1-Meditate twice a day for 30 minutes each session. By meditation I mean close your eyes and follow your breath. Nothing happens, great that is meditation. Now do it. … Read More

COME JOIN US FOR A Day of Exercise and Fun TAI CHI and CHI KUNG with Dr. Richard Browne … Read More

Sleeping less than seven and a half hours per day may be associated with future increased risk of heart disease, according to a new study. Additionally, a combination of overnight elevated blood pressure and insufficient sleep may also be associated with an increased risk of heart disease. … Read More

Obesity is weighing heavily on America. Government and private sector health experts now estimate that 65 percent of America’s adults are overweight and 31 percent of adults are obese and at risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. The link between obesity and hypertension is well known, but the exact nature of the association between the two disorders remains unclear. … Read More

A specific type of yoga can help improve stability and balance in women over age 65, which could help to prevent falls, finds a preliminary study out of Temple University’s Gait Study Center. Dr. Jinsup Song and researchers at the School of Podiatric Medicine and the College of Health Professions examined the gait and postural stability of 24 elderly females who were enrolled in an Iyengar yoga program specifically designed for those over 65. They found that at the end of the nine-week program, participants had a faster stride, an increased flexibility in the lower extremities, an improved single-leg stance, and increased confidence in walking and balance. … Read More

Shingles, a painful skin condition, may be prevented by Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, according to researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles. Tai Chi is commonly used as a low-impact exercise for older people. Study findings indicated that elderly people who performed Tai Chi enjoyed better immune responses against the shingles-causing virus, compared to those who just received health education. Shingles most commonly affects people over the age of 50. Participants in the study included 112 healthy volunteers, aged 59-86. Half of them had three Tai Chi classes each week for 12 weeks, while the other half had health education classes without Tai Chi lessons. Six months later, those who had received the Tai Chi lessons had almost twice the immunity levels against shingles, compared to the control group. The researchers found that the Tai Chi group managed to develop a level of immunity comparable to younger people who have received the standard vaccine against the shingles-causing varicella zoster virus. The study was recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. “These are exciting findings, because the positive results of this study also have implications for other infectious diseases, like influenza and pneumonia,” said lead author Michael Irwin, the Norman Cousins Professor of Psychiatry at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA. “Since older adults often show blunted protective responses to vaccines, this study suggests that Tai Chi is an approach that might complement and augment the efficiency of other vaccines, such as influenza.” The results, said Irwin, confirm a positive, virus-specific immune response to a behavioral intervention. Tai Chi can improve health and fitness levels for people of all ages. Unlike more strenuous physical activities, Tai Chi's slow, balanced movements are accessible to individuals that may have some physical limitations. Tai Chi practitioners define one of the discipline's health benefits as the ability to restore a yin-yang physiological balance to chi, or life energy. Muscle movements in Tai Chi exercises stimulate the flow of chi through the body and the major organs. Tai Chi exercises cultivate growth and storage of chi leading to longer life, better health and faster recovery from accidents. Tai Chi’s aerobic effect increases metabolism and physical conditioning occurs with regular practice. Tai Chi can also help elderly practitioners reduce their risk for falls and boosts the sympathetic nervous system function, which is related to cardiovascular health. Different tai chi exercises have one thing in common; they have a psychological benefit gained by the mind-body link in Tai Chi exercises. Practice directs the mind to focus on the moves, reduces distractions and results in peace of mind. … Read More

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) … Read More

Think depression means only having the blues? Think again. … Read More

Happy Mardi Gras! Tomorrow Fat Tuesday will be gone, and it is the perfect time to lengthen and strengthen with a little Qi Gong. … Read More

A good smoking cessation program will combine stress management techniques with tips for dealing with cravings. Smoking cessation is important for your health and offers many health benefits. Soon after smoking cessation, blood pressure returns to normal and circulation improves. Following smoking cessation, breathing becomes easier and your sense of taste and smell return. Smoking cessation can lead to living longer and risk of cancer decreases with each smoke-free year. … Read More

Only a moderate amount of exercise for health is required to counteract the detrimental effects of inactivity in individuals. While the harmful health effects of choosing a sedentary lifestyle can be high, beginning a moderate exercise for health plan can be beneficial at any time. Individuals who choose to incorporate a moderate exercise for health program do not require a high-intensity workout to get the benefits of exercise. A moderate exercise for health program can result in many cardiovascular health benefits. Individuals who participate in a moderate exercise for health plan reduce the risks of developing such conditions as stroke, heart disease or diabetes. A moderate exercise for health program can reverse the negative effects of inactivity. Combining moderate exercise for health with a weight loss program can reduce high blood pressure, decrease high blood sugar, reduce high levels of triglycerides, and increase amounts of HDL, or “good” cholesterol. Research from Duke University Medical Center shows that even a modest amount of brisk walking weekly is enough to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), an increasingly frequent condition linked to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Metabolic syndrome is usually characterized by elevated levels of cholesterol, obesity and insulin resistance, which is the inability of the body to effectively metabolize carbohydrates and sugars. A combination of moderate exercise for health and weight management is necessary to address the metabolic syndrome epidemic, which is increasing in prevalence. The study appears in the December 15 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology. A moderate exercise for health program can consist of walking just 30 minutes a day, six days a week. Individuals who do not participate in a moderate exercise for health program and who do not change their diet can expect to gain an average of about one pound every six months, which can add up to an additional 20 pounds over a decade. Acupuncture & Massage College is offering a health and fitness class on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:00 pm that includes yoga, meditation and qigong. For information or to register for the class call (305) 595-9500. … Read More

In developing a weight loss plan individuals should view their weight loss goals as part of an overall long-term strategy to achieve an improved state of health. Developing a weight loss plan requires a steady course of weight loss with modest goals that will maximize the probability of permanent weight loss. In developing a weight loss plan, dietary and exercise components must be included. Overweight men and women who develop a weight loss plan with an active exercise program tend to benefit from exercise’s role in permanent weight maintenance. … Read More

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. … Read More

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. … Read More

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. … Read More