The Healing Power of Laughter.
Occasionally, we practise Laughter Yoga in our class, which always goes down really well. It combines voluntary laughter with yogic breathing (pranayama). Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor in Mumbai, India developed it in 1995 based on the idea that laughter has both major physiological and psychological benefits, regardless of whether it’s real or simulated….
Meditation and Mindfulness help realise a more balanced mind and body.
My introduction to Zen was while I was working in Tokyo some years ago, at the weekends I would take the early (4am ..) train out to Kamakura, where there are some beautiful Zen Buddhist monasteries, they begin their sessions (called “sesshins”) at 5am. I went there (to Hokoku-ji Temple) to learn the practice known…
Being in Nature (e.g. the beauty of the Lake District).
One of my favourite places in the world is the Lake District in Cumbria, NW England (full disclosure: it’s where I grew up). I love exploring the fells and dales there, the air is always so fresh and clean and the scenery is always uplifting, I feel connected to nature there like nowhere else. Also,…
The Biological Importance of Relaxation and Exercise for Carers.
It has long been felt that being a carer can affect one’s health and wellbeing due to chronic (long term) stress, even making one more susceptible to a range of conditions including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, type-2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, certain cancers, gum disease, frailty and decline in bodily functions due to over-inflammation in the body….
At the Royal Society of Medicine ..
This Tuesday (070524), I attended a set of lectures at the RSM (1 Wimpole Street, London, just off Oxford Street), where I am an Associate Member, I have been interested in medical research for many years now, so attending their lectures is always a major bonus for me; I am a member here due to…
What is Self-Care?
Self-care is a broad and multifaceted concept encompassing a wide range of practices and activities aimed at promoting one’s own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It requires taking clear, deliberate steps to maintain one’s health and overall quality of life. Self-care is about recognising one’s needs and making choices, prioritising one’s well-being. It’s a…
What is Cellular Ageing?
Cells in the human body undergo a process known as senescence, often called cellular ageing. Cellular ageing is a natural and complex process influenced by genetics, the environment, and lifestyle choices. It involves several key elements:- While cellular ageing is a natural part of life, it’s not uniform across all cell types. Some cells, such…
Dr Schweitzer’s great observation.
World-renowned Doctor and Nobel Prize winner Dr. Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) once famously said:- “Patients carry their doctor inside. They come to us (physicians) not knowing that truth. We are at our best when we give the physician who resides within each patient a chance to go to work.”* Dr. Schweitzer’s emphasis on the inner physician within…