Improve Psychological Functioning with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. ” the positive potential benefits of mindfulness practice are more attentional control, more effective emotional regulation, enhanced social relationships, reduced risk for physical ailments, enhanced immune system functioning, and better sleep quality.” – Jason Linder Over the last several decades, research and […]
Treat Depression with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “A 12-week program of instruction and practice of the Chinese martial art tai chi led to significantly reduced symptoms of depression in Chinese Americans not receiving any other treatments.” – Science Daily Clinically diagnosed depression is the most common mental illness, […]
Strengthen Character with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Mindfulness opens the door to who we are, and character strengths are what is behind that door.” – Ryan Niemiec Personality characteristics are thought to be relatively permanent traits that form an individual’s distinctive character. Engaging in mindfulness training has been shown […]
Improve the Psychological Well-Being of Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “physical and psychological symptoms of IBS were more effectively managed by people practicing mindfulness meditation than in support group therapy.” – Bill Hendrick Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional […]
Improve Quality of Life in Women with Ovarian Removal with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “midlife women with higher mindfulness scores experienced fewer menopausal symptoms. These findings suggest that mindfulness may be a promising tool to help women reduce menopausal symptoms and overall stress.” – Richa Sood Women who carry […]
Improve Empathy, Compassion, and Prosocial Behaviors with Meditation By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “From the philosophical and religious traditions from which mindfulness comes, it’s been long understood that practicing meditation, and cultivating mindfulness, in particular, can conduce to virtuous action.” – Daniel Berry Humans are social animals. This is a great […]
Improve Chronic Low Back Pain with Mindful Movement Practices By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Tai chi helps with back pain in several ways. It strengthens the muscles in your abdomen and pelvic area that are crucial to supporting the lower back; it improves your balance and flexibility; and it makes you more […]
Improve Children and Adolescents Mental Health with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “In the last few years 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.” – Julianne Garey Childhood is a miraculous […]
Improve Physical and Psychological Symptoms and Quality of Life in People Living with HIV with Mind-Body Practices By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Our bodies and minds are intimately connected. Living with HIV can be stressful and can challenge our emotional well-being. Similarly, stress and anxiety can affect our bodies. So maintaining “a […]
Meditation Alter Short-Term and Long-Term Breathing By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, meditation healthfully slows down heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, sweating, and soothing all other sympathetic nervous system fight or flight functions.” – EOC Institute In our lives we are confronted with a variety […]