Effectiveness of mind body medicine

Abstract

A descriptive literature review of articles where mind–body interventions were used for various conditions including pediatric, obstetric, chronic illnesses, chronic pain, neurology, and oncology conditions was conducted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evidence for the efficacy of mind–body interventions used in pediatric, obstetric, chronic illnesses, chronic pain, neurology, and oncology conditions. A literature search was done using electronic databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar. The search terms included relevant MeSH terms, and Entry Literature sources published internationally up to June 2021 were included in the study. Terms in PubMed and keywords were identified by brainstorming. The keywords “Mind Body therapies in Antenatal and postnatal care, Paediatrics, Neurology, Autism, and Mental illnesses” were searched. There was no restriction on the period of publication of the studies. All the studies fulfilling the search criteria were included in the study. The mind–body therapies that were considered for inclusion were yoga, meditation, relaxation, breathing exercises, biofeedback acupressure, acupuncture, and hypnosis. These therapies show efficacy in providing symptomatic relief in conditions such as anxiety, depression, autism, menopause, dysmenorrhea, and chronic pain. While used as an adjunct in the treatment of cancers, mind–body therapies were found to have great evidence of efficacy. However, many studies lack large sample sizes and matched control groups. Mind–body therapies are efficacious in many ailments of public health significance. They are easy to administer, cost-effective, and not known to have many side effects. Mind–body therapies could be integrated as an adjunct to mainstream medicine. Their effective use could reduce the cost and burden on the health-care system.

Keywords

• evidence
• mind–body medicine
• systematic review