By Beth Netter, M.D.
Holistic Physician specializing in Mind-Body Medicine
A new study out of the University of Rochester shows that meditation and the opportunity to share emotions in a non judgmental way helps decrease physician stress while enhancing an experience of connectedness between physician and patient. The study, recently published in JAMA (9/23/09) was authored by a group led by Michael Krasner, M.D. They found that, with the meditation practices, physicians experienced a greater sense of well-being and satisfaction with their work.
Meditation, focused breathing, and the teachings which help one train the mind to be present with what is and those practices which help us deal skillfully with relationships and choices from a deep Inner Wisdom, are invaluable. Without any negative side effects, and in no way obstructing a person’s current medical regimen, these practices help one slowly “heal” those limitations which prevent us from attaining the health, happiness, and lives we desire.
Physicians as well as other healthcare practitioners often experience intense levels of stress which then lead to mental and emotional dis-ease, physical disease, difficulties in relationships, marital discord, feelings of resentment and inadequacy, and significant burnout and dissatisfaction with life. The stresses include time pressures, internal and external pressures to “be perfect” or to “never make a mistake”, and financial pressures due to overwhelming student loan payments. With training in practices such as meditation, physicians will not only feel better and be able to connect with their patients in a more heart-centered and connected way, but they will be able to then pass on these non-invasive yet powerfully health-supporting skills to their patients.
I have experienced such results not only personally but with the patients I work with using these holistic mind-body medicine practices here at The Center for Integrative Health and Healing. After even one appointment patients have reported decreased blood pressure, an ability to fall asleep and sleep well for the first time in years, more energy and less fatigue, and a greater ability to handle previously stress-inducing situations and relationships. With this mind-body medicine a person’s immune system naturally strengthens and their ability to make self-nourishing choices, from a kind and empowered inner knowing, grows. This boosts self-confidence, creativity, and energy. It truly ignites whole health.
And now the world of medicine is substantiating what has been known for thousands of years: Meditation Heals. To find out more about what is offered at The Center check out our Mind-Body Medicine webpage.
And join Jim Whiting, our Kripalu yoga instructor, and myself for our free meditation Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm here at The Center for Integrative Health and Healing.
