| Thorhallsson: Mindfulness and Equilibrium |
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| Wednesday, January 14, 2009 01:19 PM |
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New brain scanning capabilities assists researchers to map the human brain. Thinking and emotion can be mapped in specific areas of the brain. This is known as “neuroimaging.” Through neuroimaging, researchers have been able to provide neural evidence that mindfulness seems to produce a variety of health benefits. Mindfulness is an ancient practice that teaches the individual to live fully in the moment with no distractions. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zin, who teaches mindfulness to thousands of patients, defines it as the “moment-to-moment, open hearted non- judgmental present moment awareness.” Strong lingering negative emotions like anger produce a cascade of stress hormones in the brain that have many effects on the body. Some of these effects can have a negative impact on the immune system. Recent studies have shown that a mindful awareness of anger and other negative emotions without self-judgment alters the brain chemistry in positive ways. Labeling the emotion and simply stating, “I am experiencing anger right now,” is enough to shift the neurochemical profile in the brain from a stress response to a relaxation response. David Creswell, a research scientist with the Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) at UCLA states that the mindful labeling of emotions turns down the agitated response in the brain. He explains that many new studies show that mindfulness practices, including meditation, are “effective in reducing a variety of chronic pain conditions, skin diseases, stress-related health conditions and other ailments.” During moments of distress, mindfulness behaviors help to deactivate the centers in the brain that naturally synthesize the chemicals that inhibit immune functions in response to perceived stress or threat. We practice mindfulness by becoming more aware of our daily activities; by being present in our experience. We perform such tasks with intention and purpose. This is what the regular practice of yoga attempts to do. It teaches moment-to-moment awareness as the individual engages in a specific movement or still posture. The participant is asked to be aware of the breath and the sensations that arise during the yoga posture. It is the practice of smelling the rose with awareness and being fully and joyfully in the moment. Maryann Thorhallsson, PhD, ARNP, is a Professional Life Coach, and a Nursing Professor at BCU. Dr. Thorhallsson holds certifications in nutrition, yoga and QiGong and has written wellness columns since 1990. |
