Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Sciece Supports Health Benefits of "Mindfulness-Based Practices"

Yoga meditation pose at "The Bean" in Chicago




According to ScienceDaily.com, there is new evidence that supports the health benefits of mindfulness-based practices like Zen meditation for those with health problems. This scientific review focused on Zen meditation, yoga, Buddhist stress reduction techniques, and cognitive therapy as practices that helped many issues, particularly those suffering from depression and chronic pain.

Of course, the study reminds people that these practices should be used in conjunction with conventional treatments. I agree that one suffering from mental health issues or chronic pain should not entirely rely on mindfulness practice, but I also think that the study did not give those who truly practice mindfulness to its greatest extent enough credit for the benefits that can be had from this practice. Of course, practicing mindfulness, in whichever way you choose, requires a change of our conventional lifestyles in the United States, in its pace, structure, and consumerist nature.

Have any of you found that mindfulness practice, whether it was yoga, meditation, breathing practice, Alexander technique, or other practice, has helped with mental or physical health? Why would you choose or not choose to use these practices to treat ailments?

I'm curious to hear about other people's experiences. For me, yoga and breathing techniques that can be used at work often help me to cope with stress which can reduce the onset of chronic headaches, along with drinking water and chiropractic adjustments. I believe that more research should be done to continue looking into the benefits of mindfulness for those who suffer from depression and chronic pain.


1 comment:

  1. There is no question about the benefits of mindfulness-the division between mind and body is virtually non-existent other than taking on different forms.

    Many kinds of physical stimulation will benefit or harm the mind, likewise mental stimulation will benefit or harm the body. I believe there is a direct mind/body correlation between any stimulation-however subtle; therefore it's so important to maintain awareness of this and to try and gear as much mental/physical stimulation as possible toward the truly beneficial.

    I've been pushing myself more and more toward a meditation routine, but it's so difficult to actually start. Swimming laps and otherwise vigorous workouts have been incredibly soothing mentally and physically. I think most of my self-therapy has been physical so I'm really feeling the need to break into the mental side..

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