Meditation and The Art of Medicine
By Lynn Wachtler MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CMCS
Many are rediscovering ancient wisdom in healing today. It doesn’t require prior authorization from an insurer, and it’s not found on a formulary or prescription dictated by your insurance plan. It’s accessible at any time, free, and you profit.
The research and health benefits of meditation are clear. Entering the parasympathetic state of “rest and digest” rather than remaining in “fight or flight” can result in better sleep, improved heart rate and blood pressure, reduced anxiety and depression, and optimal immune system function. Meditation can provide that support. Bringing awareness to the present moment through meditation may be a spiritual practice for some, and for others, it might simply be a way to find a few moments of peace, calm, and respite from outer noise.
As medicine has evolved and the focus has shifted to a production and profit-based model, we’ve conditioned many of our patients to believe pharmaceuticals are a cure for most of what is ailing us. In the few brief moments clinicians are allotted to patient interactions, patients' spiritual and emotional needs often remain unaddressed. But often, they are connected to underlying health concerns. Helping our patients connect to themselves and reduce stress is fundamental to the healing process.
When we look at medicine and meditation, the prefix of both words is medi-, meaning middle and balanced. Simply put, we do better as humans and societies when balanced. Meditation can benefit the brain and cognitive functioning by enhancing neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life by forming new pathways. Some forms of meditation focus on awareness of the breath or incorporate breathwork. In Sanskrit, Hebrew, and Greek, breath is deeply connected to spirit, soul, and life force.
Meditation can help us remain in balance by influencing the body's master regulatory system, the endocannabinoid system (ECS), by increasing anandamide or the “bliss molecule” as it’s known. It can also reduce the activity of the enzyme FAAH, which breaks down anandamide, thus increasing levels in the body. Other, more familiar neurotransmitters which positively affect mood, such as dopamine and serotonin, are also released naturally as we meditate.
Although the ECS was discovered in the 1990s, it remains a mystery to many medical and health care professionals. It is rarely taught in today’s medical educational programs, primarily due to ongoing stigma and association with cannabis. Many other holistic or complementary practices work with the ECS to improve well-being, such as acupuncture, massage, and osteopathic manipulation, among others.
Often, I hear “I can’t sit still for that long, I don’t have time, or my thoughts are all over the place.” Meditation is a practice and, like any new skill, requires patience. It becomes easier as you train your mind, body, and spirit.
Just like cannabis, start low. If you only have one minute, take a break from your phone, stop doom scrolling, and put that time to better use. Research what types of meditation might be right for you, as there are many forms to choose from.
For individuals who may have experienced trauma, talking with a therapist can be helpful before beginning. Guided meditation, adding music, or the moving forms of meditation such as tai chi, qigong, or yoga can be particularly beneficial. Check out local resources such as the University of Minnesota’s Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, which offers free Mindful Monday sessions via Zoom, or explore other free resources on YouTube and apps such as Insight Timer to help you get started.
