Meditation

[Dave]

Has anyone had success with meditation? 

I am working with a pain psychologist in Boston who is teaching me meditation, and his approach is based on Herbert Benson and the "relaxation response" (which in turn is based on transcendental meditation).

I have also had some success listening to a meditation tape made by David Ison. The meditation was pretty simple.

Another meditation guru is Jon Kabat-Zinn. I have listened to his tapes, but personally have had trouble applying them.

You can google all of these people and find their books and recordings in the library.

[TCB]

Biofeedback using the EmWave technology has helped me a whole lot with meditation. The unit is not all that expensive and getting an audible and visual feedback of the heart rhythm is very helpful for chronic pain patients or anyone wanting to learn how to relax. The EmWave website also has very good written materials for those interested in mediation. Taking air in deep through the nose for 4 seconds and exhaling from the mouth for 6 seconds is what helped me to get better with the EmWave unit. Were all in this together! TCB

[ezer]

Dave, yes I use meditation/mindfulness. It works to a certain point. Don't expect miracles. According to a very comprehensive Canadian study, meditation improved the pain perceived by around 18%. You won't become pain free using meditation.

TCB, I honestly don't think you need anything to meditate. You don't need CDs, music, or biofeedback. It is all gimmicky and a distraction.