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Published on: March 8, 2019
The Self-Directed Biological Transformation Initiative and Well-Being
Paul J Mills1,2,3, Kathleen L Wilson1, Meredith A Pung1
11 Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California , San Diego, La Jolla, CA.
Objective:
To examine the effects of a comprehensive residential mind-body program on well-being.
Design:
The Self-Directed Biological Transformation Initiative was a quasi-randomized trial comparing the effects of participation in a 6-day Ayurvedic system of medicine-based comprehensive residential program with a 6-day residential vacation at the same retreat location.
Setting:
Retreat setting.
Participants:
69 healthy women (n = 58) and men (n = 11) (mean age ± standard deviation, 53.6 ± 12 years).
Intervention:
The Ayurvedic intervention addressed physical and emotional well-being through group meditation and yoga, massage, diet, adaptogenic herbs, lectures, and journaling.
Outcome Measures:
A battery of standardized questionnaires.
Results:
Participants in the Ayurvedic program showed significant and sustained increases in ratings of spirituality (p < 0.01) and gratitude (p < 0.05) compared with the vacation group, which showed no change. The Ayurvedic participants also showed increased ratings for self-compassion (p < 0.01) as well as less anxiety at the 1-month follow-up (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Findings suggest that a short-term intensive program providing holistic instruction and experience in mind-body healing practices can lead to significant and sustained increases in perceived well-being and that relaxation alone is not enough to improve certain aspects of well-being.
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