Mind-Body Therapies and Cardiovascular Disease
Mind-body therapies and biology-based therapies are the treatment modalities most commonly used among patients with heart disease who turn to complementary and alternative medicine, according to a report in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2013; doi: 10.1155/2013/672097). Researchers based this conclusion on an analysis of a variety of studies and surveys, including the American 2007 National Health Interview Survey and international surveys conducted through 2010.
Mind-body therapies most used by patients with cardiac conditions include meditation and deep breathing. Study authors noted that in contrast to many concerns related to popular biology-based therapies such as herbal supplements, “a growing body of research suggest[s] that [mind-body therapies] are relatively safe and may have measurable benefits for cardiovascular health.” Movement-based mind-body activities include qigong, tai chi and yoga.
To read the study, go to http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/672097.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Luigi Scorcia
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
