Proponents of meditation state it can help with not just spiritual and emotional problems, but physical ones as well. This is based on the idea that meditation works with the body's basic energy processes. Adding meditation to traditional cancer treatment has produced excellent results. Meditation reduces feelings of depression, anxiety, and actual discomfort. Additionally, studies claim that meditation lowers tumor growth by as much as 10 percent. Meditation is also known to prolong survival rates while improving quality of life. Presently, meditation is utilized in countless medical facilities to help cancer patients manage disease by reducing grief and anger. It also teaches those in physical pain how to cope with the extreme discomfort.

Working Principles of Meditation

Many types of meditation exist throughout the world, and it takes advanced knowledge and experience to determine which kind is beneficial for various physical conditions. Experts in the field have discovered the best form of meditation for those suffering with cancer involves meditation that is considered "empty" and does not involve imagery.

"Empty" meditation works on the basis of a person letting go of thoughts to achieve a degree of mental emptiness, and the corresponding stillness allows the body's energy to rise and battle illness. It is further accepted that, in conjunction with the peacefulness of the meditation experience, a person's life force is also activated. This can be readily seen in acupuncture, which moves the chi when obstructed.

Cancer patients suffer from this affliction, but when their chi travels freely after intense meditation, they can put themselves back onto the road to health. This is accomplished through the release of thoughts or habits that can free up energy to produce healing powers. The body's natural flow of energy, though previously restrained, assumes normality. This reverses the damage of practices which previously inhibited the body's normal energy rhythms.

Other Types of Meditation

Often, people think meditation must be visual, as is the case with guided imagery practice. However, researchers have found the best choice for cancer patients is to employ meditation based on little to no conscious brain activity, for at least 20 sessions. But there are other forms to try as well. One Buddhist cancer meditation method is to quiet the body and breathing, and then visualize offering one's dirty flesh to hungry beings. After picturing the flesh gone and consumed, visualization focuses on the body as a white skeleton turning into dust and dissolving into nothingness. After reaching that point, the patient should let go of all thoughts and stay at that level of emptiness for as long as possible. A similar technique involves the imagery of one's body burning, allowing the person to become only a light that slowly becomes emptiness. Any meditation that is based on the absence of discriminative thought is powerfully healing and more beneficial than positive thinking alone. Music meditation and the application of breathing techniques can also aid in the emotional and psychological healing process.

Can Meditation Be Harmful?

There should be nothing harmful or dangerous in meditation that is followed under the guidance of an established teacher, or even with professional step-by-step instructions. Becoming conscious of breathing and thoughts, while following medication, diet, and exercise regimens, is an optimum treatment plan. Including meditation in daily life can offer relief from many ailments, such as infertility, skin diseases, high blood pressure, fatigue, anxiety, and stress. It is believed that health benefits result from intentional mental processes affecting brain circuitry. Meditation is calming and cleansing, and cannot hurt the individual practicing. Since every patient's case is different, it is important to discuss all treatment options with a doctor. A medical professional may be able to provide referrals to specialized cancer meditation practices.

For information about other forms of alternative treatments, please see Alternative Therapy Overview.

Sources:

http://www.how-to-meditate.org/

Mesothelioma News

Mesothelioma Study Provides Reason for More Research
2008-11-21 15:10:10
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that most commonly develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). However, other areas of the body that have also been known ...Read More
Mesothelioma Survivor Releases Inspirational Book
2008-09-24 11:20:56
In October 2001, James O'Conner was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. At that time, he was told he had only a few months to ...Read More
Mesothelioma Patients in Libby Have Little Time to Take Advantage of Free Asbestos Screening
2008-09-05 15:12:39
The deadline for Libby's free asbestos screening is fast approaching. In 2003, the Montana Asbestos Screening and Surveillance Activities program was formed in response to a request from the residents ...Read More