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<p><a class="leftNavOff" href="meditation_pract.asp">Practitioner Statement</a></p>
<p><a class="leftNavOff" href="meditation_history.asp">History & Philosophy</a></p>
<p><a class="leftNavOff" href="meditation_treatment.asp">Treatment Approaches</a></p>
<p><a class="leftNavOff" href="meditation_how.asp">How it works & when to use it</a></p>
<p><a class="leftNavOn" href="meditation_what.asp">What you need to know about treatment</a></p>
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Meditation/Relaxation — What you need to know about treatment</p>
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<p><span class='head2'>Description of a Session</span><br />
Meditation and/or relaxation can be the focus of an individual or group session, or part of a comprehensive treatment plan for which decreased stress is one goal. The basic requirements to produce the relaxation response, for example, are (1) a quiet environment, (2) object to dwell on, (3) passive attitude, and (4) a comfortable position. A session may begin with a focus on the breath to quiet the mind, along with a progressive body scan, in which one is guided to attend to bodily sensations in systematic order, to ease and eliminate residual areas of bodily tension. The meditator may be taught techniques on how to disregard intrusive thoughts or on how to expand awareness to the act of cognition itselfÑwith the cultivation of an uncritical attitude to habitual, problematic patterns of thinking, feeling, and responding that engenders deeper self-understanding.</p>
<p><span class='head2'>Course of Treatment</span><br />
The greatest benefits are sustained when the patient meditates on a regular basis, and assignments provide patients with an opportunity for self-practice. The relaxation response can be done at one’s desk, at home, or anywhere one can sit quietly for a few moments. People who practice regularly maintain that mindfulness/meditation calms the mind, intensifies perceptual awareness, and helps them to feel stronger in the face of stress, challenge, and illness.</p>
<p><span class='head2'>Side Effects</span><br />
Side effects, when they occur, tend to be psychological in nature. Feelings of depersonalization and disorientation have been reported in some studies.</p>
<p><span class='head2'>Safety Issues</span><br />
Meditation is considered to be safe. Occasionally, as with imagery and other mind-body methods, it may elicit negative emotions or disturbing memories, such as early childhood abuse or other traumas. If this occurs, the patient is gently guided back to a more pleasant thought or memory. If emotional distress persists, the treatment should be stopped, as the patient may need to be referred to a psychologist or other trained mental health professional. Meditation is generally is not recommended as a treatment for patients with severe psychopathology, such as personality disorders, psychotic disorders, or acute depression with suicidal ideation or intent.</p>
<p>Other Modalities That Work Well With Meditation / Relaxation Meditation/Relaxation can be used to enhance almost any other therapeutic approach, whether complementary or conventional medical therapies. The mental clarity, emotional calm and spiritual connectedness promoted by Meditation/Relaxation support and work in unison wth any therapeutic approach.</p>
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<p class="timestamp">Content last modified on Mar 25, 2003</p>
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