Heighten Mental and Physical Well-Being with Mindfulness Training By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “By focusing on the here and now, many people who practice mindfulness find that they are less likely to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets over the past, are less preoccupied with concerns about success […]
Reduce Painful Diabetic Neuropathy with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Meditation techniques can help people struggling with neuropathy symptoms live through their pain. It can help to lower stress, improve your coping skills, and decrease your pain intensity. Taking a mind-body approach is a noninvasive technique that provides you with more control over your […]
View Post Happy New Year with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul.” ~G.K. Chesterton At the stroke of midnight on December 31st all over the world revelers […]
Improve Autonomic Function, Metabolism, and Physical Fitness with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Qigong and Tai Chi initiate the “relaxation response,” which is fostered when the mind is freed from its many distractions. This decreases the sympathetic function of the autonomic nervous system, which in turn reduces heart rate and blood pressure, […]
Improve Tolerance of Distress and Psychological State with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Distress Tolerance skills are used to help us cope and survive during a crisis, and helps us tolerate short term or long term pain (physical or emotional). Tolerating distress includes a mindfulness of breath and mindful awareness of situations and ourselves.” […]
Improve Cardiovascular and Cognitive Function with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “A growing body of carefully conducted research is building a compelling case for tai chi as an adjunct to standard medical treatment for the prevention and rehabilitation of many conditions commonly associated with age,” – Peter M. Wayne […]
Prevent Osteoporosis with Tai Chi Practice By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “There are many ways that tai chi helps people with osteoporosis. An excellent study showed tai chi slowed down the loss of bone density approximately three fold. “ – Paul Lam Bone is living tissue that, like all living tissues, is […]
Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Coronary Disease Rehabilitation with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “practicing tai chi may help to modestly lower blood pressure. It’s also proved helpful for people with heart failure, who tend to be tired and weak as a result of the heart’s diminished pumping ability. The slow […]
Slow Mental Decline in the Elderly with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “improvement of heart function combined with increased muscular power meant that the martial art should be considered the preferred technique for elderly people to maintain good health.” – The Telegraph We celebrate the increasing longevity of the […]
Reduce Stress and Improve Cardiovascular Function with Slow Yogic Breathing By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Shallow breathing over time can contribute to feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety. Becoming aware of your breath through targeted yoga breathing exercises can prevent many of these issues from developing within the body.” – Yoga U Stress […]