Friday, July 20, 2012
HEALTH BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS-BASED PRACTICES
Specific types of ‘mindfulness practices’ including Zen meditation have demonstrated benefits for patients with certain physical and mental health problems, according to a report in the July 2012 Journal of Psychiatric Practice.
Dr Marchand found evidence that MBSR and MBCT have ‘broad-spectrum’ effects against depression and anxiety and can also decrease general psychological distress. Based on the evidence, MBCT can be ‘strongly recommended’ as an addition to conventional treatments (adjunctive treatment) for unipolar depression. Both MBSR and MBCT were effective adjunctive treatments for anxiety.
Research data also supported the effectiveness of MBSR to help reduce stress and promote general psychological health in patients with various medical and/or psychiatric illnesses. On its own, MBSR was helpful in managing stress and promoting general psychological health in healthy people. There was also evidence that Zen meditation and MBSR were useful adjunctive treatments for pain management.
The article includes some proposed evidence-based guidelines for incorporating mindfulness-based practices into health care. So far there's little evidence on which patients are most likely to benefit, but Dr Marchand suggests that patient preferences and enthusiasm are a good guide. He comments, ‘The most important considerations may be desire to try a mindfulness-based practice and willingness to engage in the regular practice of seated meditation.’
This post sets out a simple form of mindfulness sitting meditation.