Smoking still is a major cause of preventable illnesses and diseases related to the cardiovascular and pulmonary system, such as lung cancer. Despite these known health risks, 21% of the world population is smoking tobacco according to the World Health Organization (WHO) (“Tobacco Use,” 2016). This hasn’t to be so as addiction to smoking isn’t just a given biological circumstance, but a personal and social experience that can be influenced. The goal of this article is to look at tobacco consumption as a human behavior possible to address with holistic intervention combinations including biological, psychological, and social factors.
There is a link between anxiety and hypersensitivity of the gastrointestinal area. Also, microbiota state in the gut, mediated through the immune system, is interacting with the brain.
#041 Urban peace (Mathias Sager, water mixable oil colour on canvas board, 46.7×38.1×0.4 cm (18.4″x15″x0.16″))
In this article I detail out a bit further the link between meditation and its therapeutic effect on anxiety and depression and apply it to a case example.
Mindfulness meditation seems to be suitable to shift the perception of life-uncertainty and adjust “from rumination to present awareness and acceptance” (Li et al., 2016, p. 12). Mindfulness as a psycho-therapeutic approach has proven beneficial for the treatment of anxiety and depression disorders.
“Health and disease are determined by dynamic interactions among biological, psychological, behavioral and social factors.” – US Research Council Committee
This article is distinguishing holism from reductionist concepts and critically analyzes the application of holism in the mental health topic of long-term smoking cessation. By identifying some current state indicators the article suggests a definition of a holistic approach going forward. The effective maintenance of long-term nicotine abstinence is considered to be positively influenced by applying an extended biopsychosocial modelthat also includes cultural and world-view beliefs of personalities on their journey to a smoke-free identity. Implications and challenges for future holistic practice design and multi-disciplinary and integrative health care roles are discussed. The article concludes with a daring outlook towards a possible revolutionary human self-healing personality capability as a logical consequence of the current self-development movement. Continue reading Holistic approach to change behavior (e.g., towards a smoke-free identity)→
It works best for me to gather knowledge in a self-study mode. In order to turn the knowledge into practical and positive learning experiences though, the exchange with study and work colleagues is valuable for me. Therefore I appreciate the exchange of experiences and opinions and the possibility for constructive feedback.
Systematic notes taking, as well as the visualization of key aspects and inter-dependencies have proven to be a good means to make knowledge effectively and efficiently accessible for the continuous practical application in my daily life and work. Ultimately a learning experience was successful for me when I can observe increased understanding and desired changes in my behavior and well-being.
#041 Urban peace (Mathias Sager, water mixable oil colour on canvas board, 46.7×38.1×0.4 cm (18.4″x15″x0.16″))
