Improve Immune function with a Meditation Retreat By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “meditative practice enhanced immune function without activating inflammatory signals. This suggests that meditation, as a behavioral intervention, may be an effective component in treating diseases characterized by increased inflammatory responsiveness with a weakened immune system.” – Vijayendran Chandran The immune […]
Improve Physiological Relaxation in Breast Cancer Patients with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “mindfulness-based meditation can help ease the stress, anxiety, fear, and depression that often come along with a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.” – Breastcancer.org Mindfulness training has been shown to help with general cancer recovery. Mindfulness practices have been […]
Improve Autoimmune Hepatitis with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Conventional medicine is great at taking test results and making recommendations based on those results, but it doesn’t really show you how to go about your day-to-day life with a chronic disease. Mindfulness is a practical coping tool and it’s always there […]
Improve the Psychological Well-Being of Patients with Cardiovascular Disease with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Tai Chi involves a series of graceful, gentle movements that can get your heart rate up while also relaxing your mind. It’s been called meditation in motion.” – Cleveland Heart Lab Cardiovascular disease is […]
Improve Gastrointestinal Health with Meditation By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Humans were never designed to be stressed out all the time, and when we learn to calm our nervous systems, our health improves dramatically. Our nervous system and the gut are inextricably linked.” – Buffy Owens Stress affects gastrointestinal function. Short-term […]
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 the Psychological and Physical Responses Before a Major Dental Procedure with Yogic Relaxation By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Practicing yoga has been effectively proven to reduce stress levels and induce the sense of calmness in individuals, which could help in the management of several stress-induced oral conditions.” – Roquaiya Nishat […]
Reduce Age-Associated Decline in Cerebrovascular Function with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “In addition to the physical components of tai chi, this form of exercise has mental and emotional advantages. Some studies have shown people who perform tai chi on a regular basis see improvements in cognitive function and memory.” […]
Mindfulness-Based Therapies Effectively Treat Cardiovascular Disease By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “What’s good for the mind also tends to be good for the heart. The mind-calming practice of meditation may play a role in reducing your risk of heart disease.” – Harvard Health Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer. A […]
Mindfulness Training Reduces Posttraumatic Stress Among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “People with PTSD may sometimes feel as though they have a hard time getting any distance from unpleasant thoughts and memories. . . Mindfulness may help people get back in touch with the present moment, as well […]