54 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • AUGUST 6, 2015 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com health MEDITATE NOT MEDICATE BY JOANNE BARRY Did you know that seven out of 10 Americans are taking one or more prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications to treat high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, weight loss and other diseases? As a result, the long-term use of taking any medication may have many risks, which include liver damage, kidney damage, stomach bleeding and/or memory loss. Most medications also have numerous side effects, such as depression, nervousness, insomnia, heart palpitations, constipation and/or diarrhea. Consider trying meditation instead of medication. More studies have been done to support that meditation is as effective as antidepressants, narcotics, blood pressure medication and more, without the long-term side effects and risks. Some of the many benefi ts of meditation include improvement of focus, sleep, productivity, mood, awareness and brain function. In addition, it decreases high blood pressure, stress, anxiety and depression. Although there are many styles of meditation, I recommend the following three: Breathing and relaxation The key to deep breathing is to breathe deeply from the abdomen, getting as much fresh air in your lungs as possible. When you take deep breaths from the abdomen, rather than shallow breaths from your upper chest, you inhale more oxygen. The more oxygen you get, the less tense, short of breath, and anxious you feel. The physical benefi ts of breathing and relaxation include the following: • Increased immunity • Emotional balance • Increased fertility • Relief from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) • Lower blood pressure • Anti-infl ammatory • Calmness Visual meditation Visual meditation is a healthy way to bring positive energy into your mind, body and spirit. The physical benefi ts of visual meditation include the following: • Boosts immunity • Eases depression • Relieves insomnia • Decreases stress • Lowers blood pressure • Improves clarity • Heals emotionally and physically • Increases confi dence and personal empowerment • Cures negativity and/or self-defeating behaviors Chakra balance meditation The purpose of chakra balance meditation is to open and clear the chakras. What are chakras? Chakras are the energy centers in our body through which energy fl ows. There are seven chakras in our body, and if any of them are blocked, it can often lead to illness. With that said, it is important to keep the energy fl owing freely. The physical benefi ts of chakra balance mediation include the following: • Improvement of brain function • Memory awareness • Faster and greater ability to heal • Boosts immunity • Decreases physical, emotional and spiritual imbalances Below is a list of the seven chakras, their locations, and the colors they are associated with: 1. Root chakra: Base of spine in the tailbone area (red) 2. Sacral chakra: Lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel (orange) 3. Solar plexus chakra: Upper abdomen in the stomach (yellow) 4. Heart chakra: Center of the chest just above heart (green) 5. Throat chakra: Throat (blue) 6. Third eye chakra/brow chakra: Forehead between the eyes (indigo) 7. Crown chakra: The very top of the head (purple) In my personal and professional experience, the best healing approach includes movement, nutrition and meditation. I recommend consulting with your physician and working alongside a certifi ed personal trainer or holistic coach to discuss the best meditation treatment plan for you. Perhaps it’s time to try a “T” instead of a “C” and MediTate, not MediCate! AWARD WINNING SHORT-TERM REHABILITATION! Little Neck Care Center of the 2013 THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com 260-19 Nassau Blvd., Little Neck, NY 11362 Tel. 718-423-6400 • Fax 718-428-0737 OUR SERVICES: • Newly Renovated Facility • State-of-the-Art Rehabilitation • 24-Hour Nursing Care • Onsite Wound Care and IV Therapy • Post-Surgical and Joint Replacement • Pain Management • 24-Hour On-Call Physicians AMENITIES: • Spacious, Bright and Modern Rooms • Flat Screen TVs And WiFi • Recreational Activities • Beauty/Barber Services • Daily Laundry and Housekeeping • Newspaper and Mail Services • 24/7 Security Coming January 2015 – Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program www.LittleNeckCareCenter.com Conveniently located off the Long Island Expressway, Exit 32 ACCEPTING MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND MOST HMOs
QC08062015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above