This study to find out if different activities like special breathing techniques and some gentle body tapping can help people feel less stressed. You are invited to join in!

What Will Happen:

If you decide to join, you will try one of three different activities that help people relax or watch a documentary. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, and you can stop anytime you feel like it.

Time:

Each technique takes 3 to 6 minutes. Therefore, your participation including the surveys should take no more than 10 minutes.

Fun to Know:

You might find that these activities make you feel more relaxed and happy. It’s also okay if they don’t; everyone is different.

Your Choice:

Remember, being in this study is completely up to you. You can say "Yes" to join now and change your mind later if you want to stop. Saying "No" is fine too, and you won’t be in trouble or miss out on anything else.

Questions:

If you have any questions, you can talk to your parents or guardian about it.

Dissertation Title: Mind-Body Medicine May Reduce Effects of Stress

Description:

This research study is aimed at evaluating the effects of mind-body medicine techniques on stress reduction.

Scientific research has established that stressors and one's perception of stress significantly influence the autonomic nervous system's function. Mind-body medicine, a holistic approach to healthcare, considers how mental factors—such as stress, emotions, and mindsets—affect physical health.

BodyIntuitive represents a novel approach within mind-body medicine, combining the principles of Eastern Classical Chinese Medicine with the advancements of 21st-century Western science.

The BodyTalk System is a consciousness-based form of mind-body medicine that integrates the mind’s deep potential with the body's healing capabilities.

The Breathing technique leverages conscious control of breathing to impact both mental and physical well-being.

This study investigates three self-application techniques: a breathing technique, BodyTalk Cortices, and the BodyIntuitive Stress Mindset Reset, focusing on their impact on autonomic nervous system by lowering sympathetic and increasing parasympathetic activation.
Participants will be asked to sign this consent form and submit a brief intake form before receiving any study treatments.

You will be randomly assigned to engage in one of three techniques where you will follow along with a video guidance or to a control group where you will watch a documentary. This setup allows us to compare the effectiveness of the techniques against normal activities. You may enter the study as many times as you would like, ideally when feeling stressed. Additionally, you will be asked to complete a short, confidential survey before and after the session to report on your feeling state. If it is challenging for you to complete these surveys, a friend or family member may assist you.

Time Commitment:

Each technique takes 3 to 6 minutes. Therefore, your participation including the surveys should take no more than 10 minutes.

Payment:

There is no monetary compensation for participating in this study. However, participants may have the opportunity to receive the sessions involved in this research free of charge.

Risks:

No risk is anticipated for participating in this study other than those encountered in day-to-day life. The techniques studied are non-invasive and generally considered safe.

Benefits:

Participants may experience reduced stress levels and improved well-being as a result of these techniques. Furthermore, the results may contribute to broader knowledge in the field of stress reduction and mind-body medicine. There is no guarantee that you will receive any benefits from these treatments.

Disclosure:

Alternative treatments for stress, such as medication or therapy, may also be effective and are available outside of this study. The techniques in this study are not meant to replace any other medical treatments or interventions that are recommended to you by your doctors.

Special Populations:

This study may include participants under the age of 18. As such, informed consent must be obtained from a parent or guardian. Parents or guardians are required to read and sign the consent form on behalf of the minor. Additionally, an assent form will be provided for minors old enough to understand the nature of the study, typically those aged 7 and above, to affirm their willingness to participate.

Confidentiality:

All data collected in this study will remain confidential and will be used solely for research purposes. Participant identities will be coded to ensure anonymity, and all records will be securely stored to prevent unauthorized access. Information may be disclosed only as necessary for research analysis. Although the results of this case study may be published, summarized on the Hokua Health website, or presented at various conferences, your identity will remain confidential. Your personal health information will not be shared with any third parties, except as required by law or as necessary for conducting the research study and interpreting the data.

Right to Withdraw:

Your participation is voluntary. You may refuse to participate or withdraw from the study at any time without penalty or loss of benefits.

Questions and Contact Information:

The sponsor of this program is an organization called Hokua Health founded by Katherine Schmidle, who is the principal investigator and the practitioner of this case study. If you have questions or concerns about this case study, please address them to the principal investigator at: info@hokuahealth.com.

Dissertation Committee Approval:

This research proposal has been reviewed and approved by The Dissertation Committee at International Quantum University of Integrative Medicine and it has been determined that this study meets the ethical obligations required by University policies.