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Recent reports highlight the effectiveness of mud therapy in various health conditions. A previous study showed that applying a mud pack (MP) to the abdomen and eyes effectively lowered blood pressure (BP) in healthy individuals. However, there have been no studies investigating the immediate effects of MP on the abdomen and eyes in patients with hypertension. This pilot study aims to determine the immediate impact of MP on cardiovascular parameters in patients with hypertension.

Objective: Vaginal births are associated with a certain degree of trauma to the genital tract, with significant short-term and long-term morbidity. Awareness of morbidity following perineal trauma has led to application of different interventions during the late first stage and second stage of labour to prevent severe perineal trauma. This includes techniques such as perineal massage, warm and cold compresses, and perineal management techniques. Objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the effect of perineal massage during the late first stage and second stage of labour on the rate of episiotomy and risk of perineal trauma. Materials and methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Science Direct) were searched from inception until August 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compares perineal massage during labor (i.e., intervention group) with a control group in women with singleton gestation and cephalic presentation at ≥36 weeks. The primary outcome was severe perineal trauma and the rate of episiotomy. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model of DerSimonian and Laird to produce summary treatment effects in terms of relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Ten trials including 4,088 women were analyzed. Women with perineal massage during labor had a significantly lower incidence of severe perineal trauma (RR: 0.52, 95% CI 0.29- 0.94) compared to the control group. The incidence of episiotomy was lower in the perineal massage group (RR: 0.71, 95% CI 0.52-0.98 p < 0.01) but was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). Conclusion: The finding of meta-analysis showed that perineal massage during labor could be effective in reducing the risk of severe perineal trauma, such as third- and fourth-degree spontaneous lacerations during labor.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Neurological disorders are the leading causes of death and disability globally. In low-middle-income countries such as India, there is a wide treatment gap for neurological disorders. To address this gap, an initiative known as the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (KaBHI) was developed in collaboration with the public health system of the state of Karnataka in India. Method: A structured hybrid training program was conducted for 120 medical doctors working in the Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in the public health system in three districts of Karnataka. Pre- and post-training evaluation was conducted to assess physicians' knowledge and skills for evaluating patients with common neurological conditions. Results: Of 120 PHC doctors, 111 (92%) scored below the passing score of 50 points out of 100 before the training program. After the training, all trainees scored above this cut-off. The study found a significant improvement in knowledge and skills after the training (before training: 40.48 ± 7.92, after training: 66.28 ± 8.98 (P < 0.001) mean difference = 25.81), and was comparable among the PHC doctors in all three districts. Conclusions: Our study shows the feasibility of training primary care doctors in the public health system to manage selected common neurological disorders. The training program can potentially help to reduce the treatment gap for neurological disorders in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition characterized by increased pressure around the brain, leading to symptoms including vision changes, headaches, and other neurological issues. The effect of yoga nidra on IIH is still unexplored. This case study investigates the effect of yoga nidra on a 16-year-old female with a known case of IIH with episodic seizures. The patient underwent yoga nidra for six months. The patient's sleep quality, stress, and pain levels were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. The results suggest that yoga nidra had a positive effect in improving sleep quality and reducing the stress level, pain, and reoccurrence of IIH. Hence, future studies with control groups are required to validate the current report findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrotherapy is a commonly used treatment modality to manage various conditions including diabetes in the Naturopathy system of medicine. The objective of the current scoping review is to find the effectiveness of hydrotherapy on plasma blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework was adopted for this scoping review. The studies which used hydrotherapy intervention for the management of diabetes or the effect of hydrotherapy on plasma glucose levels were considered eligible. PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Google scholar were searched for English- language published articles till December 20, 2022. The following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keyword search terms were used ("diabetes" OR "type 2 diabetes" OR "diabetes mellitus" OR "plasma glucose level") AND ("hydrotherapy" OR "water therapy" OR "balneotherapy"). Two investigators independently assessed the studies for inclusion. Review articles, abstracts, and articles including the aquatic exercises as interventions were excluded. In total, six studies met the inclusion criteria. Out of six, two studies used hot therapies, two studies cold therapy, and the remaining two used both hot and cold as interventions. The study results showed that hydrotherapy can be used as an effective intervention tool for blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Integrating hydrotherapy treatments alongside conventional management can reduce blood glucose levels and thus reduce diabetes-related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pranayama is an important component of Yoga beneficial in improving physical and mental health. Scientific studies had explored the physiological effects of various pranayamas. However, there is no documented evidence on the beneficial effects of yogic breathing practices on cardio-autonomic variable in Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB). This case report, aimed to show immediate effect of various yogic breathing techniques on cardio-autonomic variable on patient with RBBB Case details: A 55 years old male diagnosed with RBBB approached the outpatient department with complaints of increased sweating, palpitation, and restlessness. His electrocardiogram (ECG) report showed RBBB and he also presented with other complaints such as left atrial enlargement, mild diastolic dysfunction and 61% ejection fraction by echocardiography. Yogic breathing practice of Nadi shodana pranayama (NSP) with retention, without retention and Bhramari pranayama were given as intervention. Each pranayama was given on separate days for a duration of five minutes sitting in a comfortable position. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was recorded before and immediately after the individual pranayama practice. Results: HRV findings showed that both Bhramari and Nadi shodana pranayama had an impact on the cardio autonomic function and increased parasympathetic domination in the patient with RBBB. Bhramari pranayama produced more changes in HRV when compared to other two breathing techniques. Conclusion: We document the beneficial effect of yogic breathing techniques in improving parasympathetic dominance in a patient with RBBB, mild diastolic dysfunction and hypertension, through the autonomic nervous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The letter published in the Journal of Family Medicine & Primary Care discusses the benefits of a two-meals-a-day concept in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The authors highlight the importance of lifestyle choices such as balanced diet, weight loss, and exercise in maintaining normal blood sugar levels and reducing diabetes-related complications. The concept of two meals a day, combined with exercise and lifestyle modifications, shows promise in managing diabetes and aligns with traditional practices like Yoga and Naturopathy. [Extracted from the article]

Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation in the body and is a major risk factor for various non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 billion people worldwide are obese—650 million adults, 340 million adolescents, and 39 million children. The often ignored component of obesity is the psychological burden associated with the condition impacting multiple aspects such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. This case report shows the effect of an integrated yoga and naturopathy-based lifestyle in a patient with morbid obesity, with special reference to his psychological status. A 19-year-old male college student diagnosed with obesity underwent integrated yoga and naturopathy management for a period of 20 days. Outcome measures such as anthropometric measurements, positive and negative affects scale (PANAS), depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS), and day-to-day activity scale were taken before and after the 20-day intervention period. Results showed improvements in negative affect, depression, and anxiety levels, along with a reduction in body weight. Further studies with adequate sample sizes and experimental study designs are required to validate our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

REFERENCES 1 Saklecha P, Kishan KV, Savaliya K. Effect of chromotherapy on the anxiety level in the patients undergoing endodontic treatment: A randomized clinical study. Authors extensively used chromotherapy (CT) with particular reference to the field of dentistry. We read the article "Effect of chromotherapy on the anxiety level in the patients undergoing endodontic treatment: A randomized clinical study" done by Saklecha et al., with great interest. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has been accompanied by a diverse array of neurologic complications attributed to Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. These complications vary widely, encompassing symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, concentration disturbances, and polyneuropathy-related complaints. Considering the multifaceted nature of these neurological manifestations, exploring alternative and complementary treatment modalities, such as integrated Yoga and Naturopathy interventions, is crucial for enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. This case report delves into the potential efficacy of such interventions in managing post-COVID neurological complications., Case Presentation: A 60-year-old male patient presented with peripheral sensory and motor disturbances following a COVID-19 infection. He experienced symptoms such as numbness, pain, and difficulty gripping objects in his right upper limb, emerging 12 weeks after contracting the virus. Clinical examination revealed hypoesthesia and pallhypesthesia in the affected hand. After the onset of neurological symptoms, the patient underwent a 14-day integrated regimen of Yoga and Naturopathy interventions. Clinical and electrophysiological examinations, including nerve conduction studies and grip strength measurements, were conducted before and after the intervention period., Results: After the 14-day integrated Yoga and Naturopathy intervention, the patient demonstrated notable improvements in both subjective and objective measures of neurological symptoms. These improvements suggest a positive response to the treatment regimen and underscore the potential efficacy of integrated, holistic approaches in alleviating post-COVID neurological complications., Conclusion: These findings suggest a potential role for integrated Yoga and Naturopathy as effective complementary modalities in managing post-COVID neurological sequelae. However, further empirical studies are warranted to corroborate these findings and explain the broader therapeutic benefits of such interventions in the context of post-COVID-19 disease.