Recently published in The Journal of Cognitive Processes (Cogn Process. 2009 Jul 2) Baijal S, Srinivasan N. Centre of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, 211002, India. Brain oscillatory activity is associated with different cognitive processes and plays a critical role in meditation. In this study, we investigated the temporal dynamics of oscillatory [...]
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In the most recent Archives of Internal Medicine, investigators examined the pervasive but poorly understood issue of “the difficult patient encounter” (Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(4):410-414). The authors write “Nearly 1 of 6 outpatient visits is considered difficult by physicians. Difficult encounters are more likely to occur with patients who have a mental disorder, present with [...]
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from the seattlepi.com: “Local VA researchers seek volunteers for PTSD study” (link at http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/nowhearthis/archives/162933.asp) “… the PTSD study seeks volunteers who are veterans with a previous medical diagnosis of PTSD, though they don’t have to be enrolled in the VA system for health care to participate. The PTSD study involves a group psychological intervention called [...]
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(From the Upaya Institute and Zen Center; conference held in Jan 2009, http://www.upaya.org/programs/event.php?id=170) Upaya’s 2009 program on neuroscience and meditation explores two core Buddhist practices: compassion and open presence (shikantaza in Zen, dzogchen in Vajrayana, choiceless awareness in Theravada). In recent years, neuroscientific studies of Buddhist meditators who practice the cultivation of compassion and non-referential presence, [...]
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Even the Federal Government has recognized that MBSR is efficacious in the treatment of disease. For this program to be funded by the VA, the evidence supporting its use has been validated and peer-reviewed. This program, termed MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), is a standardized program of meditation and yoga for persons with chronic illnesses. The program is [...]
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Health Care Professionals: Results From a Randomized Trial. Shapiro, Shauna L. 1,6; Astin, John A. 2; Bishop, Scott R. 3,4; Cordova, Matthew 5 International Journal of Stress Management. 12(2):164-176, May 2005. The literature is replete with evidence that the stress inherent in health care negatively [...]
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