Tao Calligraphy + Energized Water for Depression

Overseen By Cynthia Hamilton, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Sha Research Foundation

Must not be taking: Neuroleptics

Disqualifiers: Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Pregnant, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 6 weeks

50 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a mindfulness practice involving Tao Calligraphy and drinking Energized water can improve symptoms of Unipolar Depression. Researchers aim to determine if these practices can affect both participants' feelings and their scores on specific health and anxiety surveys. Participants will be divided into two groups: one practicing from the start and the other beginning after six weeks. The trial seeks adults diagnosed with Unipolar Depression who are willing to practice mindfulness for at least 30 minutes daily. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative mindfulness practices that could enhance well-being.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does exclude those on highly potent neuroleptics, so you may need to discuss your specific medications with the trial coordinators.

What prior data suggests that Tao Calligraphy Mindfulness and Energized Water practices are safe for improving depression?

Studies have shown that mindfulness practices, including those using Tao Calligraphy, are generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. No major reports of negative effects have emerged from these practices. Early research suggests that incorporating Tao art in mindfulness sessions can be calming and beneficial for mental health.

Regarding Energized water, previous studies have not indicated any harm. Drinking water is essential for health, and staying hydrated can improve mood and mental well-being. Although specific evidence about Energized water is lacking, it appears safe based on knowledge of regular water consumption.

For those considering joining this trial, current studies suggest that both practices are safe. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a unique approach to managing depression through a combination of mindfulness practice with Tao Calligraphy and the consumption of Energized Water. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on medications like SSRIs or therapy sessions, this method emphasizes the integration of art and mindfulness, potentially offering a holistic alternative with fewer side effects. The practice of Tao Calligraphy and the concept of Energized Water are novel, aiming to address emotional well-being through creative expression and physical hydration, which could provide new insights into non-pharmaceutical options for depression relief.

What evidence suggests that Tao Calligraphy Mindfulness and Energized water practice might be effective for Unipolar Depression?

Research has shown that mindfulness practices, such as Tao Calligraphy, can help reduce symptoms of depression. These practices may work by lowering inflammation in the body and reducing negative thoughts. In this trial, participants in the Practice Group will engage in mindfulness activities with Tao Art, including calligraphy and song, which have been linked to improved emotional and spiritual well-being. Additionally, they will drink energized water, as studies suggest that staying well-hydrated is associated with a lower risk of depression and anxiety. Drinking more water can also enhance mood and mental flexibility. Together, these practices might offer a unique way to manage symptoms of depression. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Peter Hudoba De Badyn, MD, FRCS,

Principal Investigator

Sha Research Foundation

Laurie Omuro-Yamamoto, PhD

Principal Investigator

Satori Family Wellness Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults with Unipolar Depression who are interested in alternative treatments. Participants should be willing to practice Tao Calligraphy Mindfulness for at least 30 minutes and drink Energized water daily for a minimum of five minutes. Details on specific inclusion or exclusion criteria were not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

Submission of required documentation before entering the study, including informed consent and consent to release of information

Willingness to allow their data to be used for research purposes and published by Sha Research Foundation

I am 19 or older and have been diagnosed with depression by a doctor.

Exclusion Criteria

Serious mental disorders (e.g., schizophrenia)

I am not willing to share my medical data for research.

Not meeting any of the inclusion criteria

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants practice mindfulness techniques with Tao Calligraphy and drink energized water for six weeks

6 weeks

Baseline, 6-week, and 12-week assessments

Crossover Treatment

Control group participants crossover to practice mindfulness techniques with Tao Calligraphy and drink energized water for six weeks

6 weeks

6-week and 12-week assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in depression and anxiety symptoms after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Drinking Energized water
• Mindfulness practice with Tao Art (Calligraphy and Song Greatest Love)

Trial Overview The study tests if Tao Calligraphy Mindfulness and drinking Energized water can improve symptoms of depression. It measures changes using the SF-36, PHQ-9, and BAI-21 questionnaires over six weeks, comparing results from before starting the practices to after.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Practice Group Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

The Practice group will start practices at baseline zero time point and will stop practices after six weeks at 6-weeks time point. Participants in the Practice group will practice Mindfulness practice with Calligraphy at least 30 minutes daily and drink about 1 litre of Energized water daily for six weeks. All participants in the Practice group will complete the set of all three questionnaires upon entry into the study - at the baseline zero time point; at the 6-weeks time point and at the 12-weeks time point.

Group II: Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

The Control group will crossover to become Practice group at the 6-weeks time point. Participants will start practices at the 6-weeks time point and will stop practices after six weeks at 12-weeks time point. All participants in Control Group will complete the set of all three questionnaires upon entry into the study at Baseline time point; at 6-weeks time point and at 12-weeks time point.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Sha Research Foundation

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2

Recruited

60+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Mind-body interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms in older Chinese adults, showing a large short-term effect size of -1.41 based on a systematic review of 14 randomized controlled trials.

Most studies did not evaluate the long-term effects of these interventions, indicating a need for further research to understand their lasting impact on depression in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of mind-body interventions on depressive symptoms among older Chinese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Bo, A., Mao, W., Lindsey, MA.[2018]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6147771/

Drinking plain water is associated with decreased risk of ... Drinking plain water is associated with decreased risk of depression and anxiety in adults: Results from a large cross-sectional study.

2. nutritionnews.abbott nutritionnews.abbott/healthy-living/diet-wellness/Hydration-and-Mental-Health--How-Are-They-Related/

Hydration and Mental Health: How Are They Related? Those who drank high amounts of water (around 10.5 cups per day) had greater mental flexibility. In addition, researchers found that the group ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3984246/

Effects of Changes in Water Intake on Mood of High and ... Increasing water intake has beneficial effects in LOW, especially sleep/wake feelings, whereas decreasing water intake has detrimental effects on HIGH's mood.

4. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-019-52775-5

Autonomic adaptations mediate the effect of hydration on ... In two studies the effects of minor hypo-hydration (water loss <1.0% of body weight) on CNS function, mood and cardiovascular functioning were measured.

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/327777810_Drinking_plain_water_is_associated_with_decreased_risk_of_depression_and_anxiety_in_adults_Results_from_a_large_cross-sectional_study

Drinking plain water is associated with decreased risk of ... Drinking plain water is associated with decreased risk of depression and anxiety in adults: Results from a large cross-sectional study.

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135423007716

Mental health impacts of inadequate drinking water ... Inadequate drinking water services predispose to various mental health impacts. Service inequalities & lack of safe water emerge as key psychosocial stressors.

7. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51528-x

Self-reported anticipated harm from drinking water across ... We find that more than half (52.3%) of adults across sampled countries anticipate serious harm from drinking water in the next two years.

8. healthline.com healthline.com/health-news/energy-drinks-may-cause-mental-health-issues-young-people

Energy Drinks Linked to ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression In ... Energy drinks can disrupt poor sleep quality, negatively impact mood, and lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.