Improve Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Seated Yoga By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “The benefits of yoga, in general, include loosening up muscles, joints, and connective tissues, and improving strength and balance. But is it right for ME/CFS, with post-exertional malaise plus other problematic symptoms such as dizziness and muscle pain? We don’t […]
Reduce the Brain’s Emotional Reactivity with Meditation Practice By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Of all the reasons people have for trying meditation, being less emotionally reactive is usually pretty high up.” – Alice G. Walton There has accumulated a large amount of research demonstrating that meditation practice has significant benefits for psychological, physical, […]
Improve Brain Processing of Awareness and Emotions with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Evidence suggests that particular areas of the brain may either shrink or grow in response to regular mindfulness practice.” – Meera Joshi There has accumulated a large amount of research demonstrating that meditation practice has significant benefits for psychological, physical, […]
Improve Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms in Children with Yoga By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “research reports that yoga may help relieve attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.” – Elaine Gavalas Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is most commonly found in children, but for about half it persists into adulthood. […]
High Frequency of Yoga Practice Produces Greater Benefits By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centers attention; and sharpens concentration. Body- and self-awareness are particularly beneficial, because they can help with early detection of physical problems […]
Improve Emotion Regulation in Teacher Trainees with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Mindful emotion regulation represents the capacity to remain mindfully aware at all times, irrespective of the apparent valence or magnitude of any emotion that is experienced. It does not entail suppression of the emotional experience, nor any specific attempts to […]
Improve Emotion Regulation with Exercise and Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “When we engage in mindful practices, we can bring greater awareness, clarity, and equanimity to our day to day experiences. This leads to greater balance and less of the intense swings in mood that can throw us off kilter for days […]
Improve Emotions and Thinking with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Through mindfulness you can learn to turn your negative emotions into your greatest teachers and sources of strength. . . Instead of ‘turning away’ from pain in avoidance we can learn to gently ‘turn towards’ what we’re experiencing. We can bring a caring open […]
Improve Coping with Chronic Pain with Yoga By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “By first understanding chronic pain as a mind-body experience and then using yoga’s toolbox of healing practices—including breathing exercises and restorative poses—you can find true relief from pain and begin to reclaim your life.” – Kelly McGonigal We all […]
Improve Chronic Low Back Pain with Yoga By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Yoga is great for working on flexibility and core stability, correcting posture, and breathing—all of which are necessary for a healthy back.” – Sasha Cyrelson Low Back Pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide and affects between 6% to […]