Improve Cardiac Function in Heart Failure Patients with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Tai chi may be a useful form of exercise for cardiac rehab programs, as it’s safe for high-risk patients. Findings also suggest that tai chi alone may be beneficial for patients who are unwilling to participate in […]
Improve Vascular Function and blood Pressure with Meditation By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Studies have also linked meditation to healthier arteries and improved blood flow to the heart.” – CardioSmart High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) is an insidious disease because there are no overt symptoms. The individual feels fine. But it can […]
Improve the Rehabilitation of Cardiac Patients with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Meditation practice may be clinically useful in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease [the prevention of further heart or stroke events for people who already have the condition].” – British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer. […]
Improve the Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with Qigong Practice By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Qi Gong is an effective, inexpensive, highly accessible and adaptable form of physical, mental and spiritual exercise. . . It is especially beneficial for those who have chronic lung disease. It relieves anxiety/stress, increases energy […]
Improve Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “mindfulness techniques. . . . can prevent destructive behaviors such as not eating, purging, or eating until uncomfortably full. If individuals take a step back and focus on the present moment and their feelings, they will be able to […]
Spirituality Improves Health Behaviors Particularly When Coupled with Religion By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Spirituality is a universal phenomenon and an inherent aspect of human nature that unfolds during adolescence as the individual searches for transcendence, meaning, and purpose in life.” – Sangwon Kim We tend to think that illness is […]
Improve Eating Control and Binge Eating with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “self-compassion—a necessary component of healing from any eating disorder. Women who binge often feel shame and guilt about their behavior. “Women hear all the time that lack of willpower made you fat, made you binge. That message is that […]
Alter the Brain to Deal with Stress with Meditation and Yoga By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Brain researchers have detected improvements in cognition and emotional well-being associated with meditation and yoga, as well as differences in how meditation and prayer affect the brain.” – Michaela Jarvis There has accumulated a large […]
Improve Psychiatric Disorders with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Is mindfulness better than medication or other therapies? No, probably not; But if you are someone who doesn’t believe in taking medication or seeing an individual therapist you might be more inclined to engage in the practice of mindfulness. So, it becomes, […]
Improve the Psychological State of Heart Disease Patients with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Not only can meditation improve how your heart functions, but a regular practice can enhance your outlook on life and motivate you to maintain many heart-healthy behaviors, like following a proper diet, getting adequate sleep, and keeping […]