Show 999: Meditation and Yoga as Tools for Health

At one time, most Americans were mystified by meditation and wary of yoga. There is now increasing recognition that both meditation and yoga can have profound health effects.

How does meditation alter the brain? Our expert guests explain the significant physiological changes that can happen at the level of the neurons, genes and telomeres that can help us change how we manage a host of difficult situations ranging from ADHD to cancer or other chronic conditions.

Find out about the best way to start meditating, the benefits of mindful breathing, and the technology that can help. Learn the difference between yoga and meditation. We will also discuss an Ayurvedic approach to staying healthy. How can this 5,000 year old tradition be integrated with modern medicine? Science is exploring stress reduction through meditation; get the details.

This Week’s Guests:

Murali Doraiswamy, MD, is a Professor of Psychiatry and Medicine at Duke University where he is a member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. At Duke, he directs a clinical trials unit that has been involved with the development of many products used to treat psychiatric and neurological disorders. Dr. Doraiswamy has also served as an advisor to leading government agencies, healthcare businesses, and patient advocacy groups.

Mitchell L. Gaynor, MD, is the founder and president of Gaynor Wellness. Dr. Gaynor is also clinical assistant professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. His new book is The Gene Therapy Plan: Taking Control of Your Genetic Destiny with Diet and Lifestyle.