Tag: meditation
-
TAI CHI MEDITATION TECHNIQUES
Also called meditation in motion, Tai Chi is a set of meditation techniques that can be practiced just about anywhere. You can learn via instructional videos or take classes. Below is a sample of Tai Chi meditation exercises based on the article written by E.C. LaMeaux for Gaiam (https://www.gaiam.com/blogs/discover/4-tai-chi-meditation-techniques ). STANDING MEDITATION TECHNIQUE Stand…
-
HOW DIFFERENT MEDITATION TYPES CHANGE OUR BRAINS
Neuroimaging studies have illuminated the unique impact of various meditation practices on neural activity. Notably, focused attention meditation (FAM) and loving kindness meditation (LKM) yield distinct alterations in brain function, each with its own intriguing implications. FAM centers on concentrating attention on an object or bodily sensation to achieve a clear, undistracted state. Long-term practice…
-
BREATHE DEEP: THE SURPRISING ROLE OF HYPERVENTILATION IN EMOTIONS
The intricate connection between emotions and breathing finds expression in everyday phrases like a “gasp of surprise” or a “sigh of sadness.” This linkage is further evident in laughter and crying, where breathing patterns are noticeably altered. Within this framework, Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome (HVS) emerges, characterized by abnormal breathing at rest and during activity without…
-
KRIPALU-STYLE YOGIC BREATHING
Nadi Shodhana (Alternate-Nostril Breath)* This breathing exercise can be practiced daily and/or during times when you feel anxious, stressed or exhausted. TIME: 5 to 10 minutes or until you feel relaxed. POSITION: Sit comfortably on the floor with spine erect and eyes closed. You can add a blanket around your waist to enhance groundedness and stability.…
-
DOES SINGING PROMOTE RELAXATION?
A number of studies have documented the effects of singing on cardio-respiratory health. For example, one study reports that choir group singing improves heart rate variability, which is a significant predictor of cardiovascular health. Notably, decreased heart rate variability is linked to hypertension, heart failure and work stress, while increased heart rate variability indicates a…
-
DOES PRACTICING YOGIC BREATHING HELP REDUCE ANXIETY?
Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) is a set of yogic breathing techniques that consists of four different types of breaths, including Ujjayi, Bhastrika, Om, and Sudarshan Kriya, touted for their calming and mood enhancing effects. A growing body of research has reported its psychological benefits; however its clinical application has been largely ignored. which The current…
-
SELF-CARE WHEN YOUR LOVED ONE IS BATTLING CANCER
Taking care of yourself when a loved one is battling cancer may seem like to least important thing to do on your to-do list, but it is actually the most significant. As a caregiver, it is your responsibility to take good care of yourself, both physically and emotionally, in order to provide the best possible…
-
MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS
-
CAN YOGA HELP IMPROVE GAD SYMPTOMS?
Studies show that yoga is associated with more anxiety reduction than any other exercises; for example one study finds that in women with high levels of self-reported anxiety, two months of yoga reduced state (i.e., transitory) and trait (i.e., permanent, a personality characterisitc) anxiety compared to no treatment. Similarly, there is evidence in the literature…
-
EXERCISING TO RELIEVE POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
Aerobic exercises have been found to produce beneficial effects on PTSD and anxiety symptoms. Types of aerobic exercises and special considerations are developed in more details.