Meditation and Mindfulness

Meditation and Mindfulness

Meditation and mindfulness dates back thousands of years, and many contemplative techniques originated in Eastern cultures. The term “meditation” refers to a variety of techniques that emphasize mind-body integration and are used to relax the mind and improve overall well-being. Some forms of meditation require sustaining mental attention on a specific feeling, such as breathing, a sound, a visual image, or a mantra, which is a repeated word or phrase. Other types of meditation include mindfulness, which focuses attention or awareness on the current moment without forming judgments.

 

Programs that teach meditation and mindfulness may incorporate additional activities. For example, mindfulness-based stress reduction is a program that teaches mindful meditation as well as discussion sessions and other tools to assist people apply what they’ve learned to stressful situations. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines mindfulness techniques with elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).  Cognitive behavioral therapy is provided by a licensed clinical counselor.

 

Meditation and Mindfulness Practices Are Safe

Meditation and mindfulness practices usually are considered to have few risks and are generally safe.  Meditation and mindfulness are used to relax or reduce stress. In more than half of the responses, a desire for better sleep was a reason for practicing mindfulness meditation.

 

According to some study, meditation and mindfulness techniques may have an effect on brain function and structure. Researchers have utilized numerous methods of measuring brain activity to find detectable variations in the brains of people who practice mindfulness. Other research suggests that meditation and mindfulness activities can alter brain function. However, the findings of these studies are difficult to understand, and the practical consequences remain unclear.

 

Tips To Consider

• Don’t use meditation or mindfulness to replace conventional care or as a reason to postpone seeing a health care provider about a medical problem.

• Ask about the training and experience of the instructor of the meditation or mindfulness practice you are considering.

• Take charge of your health and talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.