Editorial

Highlights from the International Scientific Conference on Mind-Body Medicine

by Maren M. Michaelsen¹, Christian Klode¹ and Tobias Esch¹

¹Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58455 Witten, Germany

https://doi.org/10.61936/themind/202412121

Commentary

Viruses May Be Redefined as Self-Replicating Entities: Expanding the Definition of Life

by George B. Stefano^1*, Pascal Büttiker¹, Simon Weissenberger², Martin Anders¹, Jiri Raboch¹, Richard M. Kream¹

Abstract 1

Semaglutide: A Potential Therapeutic for Mitochondria-Associated Disorders

by George B. Stefano¹, Pascal Büttiker¹, Simon Weissenberger², Jiri Raboch¹ and Martin Anders¹

¹Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 11, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
²Department of Psychology, University of New York in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic 

https://www.doi.org/10.61936/themind/202412123

Abstract 2

Student Interests, Needs, and Preferences for Trauma-Sensitive Yoga at a Southeastern U.S. University

by Kelsey M. Dietrich^1,2, Aaliyah N. Buford¹, Emily Reynolds¹ and Christyn Dolbier¹

¹Stress and Health Lab, Department of Psychology, East Carolina University

²Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Duluth

Ways of Knowing and Being: Qualitative Study of Indigenous Perspectives on Trauma-Sensitive Yoga

by Kelsey M. Dietrich^1,2, Ashley Baumann¹, Linda Zheng¹, Valerie Niklas¹, Jill Kessler³, Lyndsey Ducheneaux³, Marcia O’Leary³, Jennifer Turner⁴ and Viann Nguyen-Feng¹

¹Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Duluth

²East Carolina University

³Missouri Breaks Industries Research, Inc.

⁴Center for Trauma and Embodiment, Justice Resource Institute

https://www.doi.org/10.61936/themind/202412125

Predictors of the Effectiveness of Immersive VR-based Interventions for Stress Reduction: A Protocol for a Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

by Hannah Strauch¹, Isabel Schuil¹, Stefan Simm¹, Mirko Kraft² and Karin Meissner¹

¹ Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences and Health, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Coburg, Germany
² Faculty of Business and Economics, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Coburg, Germany

https://www.doi.org/10.61936/themind/202412126

Self-care Strategies for Medical Students: an Uncontrolled Mixed-methods Evaluation of a Mind-Body Medicine Group Course

by Raphael Scullion¹, Katja Icke¹, Tatjana Tissen-Diabaté¹, Daniela Adam¹, Miriam Ortiz¹, Claudia M. Witt^1,2, Benno Brinkhaus¹ and Barbara Stöckigt¹

¹Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin

² Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Zurich

Abstract 6

Nutritional Behavior Change in Primary Care: What do you Know and What do you Need? A Qualitative Study

by Jil Herker¹, Maren M. Michaelsen¹, and Tobias Esch¹

¹Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58455 Witten, Germany

https://www.doi.org/10.61936/themind/202412128

Abstract 7

The Role of Religion in the Legitimization of Political Decision-Making Processes: A Comparative Study of the Socio-Cultural Aspects of Secularization in Germany and Iran

by Anastasia Henß¹, Nourzaman Riazi¹

¹University of Cologne

https://www.doi.org/10.61936/themind/202412129

Abstract 8

Effects of Multisensory Virtual Forest Bathing on Stress and Well-Being in Young Adults: Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial

by Isabel Schuil¹, Snehanjali Kalamkar ², Jens Grubert ², Stephan Streuber ² and Karin Meissner¹

¹ Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences and Health, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Coburg, Germany.
² Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Coburg, Germany 

https://www.doi.org/10.61936/themind/2024121210

Abstract 9

Prana – An Important Link in Mind-Body Connection: Conceptual Analysis on Role of Pranic Healers

by Manasa Bellal¹, Vinu Vijayakumar¹, K. Nagendra Prasad¹ and Srikanth N. Jois¹

¹World Pranic Healing Foundation, India

https://www.doi.org/10.61936/themind/2024121211

Abstract 10

A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial Assessing the Impact of Sophrology in People Living with Chronic Pain in the UK

by Charlotte Chatfield¹, Caroline Lafarge¹, Audrey Zannese¹

 ¹The Sophrology Academy, United Kingdom

https://www.doi.org/10.61936/themind/2024121212

Abstract 11

The ConnectingLink® Coaching Method

by Katrin Marcus-Alic¹ and Natascha Meiser Schmähling^2,3

¹Osteopath and Health Practitioner & Coach for the Subconscious, Siegburg, Germany

²Medical Proteom-Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Medical Faculty, Bochum, Germany

³“SoulUp your Science”, Science Coaching & Coach for the Subconscious, Remscheid, Germany

https://www.doi.org/10.61936/themind/2024121213

Abstract 12

Can Participants´ Self-efficacy be Changed Through a Community-based Lifestyle Intervention? Results of the Healthy Lifestyle Community Program (HLCP)

by Carmen Kettler^1,2, Ragna-Marie Weber¹, Corinna Anand¹, Sarah Husain¹, Nora Schoch¹, Maren M. Michaelsen², Tobias Esch² and Heike Englert¹

¹ FH Münster, Department of Food - Nutrition - Facilities, Corrensstraße 25, Münster, Germany

² Witten/ Herdecke University, Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion (IGVF), Witten, Germany

https://www.doi.org/10.61936/themind/2024121214

Abstract 13

Improving Spiritual Well-Being in Adolescents: A Pre-Post Study of a Multimodal Stress Management Training

by Yvonne Beerenbrock¹ and Arndt Büssing²

¹Professorship Quality of Life, Spirituality and Coping, Faculty of Health Witten/Herdecke University, Germany

²Professor of Quality of Life, Spirituality and Coping, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Germany

https://www.doi.org/10.61936/themind/2024121215

Abstract 14

Improving Patient Comprehension: A Delphi Technique-Driven Approach to Visualizing Self-Reported Patient Data

by Cosima Hoetger¹, Maren M. Michaelsen¹ and Tobias Esch¹

¹Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58455 Witten, Germany

Abstract 15

Yoga with/in Gym Atmospheres: Exploring Healthism, Sensory Engagements, and Power in University Settings

by Elizabeth McKibben¹

¹School of Health, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand

Abstract 16

Effects of an Integrative Day Care Clinic Program with a Focus on Nature Therapy in a Hospital Park Setting on Quality of Life in Oncological Patients-A Non-Randomized Controlled Study

by Michael Jeitler^1,2, Christian S. Kessler^1,2, Farid I Kandil¹, Christel von Scheidt², Meline Meinköhn¹, Barbara Koch², Manfred Wischnewsky³, Andreas Michalsen^1,2 and Lisa Kuballa¹

¹Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin,Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany

²Department of Internal Medicine and Nature-Based Therapies, Immanuel Hospital Berlin,14109 Berlin, Germany

³Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany

Abstract 17

Sudarshan Kriya Yoga Breathing and a Meditation Program for Burnout Among Physicians - A Randomized Clinical Trial

by Fahri Saatcioglu^1,2

¹Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

²Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway

Abstract 18

How Does Attending Vipassana Retreats Affect the Self- and World-relationship of Healthcare Professionals

by Werner Vogd¹

¹Department of Sociology, Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, 58448 Witten, Germany

Abstract 19

Integrating Pranic Healing for Sleep Improvement Among Subjects with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Roopa Nanjundaswamy¹, Narendra J B², Vinu V¹, Srikanth N Jois¹ and Nagendra Prasad¹

¹World Pranic Healing Foundation, India- Research Centre, Mysuru, India

²Narendra Urology Clinic and Kidney Stone Centre, Mysuru, India

Abstract 20

Spirituality and Contemplative States Through Yoga Practices: The Scientific Rationale and Preliminary Evidence

by Sat Bir S. Khalsa¹

¹Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School

Abstract 21

The Physician as a Success Determining Factor in CT-guided Pain Therapy

by Matthias N.T. Limbrock¹ and Christoph A. Stückle¹

¹Departement of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Niels-Stensen-Kliniken, Marienhospital Osnabrück, Germany 

Abstract 22

Development of an Interdisciplinary, Mind-Body Medicine Self-help Group Program for Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: Intervention Design and Feasibility of the NASH Randomized Controlled Trial

by Heidemarie Haller¹, Christiane Pithan^1,2, Thuy Thi Nhi Cao¹, Jessica Wittek^1,2, Thomas Rampp^1,2, Anna Paul², Gustav Dobos¹

¹ Center for Integrative Medicine and Planetary Health, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany

² Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Essen, Germany 

https://www.doi.org/10.61936/themind/2024121224

Abstract 23

Examining Neural Oscillatory Changes and Challenges During Breath-Based Intervention in Novice Meditators

by Mannu Brahmi¹, Abira Sharma², Dushyant Soni¹ and Prof. Jyoti Kumar³

¹National Resource Centre for Value Education in Engineering (NRCVEE), PhD Scholar, Indian Institute of Technology, 110016, New Delhi, India
²Department of Psychiatry, M.Sc. Clinical Psychology, Kasturba Medical College, 575001, Mangaluru, India

³Department of Design and National Resource Centre for Value Education in Engineering (NRCVEE), Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, 110016, New Delhi, India

https://www.doi.org/10.61936/themind/2024121225

Abstract 24

Mindfulness for Individual and Planetary Health

by Elisabeth S. Blanke¹, Laura S. Loy², Maria Karpova¹, Christian Liebmann¹, Steffen Nestler³, Ute Kunzmann⁴ and Susanne Krämer¹

¹Zentrum für Lehrer:innenbildung und Schulforschung, Leipzig University, 04109, Leipzig, Germany

²Department of Psychology, RPTU University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, 76829, Landau, Germany

³Institut für Psychologie, University Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany

⁴Wilhelm Wundt Institute for Psychology, Leipzig University, 04109, Leipzig, Germany 

Abstract 25

Emotional Regulation Competencies for People With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D) – A Multimodal Training Program (Current State)

by Bettina Berger¹, Christian Scheffer², Ekkehart Jenetzky^2,3 and David Martin¹

¹Medical Theory, Integrative and Anthroposophic Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany

²Integrated Curriculum of Anthroposophic Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke

³Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany

Abstract 26

Evaluation of Mindfulness Training on 333 Medical Students

by Klaus Kramer¹, Oliver Keis², Johanna Thiele¹ and Evelin Kramer³

¹Department Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, Germany

²Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, Germany

³MBSR Ulm, Germany 

https://www.doi.org/10.61936/themind/2024121228

Abstract 27

Tai Chi Movement Analysis Towards Depression Treatment Development: A Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biomechanical Approach

by Jacqueline C. Shin¹, Heather Abbott², Hwa-Jin Lee³, Hee-Joon Park⁴, Jong-Woo Kim⁴, Seok-In Yoon⁵ and Hyo-Won Seo⁵

¹Department of Psychology, Indiana State University

²Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport, Indiana State University

³Korean Medicine Dance Therapy Research Center, Seoul, Korea

⁴Department of Korean Medicine, Kyunghee University, Seoul, Korea

⁵Korean Medicine Mental Health Center

Abstract 28

Body, Breath, and Mind: An Internet Intervention for Depressive Symptoms Combining Qi Gong and Behavioral Activation

by Johannes Michalak¹ and Tobias Puntke²

¹Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50,58448 Witten, Germany

²TaijiDao Association Münster, Marsweg 7, 48163 Munster, Germany

Mind-Body Exercise Corner

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

by Amelie Lara Irrgang¹

¹Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58455 Witten, Germany

Developed by Edmund Jacobson, PMR is a simple yet effective method of stress reduction. It is based on the systematic contraction and relaxation of various muscle groups, aiming to consciously guide the body into a state of deep relaxation. The principle is straightforward: a relaxed body fosters a relaxed mind (Bernstein & Borkovec, 2007).

Instructions

Preparation: Choose a quiet place free of distractions. Make yourself comfortable, either sitting or lying down, and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes for the exercise.

Getting started: Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Feel your chest rise and fall as you breathe. Allow yourself to relax and fully arrive in the present moment.

Targeted muscle work: Progress systematically through the following muscle groups, maintaining a rhythm of tension (five to ten seconds) and releasing (twenty seconds). It´s natural for your thoughts to wander during relaxation. Simply acknowledge them without judgement, let them go and bring your focus back to the exercise.

Hands: Clench your fist, hold the tension and then consciously release.

Arms: Tense your forearms and upper arms, hold and relax.

Face: Raise your eyebrows, squeeze your eyes shut, press your lips together and then release the tension.

Shoulders: Pull your shoulders towards your ears, hold and let go.

Back: Pull your shoulder blades together to tense your upper back and relax.

Abdomen: Pull the abdomen in and release the tension.

Legs: Tense the thighs and calves, hold briefly and relax.

After each release, take a moment to notice the sensations that emerge.

Closing the exercise:

Spend a few moments resting in this relaxed state. Take one final deep breath before gently opening your eyes and returning to your day.

Efficacy:

PMR has been shown in numerous studies to be effective significantly reducing stress, anxiety and depression (Bernstein & Borkovec, 2007; Syazwina et al., 2024). It promotes better sleep and is beneficial for reducing physical tension and hypertension (Bernstein & Borkovec, 2007; Ubaidillah et al., 2023; Gopichandran et al., 2024). Regular practice enhances body awareness, helping you recognize and address stress signals early. To increase efficacy, you can also combine PMR with other exercises like deep breathing exercises (Gopichandran et al., 2024). Since PMR can also be done while sitting, it is also ideal for short breaks during a busy day. For time efficiency you can focus on specific muscle groups in just a few minutes.

References

Bernstein, D. A., & Borkovec, T. D. (2007). Entspannungs-Training: Handbuch der Progressiven Muskelentspannung nach Jacobson. Klett-Cotta, 12.

Gopichandran, L., Srivastsava, A. K., Vanamail, P., Kanniammal, C., Valli, G., Mahendra, J., & Dhandapani, M. (2024). Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercise on pain, disability, and sleep among patients with chronic tension-type headache: a randomized control trial. Holistic nursing practice, 38(5), 285-296. https://doi.org/10.1097/hnp.0000000000000460

Syazwina, M. K., Wan Mohd Yunus, W. M. A., Mahmud, N., Wang, R., Panatik, S. A., Sukor, M. S. M., & Nor Akmar Nordin, N. A.  (2024). Efficacy of Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Adults for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: A Systematic Review. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 17, 345-365. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S437277

Ubaidillah, Z., Ruhyanudin, F., Al Husna, C. H., Purwanto, E., Agustyaningsih, T., Rahayu, H. T., Rohmah, A. I. N., & Anggraeni, D. I. (2023). The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) Exercise on Blood Pressure Reduction in Hypertensive Clients: A Literature Review. KnE Medicine, 3(3), 177–184. https://doi.org/10.18502/kme.v3i3.13501