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The Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine
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  • Integrative Physical Therapy
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Meditation

Akasha Center Nutrition

Mindfulness Meditation is currently the most researched psychological tool. Several researchers at various universities (e.g. UCLA, University of Wisconsin) are investigating how meditation can help reduce stress and its associated health problems, increase concentration, and promote a sense of well-being.

The most basic type of mindfulness meditation is focused attention on one’s breath. Simple in theory, maintaining focus on the breath requires training in order to non-judgmentally bring the wandering mind back to the breath. There are many types of mindfulness meditation, but they all share a common principle: moment-by-moment and non-judgmental awareness.

The origins of mindfulness meditation philosophy stem back 2500 years from Buddha’s teachings, yet have evolved into secular branches over time. In its simplest form, it serves as training in “paying attention to the present moment”. In its more advanced form, it can be a tool for altering the undesirable effects of difficult thoughts and feelings.

We can see why mindfulness meditation is an important psychological tool from its many applications! Akasha Center’s Kevin Kunkel’s meditation teachings are specifically geared towards bringing focus to the numerous and unique ways you can deal with life’s difficult issues. This tool can be used for spiritual experiences alone, but a deeper psychological self-awareness and self-control makes the spiritual experience more solid.

FAQ on Meditation:

Q1: Is meditation about emptying the mind? I find it almost impossible to do so.

Mindfulness meditation is NOT about training yourself to empty the mind. Instead, it involves  special type of attentions: moment-by-moment and non-judgmental. One chooses a specific thing to focus on and calmly and non-violently returns their attention to that thing whenever the mind wanders. The most basic type of mindfulness meditation is to pay attention to your own breath. There are many forms of mindfulness meditation, however, that can be explored as the meditator advances.

Q2: Can I learn to meditate on my own by listening to a CD or reading a book?

It is possible to learn the act of meditating by reading books or listening to CDs. I strongly recommend, however, to meditate under the guidance of a teacher who can offer deeper understanding of the how and why of meditation. A teacher can greatly assist the student to overcome common obstacles to meditating. Once you learn to meditate, I advise you to join a group (called Sangha in Pali language) in order to maintain a regular practice. The group energy promotes greater present-awareness and also allows you to experience the meditative experience in a deeper way.

Q3: How are Mindfulness Meditation and the Transcendental Meditation (TM) different?

In the TM technique the meditator receives a “mantra” from the teacher, which is used as a focal point in the meditation. TM was originated by the yogi Maharshi Mahesh, but gained popularity during the sixties while being researched for its use as a stress reduction and spiritual tool. In the seventies, Westerners who traveled to India and Thailand to learn Buddhist styles of meditation brought their findings to medical settings in the US.

Unlike the mantra focus of TM, the foundation of the mindfulness meditation style is to be mindful of the present moment, here and now. Mindfulness meditation is a secular style of meditation and has many practical applications that can result in: stress reduction, increased concentration, reduced symptoms of ADHD, reduced depression, increased empathy, and evenness of mind. Both meditations have a large following; the style of meditation chosen by the meditator depends on the meditator’s personal preference and reason for meditation.

 

 

Testimonials

Akasha Naturals is my go-to for supplements. The Akasha Naturals Immune Support formula turns away any sickness I feel coming on. (InStyle, Sept. 2012)
Julia Roberts Actress
I have been a patient at Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine for almost three years and continue to be amazed at the level of medical expertise, the breadth of di…
Joe Dickey Singer
The Akasha Center and Dr. de Mello are a dream come true. Their combination of traditional medicine with a natural holistic approach for the whole body is what I hav…
Michael Feinstein Singer
“I’ve had the great privilege of working closely with Dr. de Mello and his team at Akasha, while designing the best preventative integral health care protocol for me…
Arturo Muyshond Actor/Producer
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My earnest desire was to find a Dr. that I could talk to. A doctor that would take the time to really listen. After going through some serious health issues, I wante…
Stacey Winick
I visit the Akasha Center and see Dr. de Mello  for regular check-ups and preventative health. In addition to body wellness, The Akasha Center also cares for the he…
Jason Mraz Singer/ Songwriter
I’m not fond of the antiseptic feeling that one generally gets when walking into a doctor’s office. I get the very opposite when I walk into the Akasha Center Lo…
Peter Horton Writer/Director
“I’ve been going to the Akasha Center for four months and together we’ve been working to create a better, healthier lifestyle that works for my hectic schedule. …
Lee Daniels Filmmaker
The Akasha center is great both medically and spiritually. Every person here is incredibly friendly. Dr. de Mello is not only brilliant and an expert, he is also k…
Guy Burnet Actor
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I love the Akasha Center because everyone on staff is so warm and the practitioners are experts in the entire body. You will not get referred out to 10 specialists…
Maggie Nemser

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Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine, LLC

1234 6th Street Suite #100
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Phone: (310) 451.8880
Fax: (310) 451.8803

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