A new video podcast from My Special Doctor
curated by Dr. Maria Chiara Villa
Day: November 13, 2024
Postgraduate course in ‘Healthcare risk management and patient safety – University of Naples Federico II
There is time until 12:00 on September 25, 2024, to submit applications for participation in the Postgraduate Course in “Healthcare Risk Management and Patient Safety”, organized by the Department of Public Health at Federico II University and coordinated by Professor Maria Triassi. The aim of the course is to develop, experiment, and evaluate innovative management models on clinical risk and patient safety.
A presentation seminar for the Course (open to all) will be held on September 17, 2024, at 14:30 in the Aula Grande Nord – Building 19 of the Federico II University Hospital, located at Via Pansini, 5.
The training program aims to transfer a broader and more comprehensive culture on corporate Risk Management, enabling participants to identify and assess all the risk factors affecting the management of healthcare facilities, with the goal of coordinating the analysis, design, and evaluation of processes and procedures within corporate structures, considering the interaction of human factors with other dimensions of the system. This will help spread cognitive skills, which are essential in activating more effective and safer performances.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to define/improve/promote the reporting, detection, and analysis system for error-related data, manage sentinel events and adverse events, using appropriate relational and managerial skills (leadership, communication, listening abilities), conduct clinical audits, and carry out morbidity and mortality reviews.
Article on the Policlinico website:
https://www.unina.it/-/40662550-corso-di-perfezionamento-in-healthcare-risk-management-e-patient-safety-
Call for Applications and Forms:
https://www.unina.it/-/57805431-pe_sp_healthcare_risk_management_23-24
Meditation in Holistic Medicine: A Bridge between Mind and Body
Edited by
In an era characterized by hectic rhythms and daily stress, the search for effective methods to promote well-being and health has become crucial. Holistic medicine, which views the individual as a whole – body, mind, and spirit – has rediscovered and valued the practice of meditation as a powerful tool to improve quality of life. Let’s discover together how meditation, integrated into holistic medicine, can transform our health and well-being.
The Roots of Meditation
Meditation has ancient origins, dating back thousands of years, and has been practiced in various cultures and religions, from Buddhism to Hinduism, Taoism to Christianity. Despite the different techniques and approaches, the essence of meditation remains the same: a process of self-observation and inner connection aimed at achieving a state of awareness and tranquility.
What is Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is an approach to health that views the individual as an integrated unit of body, mind, and spirit. This philosophy is based on the idea that overall well-being depends on the harmonious balance of all these aspects. Holistic medicine uses a variety of therapeutic techniques, including natural treatments, physical exercise, balanced diet, and awareness practices like meditation, to promote health and prevent diseases.
Meditation: A Pillar of Holistic Medicine
Meditation occupies a central role in holistic medicine due to its many scientifically proven benefits for physical and mental health. Let’s see how this practice can positively influence our well-being.
Reduction of Stress and Anxiety
One of the most well-known benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Scientific studies have shown that mindfulness meditation, which encourages full awareness of the present moment, can significantly reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone. This leads to a decrease in muscle tension, improved sleep quality, and greater mental calmness.
Improvement of Cardiovascular Health
Regular meditation practice has been shown to have positive effects on cardiovascular health. Meditation helps reduce blood pressure and improves circulation, contributing to the prevention of heart disease and strokes. The reduction of stress and anxiety associated with meditation plays a key role in maintaining heart health.
Boosting the Immune System
Meditation can also strengthen the immune system. Research has shown that meditation increases the activity of natural killer cells, which are crucial for fighting infections and tumors. Moreover, stress reduction and the increase in general well-being contribute to greater resistance to diseases.
Improvement of Cognitive Functions
Meditation also positively affects cognitive functions. Practices such as transcendental meditation and mindfulness improve concentration, memory, and decision-making ability. This happens because meditation increases the density of gray matter in the brain areas associated with learning and memory.
Emotional and Psychological Well-Being
Meditation fosters lasting emotional well-being. Meditative practices help develop greater awareness of one’s emotions, promoting emotional regulation and resilience. Individuals who meditate regularly report a greater sense of happiness and satisfaction in daily life.
Meditation Techniques in Holistic Medicine
There are several meditation techniques that can be integrated into holistic medicine practice. Here are some of the different meditation techniques:
- Vipassana Meditation Vipassana meditation aims for mental purification through self-observation, leading to happiness, love, and compassion towards others (or cosmic energies, as we are interconnected parts of the whole).
- Transcendental Meditation Transcendental meditation is based on repeating a specific mantra, which helps transcend ordinary thoughts and reach a state of deep tranquility and awareness. It is known for its beneficial effects on stress reduction and mental health improvement.
- Compassion Meditation (Metta) Compassion meditation, or Metta, focuses on developing feelings of love and kindness towards oneself and others. This practice improves emotional well-being and promotes more positive interpersonal relationships.
- Guided Meditation Guided meditation uses the voice of an instructor to lead participants through a series of visualizations and relaxation techniques. It is particularly useful for beginners who find it difficult to meditate on their own.
Integrating Meditation into Daily Life
Integrating meditation into your daily routine doesn’t require much time or effort. Even just 10-20 minutes a day can make a big difference. Here are some practical tips to get started:
- Find a Quiet Place: Choose a place where you won’t be disturbed during meditation;
- Sit Comfortably: Maintain a comfortable position but with your back straight;
- Focus on Your Breath: Bring your attention to your breath, observing the natural rhythm of inhalation and exhalation;
- Be Patient: Don’t be discouraged if your mind wanders. Gently bring your attention back to the breath or mantra;
- Practice Regularly: Consistency is key to experiencing the benefits of meditation.
Conclusion
Meditation, as an integral part of holistic medicine, offers a comprehensive and natural approach to well-being. By integrating body, mind, and spirit, this ancient practice invites us to rediscover inner balance and live a more conscious and fulfilling life. In a world where stress and chronic diseases are on the rise, meditation emerges as a valuable tool to promote health and happiness.
Exploring and embracing meditation can represent a significant change in our approach to daily life. Beyond scientifically proven benefits, meditation offers us the opportunity to connect with ourselves at a deeper level, bringing harmony and serenity into our lives. The spread of articles promoting these practices can raise public awareness and encourage a more holistic and conscious approach to health and well-being.
By Cinzia Esposito, 2024
Ayurvedic Massage: A Millennial Journey to Well-Being
Edited by
In the fast-paced world of modern life, the pursuit of balance and well-being has become a priority for many. Among the various holistic therapies that promise relief and healing, Ayurvedic massage stands out for its deep connection with ancient tradition and philosophy. Rooted in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, this massage offers not only physical relaxation but also a journey towards mental and spiritual harmony. Let’s explore the roots, techniques, and benefits of this millennia-old practice.
The Roots of Ayurveda
Ayurveda, meaning “the science of life,” is a system of traditional medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Based on sacred texts such as the Vedas, Ayurveda is distinguished by its holistic approach to health, integrating body, mind, and spirit. Ayurvedic philosophy holds that every individual is unique, and health is the result of a harmonious balance between the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
The Three Doshas
Three Dosha (Dynamic Awareness)
Vata: Represents the elements of air and space. It governs movement, including blood circulation and the nervous system.
Pitta: Associated with the element of fire, it regulates metabolism, digestion, and body temperature.
Kapha: Comprising earth and water, it influences body structure and emotional stability.
Imbalances between these doshas can cause diseases and disorders, and this is where Ayurvedic massage comes in to restore harmony.
Techniques of Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurvedic massage is not a one-size-fits-all treatment; it varies based on an individual’s constitution and specific imbalances. The main techniques include:
Abhyanga
Abhyanga is a massage using medicated warm oils. It is performed with long, fluid strokes, synchronized with the breath. The oils used are selected based on the dominant dosha of the person and may include herbs and spices like turmeric, sandalwood, and neem.
Benefits of Abhyanga:
Reduces stress and promotes deep relaxation.
Improves blood and lymphatic circulation.
Nourishes the skin and tissues, preventing aging.
Promotes detoxification of the body.
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is a technique where a continuous stream of medicated oil is poured onto the forehead, particularly on the “third eye” area. This treatment is known for its ability to calm the mind and alleviate deep stress.
Benefits of Shirodhara:
Alleviates anxiety and tension.
Improves sleep quality.
Stimulates cognitive function and mental clarity.
Balances the nervous system.
Pinda Sweda
Pinda Sweda (SPA Italia Wellness) uses heated herbal pouches to massage the body. These pouches, called bolus, are filled with medicinal herbs and spices that are heated and applied with specific pressures.
Benefits of Pinda Sweda:
Reduces muscle and joint pain.
Improves flexibility and mobility.
Detoxifies and revitalizes the body.
Promotes energy circulation.
General Benefits of Ayurvedic Massage
In addition to the specific benefits of various techniques, Ayurvedic massage offers a wide range of advantages for overall health and well-being:
Relaxation and Stress Reduction: The use of medicated oils and massage techniques fosters deep physical and mental relaxation, reducing cortisol levels, the stress hormone.
Improved Circulation: The manipulations improve blood and lymphatic circulation, contributing to better oxygenation and nourishment of tissues.
Detoxification: The oils and Ayurvedic techniques help eliminate toxins accumulated in the body, improving kidney and liver function.
Boosting the Immune System: Stimulating energy points and improving the flow of vital energy strengthens the body’s immune defenses.
Psychophysical Well-being: Ayurvedic massage restores the balance between body and mind, promoting a sense of overall well-being and improving quality of life.
A Personalized Experience
One of the distinguishing aspects of Ayurvedic massage is its customization. Before beginning the treatment, the Ayurvedic practitioner conducts a thorough assessment of the individual’s constitution and imbalances through a detailed medical history and observation of physical and behavioral signs. This allows the treatment to be tailored to the person’s specific needs, ensuring that each session is unique and aimed at restoring inner balance.
Ayurvedic Massage and Lifestyle
Ayurveda is not limited to massage; it is a lifestyle that promotes health through diet, exercise, meditation, and other daily practices. Integrating Ayurvedic massage into your routine means embracing a holistic view of well-being, where every aspect of life contributes to balance and health.
Diet
Ayurvedic diet is based on individual constitution and dosha imbalances. A personalized diet helps maintain internal balance and prevent illness. For example, a person with a predominant Vata dosha might benefit from warm, nourishing foods, while someone with Pitta dosha may find relief in fresh, hydrating foods.
Physical Exercise
Ayurveda encourages regular but moderate physical activity, adapted to individual needs. Practices like yoga and Tai Chi are particularly recommended as they promote balance between body and mind.
Meditation and Mindfulness Practices
Meditation is a pillar of Ayurveda. Techniques such as transcendental meditation and mindfulness help calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve concentration. These practices, when combined with Ayurvedic massage, offer a powerful tool for global well-being.
Conclusion
Ayurvedic massage is not just a beauty or relaxation treatment but a true holistic therapy that embraces the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Through personalized techniques and the use of medicated oils, this massage offers a path to balance and well-being, positively influencing not only the body but also the mind and spirit.
Incorporating Ayurvedic massage into your wellness routine can represent a significant shift in your quality of life. In a world increasingly focused on productivity and consumption, rediscovering and valuing ancient practices like Ayurveda invites us to live in harmony with ourselves and the environment around us. This millennia-old tradition offers valuable tools for tackling modern challenges with a conscious and integrated approach, promoting lasting health and deep well-being.
By Cinzia Esposito, 2024
Taijiquan and Parkinson’s disease – Master Jia Jingquan
Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in a webinar on: “Taijiquan and Parkinson’s Disease” organized jointly by Dr. Anna Michela Vitulano, President of the Parkinson Parthenope Association, Professor Ennio Del Giudice, former Director of the Specialization School in Child Neuropsychiatry at the University of Naples “Federico II” and President of the nonprofit association Neapolitan Brain Group, and myself: Master Jia Jingquan, Ambassador for the International Promotion of Taijiquan Culture.
After the opening remarks, there was an engaging presentation by Professor Alessandro Tessitore, professor of Neurology at the School of Medicine of the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” and Director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center. He emphasized that there are around 2,500 studies in the literature demonstrating Taijiquan’s preventive and therapeutic value in a wide range of chronic diseases. Professor Ennio Del Giudice presented on the topic, “Tai Ji Quan for People with Parkinson’s Disease: Evidence from Scientific Literature.” Among the approximately 150 studies on Taijiquan and Parkinson’s disease on PubMed, he highlighted one, published in the prestigious medical journal The New England Journal of Medicine, in which a group of patients already on drug therapy practiced a specific Taijiquan program for 3–6 months, achieving significant improvements in tremor, posture control, and balance, with a reduction in falls. The study also recorded benefits in cognitive functions.
Following Professor Del Giudice’s presentation, which illustrated with extensive data how practicing this ancient discipline positively affects human health, my personal contribution aimed to explain the reasons behind these results.
Taijiquan is an ancient Chinese martial art that integrates character and physical development with the personal challenges typical of martial arts, generating a special energetic activity. It embodies historical-philosophical principles related to Buddhism, Confucianism, and, largely, Taoism. The synthesis of all this is expressed in a movement of great beauty that stimulates the aesthetic sense of both practitioners and observers. This unique quality was universally recognized on December 17, 2020, when UNESCO added this art to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Taijiquan strongly integrates self-awareness and mindful attention with bodily movements (joints, muscles, internal organs). Physical practice with light, continuous, and “spiral” movements, combined with abdominal breathing and mental focus, stimulates various body systems. This synergy promotes blood and fluid flow and strengthens Qi (the life force in Traditional Chinese Medicine), thus activating natural self-healing functions. When the mind is calm and the body relaxed, the nervous system can generate impulses that produce non-automatic movement, constantly guided by intention and awareness of one’s body in space, resulting in efficient, balanced, and coordinated movement.
Specifically, in practicing Taijiquan, one is required to maintain a calm mind, breathe naturally, look inward, and keep the body balanced. After starting the exercise, movements should be gentle and slow, consistent and coordinated, with alert attention to maintaining a stable center of gravity. The practice then progresses gradually from easy to challenging, from slow to fast, so that the body can progressively engage in a full range of exercises.
Taijiquan was traditionally used for self-defense and combat. Today, we can use this precious cultural heritage in the holistic management of various conditions, especially Parkinson’s disease, as Taijiquan differs significantly from other types of physical activities, such as gymnastics, dance, or physical therapy. Because Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease, the unique qualities of Taijiquan movements can effectively alleviate its symptoms: early tremors, limb stiffness, hypokinesia, gait abnormalities, falls, and cognitive and behavioral issues. Symptoms may significantly and durably improve, especially in mild to moderate cases, as supported by rigorous studies from the United States and the United Kingdom.
In my experience with people affected by Parkinson’s disease, I have developed a method that, by using Taijiquan and Qigong techniques, produces noticeable results in a relatively short time. This approach, which significantly improves coordination and balance through concentration and internal visualization, can reduce both the frequency of falls and the severity of tremors, allowing patients to regain some functional autonomy—a sense of independence that also translates into improved self-esteem.
Some techniques proposed for patients with Parkinson’s:
- Postural adjustment and breathing regulation
- Five self-massage techniques (*shuai shou gong*—ancient techniques I have modified)
- Articular movements for the whole body (new techniques I have created)
- Silk reeling (*chan si gong*): basic Taijiquan exercises to increase coordination, improve blood circulation, and joint mobility
- Six fire energy exercises (a practice I created to stimulate internal energy)
- Five breathing exercises (developed by me to increase lung capacity, coordination, and balance)
- Chen style Taijiquan, Form 9
With these simple techniques repeated several times, according to my experience, visible and evident results can be achieved after just a few weeks of practice. The type of instruction is tailored to the patient’s condition. For mild cases, classes can be group-based, while in more advanced stages of the disease, individual instruction becomes essential.
I believe that, in many cases, Taijiquan practice can lead to a significant improvement in quality of life, particularly for people with motor disabilities, such as patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Master Jia Jingquan
Easter Special – My Special Doctor Video Podcast – Tips and Tricks for Adults and Children
A new video podcast from My Special Doctorby Dr. Maria Chiara Villaand Dr. Piercarlo Salariwith plenty of helpful advice and tips for Adults and Children
Paediatricians’ advice for Easter: better dark chocolate and lots of walking
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Piercarlo Salari, Scientific Director of My Special Doctor, recently contributed to a press release published by the DIRE Agency.
This adds significant value to the work presented and demonstrates the importance of collaboration among prominent professionals in the field of communication and medical research.
Below, we provide references for accessing the publication, highlighting our interest and commitment to the dissemination of high-quality information.
I consigli dei pediatri per Pasqua: cioccolato meglio fondente e tante passeggiate
Review – The Second Wave
In the first half of life, ambitious people usually focus with determination, work tirelessly, sacrifice, and never stop. However, the second half of life is governed by different rules: in middle age, many begin to discover that success becomes increasingly difficult to achieve, rewards are less satisfying, and family relationships may become strained. Often, in response, they work even harder in an attempt to avoid decline and deny the intellectual and physical changes that are becoming more evident, leading to feelings of anger, fear, and disappointment at a stage in life they imagined would be full of joy, satisfaction, and pride.
The author, Arthur Brooks, who teaches Public Leadership Practice at Harvard Kennedy School and Management at Harvard Business School, went through a similar phase:
at the height of his career, even though he had achieved all the goals he had set for himself, he did not feel fulfilled and embarked on a journey to discover how to turn potential future disappointments into opportunities for personal growth. His aim was to live a happier and more meaningful second half of life than the first. After studying the biographies of some of the most successful people in history, drawing on social sciences, philosophy, neuroscience, theology, and Eastern wisdom, and interviewing heads of state as well as ordinary men and women, Brooks distilled all the wisdom he gathered into a book that can show us concretely that happiness is within reach
for everyone, at any age. By learning to refocus our priorities and habits, exploring deep wisdom, detaching from material rewards, fostering connection, serving others, and pursuing spiritual development, we can be ready for a more mindful, fulfilling, and, to sum it up in one word, happy life.
Arthur C. Brooks
The Second Wave
256 pages
Aboca Edizioni, 2024
Price €22.00
Paediatric Influenza Vaccination
A new podcast from My Special Doctor by Dr. Piercarlo Salari on the topic of Pediatric Influenza Vaccination
Simple, smart and effective: the new continuous blood glucose monitoring system
It is a new wearable device for continuous glucose monitoring, recently presented at the ATTD (Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes) international conference held in Florence. The device combines a sensor and transmitter and is intended for individuals undergoing insulin therapy from the age of two. It includes innovative features for increasingly personalized and accessible therapy management: it measures and automatically sends glucose readings wirelessly to a compatible smartphone, receiver, or smartwatch, eliminating the need for finger pricks or scans. Thanks to the dedicated app, users can view glucose trend directions, set customizable alerts for threshold values, log events such as food intake, physical activity, and insulin doses, and share data. It can be worn on the arm or abdomen and, for children aged 2 to 6 years, also on the upper buttocks, providing greater discretion. It is also water-resistant, withstanding prolonged water contact for up to 24 hours and at depths of up to 2.4 meters.
