Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that a specific type of meditation training helps with breast cancer survival outcomes. Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and the American Cancer Society states that more people are surviving this type of cancer than ever before. Meditation is one of the recommended types of complimentary medicine that can aid in treatment.
Quiet Your Mind to Fight Cancer
University of Missouri researchers found that mindful meditation is one of the most effective types of meditation with breast cancer. Mindful meditation combines an awareness of your physical body with yoga and meditation practices. Through group meetings, patients are taught how to use yoga and meditation to reduce stress and improve flexibility and stamina. Group discussions increase patient awareness of the effects of stress on their bodies and learn about healthy coping behaviors to deal with the stress of being ill.
Research has repeatedly shown that using non-pharmaceutical complimentary therapies helps cancer patients tremendously. Physical exercise can improve stamina, increase self confidence and fight the exhaustion and ill effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Combining physical activity with yoga and meditation helps reduce stress, lowering blood pressure and improving heart and respiratory rates. Many studies have also found that patients who continue to use practices such as mindful meditation and physical exercise have better long term outcomes than patients who are sedentary and do not meditate.
The effects of treatment for cancer can be extremely debilitating. By using practices such as meditation, yoga and physical exercise, patients can improve their chances of surviving breast cancer. Even after the cancer has gone into remission, continuing these practices can provide long term benefits, such as improved self confidence, better overall health and lowering the risk of the cancer returning.
– The Alternative Daily
