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 […]
Increase the Energy Metabolism of the Brain with Meditation By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “As a form of mental training, meditation improves core physical and psychological assets, including energy, motivation, and strength. Studies on the neurophysiological concomitants of meditation have proved that commitment to daily practice can bring promising changes for the […]
Tai Chi Practice Changes the Brain Differently than Walking 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.” – Harvard Health The aging process involves a systematic progressive decline in every system in the body, […]
Meditation Improves Health and Well-Being Through Epigenetic Mechanisms By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “It seems unusual that something as simple and easy as meditating could improve your health, but these studies demonstrate an epigenetic link between meditation and its potential disease-reducing benefits.” – Bailey Kirkpatrick Over the last several decades, research […]
Improve the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease with Mind-Body Practices By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “The mind-body connection recognizes that emotional, mental, and behavioral factors can directly affect our health, and mind-body techniques can improve quality of life and may help reduce symptoms of disease.” – Emily Downward Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is an incurable […]
Improve Autism in Adolescents with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “mindfulness has emerged as a way of treating children and adolescents with conditions ranging from ADHD to anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, depression and stress. And the benefits are proving to be tremendous.” Juliann Garey Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that tends to appear during […]
Reduce Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “For people with spinal cord injury, the Mindfulness for Health course was effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, pain unpleasantness, and pain catastrophizing.” – Breathworks “Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal […]
Improve Health and Cognitive Ability in the Elderly with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Tai chi is a gentle exercise that helps seniors improve balance and prevent falls. Studies have found that tai chi also improves leg strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, immune system, sleep, happiness, sense of self-worth, and the ability to concentrate […]
Spirituality is Associated with Better Mental and Physical Health and Cognitive Ability in African Americans By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “all black religious expression has most of the following attributes: It is animistic, or spirit-filled; anthropocentric, or human-centered; dynamic; expressionistic; shamanistic (believing in communicating with spirits); and thaumaturgic (belief in miracle working).” […]
Improve Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis with Exercise and Mind-Body Practices By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “studies suggest that specific mind-body therapies may help reduce pain and improve physical function in persons with osteoarthritis of the knee.” – Terry Selfe Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease that is the most common […]