Dejian Mind-Body Intervention, Article Review Example

The article, Dejian mind-body intervention improves the functioning of a patient with chronic epilepsy: a case report”(Chan et al., 2009), discusses research regarding the outcome of the holistic medicine on chronic epilepsy.  The Dejian Mind-Body Intervention (DMBI) was formed from the traditional Chinese medical practice referred to as Chanwuyi.  The DMBI is an alternative type of medical approach that uses holistic interventions in order to increase health between the mind and body.  The technique involves four different components to include: Chan practice, mind-body exercises, dietary monitoring, and clearing the orifices.  Previous research has shown that DMBI was effective in mind-body exercises, which in turn increased alpha asymmetry in the cortex resulting in positive emotion and increased attention.  The purpose of the current study was to apply the DMBI to a young adult diagnosed with epilepsy in order to determine how the mind works in treating the body (bio-feedback). (Chan et al., 2009)

The patient underwent DMBI for a total of four months.  In order to undergo the DMBI, the patient was put on a special vegetarian diet, provided with daily herbal nasal drops, and instructed to conduct Natural Dan Tian Breathing techniques.  The results of the study illustrated a positive increase in the patient’s cognitive responses, as well as EEG results showed changes in brain activity, such as delta and alpha powers.  In addition, it was noted that the patient increased in the their quality of life.  (Chan et al., 2009)  It can therefore be inferred that there was some bio-feedback occurring from mind interventions from a holistic approach.

The overall results of the study found that the patient improved in cognitive functions, such as language, memory and attention.  The report does not indicate an increase or decrease in epilepsy occurrences; however, the report does indicate that the DMBI shows evidence to support therapeutic effects on cognitive functions for patients with epilepsy.  The quality of life of patients with epilepsy is low, due to the epileptic occurrences.  Holistic approaches to improving the quality of life in patients can reduce the need for additional medications, especially for families that cannot afford costly pharmaceuticals, or even patients whom are sensitive or allergic to medications.  Further research using long term studies greater than four months long should be conducted, as well as a larger sample size, in order to determine and compare results of this holistic approach between patients and determine the extent to how bio-feedback can help heal the body.  (Chan et al., 2009)

References

Chan AS, Sze SL, Cheung M, Lam JMK, Shi D.  (2009).  Dejian mind-body intervention improves the functioning of a patient with chronic epilepsy: a case report. Cases Journal. 2:9080. Retrieved from: file:///C:/Users/owner/Documents/1757-1626-2-9080.pdf