Improve Adolescent Psychological Well-Being with Meditation By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “with all the uncertainty in the world right now, teens can definitely benefit from taking time to quiet the noise and meditate. It’s a handy practice that can help them through all kinds of confusing and stressful situations in life.” – […]
Hallucinogenic Drugs may Effectively Treat Mental Illness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Combined with psychotherapy, some psychedelic drugs like MDMA, psilocybin and ayahuasca may improve symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder,” – Cristina L. Magalhaes Psychedelic substances such as peyote, mescaline, LSD, Bufotoxin, ayahuasca and psilocybin have been used almost […]
Mindfulness Improves Physical and Mental Well-Being By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “scientists have found that practicing mindfulness is associated with changes in the structure and function of the brain as well as changes in our body’s response to stress, suggesting that this practice has important impacts on our physical and emotional health.” – University […]
Reduce Pain and Relax the Autonomic Nervous System with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “When we impose a litany of negativity upon our pain, it only becomes worse, and potentially elicits other difficulties including depression and anxiety. When we become more aware of what we are actually experiencing, without the overlay of […]
Improve Balance and Exercise Capacity in Stroke Patients with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “With a complete focus on slow, controlled, and repetitive movements, tai chi is effective in improving one’s balance through dynamic motion and coordination, which is crucial to prevent falls. What many people may not know is that stroke […]
Improve Quality of Life and Reduce Falls in Dementia Patients with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “The number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related conditions is exploding in the United States. But while scientists struggle to find a new medical treatment, tai chi, the ancient Chinese martial […]
Mindfulness Reduces Addiction by Improving Pleasure Appreciation in Opioid Users By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “mindfulness-based interventions could help people dependent on opioids increase their self-awareness and self-control over cravings and be less reactive to emotional and physical pain. Individuals with an opioid addiction could also be taught to change their negative […]
Improve Chronic Low Back Pain in Low Income Patients with Yoga By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Yoga’s focus on balance and steadiness encourages your body to develop defenses against the causes of back pain, which include weak abdominal and pelvic muscles, as well lack of flexibility in the hips. When you strengthen […]
Improve the Physical and Mental Health of Older Patients with Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes with Meditation By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Though diabetes is a heterogenous disorder, with multiple clinical manifestations, its chronic complications occur due to vascular (endothelial) dysfunction. Mindfulness Meditation helps by improving the autonomic and endocrine regulation of […]
Improve Attentional Monitoring of Others Emotions with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “experience with mindfulness meditation is associated with distinct reactions to emotional provocations in attention and social decision-making tasks, and have implications for understanding the relationship between mindfulness meditation and emotion regulation.” – Deidre Reis Mindfulness practice has been […]