Meditation for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Women With Breast Cancer

This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Twin Hearts Meditation in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting among women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting are among the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment and can negatively affect patients' quality of life, nutritional status, and adherence to therapy. The study focused on whether regular practice of this meditation technique could significantly reduce the severity of nausea and the frequency of vomiting episodes following chemotherapy. The main research questions were: Does Twin Hearts Meditation reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting among women with breast cancer? Can this complementary and non-invasive intervention be considered a supportive strategy for managing chemotherapy-related symptoms? Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which practiced Twin Hearts Meditation, or the control group, which received routine care without meditation. The intervention group received a 30-minute guided meditation training session and practiced the meditation three times per week for two weeks. Nausea severity and vomiting episodes were assessed using a nausea severity scale and a vomiting record flow sheet at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after chemotherapy to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

Sex

Female

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

65 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Women aged 18-65 years diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer.
2. Patients undergoing chemotherapy using standard chemotherapy regimens in the oncology unit.
3. Patients who had experienced nausea during at least one previous chemotherapy session.
4. Patients who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study and provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Performing meditation fewer than three times per week during the intervention period.
2. Unwillingness to continue participation in the study.
3. Presence of medical conditions that may independently cause nausea, such as severe gastrointestinal disease, renal failure, or hepatic disease.