Meditation is a method of relaxation and mental restoration that is
implemented by many individuals. It has long been proven to instill a sense of
peacefulness and balance within the body and mind. For cancer patients, like
those with mesothelioma cancer, meditation has many benefits, as it can provide
a sense of relaxation and calm in the midst of a debilitating disease. Patients
that suffer from mesothelioma, for example, experience a welcome respite from
the anxiety and uncertainty that results from an asbestos cancer diagnosis when
incorporating meditation into their mesothelioma treatment plan.
Meditation is said to have originated in the ancient eastern countries
of China, Tibet, India and Japan. It became popular in the United States in the
sixties as part of a new cultural movement associated with that time period. In
the 1980's, meditation was first used alongside traditional cancer treatments,
such as surgery, chemotherapy and mesothelioma radiation.
By definition, meditation is a "discipline in which the mind is
focused on an object of thought or awareness." Those who practice
meditation may rely on the repetition of certain phrases or words, also known
as mantras, paired with deep-breathing exercises, or they may envision various
calming scenarios or situations in an effort to increase the wellbeing of their
body and soul. Cancer patients may appreciate the temporary distraction from
their debilitating reality, as meditation can provide time for reflection and
focus. Stretching and other body movement is often combined with meditation in
an effort to provide a whole-body experience for cancer patients.
Although meditation may not be helpful for all individuals, it can be a
very beneficial alternative treatment method for certain cancer sufferers.
Prior to incorporating body movement, including yoga or stretching, into a
meditative routine, patients should consult with their doctors to ensure that
they are healthy enough to undergo these activities.
The American Cancer Society reports that meditation and similar relaxation
methods have been studied and found to be beneficial to cancer patients who are
suffering from general stress, anxiety and depression but also from side
effects of cancer treatment, such as chemo. The National Institutes of Health
(NIH) approves meditation as a treatment for chronic pain and insomnia and
additional studies have shown that incorporating meditation into a cancer
patient's treatment plan can improve their quality of life.
Malignant mesothelioma cancer patients who undergo regular meditation
sessions have reported a reduction in chronic pain, a decrease in blood
pressure and cholesterol levels, and have also experienced improvement in mood
and alertness and an overall feeling of relaxation. In addition, regular
meditation may lessen a patient's need to rely on health care services.
The most effective meditation schedule for people with chronic pain and
other health concerns, including cancer patients, is no less than seven weeks.
Previous studies showed that cancer patients who experienced regular meditation
for this period of time had 31% few symptoms of stress and an improved mood,
which doctors believe can greatly increase the likelihood that a patient will
recover faster.
Guided Imagery
Guided imagery is a powerful technique centered on the imagination of
the participant. Utilizing a program of thoughts and images, a guided imagery
therapist guides the imagination of the participant towards a relaxed and
focused state of mind. Those involved in cancer care are now beginning to recognize
the impact of imagery on the health of patients. While many conceive guided
imagery as a purely mental technique, properly conducted sessions are whole
body sensory experiences that can have a powerful impact.
As a meditative technique for patients undergoing cancer care, guided
imagery often involves the patient imagining the cancer inside their body
shrinking and dissolving, as they visualize the effects and benefits of the
treatment they may be receiving. There are no risks associated with guided imagery,
but patients should alert their doctors before beginning any alternative or
complementary therapies.
Breathwork Therapy for Cancer Care
Breathwork involves the alteration of breathing rhythms, connecting
inhaling and exhaling during meditation or some form of psychotherapy.
Breathwork has been used for many different purposes ranging from purported
altered states of consciousness, to more conventional relaxation techniques in
conjunction with meditation, tai chi, or yoga.
Patients undergoing cancer treatment, including mesothelioma and lung
cancer patients, have used different types of breathing therapies to combat
shortness of breath and chest pain. Breath therapies for thoracic cancer
patients attempt to teach patients to use their entire lung capacity as opposed
to shallow breaths that utilize only the top of the lungs. An experienced
physician will often oversee the integration of equipment, including the use of
a nebulizer, into a thoracic cancer patient’s breathing therapy regimen.
