Avenues - Winter 2004
Meditation and Health
Recent studies suggest that "mindfulness-based" stress reduction
programs can improve health and heighten a participant's sense of well-being:
Participants: 99 people, both male and female (average
age 51), with a wide variety of cancer diagnoses and stages of illness.
Effects: Significantly reduced depression, anxiety, anger,
and confusion. Increased vigor. Reduced symptoms related to heart, lungs, and digestive system. Reduced irritability, sense of disorganization, and
habitual patterns of stress. Overall reduction in Total Mood Disturbance was 65%, with a 31% reduction in symptoms of stress.1
Participants: 59 people with breast cancer and 10 with prostate cancer.
Effects: Significant improvements in overall quality of
life, symptoms of stress, and sleep quality. Morning/Evening cortisol secretion patterns shifted from abnormal “inverted-V-shaped” patterns
towards more “V-shaped” circadian patterns. Shifts in patterns of DHEA
to healthier profiles for both men and women.2
Participants: 49 people with breast cancer and 10
with prostate cancer.
Effects: Shift in immune profile from one associated
with depressive symptoms to a more normal profile (T cell production increased).3
Participants: 89 people, both male and female (average
age 51), with a wide variety of cancer diagnoses and stages of illness.
Effects: Significantly decreased stress scores and
mood disturbance symptoms. These results were still present
at a six-month follow-up. Those who maintained higher levels
of practice at home showed greater improvements.4
References:
1. Speca, M., L. E. Carlson, et al. (2000). "A randomized, wait-list
controlled clinical trial: the effect of a mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction program on mood
and symptoms of stress in cancer outpatients." Psychosom Med 62(5): 613-22.
2. Carlson, L. E., M. Speca, et al. (2004). "Mindfulness-based stress
reduction in relation to quality of life, mood, symptoms of stress and levels
of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and melatonin in breast
and prostate cancer outpatients." Psychoneuroendocrinology 29(4): 448-74.
3. Carlson, L. E., M. Speca, et al. (2003). "Mindfulness-based stress
reduction in relation to quality of life, mood, symptoms of stress, and immune parameters in breast
and prostate cancer outpatients." Psychosom Med 65(4): 571-81.
4. Carlson, L. E., Z. Ursuliak, et al. (2001). "The effects of a mindfulness
meditation based stress reduction program on mood and symptoms of stress in
cancer outpatients: 6-month follow-up." Support Care Cancer 9(2):
112-23.
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