People suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma \u2014 in which psychological stress plays a major role \u2014 may benefit from mindfulness meditation techniques.<\/p>\n
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a standardized approach for teaching stress reduction through mindfulness meditation, yoga and body-awareness techniques. MBSR teaches the use of focused attention on only one target at a time. MBSR also encourages focusing on the present moment, rather than the future or the past.<\/p>\n
A class in stress reduction can be beneficial in many ways, some of which have little to do with mindfulness, according to Melissa Rosenkranz, assistant scientist at the center and lead author on the paper, which was published recently in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity. For example, learning to manage stress by engaging in regular physical activity may be therapeutic.<\/p>\n
The study compared two methods of reducing stress: a mindfulness meditation-based approach, and a program designed to enhance health in ways unrelated to mindfulness.<\/p>\n
The results show that behavioral interventions designed to reduce emotional reactivity are beneficial to people suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions. The study also suggests that mindfulness techniques may be more effective in relieving inflammatory symptoms than other activities that promote well-being.<\/p>\n
The mindfulness-based approach to stress reduction may offer a lower-cost alternative or complement to standard treatment, and it can be practiced easily by patients in their own homes, whenever they need.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"