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Chronic inflammation 'may be eased by mindfulness practice'
January 17, 2013
A mindfulness approach to stress-related inflammation may be an effective treatment
People suffering from chronic inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or asthma, may benefit from mindfulness meditation techniques.
That is according to a study published in the journal Brain, Behaviour and Immunity, which compared the effects of a mindfulness approach against those of more traditional methods for managing the condition.
A comparison group was required to undertake a programme based on physical activity, nutritional education and music therapy to test its impact on stress.
While this approach was effective for reducing stress, the mindfulness techniques were best for eroding inflammation brought on by stress, the study showed.
Lead author of the paper Melissa Rosenkranz explained that a mindfulness approach to managing stress-related inflammation may be more effective in some people more than others.
She said: "This is not a cure-all, but our study does show that there are specific ways that mindfulness can be beneficial."
Mindfulness techniques can include focusing attention on the breath, bodily sensations and mental content while seated, walking or partaking in yoga, the study explained.
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