A “Journal of The American Medical Association” recent study shows that more than 6 percent of Americans in 1996, had some form of unconventional therapy as an adjunct to conventional medical care. Patients are quoted as finding meditation, biofeedback, acupuncture, etc. effective not only in helping to deal with the anxiety and emotional stress of their illness; cancer patients report help in coping with the side effects of their medical treatment as well. Actual measurable effects of meditation include: muscle relaxation, slowing of the heart rate and lowering of blood pressure. Lifestyle changes such as healthy diet, daily exercise, and yes, prayer and meditation, are also proving helpful before and after cardiac surgery. The italics and nomenclature used here emphasize a budding partnership between the old, “alternatives” of patient care, and both sides seem to be benefiting; especially the patient.
Consider what we know of chemicals in the brain, which are released under circumstances of “fight or flight.” The human brain produces adrenalin and cortisone to help the body deal with crisis. Although these prove useful in the short run, sustained anxiety and distress over a long period of time depresses the immune system. A depressed immune system will not help a patient heal. Treatment centers for cancer, heart disease, even addictive diseases, now utilize more one-on-one staff to patient contact, support groups and the opportunity to express true feelings without judgment. Prayer and religious ritual according to personal belief are encouraged. Religious or not, everyone has spiritual needs: time to think, hope, and to deal with important life issues and relationships, are just a few. Forgiveness, and letting go of “past baggage,” are mentioned by patients as “freeing” and “preparing for hope in their treatment.”
“Anything I can do to keep myself in a calm inner state is going to help my body feel healthier,” observes one highly motivated cancer patient.
(The next two paragraphs are a sketchy historical synopsis; the closing, a look toward the future, based on research grants offered by Princeton University, Duke, Harvard and Cambridge.)
