Mindfulness meditation may ease fatigue, depression in multiple sclerosis

[shoshin]

Interesting study that compares people with MS who went through a mindfulness meditation training program with those receiving just regular medical care.

"Those who went through the mindfulness program improved in nearly every measure of fatigue, depression and quality of life, while those who received usual medical care declined slightly on most of the measures."

http://www.physorg.com/news204826412.html

[shoshin]

Here's another interesting article on How Meditation Affects the Gray Matter of the Brain

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-r-hamilton-phd/how-meditation-affects-th_b_751233.html

Lulu: That program looks really interesting. Just as soon as I get a chunk of free time, I'm going to watch it.

sho

[HVAC]

I have been using meditation and self hypnosis for over a year. I have cut down on medications. Used to not sleep well now I fall asleep and stay asleep. My mood is much better.

Alex

[Lulu54]

This sounds similar to the thoughts put out in the MS from A-Z series from the University of Washington.  They had a fascinating one about pain management and talked quite a bit about non-chemical approaches to handling pain.  

http://www.uwtv.org/programs/displayevent.aspx?rID=31734

While the presentation is not flashy, the content is substantive.  It will be worth your while to spend the hour listening and watching this talk.

They have several different shows - all of them have been great.  To see the others just search the site for "MS from A to Z"

be well, Lulu

[shoshin]

FWIW, the mindfulness meditation used in this study, although based on practices from the Buddhist tradition, is taught in a completely secular context as developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts (http://www.umassmed.edu/content.aspx?id=41252). There has been quite a bit of research showing its effectiveness in helping people cope with depression and chronic pain. There are some CDs and tapes available from http://www.mindfulnesstapes.com

sho

[jumpinjiminy]

I've been seeing a therapist for the last year and she recommends short 5 minute meditations. It can be hard to focus sometimes, but they're quick, easy, and not very taxing at all. I have had three hypnosis sessions with her and that work very well for the anxiety until I had this big attack starting a couple of months ago. I'm such a dork about it and true believer, I even have about six self-hypnosis apps on my iphone. :-) Unfortunately, I started having panic attacks (it's been YEARS, possibly more than a decade since my last - which was also more than likely during an earlier episode of whatever I have) a couple of days after a sauna session when everything in my body went whacko, I was having trouble standing and walking. That just freaked me out. Ever since then, it's been hard to clear my mind enough to remember to do the hypnosis or meditation. But they do help, tremendously.

[Guitar_grrrl]

I'm amazed at how timely so many of these posts are to my life!  I was just pointing out our local Zen Center to my sister this afternoon.  I do sit and meditate, I just need to do it more often!  Thanks for the link, Sho!

[Sumanadevii]

I also wanted to add...gee..I wish this forum had an edit button!!!....that prayer works the same as meditation and imagery.  I am married to a Christian and have many Christian friends.  Prayer (some use prayer beads) works as well for them as either.

[Sumanadevii]

I think anyone that meditates benefits from it.  I also think using our minds to carry us to other places can do the same thing.  If only we could go back into our childhood minds, we could see the wonder!  A child even one in the mist of the most abusive of backgrounds learn to use their imaginative mind to carry them away into a place of peace and safety.  As we grow we tend to forget that place.  During my last spinal tap the doctor interrupted my place and I answered to him, "I don't know where you are but I am on the beach"....lol...and I was so there and enjoying it.

Wishing I had the ability to do it quickly like when my breathing is labored!!!  I panic and become useless at it.  Maybe more practice is the key?

[Erin0313]

  Thanks for the link. I am going to check it out - numbers in the study etc. but I am a believer without even looking.

Meditation has helped me through some terrible times when my meds weren't cutting it!

Thanks again for sharing
Hugs,
Erin :)