Current Newsletter

HYPNOTHERAPY NEWS (A Quarterly Publication)

Spring 2009, Vol. 13, No. 1
By Jean D. Stouffer
Certified Hypnotherapist
HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator

O-m-m-m . . .

Jeremy S., who had undergone his second angioplasty in 15 months, was surprised when his cardiologist recommended meditation as a way to manage his heart disease.

Surprised? Recent research is proving that meditation has clear benefits. In fact, some physicians are recommending meditation as way to treat a number of ailments, from heart disease to high blood pressure to hyperactivity.

Meditation, or "relaxation techniques" as it's often called, is what some doctors recommend when traditional medications have not been successful, or simply as a complement to traditional drug therapies. New research is showing that meditation is useful in reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease; it also reduces pain and strengthens the body's immune system. It's even been helpful in dealing with infertility.

Why meditation? Meditation, consistently practiced, has numerous beneficial side effects: it lowers blood pressure. It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate. It decreases respiratory rate. It decreases muscle tension. And finally, it helps promote sounder sleep.

David Simon, MD, CEO and medical director of the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, California, believes that "meditation is the most important thing a person can do for their health." So why don't more people practice meditation?

For one thing, learning to meditate requires time and discipline. And simply getting started and sticking with meditation can be difficult.

For many people, just finding a place to sit quietly where they will not be interrupted is problematic. Many offices don't allow the privacy to "zone out," and taking time at lunch can be impossible. Home life might be even more difficult in this age of cell phones, e-mail and instant messaging

So what are the most effective approaches for starting and staying with a meditation practice? How can you succeed?

First of all, experts recommend that you simply make the commitment. Many books and on-line resources provide information on why it works and how it benefits your overall health.

(An excellent resource is The Relaxation Response, first published in 1975 by Herbert Benson, MD, a Harvard University professor and president of the Mind/Body Medical Institute in Massachusetts. Dr. Benson provided the initial research showing the effectiveness of meditation - just 10 minutes of daily meditation can counteract the harmful effects of stress while at the same time improving concentration.)

Once you've made the commitment to meditate, you need to stick with it long enough to make it a habit - about three to four weeks. And if you're having trouble getting started, there are a number of classes and workshops available.

Many people find that learning in a group setting improves their ability to succeed. "When you meditate in a group setting," says Gen Kalsang Lekma, resident teacher at the Khandakapala Buddhist Center in LA, "you get some kind of group dynamic going. When you get some people who are experienced, you kind of feed off it."

UNM's Continuing Education program usually offers a class on mindfulness or mindful living, which is considered a form of meditation. You can check with a local Buddhist temple for classes as well; you generally do not need to be a Buddhist to participate. Or, you can call me (269-8423) and I'll share what information I have.

Finally, set reasonable expectations. Be aware that the benefits of meditation are cumulative, and that you might not see instant results. Meditation takes time to learn, but even experienced mediators have days when their minds simply wander. Be patient and start slowly. Stick with it. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the difference that regular meditation eventually makes in your physical and emotional well-being.

Upcoming Classes and Workshops

"Relaxation Trainings" for cancer patients and their families and friends on the last Friday of every month, 10:30 to 12 noon. Call for information or to reserve a space: 269-8423.

HypnoBirthing Classes - new classes are forming every month, with evening and weekend classes available. Call 269-8423 for information or to reserve your place.

"HypnoBirthing - What It's All About," second Thursday of every month at Albuquerque Birth Network, 123 Wellesley SE (corner of Silver & Wellesley SE) - FREE

"Self-Hypnosis for Change," UNM Continuing Education, Saturday June 12, 2010, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Call 277-0077 to register. On-line, visit http://dce.unm.edu/.