Meditation’s ability to combat stress may just allow the body to deal better with major conditions caused by inflammation. A new health breakthrough shows that mindfulness meditation may provide great benefits for people with such chronic inflammatory conditions as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and asthma.
This kind of meditation involves focusing attention on your breath, what’s happening with your body, and what’s in your mind. It is often coupled with yoga. Plus, meditation is great for relieving stress and was originally designed for patients with chronic pain. But, it may extend far beyond that.
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The study compared two methods of reducing stress: a mindfulness meditation-based approach, and a program involving nutritional education, exercise, and music therapy. The latter was meant to match certain aspects of mindfulness without actual mindfulness.
While both techniques reduced stress, the meditation was more effective at reducing stress-induced inflammation. The results suggest that meditation might be more effective in reducing inflammation and related symptoms than other activities that boost wellness. Plus, it is very inexpensive. Once you get the hang of it, in a class or through a DVD session, you can practice it anywhere you want.
Studies like this are important, because a lot of people don’t benefit from available prescription drugs; some don’t respond to the drugs, or some suffer side effects to the point where they are unable to continue taking them.
Here, we find two factors colliding. Inflammation is one of the biggest causes of illness. But the power of the brain can influence the body’s health. Meditation versus inflammation might equal positive results.
Sources for Today’s Articles:
Trying This Relaxing Technique Can Curb Inflammation
Rosenkranz, M., et al., “A comparison of mindfulness-based stress reduction and an active control in modulation of neurogenic inflammation,” Brain, Behavior, and Immunity 2013; 27: 174.