Meditation techniques effective for pain relief

This article is courtesy of the American Pain Society.

Meditation has analgesic benefits associated with creating a relaxed state of mind and enhancing the ability to moderate reactions to pain, according to new research published in The Journal of Pain, the peer review publication of the American Pain Society.

Researchers from the University of North Carolina measured pain ratings in students interested in learning meditation who recruited for the study. Subjects were trained in meditation for three consecutive days and were given experimental pain stimuli.

Results of the trial showed that relaxed states promoted by the brief mindfulness meditation sessions reduced the reported pain ratings. Participants had less pain to both low and high pain intensities and showed significant reductions in anxiety after each meditation stimulation. The authors concluded that decreases in anxiety and increases in the ability to sustain personal focus can attenuate the feeling of pain.

In assessing their findings, the authors noted that the analgesic effects of meditation can be realized even after a short period of time learning the technique. Also, the results provide additional validation of the benefits of cognitive techniques for controlling pain. [via The American Pain Society]

One Day Meditation Retreat: March 27th 2010 Saint Paul MN

Bhante Sathi will guide and conduct this retreat/workshop. The focus of this retreat/workshop will be introducing some meditation techniques on “stress reduction and finding peace.” The session will particularly focus on learning and practicing these techniques. A full day commitment is expected. The retreat is open to everyone. Lunch will be a potluck, therefore please bring a dish to share.



Date: Saturday, March 27th



Location:
Pht-An Temple
475 Minnesota Ave
Roseville, MN

Registration is required by March 22nd
Space is limited for 25 people.

Fee: this is a dana base retreat, Dana is a practice that Buddha highly encouraged. Monks practice dana by offering the teachings without a price tag attached. You also can practice dana by making a donation of money, time and/or labor. Your donation allows us to continue offering the teachings to others and offer our monks a life support. Our organization is maintained only by the generosity of all of you who value the teachings.

Register Now or Call (612) 216 4854 Email us info@triplegem.org

RETREAT SCHEDULE
9:00 am Introduction
9:20 am Guided Meditation
9:50 am Sitting and Walking Meditation
10:15 am Tea/ Coffee
10:30 am Method of Awakening (Sitting Meditation)
11:30 am Lunch
12:15 pm Walking Meditation
12:45 pm Q&A
1:30 pm Teachings
2:00 pm Meditation practice
3:00 pm Tea/Coffee break
3:15 pm Teaching
3:45 pm Introducing Thoughts
4:30 pm Closing Practice
5:00 pm End