LITERATURE + LECTURES

The Jung Center of Houston presents Is Meditation the Medicine of the Mind?. Researchers Lorenzo Cohen and Alejandro Chaoul discuss recent studies that demonstrate the healing power of contemplative practices. Thursday, October 7, 7:30 - 9 pm.

Does meditation have power to heal the body? In their research together at The Integrative Medicine Program at The UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Drs. Cohen and Chaoul examine the effects of mind-body interventions such as meditation, yoga, and t'ai chi. They are interested in the quality of life as well as the clinical outcomes of those undergoing cancer treatment.

Their current research has taken them into the minds of chemotherapy patients, who experience deterioration in cognitive functioning. Can these ancient practices actually improve cognitive functioning? Other researchers who have examined the brains of long-term meditators have concluded that meditation stimulates neuroplasticity (changes that occur in the organization of the brain as a result of experience). In a vivid and interactive dialogue with the audience, Drs. Cohen and Chaoul will discuss this new frontier of medicine.

Alejandro Chaoul, PhD, has been a student of Tibetan Buddhism since 1989 and has studied with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, and Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, among others. He teaches for the Ligmincha Institute in various locations in the U.S, Mexico, and Poland. His is author of the book Chöd Practice in the Bön Tradition.

Lorenzo Cohen, PhD, is a faculty member of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where he is Director of the Integrative Medicine Program. Cohen is currently conducting clinical trials examining the biobehavioral effects of psychosocial interventions aimed at reducing the negative aspects of cancer treatment and improving quality of life (including, meditation, stress management, emotional writing, Tai chi/Qigong, and other modalities).