The 1960s ushered in the Westernization of meditation and yoga and gave birth to a new field of study in which scientists acknowledged that the mind can have a profound impact on the body. The mind-body connection looks beyond just the physical body in terms of understanding disease. Over the years, scientists have documented the association between stress and disease. Drs. Herb Benson, Bernie Siegel, Andrew Weil, Joan Borysenko, Deepak Chopra, and Norm Shealy are just a few of the pioneers who have studied how emotions and stress influence one's mental and physical well-being. Their latest findings, as well as those of others in the field who are working with related therapies such as breath work, biofeedback, meditation techniques, and HeartMath will be included in this section.
Because there is more and more evidence about the importance of exercising one's brain, new games and memory enhancing exercises will be included as well.
The program used at this facility should be replicated elsewhere. Learn how elders who have lost some of their cognitive ability respond to painting colorful, geometric shapes.
Pavanmukta Asana, or the Wind Releasing Posture, is a yoga posture that is perfect for bedridden patients, whether they can do it by themselves or with the help of their caregiver. How to perform this posture including an illustration is provided.
A former UCLA professor is recommending yoga for the treatment of IBS. Researchers are looking at yoga as a possible treatment for curvature of the spine in the elderly. Learn more about the benefits of yoga and some exciting new studies.
In a recent study, researchers found that seniors who kept up with treatment for poor vision were 64% less likely to develop dementia. Vision loss in the elderly interferes with activities needed to maintain a healthy brain, including reading, board games, and regular exercise. Read more. . .
In addition to improving balance and muscle strength, new studies show that tai chi when done regularly can enhance immune function and improve cardiovascular health and much more. Learn about the multiple benefits of tai chi.
The regular practice of yoga appears to reduce proteins that cause joint and organ damage. Researchers studied the levels of several markers for inflammation including C-reactive protein, or CRP; tumor necrosis factor alpha, or TNF-alpha; and interleukin-6, or IL-6. These proteins play a large role in the disease process in people with inflammatory, autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Learn more about how yoga may be the answer to preventing heart disease, arthritis and type-2 diabetes.
Two new studies have found that regular aerobic exercise not only delays cognitive impairment but also helps rejuvenate the brain. Moderate exercise in midlife was associated with a 39 percent reduced likelihood of developing mild cognitive impairment, and moderate exercise in late life was associated with a 32 percent reduction in the odds of mental decline. Read more about these studies and learn if both men and women attained the same benefits.
This is a great article that describes the numerous health benefits of tai chi. Learn how tai chi can help control type 2 diabetes, how it can improve the quality of life for those suffering from arthritis, how it improves brain function. and more.
With baby boomers fearing what lies ahead, there are many new, high-tech “games” that help keep those gray cells working. Discover which methods are most effective, costly high-tech games or old fashioned crossword puzzles.
Advanced age can stiffen our limbs and make it difficult for us to move around especially during cold weather. If you are someone who suffers from stiff and painful joints during cold weather, start moving your joints and flexing your muscles. Yoga stretching exercises may just be the answer. When we stiffen up our body compensates for the shortening of various muscles and this can lead to a cascading set of events. Learn how to do yoga stretches safely regardless of age or flexibility.
