Improve Depression with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “MBCT encourages individuals with [Major Depressive Disorder] to become more aware of their internal events (ie, thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations) and to change the ways in which they relate to these thoughts. For example, individuals are encouraged to view […]
Improve Physical and Mental Health with an Isha Yoga Retreat By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “As we have physical science to create external wellbeing there is a whole inner dimension of science to create inner wellbeing. I call it Inner Engineering.” – Sadhguru Retreat can be a powerful experience. But it can […]
Improve the Respiratory Symptoms of Lung Cancer Patients with Qigong Practice By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Studies show that qigong practice can have many positive effects, particularly among patients with cancer, chronic illnesses, and breathing problems, as well as older adults. Benefits include improved lung function, mood, sleep, and quality of life, as well as reduced stress, […]
Mindfulness is a Cost-Effective Treatment to Prevent Depression Relapse By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “MBCT significantly reduces the rates of depressive relapse or recurrence compared with usual care or placebo, corresponding to a relative risk reduction of 34%.” – Willem Kuyken Clinically diagnosed depression is the most common mental illness, affecting over 6% of […]
Mindfulness Training Moves Participants toward Self-Transcendence By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “The sense of time changes, the sense of space around one changes, and the sense of self changes. I think we can learn a lot about the presence of these aspects of consciousness by studying instances in which they’re altered or […]
Improve Women’s Perception of Childbirth with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “It is inspiring to witness a mother with extreme fear of childbirth cancel an elective caesarian because she now feels confident enough in her own strength to go through the birthing process,” – Kira Newman The period of pregnancy is […]
Reduce Insomnia and Rumination in Pregnant Women with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “practicing mindfulness during the day, ideally for 20 minutes, . . The idea is to create a reflex to more easily bring forth a sense of relaxation. That way, it’s easier to evoke the relaxation response at night […]
Reduce Pain and Relax the Autonomic Nervous System with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “When we impose a litany of negativity upon our pain, it only becomes worse, and potentially elicits other difficulties including depression and anxiety. When we become more aware of what we are actually experiencing, without the overlay of […]
Improve Prisoner’s Physical and Psychological Well-Being with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “inmates participating in a 20-24 week meditation program showed a reduction in trouble sleeping, improved anger management capabilities, and lower levels of stress and anxiety.” – Mindfulness Strategies Around 2 ¼ million people are incarcerated in the United […]
Mindfulness Improves the Attention. Memory, and Stress Resistance of Junior High School Students. By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “youth benefit from learning mindfulness in terms of improved cognitive outcomes, social-emotional skills, and well being. In turn, such benefits may lead to long-term improvements in life.’ – Mindful Schools Childhood and adolescence […]