Improve Migraine Headaches with Spiritual Meditation By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Meditation is an ancient spiritual practice that people are still using today to get headache relief. This mind-body practice seems to work by relieving stress associated with headache pain.” – Chris Iliades Migraine headaches are a torment far beyond the […]
Psilocybin in Combination with Meditation Practice Improves Psychological Functioning By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “The ingestion of psilocybin, brought on “mystical” experiences that reduced illness-related anxiety and depression in nearly 80 percent of subjects studied in research trials.” – Andrew McCarron Psychedelic substances have been used almost since the beginning of recorded history to alter consciousness […]
The Variety of Transcendent States During Meditation By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Ancient masters described intense transcendent states that result from meditation. A true awakening, transformation of consciousness, oneness with the ALL. Many esoterics have glimpsed these levels of consciousness, and for a few it became a persistent state – enlightenment.” – […]
Improve the Ability to Control the Brain’s Activity with Prayer and Meditation By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “You can sculpt your brain just as you’d sculpt your muscles if you went to the gym. Our brains are continuously being sculpted, whether you like it or not, wittingly or unwittingly.” – Ritchie Davidson […]
Yoga’s Lost Spirituality By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. Yoga developed in India millennia ago as a deep spiritual practice. It developed as a contemplative practice that unified body and mind. Yoga was known to have physical benefits, but the most important benefit was seen to be spiritual development. Indian Prime Minister Narendra […]
Help Reduce Psychopathology with Severe Skin Conditions with Spirituality By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Spiritual practices tend to improve coping skills and social support, foster feelings of optimism and hope, promote healthy behavior, reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and encourage a sense of relaxation. By alleviating stressful feelings and promoting healing […]
Improve Personality and Well-being with a Meditation Retreat By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Even if you’re terrified, even if you have no interest in being a monk and you’re not an extremist by nature, I know that sitting in silence for 10 days will blow your mind.” – MeiMei Fox Retreat […]
By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “As we learn more and more about the connections between the mind and body, it becomes clear that spirituality, religion and faith can help some individuals live well with mental health conditions. Some individuals and families turn to faith in times of crisis to help in their […]
By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “If you have unproductive worries you can train yourself to experience those thoughts completely differently. 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 […]
By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Given the mechanism by which we think religion/spirituality influences physical health, i.e., through psychosocial and behavioral pathways, and the strong influence that psychosocial and behavioral factors have on risk of developing cardiovascular disease, there is no medical condition that R/S is more likely to influence than CVD.” […]