Research SquareJune 5, 2026Ronald Blackburn, Julia Brodska
preprint
Abstract Background Individual therapeutic and somatic modalities—including mindfulness meditation, breathwork, structured movement, sound therapy, and heart coherence training—have each been independently associated with reductions in perceived stress, improvements in sleep quality, and shifts in quantitative electroencephalographic (qEEG) indices of neural regulation. Whether concurrent...
This article examines the yogic and Vedantic frameworks for understanding the human mind — specifically the Pancha Kosha model (five sheaths of consciousness) and the Antahkarana model (the fourfold inner instrument of Manas, Buddhi, Chitta, and Ahamkara) — in dialogue with current neuroscience of consciousness, attention, memory, and self-referential processing. The five Koshas are examined:...
How do people appraise their past and imagined future experiences of dissociation?Over three experiments, 1,482 people brought to mind experiences of dissociation and rated how negative, positive, and neutral those experiences were when they happened or would be in the future.People remembered their past dissociative experiences as most often neutral, and more often positive than negative.This...
Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent metabolic and reproductive disorder, significantly impacts women of reproductive age. The conventional approach offers various symptomatic pharmacological interventions for PCOS, but some of them have adverse effects too. In this context, yoga has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological complementary approach. Aim: This systematic...
Substance use and behavioral addictions are escalating on a global scale. The Global Burden of Disease Study underscores a rising impact on disability-adjusted life years attributable to substance use. This challenge influences families, communities, healthcare infrastructure, and legal systems; nevertheless, the majority of individuals suffering from substance use disorders face challenges in...
This paper examines the relationship between objective reality and human cognition, aiming to develop a unified philosophical framework that integrates perception, language, belief, emotion, and consciousness. It begins by addressing the epistemological problem of how truth can be distinguished from subjective interpretation, arguing that perception—while indispensable—is inherently unreliable...
Stress is a major contributor to declining physical and emotional health in modern populations, disrupting physiological balance and increasing the risk of anxiety, mood disturbances, cognitive impairment, and chronic diseases. Conventional stress management approaches often rely on pharmacological interventions, which may produce adverse effects during prolonged use. This has led to increasing...
Sleep ResearchJune 2, 2026Filipa Almeida, Maria Inês Clara, Margarida Rodrigues et al.
Abstract Introduction Nightmare Disorder (ND) is a prevalent sleep disorder linked to nocturnal and daytime impairments. Image Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) shows moderate effects, and evidence for other psychological interventions, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), remains scarce in adults with idiopathic ND (IND). Methods This case study explored EMDR therapy's...
In this article we examine the intertwining of Zen Buddhism, Christian Mysticism and Archetypes through traditional Zen contemplative practice and tales collected by the Brothers Grimm. Ana María Schlüter Rodés (1935-1925), philosopher, theologian and Zen master, disciple of Yamada Kōun Roshi (1907-1989), writes and teaches Zen through contemplation, kōans —Zen paradoxes used to awaken...
High rates of recidivism persist among incarcerated men, particularly those with extensive trauma histories, while many rehabilitation programs remain primarily cognitively focused. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on experiential psychotherapies, including mindfulness-based interventions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), yoga, meditation, and creative arts therapies...