Healing with Ayahuasca: An Amazonian Approach to Addiction and Emotional Recovery
By Conor Watters, NDOriginally published in NDNR, adapted for NaturalPath Can a Sacred Amazonian Brew Help Heal Addiction? Across the lush, living rainforests of South America, a sacred plant medicine has been quietly transforming lives for centuries. Known as Ayahuasca, this traditional brew—crafted from a vine and a leaf—has long been revered by Indigenous cultures […]
The Nature vs. Nurture Debate in Personality Development
Recent research indicates that 30% to 60% of personality traits may be inherited, yet environmental factors play a significant role in shaping who we are. The enduring nature versus nurture debate remains unresolved, but studies suggest that personality changes can occur at any age, particularly between ages 20 and 40. A review of various studies […]
Understanding Narcissistic Abuse Syndrome
Narcissistic abuse syndrome, while not a formally recognized mental health condition, describes the harmful effects of narcissistic manipulation on victims. Experts note that such abuse can lead to severe, long-lasting mental health issues, sometimes referred to as narcissistic victim syndrome. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) involves traits like a grandiose sense of self and a need […]
The Healing Power of Forest Scents: Nature’s Aromas Enhance Mental Well-being
Forests have long been considered places of tranquility and healing, but recent research has provided scientific backing to these beliefs. Specific volatile organic compounds emitted by trees, such as terpenes and phytoncides, have been found to significantly reduce stress levels in humans. In particular, alpha-pinene, a compound found in pine needles, has been shown to […]
Self-Compassion, Biofeedback, and Mental Health
Self-compassion can contribute to better mental health. Compassion-focused therapy may help those with mental illness self-soothe and better deal with feelings and thoughts in a mindful, balanced way. The 60 participants in the study received either virtual reality based on self-compassion or virtual reality based on self-compassion PLUS visual biofeedback. The Oculus Quest 2 allowed […]
‘Very Demure, Very Mindful’ TikTok Trend Highlights Health Benefits of Mindfulness
The “very demure, very mindful” trend is sweeping TikTok, urging people to adopt a more mindful approach to life. Sparked by TikToker Jools Lebron’s viral video about maintaining a modest and respectful appearance, the trend has captured the attention of celebrities and health organizations alike, promoting the practice of mindfulness as a path to improved […]
Might Mindfulness Be for YOU, Too?
Mindfulness–being in the moment and aware of your feelings and thoughts without judging–has been shown to lessen pain in veterans. Could it help you as well? A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reported the efficacy of telehealth-delivered mindfulness-based interventions (MBI). Over 690 Veterans with chronic pain and psychiatric comorbidity completed a mindfulness-based intervention that produced a […]
Discover the Power of the “Awe Walk” for Mental and Physical Well-being
Walking is a simple yet powerful way to improve physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. A new trend, the “awe walk,” offers a fresh take on this daily activity, encouraging walkers to find inspiration and wonder in their surroundings. Popularized by recent research from UC Berkeley, the awe walk encourages participants to shift their […]
News Briefs – NDNR
1. Cognitive Decline Associated with Certain Personality Traits Fom American Psychological Association People who are organized, with high levels of self-discipline, may be less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment as they age, while people who are moody or emotionally unstable are more likely to experience cognitive decline late in life, according to research published […]
Living with Schizophrenia
Razi Berry A person with schizophrenia typically experiences more negative emotions and has more stressors than average. A new study by University of Georgia psychologists revealed a surprising finding that could help those who struggle with the illness: While people with schizophrenia tend to manage low-level negative emotions, they struggle to do so as those […]