this issue. Material and Methods: An online survey was sent to 80 academic staff from five psychiatry programs. Forty-nine participants answered the survey (61%). Some of the questionnaire topics were the inclusion of CAM content in the program, types of CAM included, and motivation and strategies for the CAM content incorporation in their training curriculum. Results: Most respondents answered that there is no formal CAM content in their program's curriculum. The main topics to incorporate CAM in a psychiatry residency are sleep hygiene, stress management, and motivational interviewing. The lack of knowledge, time constraints, and the limited resources are major barriers to include CAM in their curriculums. Conclusions: Our results suggest that many academic staff of Chilean psychiatry training programs are aware of the importance of having CAM content in their curriculum. However, some barriers hinder their incorporation and implementation.

Cuidado transpersonal mediado por Reiki: vivencias de familiares de niños con enfermedad falciforme / Cuidado transpessoal mediado por Reiki: vivências de familiares de crianças com doença falciforme / Transpersonal care through Reiki: Experiences of family members of children with sickle cell disease

Objetivo: To understand the experiences of family members of children with sickle cell disease during transpersonal nursing care meetings mediated by Reiki. Materials and methods: Convergent care research, underpinned by Watson's Theory on Human Care, developed in a health facility for people with sickle cell disease in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The study was carried out from August to October 2016. Interviews with participants took place before and after six sessions of transpersonal care mediated by Reiki with seven family members. Thematic content analysis was applied to the data collected. Results: Participants realized the importance of cultivating self-recognition, identifying their fears and feelings, valuing self-care, reflecting on their health priorities and needs, and recognizing their potential for transforming their practices. After the meetings, feelings emerged towards valuing the self as a person to be cared for, reducing anxiety and stress, reconnecting with beliefs and deities, acceptance of the disease, the role of caregiver and the future, as well as better interaction with family members in order to manage conflicts harmonically. Conclusions: Transpersonal care favors nursing professionals' autonomy to create their own way of thinking and practicing longitudinal care, which can be applied throughout the process of prevention, diagnosis tion of the disease to achieve healing. It is up to these professionals to deepen theoretically on this approach and use the Clinical Caritas Process in the systematization of nursing care.

Objetivo: comprender las vivencias de los familiares de niños con enfermedad falciforme durante encuentros de cuidado transpersonal de enfermería mediados por Reiki. Materiais e métodos: estudio convergente asistencial con base en la Teoría del Cuidado Humano de Watson, desarrollado en un centro de atención en salud para personas con enfermedad falciforme en el estado de Bahía, Brasil, entre agosto y octubre de 2016. Se llevaron a cabo una serie de entrevistas antes y después de seis encuentros de cuidado mediado por Reiki con siete familiares de niños con enfermedad falciforme. La información recopilada fue sometida a análisis de contenido temático. Resultados: los participantes dieron cuenta de la importancia de cultivar el autorreconocimiento, identificar sus miedos y sentimientos, valorar el autocuidado, reflexionar sobre sus prioridades y necesidades de salud y reconocer el potencial de cada uno para transformar sus prácticas de vida. Tras las reuniones surgieron sentimientos de valoración del yo como persona a cuidar, reducción de la ansiedad y el estrés, reconexión con creencias y deidades, aceptación de la enfermedad, reflexión en torno al rol de cuidador y el futuro, así como deseos de una mejor interacción con sus familiares para gestionar eventuales conflictos de forma armónica. Conclusiones: el cuidado transpersonal favorece la autonomía de los profesionales en enfermería para crear su propia forma de concebir y practicar el cuidado longitudinal, el cual puede ser aplicado en todo el proceso de prevención, diagnóstico y rehabilitación del estado patológico a fin de alcanzar la sanación. Así, corresponde a la enfermería profundizar teóricamente en este enfoque y hacer uso del Proceso Clínico Caritas para la sistematización de la atención de enfermería.

Objetivo: compreender as vivências de familiares de crianças com doença falciforme durante os encontros de cuidado transpessoal de Enfermagem mediado pelo Reiki. Materiales y métodos: estudo convergente assistencial, fundamentado na Teoria do Cuidado Humano de Watson desenvolvido em um centro de referência a pessoas com doença falciforme no estado da Bahia, Brasil, entre agosto e outubro de 2016. As entrevistas ocorreram antes e após seis encontros de cuidado mediado pelo Reiki com sete familiares. Os relatos foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados: os participantes perceberam a importância de cultivar o autorreconhecimento, identificar seus temores e sentimentos, valorizar o autocuidado, refletir sobre suas prioridades e necessidades de saúde e reconhecer suas potencialidades para a transformação das suas práticas. Após os encontros, emergiram sensações de valorização do eu enquanto pessoa a ser cuidada, diminuição da ansiedade e do estresse, reconexão com as crenças e as divindades, aceitação da doença, do papel de cuidador e do futuro, bem como melhor interação com familiares de modo a gerir conflitos harmonicamente. Conclusões: o cuidado transpessoal favorece a autonomia das enfermeiras para criar um modo de fazer próprio, permite a prática de um cuidado longitudinal, que pode ser aplicado durante todo o processo de prevenção, diagnóstico e reabilitação do estado de adoecimento, a fim de alcançar o healing. Cabe à enfermagem o aprofundamento teórico e o uso do Clinical Caritas Process na sistematização da assistência de enfermagem.