Many people find recreational horseback riding pleasurable and relaxing. However, many individuals are unaware that there’s a therapeutic form of horseback riding [often integrated with psychotherapy] called “equine assisted therapy.” In recent years equine therapy has garnered attention as a potential intervention for the treatment of PTSD, troubled youth, and even autism spectrum disorders. From …
In the 1980s, a literature professor named Francine Shapiro had received a diagnosis of cancer, triggering significant psychological shock. Anyone diagnosed with a life-threatening condition like cancer may be unable to cope with the stress that accompanies the diagnosis. When the stress following an event (in the case of Francine it was a diagnosis) becomes …
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is derived from the amino acid tryptophan. Most people know that serotonin is associated with mood. It has long been marketed that high serotonin results in happiness, and low serotonin results in major depression. Despite the incessant marketing of serotonin to the mainstream by pharmaceutical companies, serotonin does more than …
Brainwave entrainment has become a popular alternative therapy by which people have attempted to treat psychological illnesses, increase their cognitive function, and willfully alter their state of consciousness. Historically people have utilized brainwave entrainment to help treat insomnia, reduce stress, and enhance meditation practices. The specific benefits and claims from this technology are often disputed …
You’ve probably been told that in order to achieve happiness, you need to look inwards and meditate. While introspection (internal awareness) and meditation aren’t requirements to feel happy or live a great life, practicing meditation can lead to significant improvements in mental health (brain functioning) and physical health for certain individuals. Therefore it is recommended …
While there are a number of potential factors that may cause mental illness, one that many people don’t consider is that of methylation. It is believed that genetic mutations may lead to abnormalities in the methylation process. The methylation cycle is a specific biochemical pathway that is responsible for influencing a variety of critical biological …
On a mission to reduce the amount of anxiety in my life, I initially resorted to antidepressants. When I first started them, I unknowingly thought that they’d cure my condition and allow me to function. The problem was that they eventually not only stopped working, but they made my depression as well as anxiety way …