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 […]
Improve Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “tai chi can help people with COPD boost their ability to walk and do other types of exercise, as well as improve their quality of life.” – Harvard Health Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) are progressive lung […]
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.” […]
Alter the Genes for Better Health with Meditation By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “meditation practices seem . . . promote endocrinal, neuronal, and behavioral functions. This suggests that the achievement of a state of inner silence through the practice of meditation can prevent or reverse the detrimental effects of a stressful environment.“ […]
Improve Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Tai Chi Practice By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “The practice of Tai Chi promotes the preservation of cognitive abilities including global cognitive functions, semantic memory, verbal learning/memory, self-perception of memory, and visuospatial skills in the elderly.” – Karine Huy-Leng Lim The aging process involves […]
Improve Nervous System and Cognitive Function with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “tai chi appears to improve executive function—the ability to multitask, manage time, and make decisions—in people without any cognitive decline. In those with mild cognitive impairment, tai chi slowed the progression to dementia.” – Harvard Health Tai […]
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, […]
Relieve Loneliness with Meditation By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “When we can rest in the middle [of meditation], we begin to have a nonthreatening relationship with loneliness, a relaxing and cooling loneliness that completely turns our usual fearful patterns upside down.” – Pema Chodron Humans are social animals. We are generally […]
Improve Health and Healthy Behaviors with Yoga and Pilates By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Multiple studies have confirmed the many mental and physical benefits of yoga. Incorporating it into your routine can help enhance your health, increase strength and flexibility and reduce symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety.” – Rachael Link […]
Improve Cognitive Ability in Older Adults with Tai Chi and Qigong Practices By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Qigong exercise induced significant neurocognitive improvement in aging.” – Di Qi The aging process involves a systematic progressive decline in every system in the body, the brain included. The elderly frequently have problems with […]