If you’ve ever taken a walk to deal with feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, or fatigue, you’re not alone. According to a survey by the United Kingdom-based mental healthcare provider, Priory Group, 65% of respondents chose walking as their preferred method to boost emotional health.
Cognitive Benefits of Walking
Walking and brain function are closely linked, offering several benefits to cognitive health.
Increased Blood Flow to the Brain
When you walk, the impact of your feet hitting the ground creates pressure waves that increase blood flow to the brain. Recent studies from New Mexico Highlands University have shown that walking rhythmically syncs with your heart and stride rates, regulating and improving cerebral blood flow (CBF).
Sharper Memory and Focus
Walking prompts the brain to release neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play crucial roles in memory retention and concentration. Serotonin, in particular, is linked to spatial working memory, while dopamine aids in memory encoding and consolidation.
Enhanced Creativity
Walking can boost creativity by increasing oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain. Studies have shown that being in nature or even walking on a treadmill can significantly enhance creative output.
Long-term Cognitive Health
Regular walking helps maintain cognitive health by providing oxygen to the brain, supporting blood vessel health, and stimulating the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This protein is vital for neuron survival and the creation of new neurons, contributing to neuroplasticity.
Emotional and Mental Health Benefits of Walking
Walking is transformative for mental well-being, offering stress reduction and mood improvement.
Stress Reduction
Walking releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, and engages both brain hemispheres, aiding in emotional distress processing. It also serves as a form of mindfulness, promoting positive structural changes in the brain and emotional regulation.
Better Mood and Emotional Well-being
Walking positively impacts the nervous system, reducing feelings of anger, hostility, anxiety, and depression. Group walking can enhance these benefits, providing stress relief, deeper connections, and long-term reductions in anxiety and depression.
Walking is a powerful way to boost cognitive and mental health, offering a foundation for a healthier, more vibrant life. Consider joining a walking group to maximize these benefits and enjoy the social interaction it brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine treats the whole person and not only specific symptoms. It is concerned with both the physical and mental aspects of well-being.
Holistic medicine includes acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, nutritional counseling, yoga, and other complementary therapies.
A holistic approach to medicine includes those with heart problems, cancer, diabetes, arthritis or depression.
Can a holistic practitioner write prescriptions?
Holistic medicine is founded on the principle that all diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of factors.
This is a comprehensive approach to treating patients.
A physician must be able to understand both modern science and traditional methods like herbs and homeopathy in order to understand the effects of each factor on a patient.
Many doctors are now certified in complementary and alternate medicine (C&A). This allows them the ability to offer a wide variety of services to their clients.
What is the importance of alternative medicine?
Alternative treatments are becoming more popular as they’re cheaper and more effective than traditional therapies. Patients have sometimes died after receiving these treatments. This could be due to allergic reactions or side effects. There are also alternatives that may be more effective.
In addition, alternative medicines can be dangerous if you don’t know enough about them to choose the right ones. Vitamin supplements, for example, are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. It is easy to overdose on vitamins. Some alternative remedies can contain toxic chemicals, which is even worse.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression and Hospital Anxiety in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Study – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
cam.cancer.gov
doi.org
How To
What should I look for when looking for a qualified holistic doctor
How to find a good doctor who specializes in holistic medicine?
Doctors who specialize in their chosen field are the best. We’re talking about holistic medicine here. This means that doctors must know how to treat their patients holistically, which includes treating them as a whole person rather than just their symptoms. They should understand holistic health and why you want to see a holistic doctor.
In addition to knowing about holistic health, the doctor should have a strong understanding of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM), such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and yoga.
Holistic health practitioners will also be able, in most cases, to diagnose and discuss your condition.
You should also ask if the doctor has certifications from professional organizations like the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork or the American Holistic Medical Association. NBOHMCA certification is available in many areas, such as naturopathic, acupuncture or homeopathy, clinical nutritional, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and clinical nutrition.
You can search our directory for holistic practitioners in your local area. If there isn’t one, you may be capable of searching online for a holistic practitioner near you.
Check with your local hospital to see if they offer holistic health care.
Visit your local library to find books and resources related to holistic health.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: The Incredible Cognitive and Mental Benefits of Walking
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/brain-health/five-tips-to-get-the-most-mental-benefit-from-your-social-distancing-walks/
Published Date: Mon, 06 May 2024 16:50:35 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine treats the whole person and not only specific symptoms. It is concerned with both the physical and mental aspects of well-being.
Holistic medicine includes acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, nutritional counseling, yoga, and other complementary therapies.
A holistic approach to medicine includes those with heart problems, cancer, diabetes, arthritis or depression.
Can a holistic practitioner write prescriptions?
Holistic medicine is founded on the principle that all diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of factors.
This is a comprehensive approach to treating patients.
A physician must be able to understand both modern science and traditional methods like herbs and homeopathy in order to understand the effects of each factor on a patient.
Many doctors are now certified in complementary and alternate medicine (C&A). This allows them the ability to offer a wide variety of services to their clients.
What is the importance of alternative medicine?
Alternative treatments are becoming more popular as they’re cheaper and more effective than traditional therapies. Patients have sometimes died after receiving these treatments. This could be due to allergic reactions or side effects. There are also alternatives that may be more effective.
In addition, alternative medicines can be dangerous if you don’t know enough about them to choose the right ones. Vitamin supplements, for example, are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. It is easy to overdose on vitamins. Some alternative remedies can contain toxic chemicals, which is even worse.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression and Hospital Anxiety in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Study – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
cam.cancer.gov
doi.org
How To
What should I look for when looking for a qualified holistic doctor
How to find a good doctor who specializes in holistic medicine?
Doctors who specialize in their chosen field are the best. We’re talking about holistic medicine here. This means that doctors must know how to treat their patients holistically, which includes treating them as a whole person rather than just their symptoms. They should understand holistic health and why you want to see a holistic doctor.
In addition to knowing about holistic health, the doctor should have a strong understanding of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM), such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and yoga.
Holistic health practitioners will also be able, in most cases, to diagnose and discuss your condition.
You should also ask if the doctor has certifications from professional organizations like the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork or the American Holistic Medical Association. NBOHMCA certification is available in many areas, such as naturopathic, acupuncture or homeopathy, clinical nutritional, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and clinical nutrition.
You can search our directory for holistic practitioners in your local area. If there isn’t one, you may be capable of searching online for a holistic practitioner near you.
Check with your local hospital to see if they offer holistic health care.
Visit your local library to find books and resources related to holistic health.
