Haveahealthymind.com Media Contact: WJ Carrel
Los Angeles, CA - Richard P. Brown, MD, and Patricia L. Gerbarg, MD, integrative psychiatrists and co-authors with Philip R. Muskin, MD, of the new book HOW TO USE HERBS, NUTRIENTS, AND YOGA IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE (WW Norton, 2009), will deliver a Grand Rounds lecture, New Breath Techniques to Accelerate Recovery from PTSD (Post- traumatic Stress Disorder), Thursday, October 15, 2009 at Boston University School of Medicine, Keefer Auditorium, lst floor, Evans Building, 72 E. Concord Street, Boston, MA. The lecture is from 2 to 3 pm, followed by a breathing technique session from 3 to 4:30 pm.
Drs. Brown and Gerbarg will outline neurophysiological evidence and mechanisms involved in the effects of specific breath techniques on the stress response system and the resolution of symptoms of traumatic stress. They will then present the evolution of a program of innovative breath practices based on their clinical studies of military veterans with PTSD, survivors of the 2004 South East Asia tsunami with PTSD, and severe GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) patients. The current multi-component program, a fusion of ancient and modern breath practices from several traditions, has shown promising results in relieving symptoms of PTSD in two pilot studies of First Responders affected by the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attacks.
In the experiential session, several of these therapeutic practices will be taught.
The Grand Rounds lecture is sponsored by the Psychiatry Department at BUMC. Students, residents, and faculty attend as well as all members of the medical center and other medical centers in the Boston area. The October 15 lecture will be unusual in that there is a 1 1/2 hour experiential training in breath practices and meditation with Dr. Brown. The School of Medicine web site is at bumc.bu.edu.
Dr. Brown, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University in New York, is an expert on CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine). He gives over 200 medical lectures every year, including full-day courses for the American Psychiatric Association and other professional groups. He is a certified teacher of Aikido (4th Dan), Yoga, Qi Gong, and meditation. His workshops, sponsored by the non-profit, Serving Those Who Serve (www.STWS.org)
Dr. Gerbarg, Associate Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at New York Medical College, graduated from Harvard Medical School and the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. She lectures on neuro-psychoanalysis, trauma, and integrative treatments at American Psychiatric Association meetings and other conferences. Dr. Gerbarg develops research projects on mind-body practices for relief of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
Drs. Brown and Gerbarg offer mental health information and resources on their web site at HaveAHealthyMind.com.
