Think Positive: Learning emotional skills may confer better health outcomes

Not long ago I was seeking out new and interesting options for continuing education to add to my existing practice. In my travels, I discovered something called Positive Psychology. My interest was piqued. I had never heard of this practice before. When I did a search for the term I came across nearly 7 million results. Of course, you will find varied definitions of what Positive Psychology is, but in summary, it is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. It focuses on psychological science and practice to look not only at the problems we face or supposed weaknesses, but to be equally concerned with our strengths and on building those strengths. When we seek out conventional, traditional therapy, it tends to be to address specific problems in life. In that situation, the focus of our sessions is often fixing what may be “broken,” for lack of a better term. What I find most interesting about Positive Psychology is that it seeks to build upon the best things in our lives in addition to repairing the worst.

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Breath Work & Its Benefits

One of my biggest thrills is finding new ways to take care of myself. Perhaps that makes me a complementary and alternative medicine nerd. If that is the case, so be it.

Certainly, there are times when I see another professional to take care of me. I never give myself a ninety-minute massage, nor would I perform self-acupuncture or chiropractic work, even if I was trained and licensed to do so. Yes, I am constantly amazed by what a licensed practitioner in the holistic heath field can do for me, but I am equally amazed at what I can learn to do for myself. I am in awe of what our bodies can do for themselves. Several months ago I started to see someone who practiced conscious breath work, also called conscious breathing. There are a lot of different types of breath work with a variety of names, but whatever you call it, it is generally a universal term for different conventional medical and holistic therapeutic methods to improve the breathing function and thus enhance different aspects of your wellness.

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Reiki & HIV Wellness

In the past, I have discussed different forms of energy work. Shiatsu, for example, being one of them. There are many different kinds of energy-based modalities to choose from. What I find most interesting is that while they all work with energy, generally, in some capacity, each modality works with the energy differently. Energy healing is being woven into patient services and treatment programs for people with cancer, fibromyalgia, pain, and depression. Like many other forms of complementary and alternative medicine, Reiki is now viewed by many as an effective, accepted alternative practice in mainstream America, where at least 1.2 million adults have tried the energy healing therapy. More than sixty U.S. hospitals have adopted Reiki as part of patient services, according to a UCLA study, and Reiki education is offered at 800 hospitals.

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Tai Chi & Immune Function

Tai chi, a good fit for all fitness levels, may improve immune function.

Some years ago, I recall walking through Madison Square Park in Manhattan and seeing a group of people gathered in the grass. Each was performing identical actions and moving at a slow, rhythmic self-pace. In the midst of the usual New York City hustle and bustle, they seemed peaceful and unaffected by their surroundings. I stayed and watched for a while and spoke to one of the group members when they were done. I learned that they were practicing Tai Chi.

I have found that the specific history of Tai Chi varies depending on where you do your research and who you talk to, but many will agree that the art is centuries-old, has origins in traditional Chinese medicine and deep roots in martial arts. While Tai Chi may have begun, in part, as a method of self-defense from external attacks, many people practice it today strictly for its health benefits—perhaps a method of internal defense? While more research is needed, and, I believe, warranted, there is evidence that suggests a variety of health benefits from practicing Tai Chi, many of which may be of some importance to people living with HIV/AIDS.

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Transcendental Meditation

My latest article in A&U Magazine details the benefits of Transcendental Meditation.

We have talked at length about complementary, alternative and integrative options that impact the body, our energy, and those that affect both simultaneously. When people speak of the assortment of alternative options, they use words like mind, body, spirit, and soul. I would like talk about a practice that begins in the mind and branches out to impact all the others. Meditation. More specifically, Transcendental Meditation.

I will be the first to admit that I was skeptical about meditation. To clarify, I did not question its effectiveness in any way. Many of my friends and colleagues, people whose insight and opinions I trust, practice meditation and swear by it. My skepticism was personally rooted and came from my own self-doubt. My mind, much like many others, was rarely quiet and at ease. My body infrequently still. I therefore wondered, if even for a short period of time, that I could meditate.

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Going to the Mat

My latest article in A&U Magazine delves into the importance of yoga for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.


In my time in the field of complementary and alternative medicine, I have often heard a variety of practitioners remark that good health and healing is partially a state of mind. If I look at this theory from a conventional, western point of view, I am inclined to agree. How many times have you had a bad week or gone through a particularly stressful period in your life and found that you have become ill? It makes sense. In general, stress has a negative physiological impact on the body and the way our assorted systems function. But stress also releases hormones into the body that suppress the immune system.

In our quest for greater wellbeing we may seek out options that strengthen the body. Whether you lift weights, run, engage in sports or partake in any athletics that bring about physical strength and stamina, it is often for the sake of enhanced health. In addition, we may delve into practices that nurture the spirit and the mind, that bring about relaxation and erase anxiety. I can safely say that many of my own clients see me for stress and anxiety reduction. But whether you use massage therapy, meditation, or any other means of relaxation, we often do so in pursuit of good health. In yoga, we find a practice that encompasses both the building of the body and the mind.

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