Mindfulness techniques show health benefits

The mental techniques of the Mindfulness (mindfulness), including Zen meditation, have proven benefits for people with physical and mental health problems, according to a report published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice.

«An extensive review of the therapies including mindfulness meditation has been shown to be effective when used in combination with more conventional therapies »according to Dr. William R. Marchand, one of the research psychiatrists.

Mindfulness has been described as the practice of learn to focus on the experience of the present moment with an attitude of curiosity, openness and acceptance. In other words, mindfulness practice is simply experiencing the present moment, without trying to change anything.

The investigation focused on three techniques

• Zen meditation, a Buddhist spiritual practice that involves the practice of mindfulness. It usually focuses on understanding breathing patterns.

• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (REBAP), a secular method of using Buddhist mindfulness that combines meditation with elements of yoga, stress education, and coping strategies.

• Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (TCAP): combines REBAP with the principles of cognitive therapy (for example, the recognition and disengagement of negative thoughts) to prevent relapse of depression.

Dr. William R. Marchand found evidence that REBAP and TCAP have a "broad spectrum" of positive effects against depression, anxiety and can also decrease psychological distress in general. Based on the evidence, TCAP may be 'highly recommended' as an addition to conventional treatments (adjunctive treatment) for unipolar depression and as a promotion of general psychological health in healthy people.

There was also evidence that Zen meditation and TCAP were useful in complementary treatments for pain management.

How do these practices that affect physical and mental health work? Dr. Marchand notes that recent research shows the impact of mindfulness practices on both brain structure and function, which may partly explain its psychological benefits.