Living Right: Meditate to Relieve Pain
Mind the Pain
When you are in pain, particularly if you deal with chronic issues, finding practices that give you relief usually means an increase in quality of life. You are able to enjoy activities and sleep better or return to hobbies you had to give up.
It is no secret that regular massage can increase a person’s overall health and well being. Now, a new study shows that meditation—even when done by beginners who have not regularly used this practice—helps relieve pain.
Crash Course: Focused Attention
Focused attention encourages you to concentrate on your breath, letting go of distracting thoughts and emotions. Here are a few ways to get started:
PICK A FOCAL POINT. You might have a nice picture you want to use, or a favorite memory. You can also choose a sound or smell, like running water or your favorite incense.
GET COMFORTABLE. Find a position that allows you to relax.
FOCUS. Turn your attention to the focal point you chose. Be present in the experience, focusing on the smell of the incense, or the sounds of the waves crashing onto the shore. When your mind wanders, let the distracting thought go and consciously return your attention back to your focal point.
QUIET THE CRITIC. Remember that meditation is not about perfection, so if you find that you are getting easily distracted, do not beat yourself up. Give yourself credit for recognizing the distraction, then return once again to your focus. Over time, your ability to not attend to the outside distractions will improve.
http://www.amtamassage.org/articles/4/eTouch/detail/2398
