By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “While meditating as we walk, we can experience how our bodies feel much more intensely than we can either while doing a sitting meditation or simply walking with our normally scattered mental energy. Instead of thinking of the past or of the future — which our minds […]
Arthritis is a chronic disease that most commonly affects the joints. Depending on the type of arthritis symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and decreased range of motion. It affects an estimated 52.5 million adults in the United States. It is associated with aging as arthritis occurs in only 7% of adults ages 18–44, […]
Improve the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease with Long-Term Tai Chi Practice By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Tai chi training appears to reduce balance impairments in patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson’s disease, with additional benefits of improved functional capacity and reduced falls.” – Fuzhong Li Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is an incurable progressive degenerative […]
Improve Well-Being in Adults who Experienced Childhood Maltreatment with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “mindfulness-based interventions can be beneficial for childhood maltreatment survivors to alleviate psychological symptoms including stress, anxiety, recurrent depression, substance use, and post-traumatic stress.” – Diane Joss Childhood trauma can leave in its wake symptoms which can […]
Reduce Oxidative Stress with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can lead to cell and tissue damage. Oxidative stress occurs naturally and plays a role in the aging process.” – Jamie Eske Free radicals are oxidants […]
Improve Self-Compassion with Residential Mindfulness Programs Conducted Either Inside or Outdoors By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “The power of nature to bring us immediately to the present must be primally wired into us.” – Christopher Willard Modern living is stressful, perhaps, in part because it has divorced us from the natural […]
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Plus Loving-Kindness Mediation is highly Effective in Depressed Patients By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “MBCT can provide a viable relapse prevention intervention for people with a history of recurrent depression.” – Catherine Crane Clinically diagnosed depression is the most common mental illness, affecting over 6% of the […]
Improve Physical Function in Chronic Pain Patients with Mind-Body Practice By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “mind-body practices like tai chi, yoga, mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy can all relieve lower back pain effectively.” – Wayne Jonas We all have to deal with pain. It’s inevitable, but hopefully it’s mild and short […]
Reduce Anxiety with Mindful but not Non-Mindful Exercises By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines that may help you achieve peacefulness of body and mind. This can help you relax and manage stress and anxiety.” – Mayo Clinic Anxiety at low levels is normal and can […]
Mindfulness-Based Forest Therapy Programs Promote Well-Being in Middle-Aged Women By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home. Wilderness is a necessity.” John Muir Modern living is stressful, perhaps, in part because it has divorced us […]