Change the Brain to Reduce Chronic Pain with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “While many experts recommend mindfulness-based practices to manage pain, the goal of those practices is typically not to remove pain entirely, but to change your relationship with it so that you are able to experience relief and healing […]
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, […]
Increase Social Contact and Reduce Loneliness with A Mindfulness Smartphone App By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Loneliness and social isolation are among the most robust known risk factors for poor health and early death. . . Our research shows that a 14-day smartphone-based mindfulness program can target both, and that practice in welcoming and […]
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 Mobility and Quality of Life in Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy with Yoga By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Exercise can increase blood flow to the hands and feet and may offer temporary relief from pain. People should discuss the exercises that are best for them with their doctor. Low-impact activities, such as […]
Reduce Injurious Falls in the Elderly with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “What is fascinating is that the fear of falling often results in more falls; hence, confidence in “not falling” will help to reduce falls. With regular practice, tai chi improves balance by strengthening muscles and co-ordination; at the […]
Alter the Brain for Improved Memory with Aging with Tai Chi By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “our brain physiology and memory can be changed with Tai Chi. . . Brain scans show neural changes in the Tai Chi group associated with better memory, especially in cognitive areas associated with spatial memory.” – […]
Reduce Age-Related Decline in the Brain with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Long-term engagement in mindfulness meditation may enhance cognitive performance in older adults, and that with persistent practice, these benefits may be sustained. That’s great news for the millions of aging adults working to combat the negative effects of aging […]
Improve Psychological Well-Being with a Smartphone Mindfulness App By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Mindfulness mediation apps can be useful for some people, but for others, when unwell, using these apps or even engaging in mediation its self can be quite difficult,” – Kym Jenkins Mindfulness training has been shown through extensive […]
Change the Brain for Greater Well-Being with Meditation By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Meditation provides experiences that the mind can achieve no other way, such as inner silence and expanded awareness. And as the mind gains experience, the brain shows physical activity as well—sometimes profound changes.” – Depak Chopra There has […]