Long-Term Meditation Changes Large-Scale Brain Connectivity

Long-Term Meditation Changes Large-Scale Brain Connectivity   By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   There has accumulated a large amount of research demonstrating that meditation practice has significant benefits for psychological, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. One way that meditation practices may produce these benefits is by altering the brain. The nervous system is a dynamic entity, constantly […]

Mindfulness Training Alters the Brain to Improve Internally Oriented Attention

Mindfulness Training Alters the Brain to Improve Internally Oriented Attention   By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   “Regular practice of mindfulness can help you grow a wiser, more connected, and stress-proof brain.” – Melanie Greenberg   There has accumulated a large amount of research demonstrating that meditation practice has significant benefits for psychological, physical, and spiritual […]

Improve Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Tai Chi

Improve Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Tai Chi   By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   “Tai chi does not mean oriental wisdom or something exotic. It is the wisdom of your own senses, your own mind and body together as one process.” – Chungliang Al Huang   Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) occurs in about […]

Different Meditation Techniques Improve Well-Being Through Different Brain Systems

Different Meditation Techniques Improve Well-Being Through Different Brain Systems   By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   ‘Meditation can alter the mechanism of your brain after some time.” – Perpetua Neo   There has accumulated a large amount of research demonstrating that meditation practice has significant benefits for psychological, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. One way that meditation […]

Meditation and Mind Wandering Alter Brain Network Activity Differently

Meditation and Mind Wandering Alter Brain Network Activity Differently   By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   “in addition to altering specific functional connectivity, meditation leads to reconfiguration of whole-brain network architecture.” – Shogo Kajimura   There has accumulated a large amount of research demonstrating that meditation practice has significant benefits for psychological, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. […]

Improve the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease with Long-Term Tai Chi Practice

Improve the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease with Long-Term Tai Chi Practice   By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   “Tai chi training appears to reduce balance impairments in patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson’s disease, with additional benefits of improved functional capacity and reduced falls.” – Fuzhong Li   Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is an incurable progressive degenerative […]

Mindfulness Improves Cognitive Function in Older Adults by Altering Brain Gene Expression

Mindfulness Improves Cognitive Function in Older Adults by Altering Brain Gene Expression   By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.   “mindfulness may target inflammation, stress-related pathways, and neuroplasticity, thus reducing the risk of developing cerebrovascular disease and age-related neurodegeneration that could lead to the development of dementia.” – Ted Kheng Siang Ng   The aging […]