Meditation Practices For Health

Reviews & synthesizes the state of research on a variety of meditation practices (MP), incl.: the specific MP examined; the research designs employed & the conditions & outcomes examined; the efficacy & effectiveness of different MP for the 3 most studied conditions; the role of effect modifiers on outcomes; & the effects of meditation on physiological & neuropsychological outcomes. Conclusions: scientific research on MP does not have a common theoretical perspective & is characterized by poor methodological quality. Firm conclusions on the effects of MP in healthcare cannot be drawn based on the available evidence. Future research on MP must be more rigorous in the design & execution of studies & in the analysis & reporting of results. Illus.

The Many Benefits of Meditation addresses prenatal meditation and its positive effects on maternal health, fetal health and infant health. The authors evaluate a Prenatal Eastern Based Meditative Intervention (EBMI) program developed for pregnant Chinese women in Hong Kong in order to evaluate the effects of meditation on pregnancy. The conceptual framework was based on the postulation of positive relationships between meditation and pregnancy health which is important for fetal health and child health. The following chapter discusses how the exponential growth of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in recent years has resulted in a marketisation and commodification of practice (popularly labeled McMindfulness) which divorces mindfulness from its ethical origins in Buddhist traditions. Another article is included which examines the elusive primordial energy that the ancient yogis referred to as Kundalini. This energy is said to ascend through each of the seven chakras from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. When the Kundalini reaches the crown chakra, cosmic consciousness, a restructuring of the psyche, and paranormal abilities have been reported. The authors use a multidisciplinary approach to explore how Kundalini is typically expressed and safely managed, and the importance for recognition by health care professionals. Next, a review is presented with the objective of determining whether evidence exists that directly compares the utility of tai chi/qi gong and mindfulness meditation in the treatment of cancer pain in adults. Several articles described the benefits of tai chi/qi gong on the pain experience of adult cancer patients, and multiple articles discussed the positive effects of mindfulness practices on pain. A paper is presented which examines the effects of Concentrative Meditation on worry, attention, dispositional mindfulness, and decentering. The results suggest that short-term uses of concentrative meditation are likely to be effective for worry, which may be associated with enhanced selective attention and decentering. Later, the effects of cognitive decentering and thinking errors on eating disorder symptoms among women's college students are examined. A structural equation model of questionnaire data (N = 173) revealed that cognitive decentering reduced eating disorder tendency by ameliorating thinking errors. The last study combines three distinct literatures. Burnout is a huge concern as workers and employers experience losses and challenges due to its effects, and DoS and mindfulness have been identified as important psychological traits for coping with burnout. The results of this study suggest that both DoS and Mindfulness are negatively correlated with burnout, indicating that these traits are important buffers against and resources for coping with emotional exhaustion.

This groundbreaking primer illuminates contemplative methods that can improve mental and physical health. Contemplative practices, from meditation to Zen, are growing in popularity as methods to inspire physical and mental health. Contemplative Practices in Action: Spirituality, Meditation, and Health offers readers an introduction to these practices and the ways they can be used in the service of well being, wisdom, healing, and stress reduction. Bringing together various traditions from the East and West, this thought-provoking work summarizes the history of each practice, highlights classic and emerging research proving its power, and details how each practice is performed. Expert authors offer step-by-step approaches to practice methods including the 8-Point Program of Passage Meditation, Centering Prayer, mindful stress management, mantram meditation, energizing meditation, yoga, and Zen. Beneficial practices from Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, and Islamic religions are also featured. Vignettes illustrate each of the practices, while the contributors explain how and why they are effective in facing challenges as varied as the loss of a partner or child, job loss, chronic pain or disease, or psychological disorders.

In his book, "Meditation for Health and Happiness," Dr. Robert Puff discusses the importance of practicing daily meditation. Sharing findings from numerous research studies conducted by scientists and psychologists all over the country, Dr. Puff talks about the long-term effects of stress on the body and mind; and how meditating regularly can heal everything from high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and back pain, to mental depression and anxiety. Not only will Dr. Puff talk you through a very basic and easy meditation, you will learn about the history of meditation, and how it has been incorporated into nearly all of the world's great religions. Whether you're new to meditation or you have meditated for years, you'll find this book both fascinating and informative.

Declutter your mind and break the cycle of stress addiction with this simple, innovative meditation method. Drawing on his experience living at the Kopan Monastery in Nepal, meditation teacher Michel Pascal shares his easy new method of meditating in the moment to calm the mind and break the cycle of stress addiction. Meditation for Daily Stress is a guide to a revolutionary technique for finding peace, quiet, mindfulness, and centeredness in our daily lives and fending off anxiety and depression. Pascal prescribes a series of visualization and breathing practices that can be used throughout the day to unplug in the moment, before stress takes hold. Learn ten simple practices you can do even for just a minute at a time, including: - Meditate Like the Horizon to unplug your brain when it is running all the time. - Meditate Like a Dolphin to discover your inner peace in high-stress moments. - Meditate Like a Mountain to feel more grounded when your mood is up and down. - Meditate Like a Wave to help you deal with difficult people and difficult interactions. - Meditate Like a Kiss to feel less stress in a romantic relationship. Exploring both spirituality and physicality, mind and body, this is an essential read for busy people who want to start a daily practice right away for a healthier, happier life.