Breast Cancer Research: Meditation Techniques to Improve Cancer Prognosis

As per estimates more than 50% of breast cancer patients are depressed and meditation helps relive emotional stress. As per a study conducted by University of Missouri School of Nursing, it was observed that meditation techniques can help improve not only physical but emotional wellbeing in women with breast cancer. Based on this report, the University School operates a 8-10 week Mindfulness program which incorporates components of yoga, meditation and enhanced physical awareness.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis
is often very stressful
Meditation and Breast Cancer Research
Breast Cancer is a disease that can instill fear and negative emotions into the life of a women and her family. Various research studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between the emotional/psychological statuses and their physical status.

As per the National Institute of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Survey, approximately 10% of US population (constituting of more than 20 million people) used meditation techniques in 2007 compared to 7.5% in 2002. The report also suggests that meditation can be beneficial in improve a host of psychological and somatic disorders including anxiety, pain, depression, insomnia and other chronic ailments like hypertension and heart diseases.

What is Meditation? Meditation Technique to to improve Breast Cancer Prognosis
Meditation is considered to be an integral part of complementary and alternative medicine which involves mind-body practice. It is associated with spiritual traditions including Buddhists and Hindu mythology. Meditation usually has three essential components which include a specific posture, focused attention and open attitude.

 Any chronic disease, including breast cancer may result in fear in an individual and result in negative thoughts and emotions. These negative thoughts and emotions can result in signals which further hasten the progression of the disease. On the other hand, it is believed that meditation blocks these negative emotions and thereby decelerates the progression of the disease and improves overall prognosis.

Studies have shown that meditation acts on the autonomic nervous system of the body which controls some of the essential functions like breathing, digestion and cardiac movements. Sympathetic nervous system usually responds in case of stress increase heart rates, breathing rates and causing vasodilatation while parasympathetic nervous system works in the exact opposite manner. Meditation helps tune the body to limit their response to stress and thereby doesn’t result in an overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and improves overall prognosis of any chronic condition.

Meditation often improves
Breast Cancer Prognosis
Methods & Techniques of Meditation: Managing Breast Cancer in Women 
Asian and European cultures have used meditation to connect with the inner soul and often linked to religious spirituality. However, medication technique provides profound benefits in management of chronic ailments like cancer as it enhances self confidence and provides mental strength to cope with the condition.
  • Sit in a comfortable position. Watch your breath for a few minutes. Concentrate on your breathing and keep your mind calm and still.
  • Then, think of the Breast cancer that you are suffering from. See the ailment as a black spot in the chest region. Meditate on how the disease affects your life.
  • Now, visualize a beautiful nectar waterfall. Imagine yourself under the flow of the nectar. Imagine the flow to be of heavenly nectar, which has the potential to cure.
  • Picture your physical disorder, the psychological, and emotional turmoil being washed away and completely healed by the divine nectar. Visualize the nectar getting rid of the black spots that indicated poor health.
  • Affirm to yourself, that your body is now free from all disease and sickness.
  • Get up from the waterfall, feeling vibrant and energetic, and knowing that you can visit the waterfall, whenever you choose to.
Meditation Benefits: Improving Cancer Breast Survival
There are several benefits of meditation. Meditation techniques not only install a sense of calmness which contribute significantly in improving longitivity but also improve the overall quality of life and improve cancer breast survival,
  • It improves overall health condition by improving digestion, cardiovascular functions and respiratory functions
  • The delays the process of aging naturally and improves the overall quality of life
  • He helps overcome anxiety and fear by installing calmness and tranquility. This is turn is considered to improve the ability of an individual to cope with a stressor
Meditation plays a crucial role in improving breast cancer survival and enhances longevity and improves the overall quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach of anti cancer diet, meditation and yoga can improve the overall cancer survival and prognosis