Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine

Objective Despite the use of traditional, complementary or integrative medicine (TCIM) during pregnancy, the determinants of TCIM application during pregnancy are still not clear. The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of TCIM during pregnancy along with the determinants of their application.

Patients and Methods In this descriptive study, participants consisted of 206 mothers selected from the delivery ward of Khatam Al-Anbia Hospital, Kerman province 2–24 hours after delivery in 2022. Data were collected by using simple blocked method and a researcher-made questionnaire. The prevalence of knowledge and application of TCIMs, as well as their safety and patient satisfaction, consultation with physician and rationales behind their use were evaluated. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS24.

Results The results suggested that all subjects used at least one type of TCIM, except for those receiving leech treatment. Most participants used herbal medicines (55.3%), massage therapy (38.8%), yoga (36.4%), prayer therapy (33.5%), homeopathy (29.1%) and meditation (25.7%). Complementary medicine was most frequently used to reduce pain and the risks associated with labour (48.5%), the alleviation of stomach problems, such as heartburn and stomach pain, or skeletal issues, such as lower back pain (42.2%). There was also a significant correlation between demographic and other variables.

Conclusions TCIMs were mostly used to reduce pain and the risks associated with labour, the alleviation of stomach problemsn such as heartburn and stomach painn or skeletal issues, such as lower back pain. Therefore, it is necessary for midwifery policymakers to provide more information to pregnant mothers.

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent non-communicable disease among individuals with metabolic disorders. One of the significant complications of diabetes is autonomic dysfunction, and numerous studies have demonstrated that yoga and naturopathy interventions can enhance sympatho-vagal balance. Currently, the pupillary light reflex (PLR) is being used as a promising marker to assess autonomic variables in various clinical conditions. In this study, we aim to describe a study protocol to evaluate the impact of a mud pack on the eyes to measure the pupillary light reflex among patients with DM.

Methods The proposed study is a hospital-based randomised controlled trial comparing mud pack (eyes) with a control group using pupillometry. A total of 80 participants will be randomly divided into the intervention group (n=40) and the control group (n=40) based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The intervention group will receive a mud pack to the eyes for 20 minutes once a day for four weeks. Dynamic pupillometry will be performed at baseline and post-intervention for both groups.

Discussion This study protocol is designed to investigate the potential effectiveness of applying a mud pack to the eyes as a simple and accessible treatment modality for managing individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) and preventing autonomic dysfunction in the near future.

Introduction Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is characterised by sensory loss in the lower extremities, accompanied by pain, paresthesia, numbness, and a burning sensation. Although conventional pharmacotherapies can alleviate pain, their long-term use may lead to adverse effects. Hydrotherapy, a naturopathic approach, has been employed to treat various neuropathies. The widespread utilisation of alternate hot and cold foot baths for pain management is noteworthy. This case study seeks to examine the effects of alternate hot and cold foot baths on patients diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Methodology A 52-year-old woman presented at the outpatient department with bilateral complaints of pain, numbness, burning, and tingling sensations in her soles. She had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus for nine years, and was taking ayurvedic medications. The patient underwent five cycles of daily alternate hot and cold foot baths, each lasting 20 minutes, for a span of 10 days. The assessment was conducted using the Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire and the McGill pain questionnaire.

Results Fasting blood sugar reduced from 143 mg/dl to 134 mg/dl, while postprandial sugar levels decreased from 246mg/dl to 230mg/dl. Moreover, the DN4 score declined from 7 to 4, and the McGill pain score dropped from 47 to 32.

Conclusion  This single case study suggests that alternate hot and cold foot baths exhibit potential efficacy as a complementary treatment option for alleviating symptoms associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

These abstracts are brief summaries of articles in recent issues of medical journals. Articles selected are of a general nature for the information of practitioners of naturopathy and herbal medicine. A dominant theme is often present throughout the journals which will be reflected in the reviews.

These abstracts are brief summaries of articles which have appeared in recent issues of herbal medicine journals, some of which may be held in the NHAA library.

The AJHNM-based CPD questionnaire system is a voluntary system designed to assist members in the accumulation of NHAA CPD hours. Each question refers to an article in this issue of the Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine. Hours accumulated through completion of these questions should be recorded in the NHAA CPD diary. The completion of answering each issue’s questions qualifies for four hours within the Formal Learning category. Your completed CPD diary should be returned with your membership renewal at the end of the financial year. For further information, please see the NHAA CPD Guide on the NHAA website: www.nhaa.org.au