EL-SHIN: lavender, gratitude, fasting with exercise and light therapy for depressive symptoms
Official title: Enhancing the Efficacy of Depression and Low Mood Treatment: A Novel Adjunctive Approach
Run by Monash University Malaysia · NCT06995807 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will see if EL-SHIN—a combined lavender, gratitude, and fasting plus exercise and light therapy program—can help English-speaking adults with moderate depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Monash University Malaysia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kuala Lumpur) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 2026 |
| Study ends | May 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06995807 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) who are English-literate, non-Muslim, believe in Creationism, have moderate DASS-21 depression/anxiety/stress scores, and have no other medical conditions or current medications are the intended candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are Muslim, non-English-literate, on current medications, have other medical conditions, or whose depression falls outside the specified moderate DASS-21 range are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
EL-SHIN Therapy combines three components—lavender aromatherapy, a structured GRATEFULNESS® program, and a regimen of fasting paired with exercise and light therapy—delivered in English over 3–4 weeks. The protocol includes a quantitative clinical phase using DASS-21, MHQoL, and SQS outcome measures and a qualitative focus group to capture participant experiences. Eligible participants are adults over 18 with specified moderate DASS-21 scores, English literacy, non-Muslim status, and belief in Creationism, while those with other medical conditions or on current medications are excluded. Interventions are administered at Monash University Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, EL-SHIN could provide a short-term, non-pharmacologic adjunct to reduce depressive symptoms and improve quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Some individual elements—lavender aromatherapy, gratitude practices, and light/exercise therapies—have supportive evidence, but the specific EL-SHIN combination including fasting is novel and largely untested together.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: Above 18 yrs old * DASS-21 scores: "Moderately Depressed (Score: 14-20)", "Moderately Anxious (Score: 10-14)" \& "Moderately Stressed (Score: 19-25)" * Non-Muslim (Due to legal restriction in Malaysia for this religion) * English literate * Believers in Creationism Exclusion Criteria: * Muslim (legal restrictions in Malaysia for this religion). * Non-English literate (research will be conducted in English only). * Individuals with any other medical conditions or on current medication To reduce potential complications or confounding factors).
Where it's running
-
Monash University Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ai Shin Lim, Phd — Monash University Malaysia
- Study coordinator: Ai Shin Lim, Phd
- Email: Ai.lim@monash.edu
- Phone: +60162303067
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.