It’s Complementary Archives

Spring 2006- Meditation

Meditation is a mind-body practice in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that uses concentration or reflection to relax the body and calm the mind. It has been defined as the intentional self-regulation of attention, a mental focus on a particular aspect of one’s inner or outer experience. Many people, including cancer survivors, use meditation for health purposes to increase physical relaxation, mental calmness and psychological balance; to cope with one or more diseases and conditions or for overall wellness. Most types of meditation have four elements in common: a quiet location; a specific, comfortable posture; a focus of attention and an open attitude.

Practicing meditation has been shown to induce some changes in the body, such as changes in the body’s “fight or flight” response. The system responsible for this response is the autonomic nervous system. It automatically regulates many organs and muscles, including functions such as heartbeat, sweating, breathing and digestion.

The autonomic nervous system is divided into two parts: (a)The sympathetic nervous system helps mobilize the body for action. When a person is under stress, it produces the “fight or flight” response: the heart rate and breathing rate go up; blood vessels narrow and muscles tighten. (b)The parasympathetic nervous system creates a “rest and digest” response. This system’s responses oppose those of the sympathetic nervous system. For example, it causes the heart rate and breathing rate to slow down, blood vessels to dilate and activity to increase in many parts of the digestive tract.

While scientists are studying whether meditation may afford meaningful healthy benefits, they are also looking at how it may do so. However, it is believed that one way some types of meditation might work is by reducing activity in the sympathetic nervous system and increasing activity in the parasympathetic nervous system.

If you are interested in using meditation as CAM, consider the following: Meditation should never delay the time it takes you to see your healthcare provider about a medical problem. It should not be used as the only treatment without first consulting your doctor. It is important to discuss any CAM therapies you are considering or using with your healthcare provider. For more information, visit the web site of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at www.nccam.nih.gov.