Acupuncture & Massage BLOG

Adding the relaxation response, a stress management approach, to other lifestyle interventions may significantly improve treatment of systolic hypertension in the elderly. In a study conducted at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)

Hypertension Program and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at MGH, participants who received relaxation response training in addition to advice on reducing lifestyle risk factors were more than twice as likely to eliminate at least one blood pressure medication than were those receiving lifestyle counseling only. The study appears in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

“Although we have many medications to lower blood pressure, only about a third of patients achieve adequate control of their pressures,” says Randall Zusman, M.D., co-senior author of the report. “If a practice that takes only 15 to 20 minutes a day can help decrease patients’ dependence on antihypertensive medications—reducing often unpleasant side effects and the considerable costs of these drugs—we could not only improve their quality of life but lower direct and indirect health costs.”

Among the elderly patients in whom it is most common, isolated systolic hypertension (an increase in only the peak arterial pressure), is more closely correlated with adverse events like heart attack and stroke than is elevated diastolic pressure.
The relaxation response is a physiologic state of deep rest that can be elicited by practices such as meditation, deep breathing and prayer. While several studies have shown that the relaxation response can help alleviate hypertension involving elevated systolic and diastolic pressures, its usefulness in treated isolated systolic hypertension has not been investigated.

The present study enrolled more than 100 patients, aged 55 and older, whose systolic pressure remained elevated despite their taking two or more antihypertensive drugs. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group received weekly counseling sessions on cardiac risk factors, the impact of stress on hypertension and recommendations on dietary and fitness goals. The treatment group attended sessions that also included instruction and practice eliciting the relaxation response.
By the end of the 20-week study period, participants in both groups had experienced a significant drop in systolic blood pressure, allowing two thirds of all participants to attempt medication reduction. Among relaxation response group participants, 32 percent maintained reduced systolic pressure after eliminating one or more medications, compared to only 14 percent in the control group.

In addition to other stress management techniques, acupuncture offers stress reducing effects. Acupuncture treats the root cause while balancing the body’s systems. Individuals often feel more relaxed and notice symptom improvement after the first acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture has several beneficial physiological effects that counteract stress including lowered BP, decreased heart rate, tissue regeneration, and increased energy.

Acupuncture is also an effective complementary modality for essential hypertension for both prevention and treatment. Anti-hypertensive effects of acupuncture are best for treatment of mild or first stage hypertension. Acupuncture works through regulation of the nervous and endocrine systems. Therapy activates central endorphin pathways that elicit decreases in sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure.

For information about acupuncture for the treatment of stress- and hypertension-related health conditions call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician at (305) 595-9500. For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso.

A consistent practice of qigong, meditation and yoga for health promotes longevity and has a long-term effect of reestablishing the body/mind/soul connection. Qigong, meditation and yoga for health may be beneficial for various diseases and ailments such as cardiovascular disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, headaches, arthritis, and asthma.
Health benefits of qigong, meditation and yoga for health include: Improved balance, flexibility, concentration, circulation, increased strength and energy, reduced stress and lowered blood pressure, slower respiratory rate, and prevention of illness. Qigong, meditation and yoga for health is primarily utilized for health maintenance purposes but may also be tailored for curative intervention. All styles of qigong, meditation and yoga for health have similar principles of posture, breathing techniques and mental focus.
Forms of traditional qigong, meditation and yoga for health consist of physical movement and mind-body integration to increase the flow of qi, or vital energy. Qigong, meditation and yoga for health exercise programs combine breathing and movement exercises for increased vitality. Factors that contribute to heart disease and other chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis can be reduced with qigong, meditation and yoga for health. Qigong, meditation and yoga for health programs also extend lifespan by slowing the aging process.
Stress responses that adversely impact all body systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and immune system can be decreased with qigong, meditation and yoga for health. The ideal workout combines qigong, meditation and yoga for health with an aerobic activity such as brisk walking. Most individuals who participate in a qigong, meditation and yoga for health program also include some form of cross training in their regular exercise routine.
Qigong, meditation and yoga for health speeds up metabolism and develops body strength. Qigong, meditation and yoga for health is a complete workout, combining stretching, flexibility, aerobic, and cardiovascular. Acupuncture & Massage College is offering a health and fitness class on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:00 pm that includes qigong, meditation and yoga. For information or to register for the class call (305) 595-9500.

A hypnotized state produces mental and physical benefits. Hypnotherapy is a group of techniques that allow individuals to strengthen the mind-body connection to promote healing. Hypnotherapy lowers blood pressure, heart rate and respiration. Hypnotic sessions often begin with breathing exercises that aid in developing a deeper, healthier breathing pattern. Hypnosis also reduces stress. A majority of illnesses are stress-related; stress weakens the immune system, elevates cholesterol and blood sugar levels and strains bodily systems and functions.
Three types of hypnotherapy are often utilized to create positive change through the subconscious. By working with the subconscious, negative thought and behavior patterns can be reframed. Suggestion therapy is effective with issues including smoking, examination nervousness and public speaking anxiety. Solution focused therapy aids in issues such as panic attacks and weight control while increasing self confidence. Analytical therapy is used for issues that have causes in the past; the cause is identified with hypnotherapy and its negative effects are removed.
During hypnotherapy, the subconscious mind is capable of interpreting positive ideas and suggestions to resolve habits, cravings and negative response patterns. Benefits of hypnotherapy sessions include eliminating limiting self-beliefs, negative habits and phobias, incorporating positive issue-solving techniques, and reducing stress. Hypnotherapy is effective in addressing a wide range of conditions which involve motivation and situational response. Hypnotherapy has benefits in the treatment of post-traumatic stress, insomnia, neurological conditions, hypertension, and pain management. Hypnosis also improves concentration and awareness and enhances learning.
Hypnotherapy has become accepted as a means of therapy and does not rely on pharmaceuticals or have side effects. Hypnosis may be included in a wider therapeutic health plan and is often a component in a myriad of therapy and clinical programs. Hypnotherapy is also a means of self empowerment through becoming aware of learned patterns stored in the subconscious. For more information about complementary and alternative therapies for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.

Focusing on body improvement and physical well being, Hatha yoga consists of postures (asanas), breath control (pranayamas), muscle locks (bhandas), and gestures (mudras) aimed at balancing mind, body and spirit through practice. A Hatha yoga session is a complete workout, combining stretching, flexibility, strengthening, aerobic, and cardiovascular. Each asana or body position develops the strength and balance necessary to prepare for more challenging postures.

Asanas stretch and strengthen muscles, ligaments and joints while stimulating glands, nerves and organs. Each posture is held for a brief time, which allows for awareness and concentration of thoughts. Regular asana movement from one pose to another produces a meditative state. Generally, combinations of asanas result in a flowing style of yoga. Sequencing of asanas within a practice session allow for one pose to lead naturally into the next based on posture similarities. Asana repetitions develop body strength. The effect of combining asanas with coordinated pranayamas, or breathing techniques, produces a sense of vitality and rejuvenation.

A weekly yoga routine should include at least one to two 60-minute sessions. Yoga is not a competitive sport but rather an opportunity for going inward and listening to what the body is saying. Most standard yoga positions are achievable to some extent by the average person. The practice of yoga yields benefits. Yoga increases energy and productivity, speeds up metabolism and aids in stress reduction. If sitting still with a reflective mind is difficult, start with an active yoga class that physically challenges as opposed to a yoga class that centers on breathing or meditation. Many find that physical exertion while holding poses or flowing from one to the next aids in unwinding at the end of class in Savasana, or relaxation pose.

Most yoga students engage in some form of cross training. The ideal workout combines yoga with an aerobic activity such as brisk walking. For information about yoga for wellness and health maintenance, contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.

Hypnotherapists typically use deep relaxation exercises that bring about an altered state of consciousness, also known as a trance. Hypnotherapy techniques may include: Guided imagery, repetition, direct or indirect suggestion, post-hypnotic suggestion, and visualization. An individual in a trance or a state of deep concentration is highly responsive to suggestion. During hypnosis, an individual’s thoughts become more focused and attentive.

Hypnosis can decrease blood pressure and heart rate, and alters specific types of brain wave activity. Hypnotherapy also produces an improvement in well being, reduces the use of medication, may improve immune function, increases relaxation, reduces stress, and eases feelings of anxiety. Burn patients may experience decreased pain from hypnotherapy and hypnosis can speed healing, lessen pain and reduce recovery time for post-surgical patients.

Hypnosis is used in a variety of settings, from outpatient clinics to dental offices and emergency rooms to alleviate chronic pain conditions, stress-related conditions and psychosomatic illnesses. Conditions that respond well to hypnosis include: Cancer related pain, fibromyalgia, sleep disorders, phobias, eating disorders, weight loss, stress, migraine headaches, tinnitus, and skin disorders. Hypnotherapeutic procedures may alleviate the symptoms of asthma, tension headaches, eczema, psoriasis, and other psychosomatic illnesses. The National Institutes of Health has recommended hypnotherapy as a treatment for chronic pain.

Hypnotherapy is effective in reducing the anxiety and pain associated with uncomfortable medical or dental procedures. Hypnotherapy is often utilized to modify an individual’s behavior, emotional content, attitudes, and dysfunctional habits. Hypnotherapy techniques are also used in the field of personal development and motivation.

For information about complementary and alternative therapies for treatment of conditions and for health maintenance call Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.

TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION MAY REDUCE PAIN AND EXTEND LIFESPAN

Stress and depression can increase chronic pain and risk of cardiovascular heart disease. Transcendental Meditation ™ may make tests and treatments easier for patients, improves stress reactivity, decreases the brain’s reaction to pain, and may extend lifespan. TM, a non-drug stress-reduction method, improves heart functioning by reducing sympathetic nervous system activation associated with stress.

Twelve long-term meditators who had been practicing TM showed a 40-50 percent lower brain response to pain compared to 12 controls, reported by a recent NeuroReport journal article. When the 12 controls then learned and practiced TM for five months, their brain responses to pain also decreased by a comparable 40-50 percent. TM may reduce the brain’s response to pain by producing a physiological state capable of modifying various kinds of pain. “TM creates a more balanced outlook on life and a greater equanimity in reacting to stress. This study suggests that this is not just an attitudinal change, but a fundamental change in how the brain functions,” says Orme-Johnson, lead author.

Stress responses to untreated pain adversely impact all body systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and immune system. TM also reduces risk factors in heart disease and other chronic disorders such as high blood pressure and high levels of harmful cholesterol. These reductions extend lifespan by slowing the aging process. “Research has found that the Transcendental Meditation program reduces risk factors in heart disease and other chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, smoking, psychological distress, stress hormones, harmful cholesterol, and atherosclerosis,” says Robert Schneider, M.D., director of the Center of Natural Medicine and Prevention.

These present findings are consistent with previous research demonstrating that TM reduces factors that contribute to the cause or progression of heart failure, such as metabolic syndrome, left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the heart) and severity of atherosclerosis. For more information about Transcendental Meditation’s health benefits, contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.

TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION REDUCES CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Transcendental Meditation ™, a widely practiced, stress-reducing meditation technique, significantly decreases the severity of congestive heart failure, according to a first-of-its kind study.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania’s Division of Geriatric Medicine evaluated 23 African American men and women, average age 64, who were recently hospitalized with New York Heart Association class II or III congestive heart failure. Participants were randomized to either the Transcendental Meditation technique or health education in addition to standard medical care.

Changes in heart function were measured with a six-minute walk test and additional measures were evaluated for quality of life, depression and re-hospitalizations. Changes in outcomes from baseline to three and six months after treatment were analyzed. According to Ravishankar Jayadevappa, Ph.D., lead author and Research Assistant Professor in the University of Pennsylvania’s Division of Geriatric Medicine, the TM group significantly improved on the six-minute walk test after both three and six months of TM practice compared to the control group.

The TM group also showed improvements in quality of life measurements, depression and had fewer re-hospitalizations. “The results indicate that TM can be effective in improving the functional capacity and quality of life of congestive heart failure patients. These results also suggest long-term improvements in survival in these individuals, “ said Jayadevappa. TM most likely improves heart functioning by reducing sympathetic nervous system activation associated with stress that is known to contribute to the failing heart, according to the authors. The report appears in the Winter 2007 issue of Ethnicity & Disease.

This present finding is consistent with previous research demonstrating that TM reduces factors that contribute to the cause or progression of heart failure, such as high blood pressure, stress, metabolic syndrome, left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the heart), and severity of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The American Heart Association estimates congestive heart failure accounts for more than 2.5 million hospital admissions per year in the U.S. For more information about Transcendental Meditation for health and well-being contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

INTUITION AND CREATIVE VISUALIZATION

Personal development pioneer and author Shakti Gawain has taught consciousness and awareness practices and workshops for over 25 years, facilitating individuals in developing balance, wholeness and greater awareness in their lives. A leader in the world consciousness movement, Gawain is an environmentalist who aligns personal consciousness with collective planetary awareness and balance.

Instigator of the creative visualization movement that has been used in the fields of education, creative arts, business, sports, and health, Gawain identifies creative visualization as an innately powerful process of conscious, positive meditation. Its effect is to dissolve internal barriers to natural harmony and self-realization, allowing the individual to manifest in their most positive aspect.

“Creative visualization is the technique of using your imagination to create what you want in your life. It is the basic creative energy of the universe. You use your imagination to create a clear image, idea or feeling of something you wish to manifest. The idea is like a blueprint; it creates an image of the form, which then magnetizes and guides the physical energy to flow into that form, and eventually manifests it on the physical plane,” writes Gawain.

Listening to one’s intuition as a guiding force leads to becoming a channel for the creative power of the universe. Acting on intuition, even if it goes against old belief systems, expectations and patterns can lead to personal fulfillment and creativity. Tapping into inner knowledge can enhance lives and can be used to attain goals. “If we learn to trust our intuitive inner knowingness, and live by it moment by moment, there’s an inner guidance and intelligence within us. It’s learning to determine what is your true intuitive voice and learning how to interpret it.”

Positive creative visualization creates situations and events that conform to our expectations. Thoughts and feelings have their own magnetic energy that draws energy of a similar quality. For more information on creative visualization contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT

Tony Robbins, peak performance coach and motivational speaker/writer, challenges individuals to go beyond self-conceived limitations and reach their highest potential in fields from the arts to business, athletics to politics, and education. His firewalk seminars (Unleash the Power Within) demonstrate the ability to take action (personal power) as the main quality to achieve success.

Participants walk on hot coals and apply this same active principle to empower themselves to persevere in other aspects of life/tasks that previously would have been mistakenly considered impossible. Robbins teaches techniques for self-mastery and determination (interrupting limiting patterns by doing something unexpected, conditioning behavior through visualization, focusing on aspects of experience that create a positive psychology, goal-setting, imagining end results to generate power to create a compelling future).

Robbins’s mastery of self focuses on guiding individuals to define their path while removing internal obstacles that prevent being able to fulfill that path on an ongoing basis. Techniques focus on transformation, freedom to expand and progress as opposed to reinforcing the psychology of limitation. “Nothing has any power over me other than that which I give it through conscious thoughts, writes Robbins. “The past does not equal the future unless you live there. Who are you now? Who have you decided to become? Make this decision consciously. Make it carefully. Make it powerfully.”

Movement requires breaking patterns, growth requires raising standards and meeting new challenges. “All personal breakthroughs begin with a change in beliefs,” Robbins says. “If you develop the absolute sense of certainty that powerful beliefs provide, then you can get yourself to accomplish virtually anything.” Quality of life is determined by the meaning or interpretation assigned to things/events. “It’s not the events of our lives that shape us, but our beliefs as to what those events mean. Human beings have the awesome ability to take any experience of their lives and create a meaning that disempowers (or empowers) them.”

For more information on personal empowerment contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

THE SILVA METHOD

The Silva Method comprises a self-empowerment system, which augments personal success and shapes beliefs. According to its proponents, the technique aims to reach and sustain a higher state of mental functioning called alpha state. The method also uses affirmations and visualizations.

Jose Silva, founder of the Silva Method, developed a program that trained people to enter certain brain states of enhanced awareness. Today, thousands of Silva Method instructors teach the system over several days to groups of students in numerous countries worldwide. The Silva Method is a therapeutic technique grouped within the human potential movement.

The Silva Method program is a process consisting of sixteen mind-directing exercises designed to steadily expand awareness. By increasing ability to focus and utilizing your expanded thinking a mental edge is achieved which is beneficial in meeting goals and for self-improvement. The Silva Method also is effective in helping to eliminate negative thought patterns and influences and teaches adherents to focus on positive aspects, thereby leading to success.

Numerous graduates report Silva successes in eliminating stress, bad habits, aches & pains, which result in an elevated energy level. The method is also effective in improving memory, elevating self-confidence, eliminating negative behaviors, and improving relations with others. In the field of business, the Silva method leads to increased productivity, employee communication and responsibility.

The Silva Method success formula (D + B + E + R + P) includes: Desire as an essential element f or achieving success in any goal you set. Belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to do. The method teaches elimination of old, limiting beliefs and development of new, positive focused ones. Expect success, and develop confidence your goals will be met. Recognition—recognize small steps that lead to successes to maintain a successful mental attitude. Practice your newfound mental edge daily to maintain effective conditioning. For more information contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”