Antinociceptive Efficacy of Shamanic Healing for the Management of Temporomandibular Disorders: An Evidence-Based Review.

Summary

Shamanic healing (SH) may reduce self-rated pain and improve quality of life in women with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). In one of three reviewed studies, SH significantly lowered TMD pain scores after 9 months. Patients across studies reported better sleep, energy, digestion, back pain, and feelings of calmness and peace. However, the evidence is limited: all participants were females with a mean age of 38.3 years, and no randomized controlled trials were included. The authors call for well-designed, power-adjusted clinical trials with adequate control groups and long-term follow-up to confirm these findings.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The aim of this evidence-based review was to assess the antinociceptive efficacy of shamanic healing (SH) for management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The addressed focused question was "Is SH effective for the management of TMD?" Indexed databases were searched without time and language restrictions up to and including January 2023 using the following keywords: "disc displacement disorders"; "healing"; "inflammation"; "pain"; "shamanic"; "therapy"; "temporomandibular joint"; "temporomandibular disorders" and "temporomandibular joint disorders". Clinical studies were considered eligible for inclusion. Editorials, case-reports, case-series and commentaries were excluded. Literature search was performed in accordance with the guidelines of the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis. Pattern of this evidence-based review was customized to summarize the pertinent information. In the present review, three studies were included and processed for data extraction. All participants were females with a mean age of 38.3 ± 8.3 years (range 25-55 years). Self-rated pain was assessed before application of SH (baseline) and after 9 months of follow-up. In one study, SH significantly reduced self-rated TMD pain scores (P < 0.001) at 9-months' follow-up interview. In all studies patients reported that management of TMD via SH helped improve their quality of life. In one study patients perceived improvements in sleep, energy levels, digestion, and back pain at follow-up. In another study patients reported that they felt "calmer" and "at peace" at follow-up interview. The possible contribution of SH for managing pain among TMD patients warrants additional research. There is a dire need for well-designed and power-adjusted randomized clinical trials with adequate groups and long-term follow-up.