Meditation- Complementary Treatment
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Florida Atlantic University *
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2023
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Medicine
Date
Jan 9, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by LieutenantArtPolarBear28
Complementary medicine typically falls into the same category as alternative medicine,
or a term that is used for medical product and practices that are not part of a standard medical
care. Many patients use these type of medical practices in an effort to cope with side effects of
current illnesses as well as comfort themselves and ease the worries related to treatment for more
challenging illnesses. Complementary medicine is used alongside standard medical treatment,
though it is not considered a standard on its own. A prime example of this is acupuncture which
can alleviate some of the side effects of treatment (National Cancer Institute, 2023). Another
prime example of this is meditation, or the practice in which an individual focuses their mind on
a particular object or thought to increase calmness and relaxation throughout the entire body
(Sharma, 2015).
In ancient history, meditation was one of the modalities utilized by nations to center
oneself and to reach a connection with the inner self. This technique refers to a variety of
practices that focus the mind and body integration, commonly resulting in a calming of the mind
and an enhancement of the overall well-being of the person (Sharma, 2015). Studies have shown
that meditation or mindfulness helps people reduce their anxiety and stress, alleviates depression
and pain, and also can aid in withdrawal from certain substances like nicotine and alcohol. Other
studies have analyzed the effects of meditation on weight control and sleep quality, though there
is a need for more scientifically rigorous research to be performed before this can be considered
a standard practice for treatment options (Koncz et al., 2020).
It is important however to keep in mind that some patients feel that meditation has a
negative effect on their depression and anxiety, furthering their negative thoughts. While there
are often no physical manifestations that are negative associated with meditation, the mental
strain can be too much for some patients and it is important that practitioners discuss these
potential risks and benefits with each patient. (Sharma, 2015). However, there are many people
who find comfort in meditative practices, and many have started utilizing it for chronic illnesses
like cancer, depression, heart disease, and even high blood pressure (National Cancer Institute,
2023).
For patients with substance use disorders, a widespread public health problem across the
world today, meditation could prove beneficial in both alleviating addiction and aiding in
withdrawal. Research has found that patients who are looking to overcome their substance use
disorder and have utilized mindfulness techniques tend to have a greater improvement at post
treatment and follow up assessments compared to those who are not involved in meditation
practices. Many patients know that their quality of life and anxiety related to day-to-day
happenings has reduced significantly when they are actively practicing meditation (Priddy et al.,
2018). Given the age of technology that the world is currently in, meditation practices can be
found in person and even on a phone that connects to the Internet. There are many applications
that offer meditative practices, some that are free and some that are priced up to $10 a month.
There are also in person meditation groups that meet, with an average cost of around $70 a year,
fairly affordable for a practice that can reduce depression and anxiety most notably (Lindberg,
2023). Based on all the above information, I would recommend meditation to many of the clients
suffering from substance use disorder simply in an effort to reduce the stressors associated with
addiction and withdrawal.
References
Koncz, A., Demetrovics, Z., & Takacs, Z. K. (2020). Meditation interventions efficiently reduce
cortisol levels of at-risk samples: A meta-analysis.
Health Psychology Review
,
15
(1), 56–
84.
https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2020.1760727
Lindberg, S. (2023, March 4).
Best guided meditations of 2023
. Verywell Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/best-guided-meditations-4843806
National Cancer Institute. (2023).
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
. National
Cancer Institute.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-
cancer/treatment/cam#:~:text=Complementary%20and%20alternative%20medicine
%20includes,chi%2C%20and%20drinking%20green%20tea.&text=Integrative
%20medicine%20is%20an%20approach,to%20be%20safe%20and%20effective
.
Priddy, S. E., Howard, M. O., Hanley, A. W., Riquino, M. R., Friberg-Felsted, K., & Garland, E.
L. (2018). Mindfulness meditation in the treatment of substance use disorders and
preventing future relapse: Neurocognitive Mechanisms and clinical implications.
Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation
,
9
, 103–114.
https://doi.org/10.2147/sar.s145201
Sharma, H. (2015). Meditation: Process and effects.
AYU (An International Quarterly Journal of
Research in Ayurveda)
,
36
(3), 233.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.182756
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