Improve Stress Responding, Health, and Well-Being with Qigong By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Qigong is an extraordinary tool for reducing the harmful effects of stress. The three pillars of qigong practice are body, breath, and mind. If your body is relaxed your breathing will slow down. When your breath is slow, you […]
“Those who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” – Edward Stanley Stress takes a toll on the physiology. This is particularly so in aging. Stress accelerates cellular aging, amplifying the breakdown of cells that occurs with age. It can accelerate sensory losses […]
Improve Adolescent Psychological Well-Being with Tai Chi or Qigong By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Qigong was able to improve attention in adolescents after 4 weeks of practice, leading us to conclude that it may be a useful tool when integrated into physical education classes.” – Leonel Duarte Adolescence is a time […]
Increase Physiological and Psychological Activation and Calmness with Qigong By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “regular [qigong] practice may help improve your balance, ease stress and anxiety, sharpen focus, and reduce your risk of chronic disease.” – Saundra Montijo Qigong has been practiced for thousands of years with benefits for health and longevity. Qigong training […]
Reduce Oxidative Stress with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can lead to cell and tissue damage. Oxidative stress occurs naturally and plays a role in the aging process.” – Jamie Eske Free radicals are oxidants […]
Forest Walking and Forest Qigong Improve Cognitive Function in the Elderly By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “forest bathing has received increasing attention due to its health-promoting effects, including enhancing immune functions and decreasing blood pressure in hypertension patients, as well as stress relief effects.” – Genxiang Mao, Modern living is stressful, […]
Improve the Respiratory Symptoms of Lung Cancer Patients with Qigong Practice By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Studies show that qigong practice can have many positive effects, particularly among patients with cancer, chronic illnesses, and breathing problems, as well as older adults. Benefits include improved lung function, mood, sleep, and quality of life, as well as reduced stress, […]
Decrease Blood Pressure with Qigong By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “ Qigong exercise is a blessing in disguise. Because the physical movements of Qigong are performed while mindfully connecting your focus to your breath, as well as specific visualizations or positive emotions, you heal not only your body but your mind and spirit as […]
Improve Mental and Physical Health in Anxious, Depressed Patients with Mindfulness and Qigong By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “You might think ‘I’m late, I might lose my job if I don’t get there on time, and it will be a disaster!’ Mindfulness teaches you to recognize, ‘Oh, there’s that thought again. I’ve […]
Improve the Immune System with Tai Chi and Qigong Practice By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Tai chi might have a strong effect on the immune system because it manages to bring exercise, relaxation, and meditation together in “one behavioral intervention.” – Havard Health Mindfulness training has been shown to be effective […]