The Value of Meditation in Fighting Cancer

Meditation is a wonderful tool not only in terms of helping fight cancer or possibly reducing tumor load, but can also improve everyday quality of life.

One study of patients with different types of cancers showed that daily meditation practice improved the following symptoms:

• less depression, emotional irritability and "cognitive disorganization"
• less anxiety or nervousness
• decreased feelings of anger and confusion
• more energy
• decreased cardio-pulmonary and digestion issues

On average, the improvement in these mood disturbances is a staggering 65%. 

In this particular study, they used a meditation method called Guided Mindfulness Meditation which is now available as a CD or DVD. 

I believe that the improvements measured here are very much comparable or even better than the improvements from anti-depressant medication without much risk and possible side effects. 

One does not have to practice one particular type of meditation technique--the meditation can be in the form of prayer, guided imagery, deep breathing exercises (slowly count 1-4 breathing in, count 1-4 breathing out). 

This is my personal favorite meditation technique because it brings together the breath, mind and body:

• Find a quiet place. You can lie flat on your back on a bed or you can sit on a chair.  If you lie on your back, feel the weight of your head, shoulders, upper back, lower back, spine, buttocks, thighs, legs and feet on the bed.  Let go and feel the bed supporting all of your weight.  (If you are seated on a chair, put both feet flat on the ground and feel the ground supporting your feet. Next, notice how the chair is supporting all of your weight on your buttocks. Next, move up and notice how your spine is straight and how your body is centered). 
• Take a few deep breaths. Count 1-4 taking a deep breath in. Then count 1-4 taking a deep breath out. 
• Now, imagine your breath going into your body from the bottom of your left foot. As you breath in, imagine the air going up your leg until it goes up all the way into your chest.   As you exhale, imagine the breath moving from your chest, down your abdomen through your right leg and finally out through the bottom of your right leg. 
• Breath in from the bottom of your left foot, bring the breath into your chest, and breath out through the bottom of your right foot. 

Do this 1-3 times a day, specially when you start to feel restless, depressed, or hopeless.  Instead of being caught up and feeling "stuck,"  start a meditation practice to improve your mental and physical health.