In a recent study researchers found that regular meditation eased low back pain in a group of Pittsburgh-area senior citizens. Participants were assessed on measures of pain, physical function, and quality of life before meditation, after 8 weeks of meditation, and again after 3 months of regular meditation. Chronic low back pain sufferers noted a significant decrease in pain, an increase in daily physical functioning, and a corresponding improvement in the quality of their lives.
Meditation as medicine has its roots in Buddhism. In Traditional Chinese medicine, meditation is considered the highest form of treatment. We know meditation can relieve pain because it reduces stress and relieves muscle tension, both of which contribute to elevated pain levels. Meditation also can lower blood pressure and heart rate and is a great way to maintain a healthy, positive outlook on life.