Recent studies have shown that patients who suffer from borderline high-pressure blood pressure can lower their blood pressure through what is known as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).
MBSR is a therapeutic technique carried out by participants under the supervision of an instructor. For several weeks, these participants engage in activities, such as meditation and yoga, to reduce their stress levels. This practice is also known to help many patients that suffer from conditions such as depression, chronic pain, addiction, and even anxiety.
Created in the 1970s by Jon Kabat-Zinn, an American professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, MBSR became an eight-week course that dealt with patients’ mental health and chronic pain, especially after such patients failed to respond to traditional therapy.
After carrying out this technique on various participants who completed the eight-week course, reports showed a higher quality of life compared to other people or control groups. Since it was created, many hospitals and many other treatment centers have employed this technique to help ease the symptoms of physical and mental health conditions.
What Happens in an MSBR Session?
Typically, this program runs for eight weeks, and each session lasts between two-three hours. During the session, the certified instructor takes the participants through a series of mindfulness techniques learned as a group.
These sessions will help such individuals inculcate a greater awareness of the present. Therefore, each individual —through this program— is taught to control their overall arousal and emotional state to gain a more profound sense of calm.
Benefits of Mindfulness
- Pain Relief
This form of treatment helps alleviate pain while improving the psychological well-being of patients facing chronic pain conditions. Many studies have indicated that MBSR has tremendously improved the quality of life for people suffering from lower back pain.
- Stress Management
Finally, MSBR enables you to take note of the experience. You know what’s going on within your body if, for instance, you are suffering from physical or mental distress. Through this technique, you can process your thoughts, lowering your stress levels and further promoting relaxation.
Conclusion
You can also help yourself by incorporating a little awareness into whatever you do, whether it is strolling down the road, tying your shoelace, or even washing the dishes. Always make sure that you are extra attentive to the things going on around you and the things you are doing.
