Effect of sahaja yoga meditation on quality of life, ioana_ip
Sahaja Yoga Meditation had become a Trend all around the world, for the best reasons of all: it is scientifically proven and it is free and easy to practice by everyone! more at www.free-meditation.ca
Assessment Of Fear Avoidance In Chronic Pain - Dr Johan W S Vlaeyenepicyclops
Lecture given to the North British Pain Association on 16th May 2008 by Dr Johan Vlaeyen. In this talk, Dr Vlaeyen discusses the mechanisms, assessment and treatment of fear avoidance in patients with chronic pain. Edinburgh, UK. www.nbpa.org.uk
Effect of sahaja yoga meditation on quality of life, ioana_ip
Sahaja Yoga Meditation had become a Trend all around the world, for the best reasons of all: it is scientifically proven and it is free and easy to practice by everyone! more at www.free-meditation.ca
Assessment Of Fear Avoidance In Chronic Pain - Dr Johan W S Vlaeyenepicyclops
Lecture given to the North British Pain Association on 16th May 2008 by Dr Johan Vlaeyen. In this talk, Dr Vlaeyen discusses the mechanisms, assessment and treatment of fear avoidance in patients with chronic pain. Edinburgh, UK. www.nbpa.org.uk
Health Meditation benifits by Alison DadowAlison Dadow
Mitchell’s experience is borne out by studies showing that meditation not only lowers blood pressure but also can amp up your immune system -- although the mechanism isn’t clear -- while improving your ability to concentrate. Know more about the Meditation benifits by Alison Dadow.
Complimentry therapy, therapeutic touch and massage and pet therapyPriyanka Kumari
know about the complimentary therapies and effect of the therapeutic massage, therapeutic touch and pet therapy and it's effect in Mental health nursing
Dr. Eugene Ahn of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center discussed mind-body approaches to cancer healing at the 2011 WellBeingWell Conference in Miami.
Integrative Nursing: Effects on a training reflexology programNeus Esmel-Esmel
Reflexology, as a modality of Integrative Medicine, recognizes the importance of the person from a comprehensive and non-invasive care, enhancing the search for a physical, emotional and spiritual balance.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a training program that introduces reflexology as an integrative modality in nursing degree education.
Descriptive observational stud, in which 85 students participated. The students responded the SF12v2 health questionnaire and the TMMS24 emotional intelligence questionnaire pre-post the teaching program. The perceived effects during and among sessions were also collected. Their personal experience was collected as well through their own stories.
Conclusions. Reflexology promotes physical and emotional well-being, facilitating an integrative understanding of the body and health. It is necessary to include them in the health science teaching programs.
A Mindful Way to Staying Mentally Healthy at UniversityBarry Tse
A deck prepared for an online talk given to the University of Liverpool students and staff in Feb 2022 Feel Good Month. The talk touched on common psychological issues identified in a recent study in the UK and explained some of the problems that plagued our modern lifestyle. Secular mindfulness is then introduced as a tool to regain control of our declining ability to focus and our stress response that has constantly been put on hyperdrive due to our evolution, neurological wiring, and psychological processes needed for our survival.
Somatic Experiencing: Reduction of Depression and Anxiety in Homeless Adults ...Michael Changaris
This is a brief 7 page version of dissertation presented for completion of doctorate. The study found some implications for reduction of symptoms of depression and anxiety in homeless adults. Limitations are number of sessions attended (1.33 average), population heterogeneity and small sample size.
Maurice Prout is a professor and director at Widener University in Pennsylvania, where one of the specific areas he has focused on for many years is cognitive-behavioral theory. Maurice Prout also belongs to the the Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration (SEPI). Psychotherapy Integration seeks to take bits and pieces from many different theoretical approaches to understanding and treating mental health and combine them, in order to create a more efficient means of helping people.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Web-based Intervention for Depressive ...Tejas Shah
To compare the efficacy of a guided web-based intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with an active control (expressive writing) and a waiting-list control
condition.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
Health Meditation benifits by Alison DadowAlison Dadow
Mitchell’s experience is borne out by studies showing that meditation not only lowers blood pressure but also can amp up your immune system -- although the mechanism isn’t clear -- while improving your ability to concentrate. Know more about the Meditation benifits by Alison Dadow.
Complimentry therapy, therapeutic touch and massage and pet therapyPriyanka Kumari
know about the complimentary therapies and effect of the therapeutic massage, therapeutic touch and pet therapy and it's effect in Mental health nursing
Dr. Eugene Ahn of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center discussed mind-body approaches to cancer healing at the 2011 WellBeingWell Conference in Miami.
Integrative Nursing: Effects on a training reflexology programNeus Esmel-Esmel
Reflexology, as a modality of Integrative Medicine, recognizes the importance of the person from a comprehensive and non-invasive care, enhancing the search for a physical, emotional and spiritual balance.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a training program that introduces reflexology as an integrative modality in nursing degree education.
Descriptive observational stud, in which 85 students participated. The students responded the SF12v2 health questionnaire and the TMMS24 emotional intelligence questionnaire pre-post the teaching program. The perceived effects during and among sessions were also collected. Their personal experience was collected as well through their own stories.
Conclusions. Reflexology promotes physical and emotional well-being, facilitating an integrative understanding of the body and health. It is necessary to include them in the health science teaching programs.
A Mindful Way to Staying Mentally Healthy at UniversityBarry Tse
A deck prepared for an online talk given to the University of Liverpool students and staff in Feb 2022 Feel Good Month. The talk touched on common psychological issues identified in a recent study in the UK and explained some of the problems that plagued our modern lifestyle. Secular mindfulness is then introduced as a tool to regain control of our declining ability to focus and our stress response that has constantly been put on hyperdrive due to our evolution, neurological wiring, and psychological processes needed for our survival.
Somatic Experiencing: Reduction of Depression and Anxiety in Homeless Adults ...Michael Changaris
This is a brief 7 page version of dissertation presented for completion of doctorate. The study found some implications for reduction of symptoms of depression and anxiety in homeless adults. Limitations are number of sessions attended (1.33 average), population heterogeneity and small sample size.
Maurice Prout is a professor and director at Widener University in Pennsylvania, where one of the specific areas he has focused on for many years is cognitive-behavioral theory. Maurice Prout also belongs to the the Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration (SEPI). Psychotherapy Integration seeks to take bits and pieces from many different theoretical approaches to understanding and treating mental health and combine them, in order to create a more efficient means of helping people.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Web-based Intervention for Depressive ...Tejas Shah
To compare the efficacy of a guided web-based intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with an active control (expressive writing) and a waiting-list control
condition.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
Title: “The Big Picture: Global collaboration between companies for sustainability”
A two hour session. We don't want to get technical; we want to educate and give them some information they can take back home. The approach will be robust, critical and frank. I will share my knowledge of working within a number of global collaborations with a strict agreement that the Chatham House Rule will bind the members.
The aims of this presentation will be:
• To consider competition law and the implications for companies that collaborate with their competitors
• To inform the group of the various approaches around the world that have tackled collaborative working on sustainability issues. Included would be a look at their various approaches to governance.
• To share case studies of groups that have worked to set up voluntary codes or standards
• To build understanding of success and failure, barriers to change, what needs to happen.
• To facilitate a discussion on lessons for the SSC.
March 1st - marks the Beginning of Spring in Romania and other countries; Ladies and girls receive small tokens of pure love, respect .. most of these are hand made .. sometimes flowers are offered too.
This is a report made by Dr. Ramesh Manocha, who have used Sahaja Yoga Meditation for the improvement of symptoms and treatment of asthma, headache, menopause and depression.
Have a look, and feedback and comments are appreciated.
More information at: sahajayoga.org or at sahajayoga.dk
Introduction to Mindfulness for Stress ReductionPhang Kar
Lecture at Watering the Seed of Mindfulness seminar organized by the Malaysia Association for Mindfulness Practice & Research (MMPR) on 30th September 2018.
Cognitive changes are common for individuals with brain tumors. This talk provided by Dr. Christina Weyer Jamora and Alexa Greenstein, NP of the UCSF Neuro-Oncology Department introduces practical ways to manage cognitive symptoms.
Understanding fatigue and an introduction to the FACETS programmeMS Trust
This presentation by Alison Nook and Vicky Slingsby, Occupational Therapists at the Dorset MS Service, explores fatigue in multiple sclerosis, the most common MS symptom. It looks at how fatigue can be managed with energy effectiveness techniques and introduces FACETS (Fatigue: Applying Cognitive behavioural and Energy effectiveness Techniques to lifeStyle),
Outcomes of Online Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Patients With Residual Depressive SymptomsA Randomized Clinical Trial
Zindel V. Segal, PhD1; Sona Dimidjian, PhD2; Arne Beck, PhD3; et alJennifer M. Boggs, PhD3; Rachel Vanderkruik, MA2; Christina A. Metcalf, MA2; Robert Gallop, PhD4; Jennifer N. Felder, PhD5; Joseph Levy, BA2
Author Affiliations
JAMA Psychiatry. Published online January 29, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.4693
Significance for fasd
MINDFULGym for NURSES at UMMC by Dr. Phang Cheng KarPhang Kar
This is a two-hour lecture for helping nurses to reduce stress and increase work satisfaction using mindfulness. You will be introduced to 5 simple and effective mindfulness-based exercises from the MINDFULGym program https://www.mindfulgymalaysia.com/
- Video recording of this lecture in English language: https://youtu.be/lK81BzxMqdo
- Video recording of this lecture in Arabic language: https://youtu.be/Ve4P0COk9OI
- Link to download the book free: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/nephrotube-nephrology-books.html
- Link to NephroTube website: www.NephroTube.com
- Link to NephroTube social media accounts: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/join-nephrotube-on-social-media.html
Recomendações da OMS sobre cuidados maternos e neonatais para uma experiência pós-natal positiva.
Em consonância com os ODS – Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável e a Estratégia Global para a Saúde das Mulheres, Crianças e Adolescentes, e aplicando uma abordagem baseada nos direitos humanos, os esforços de cuidados pós-natais devem expandir-se para além da cobertura e da simples sobrevivência, de modo a incluir cuidados de qualidade.
Estas diretrizes visam melhorar a qualidade dos cuidados pós-natais essenciais e de rotina prestados às mulheres e aos recém-nascidos, com o objetivo final de melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar materno e neonatal.
Uma “experiência pós-natal positiva” é um resultado importante para todas as mulheres que dão à luz e para os seus recém-nascidos, estabelecendo as bases para a melhoria da saúde e do bem-estar a curto e longo prazo. Uma experiência pós-natal positiva é definida como aquela em que as mulheres, pessoas que gestam, os recém-nascidos, os casais, os pais, os cuidadores e as famílias recebem informação consistente, garantia e apoio de profissionais de saúde motivados; e onde um sistema de saúde flexível e com recursos reconheça as necessidades das mulheres e dos bebês e respeite o seu contexto cultural.
Estas diretrizes consolidadas apresentam algumas recomendações novas e já bem fundamentadas sobre cuidados pós-natais de rotina para mulheres e neonatos que recebem cuidados no pós-parto em unidades de saúde ou na comunidade, independentemente dos recursos disponíveis.
É fornecido um conjunto abrangente de recomendações para cuidados durante o período puerperal, com ênfase nos cuidados essenciais que todas as mulheres e recém-nascidos devem receber, e com a devida atenção à qualidade dos cuidados; isto é, a entrega e a experiência do cuidado recebido. Estas diretrizes atualizam e ampliam as recomendações da OMS de 2014 sobre cuidados pós-natais da mãe e do recém-nascido e complementam as atuais diretrizes da OMS sobre a gestão de complicações pós-natais.
O estabelecimento da amamentação e o manejo das principais intercorrências é contemplada.
Recomendamos muito.
Vamos discutir essas recomendações no nosso curso de pós-graduação em Aleitamento no Instituto Ciclos.
Esta publicação só está disponível em inglês até o momento.
Prof. Marcus Renato de Carvalho
www.agostodourado.com
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Ve...kevinkariuki227
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
micro teaching on communication m.sc nursing.pdfAnurag Sharma
Microteaching is a unique model of practice teaching. It is a viable instrument for the. desired change in the teaching behavior or the behavior potential which, in specified types of real. classroom situations, tends to facilitate the achievement of specified types of objectives.
Basavarajeeyam is an important text for ayurvedic physician belonging to andhra pradehs. It is a popular compendium in various parts of our country as well as in andhra pradesh. The content of the text was presented in sanskrit and telugu language (Bilingual). One of the most famous book in ayurvedic pharmaceutics and therapeutics. This book contains 25 chapters called as prakaranas. Many rasaoushadis were explained, pioneer of dhatu druti, nadi pareeksha, mutra pareeksha etc. Belongs to the period of 15-16 century. New diseases like upadamsha, phiranga rogas are explained.
NVBDCP.pptx Nation vector borne disease control programSapna Thakur
NVBDCP was launched in 2003-2004 . Vector-Borne Disease: Disease that results from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Examples of vector-borne diseases include Dengue fever, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and malaria.
HOT NEW PRODUCT! BIG SALES FAST SHIPPING NOW FROM CHINA!! EU KU DB BK substit...GL Anaacs
Contact us if you are interested:
Email / Skype : kefaya1771@gmail.com
Threema: PXHY5PDH
New BATCH Ku !!! MUCH IN DEMAND FAST SALE EVERY BATCH HAPPY GOOD EFFECT BIG BATCH !
Contact me on Threema or skype to start big business!!
Hot-sale products:
NEW HOT EUTYLONE WHITE CRYSTAL!!
5cl-adba precursor (semi finished )
5cl-adba raw materials
ADBB precursor (semi finished )
ADBB raw materials
APVP powder
5fadb/4f-adb
Jwh018 / Jwh210
Eutylone crystal
Protonitazene (hydrochloride) CAS: 119276-01-6
Flubrotizolam CAS: 57801-95-3
Metonitazene CAS: 14680-51-4
Payment terms: Western Union,MoneyGram,Bitcoin or USDT.
Deliver Time: Usually 7-15days
Shipping method: FedEx, TNT, DHL,UPS etc.Our deliveries are 100% safe, fast, reliable and discreet.
Samples will be sent for your evaluation!If you are interested in, please contact me, let's talk details.
We specializes in exporting high quality Research chemical, medical intermediate, Pharmaceutical chemicals and so on. Products are exported to USA, Canada, France, Korea, Japan,Russia, Southeast Asia and other countries.
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...i3 Health
i3 Health is pleased to make the speaker slides from this activity available for use as a non-accredited self-study or teaching resource.
This slide deck presented by Dr. Kami Maddocks, Professor-Clinical in the Division of Hematology and
Associate Division Director for Ambulatory Operations
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, will provide insight into new directions in targeted therapeutic approaches for older adults with mantle cell lymphoma.
STATEMENT OF NEED
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare, aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) accounting for 5% to 7% of all lymphomas. Its prognosis ranges from indolent disease that does not require treatment for years to very aggressive disease, which is associated with poor survival (Silkenstedt et al, 2021). Typically, MCL is diagnosed at advanced stage and in older patients who cannot tolerate intensive therapy (NCCN, 2022). Although recent advances have slightly increased remission rates, recurrence and relapse remain very common, leading to a median overall survival between 3 and 6 years (LLS, 2021). Though there are several effective options, progress is still needed towards establishing an accepted frontline approach for MCL (Castellino et al, 2022). Treatment selection and management of MCL are complicated by the heterogeneity of prognosis, advanced age and comorbidities of patients, and lack of an established standard approach for treatment, making it vital that clinicians be familiar with the latest research and advances in this area. In this activity chaired by Michael Wang, MD, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center, expert faculty will discuss prognostic factors informing treatment, the promising results of recent trials in new therapeutic approaches, and the implications of treatment resistance in therapeutic selection for MCL.
Target Audience
Hematology/oncology fellows, attending faculty, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Learning Objectives
1.) Identify clinical and biological prognostic factors that can guide treatment decision making for older adults with MCL
2.) Evaluate emerging data on targeted therapeutic approaches for treatment-naive and relapsed/refractory MCL and their applicability to older adults
3.) Assess mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies for MCL and their implications for treatment selection
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTHCARE.pdfAnujkumaranit
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It encompasses tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. AI technologies are revolutionizing various fields, from healthcare to finance, by enabling machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
Pharma Pcd Franchise in Jharkhand - Yodley Lifesciences
2009 Article Sahaja Yoga -Medicine Research
1. research
ramesh Manocha amy Gordon Deborah Black Gin Malhi
MBBS, BSc(Med), PhD, is a general is a medical student, School BSc, DipEd, MSTAT, PhD, is a MBChB, BSc(Hons), FRANZCP, FRCPsych, MD, is Head,
practitioner and Research Fellow, Natural of Medicine, University of biostatistician, Health Informatics Discipline of Psychological Medicine and Executive
Therapies Unit, Royal Hospital for Women, Glasgow, United Kingdom. and Statistics Faculty, Faculty of Director, ARCHI, Northern Clinical School, University of
Sydney, New South Wales. r.manocha@ Health Sciences, University of Sydney, and Director, CADE Clinic, Royal North Shore
healthed.com.au Sydney, New South Wales. Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales.
Using meditation for less stress
and better wellbeing
A seminar for GPs
a recent survey found that 60% of general practitioners
Background
wanted educational material to help in the management of
General practitioner stress is a recognised problem for which
stress, and that 28% of those seeking education were
meditation is a potential intervention. The aim of this project was to
evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of an initiative experiencing significant levels of stress.1
to train GPs in a set of evidence based meditation skills.
A national survey of Australian GPs found that work was the major
Method
stressor in GPs’ lives. One in eight (12.8%) GPs surveyed had
General practitioners attended a seminar comprising a 1 hour lecture
scores indicative of severe psychiatric disturbance. Fifty percent of
on GP wellbeing, a 45 minute session on meditation, meditation
respondents had considered leaving their current workplace and 53%
skills practise in groups with an experienced instructor, a larger
group review and the provision of take home kits. At the seminar’s had considered abandoning general practice because of occupational
conclusion, GPs were offered the option of meditating at home stress. Those who had considered leaving their current workplace or
twice daily. Measures were taken before and after the seminar and careers were also more likely to be moderately or severely stressed.2
after 2 weeks home practise. The measures included the Kessler Concerning the issue of stress in the medical profession, Riley
Psychological Distress Scale – 10 (K10), personal experience rating states: ‘The issues of health and wellbeing of doctors – self care,
by visual analogue scale, and diary card. stress management and so on – should be... kept on the agenda
results in continuing professional development programs’. He goes on:
A total of 299 GPs attended the seminar, from which 293 provided ‘We must be better prepared as individuals and as organisations
visual analogue scale on the day. Pre- and post-K10 data was to respond to the early signs of distress... accordingly, relevant
provided by 111 GPs. The mean pre-K10 score for these GPs was 17.2 professional organisations need to devise and become familiar with
(SD: 5.67); the post-K10 score was 14.7 (SD: 3.92), with 25.1% of the ‘at pathways for responding’.3
risk’ participants moving to the ‘low risk’ category. Mean compliance Stress management interventions such as meditation have been
with meditation was 79.5%. identified as simple yet potentially effective health promotional
Discussion strategies that can make a significant contribution to improving
A meditation workshop for GP wellbeing is practical, feasible and general health, beyond that of simply addressing the immediate
appealing to GPs. Quantitative feedback from the workshop indicates impact of work stress. 4 Meditation is a particularly important
its potential as an effective mental health promotion and prevention stress management skill because, once taught, it can be practised
strategy. independently, and at will, to both reduce acute stress and serve as a
buffer against ongoing and chronic stress.5
Meditation is widely perceived as an effective method of
reducing stress and enhancing wellbeing. In Australia, a survey of
the general community (n=1033) found that 11% of respondents
had practised meditation at least once.6 The Australian community
survey found that 29% of Australians found prayer to be a source
of peace and wellbeing, while 24% used meditation for the same
454 reprinted from aUstralian FaMily Physician Vol. 38, No. 6, June 2009
2. raymond seidler meditation CD (developed as part of the MRP’s clinical trials), an
MBBS, FAChAM, RACP, is Medical Director, instruction card, a diary, the K10 questionnaire and a candle.
Eastern Sydney Division of General Practice, and
a specialist in addiction medicine. Participants had the option of undertaking further structured home
practise consisting of twice daily meditation for 2 weeks, which
they would record on the diary card. Participation in the seminar
alone qualified GPs for Category 2 CPD points; the 2 week home
practise tasks (based on diary card and post-task questionnaires)
purpose.7,8 Interestingly, Kaldor reports some psychophysiological were considered an active learning module (ALM) and qualified
differences between prayer and meditation, 6 while Benson has participants for Category 1 CPD points.
suggested that meditation can be practised without need for change
Measures
in religious affiliation.9
Health professionals are also enthusiastic about meditation, Kessler 10 Psychological Distress scale
despite a lack of formal education about it. A survey of Australian The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale – 10 (K10) questionnaire was
GPs in 2000 found that almost 80% of respondents had recommended completed at the beginning of the seminar (the ‘before’ assessment) and
meditation to patients at some time in the course of their practice, at the end of the 2 week home practise session (the ‘after’ assessment).
despite the fact that only approximately 30% had had any type of Consisting of 10 questions that appraise psychological distress, the K10
education about it.10 A more recent formal survey by Cohen et al11 questionnaire has been used in a number of population health surveys
in 2005 found that 56% of GPs would like to receive some form of in Australia.18,19 The National Health and Wellbeing survey in 2001 used
training in meditation skills.11 the K10 as a measurement tool to identify segments of the population
It is unclear however, whether or not such a meditation based at risk of developing mental illness. The categories are based on work
resource, when implemented in the ‘real world’, would be feasible or by Andrews and Slade19 and comprise ‘low’, ‘moderate’, ‘high’ and
effective for GPs as a stress reducing, wellbeing enhancing strategy. ‘very high’. The last category represents the portion of the population
The aim of this project was to evaluate the feasibility, previously found to meet diagnostic criteria for clinical depression and
acceptability and effectiveness of an initiative to train GPs in a set anxiety requiring professional help.
of evidence based meditation skills. The project was based on the
Personal experience rating by visual analogue scale
findings of the Meditation Research Programme (MRP) at the Natural
Therapies Unit of the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney.12 The At the end of the seminar, participants rated the degree to which
MRP has been involved in the systematic evaluation of a ‘mental their experience of ‘mental activity’, ‘calm and peacefulness’ and
silence’ orientated form of meditation and subsequent development ‘stress tension’ had changed compared to usual, using a specifically
of delivery strategies for consumers, patients and professionals since developed visual analogue scale (VAS).
1998. A rigorous randomised trial of this approach, when compared
the racGP learning objectives survey
to an active control, demonstrated significant effects on measures
of work related stress, anxiety and depression.13 Other trials of the A compulsory part of the continuing professional development (CPD)
same approach have demonstrated promising effects in depression/ process, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
anxiety,14 asthma15 and epilepsy.16,17 The technique evaluated by the (RACGP) learning objectives survey provides feedback on participant
MRP is called ‘Sahaja yoga’ and it is typified by the experience of perceptions of the educational effectiveness of the initiative.
mental silence.12
Diary card
Method Using a diary card, participants indicated how often they were
The seminar was advertised broadly to the GP community through meditating. They also rated their experience of mental silence on
a brochure distributed via medical newspapers and direct mail. It a scale where 0 represented their usual level of thinking and 10
comprised a 1 hour lecture on GP wellbeing issues followed by a complete inner silence.
45 minute lecture on meditation and its potential benefits. This
was followed by a guided meditation session for the entire group.
results
Delegates then broke up into smaller groups of approximately 25–30 Participation and response rates are summarised in Table 1.
to revise and expand the skills they had learnt, with the aim of
K10 scores
enhancing the mental silence experience. Each group was facilitated
by an experienced meditation instructor. After the workshops, Using the same standardised risk categories described above,
participants reassembled in the auditorium for a further meditation 46.2% of the GP sample was in the low risk (ie. normal) category.
session, which was followed by concluding comments and questions. Australian population norms show 64.3% of people in this
Each participant was given a home practise kit which included a category20 – a statistically significant difference (p<0.01).
reprinted from aUstralian FaMily Physician Vol. 38, No. 6, June 2009 455
3. Using meditation for less stress and better wellbeing – a seminar for GPs research
Of the GPs who attended the seminar, 111 completed the home
Table 1. Participation and response rates
based meditation tasks and provided pre- and post-K10 data. Analysis
showed that the mean pre-program K10 score was 17.2 (SD: 5.67), and category of participants response
the post-program score 14.7 (SD: 3.92). Using the Australian Bureau rates (n)
of Statistics risk categories, 46.3% of this sample was in the low risk Total medical practitioners participating (GPs, specialists, 318
junior medical officers)
category at the beginning of the skilling program. At the end of the 2
GPs 299
week home based program, 71.4% of the sample was in the low risk
category, meaning that one-quarter (25.1%) of the at risk participants GPs who provided VAS data at the beginning of the workshop 293
had improved sufficiently to shift into the low risk category. This GPs who completed baseline K10 questionnaire at the beginning 283
of the workshop
difference was significant using McNemar’s test (p<0.001). The mean
GPs who completed both ‘before’ and ‘after’ K10 questionnaires 111
improvement of the at risk group’s K10 score was 20%.
GPs who claimed CPD points 214
Personal experience ratings GPs who did the take home tasks (ALM) and earned Category 1 163
CPD points
At the end of the seminar, 293 of the total 299 GP participants (98%)
provided VASs that were suitable for inclusion in analysis. The results
are summarised in Table 2. Table 2. Change in qualitative experience as measured by visual analogue scores
Diary cards experiential any More than 50% More than 75%
factor improvement improvement improvement
Participants returned 163 diary cards, which showed day 1 compliance
Mental silence 93% 40% 12%
was 84.4% and day 14 compliance 77.4% (mean 79.5%).
Calm and 96% 53% 23%
The mean mental silence rating on day 1 was 4.5 (SD: 2.3); on peacefulness
day 14 it was 6.3 (SD: 2.3), an improvement of 40%. A paired t-test
Stress, tension, 93% 46% 22%
indicated that this was significant (t=12.9, df=160, p<.001). anxiety
learning objectives survey
the intervention was successful in targeting those GPs who needed
Feedback was very positive, with 98.8% of the 151 respondents assistance. The substantial change in the number of GPs in the at
indicating that their learning needs had been fully (54%) or partially risk categories at the end of the initiative is clinically significant,
(45%) met, and 97.5% indicating that the event was fully (56.0%) or suggesting that the intervention has practical potential.
partially (41.5%) relevant to their medical practice. The correlations between K10 scores and self rated mental silence
provide some support for the notion that mental silence is of specific
relationship between mental silence experience and workshop
importance to the beneficial effects of the seminar.
outcomes
Both the personal experience ratings and the learning objectives
The relationship between participants’ self reported experience of survey indicate that the experience was constructive and perceived
‘mental activity/silence’ in the VAS and their self reported experience as successful in upskilling and educating GPs on how meditation
of ‘calm/peaceful’ and ‘tension/anxiety/stress’ VASs was strong and may be useful. This study, along with the other published studies,
highly significant, such that the more that participants’ mental activity demonstrates that regular meditation can empower participants to
moved toward the silent state, the more calm/peaceful (Spearman’s pursue and maintain higher levels of wellbeing. Therefore, meditation
rank correlation test r=0.78, p<0.001) and the less tense/anxious/ has considerable potential both as a mental health promotion strategy
stressed they felt (r=0.70, p<0.001). and as a primary prevention strategy for those identified as suffering
In the diary card data, a significant relationship between self from mild to moderate psychological distress and who are therefore
rated mental silence and K10 score at day 1, the day of the seminar at risk of further deterioration. Logically, the potential benefits of this
(Spearman’s r=–0.36, p<0.001) and at day 14 (Spearman’s r=–0.25, type of initiative are relevant to all health professionals.
p<0.01) was evident, such that a higher level (a higher self rated score) In fact, GPs’ patients may well be a reasonable target for
of mental silence was associated with a lower level of psychological interventions such as this. Overseas studies estimate that up to 40%
distress (a lower K10 score). Among those GPs who rated the event of patients presenting to GPs are psychologically distressed.21–23 The
highly there was a significant positive relationship between the change majority (50–70%) of general practice consultations feature stress
in mental silence rating and change in K10 score (r=0.26, p<0.05). related issues,24 which makes medical practitioners, and especially
GPs, the first point of contact for most people who are psychologically
Discussion distressed.25–28 Cohen’s 2005 survey 11 reported that if the topic
Kessler 10 scores indicate that the GPs who attended the event of meditation is raised by a patient, 65% of GPs would actively
were experiencing high levels of psychological distress and that encourage them to pursue it. The survey also reported that 9% of
reprinted from aUstralian FaMily Physician Vol. 38, No. 6, June 2009 457
4. research Using meditation for less stress and better wellbeing – a seminar for GPs
GPs suggested this course of action in their practice at least once 17. Panjwani U, Selvanurthy W, Singh S, Gupta H, Thakur L, Rai U. Effect of Sahaja
yoga practice on seizure control and EEG changes in patients of epilepsy. Indian J
per week, with 56% suggesting it at least once per month. Given
Med Res 1996;103:165–72.
this evidence, publicly accessible workshops, based on the model 18. Grande ED, Taylor A, Wilson D et al. Mental health status of the South Australian
evaluated above, are a potentially useful referral pathway for primary population. Aust N Z J Public Health 2000;24:29–34.
19. Andrews G, Slade T. Interpreting scores on the Kessler Psychological Distress
health professionals. Scale (K10). Aust N Z J Public Health 2001;25:494–7.
20. Australian Bureau of Statistics: Mental health and wellbeing: Profile of adults,
implications for general practice Australia 1997, cat no. 4326.0. Canberra: ABS, 1998.
• A low cost, nonprofit meditation workshop for GP wellbeing is 21. Marks J, Goldberg D, Hillier V. Determinants of the ability of general practitioners
to detect psychiatric illness. Psychol Med 1979;9:337–53.
practically feasible and appealing to GPs. 22. Boardman A. The general health questionnaire and the detection of emotional
• A meditation workshop for GPs has potential as an effective mental disorder by GPs: A replicated study. Br J Psychiatry 1987;151:373–87.
health promotion and prevention strategy. 23. Howe A. Detecting psychological distress: Can general practitioners improve their
own performance. Br J Gen Pract 1996;46:407–10.
• Given the increasing attention on the issue of GP stress and
24. Manuso. Testimony to the president’s commission on mental health. Washington:
wellbeing, meditation represents an important addition to GPs’ self US Government Printing Office, 1978.
care resources. 25. Corney R. A survey of professional help sought by patients for psychosocial prob-
lems. Br J Gen Pract 1990;40:365–8.
Conflict of interest: Dr Raymond Seidler was paid an honorarium 26. Bindman A, Forrest C, Britt H, Crampton P, Majeed A. Diagnostic scope of and
for the lecture. exposure to primary care physicians in Australia, New Zealand and the United
States: cross sectional analysis of results from three national surveys. BMJ
acknowledgments 2007;334:1261.
27. Britt H, Miller G, Henderson J, Bayram C. Patient-based substudies from BEACH:
Associate Professor Narelle Shadbolt, Doctors’ Health Advisory Service. Abstracts and research tools 1999–2006. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health
Volunteer admin and support staff: Kellie Conroy, Samantha Elliot-Halls. and Welfare, 2007.
Volunteer meditation instructors: Dr Greg Turek, Robert Hutcheon, Paul and 28. Cohen S, Kamarck T, Mermelstein R. A global measure of perceived stress. J
Colleen Keatley, and Robert Henshaw from Sahaja Yoga Australia. Sponsors: Health Soc Behav 1983;24:385–96.
Jim Shelton, Ampco; Suzanne Coutinho, Australian Doctor; Displaycom;
Healthed; Amit Vohra, GPRA.
references
1. Holt J, Mar CD. Psychological distress among GPs. Aust Fam Physician
2005;34:599–602.
2. Schattner P, Coman G. The stress of metropolitan general practice. Med J Aust
1998;169:133–7.
3. Riley G. Understanding the stresses and strains of being a doctor. Med J Aust
2004;181:350.
4. Cryer B, McCraty R, Childre D. Pull the plug on stress. Harvard Business Review
2003;81:118.
5. Smith J. Relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness: A mental health practitioner’s
guide to new and traditional approaches. New York: Springer, 2005.
6. Kaldor P, Francis L, Fisher J. Personality and spirituality: Christian prayer and
Eastern meditation are not the same. Pastoral Psychol 2002;50:165–72.
7. Bellamy J, Castle K. 2001 Church attendance estimates. NCLS occasional papers.
Sydney: National Church Life Survey, 2004.
8. Kaldor P, Bellamy J, Powell R. 1998 Australian community survey. Build my church:
Trends and possibilities for Australian churches. Adelaide: Openbook, 1999.
9. Benson H. The relaxation response: its subjective and objective historical prec-
edents and physiology. Trends Neurosci 1983;6:281–4.
10. Pirotta M, Cohen M, Kotsirilos V, Farish S. Complementary therapies: Have they
become accepted in general practice? Med J Aust 2000;172:105–9.
11. Cohen M, Penman S, Pirotta M, Costa CD. The integration of complementary
therapies in Australian general practice: Results of a national survey. J Altern
Complement Med 2005;11:995–1004.
12. Manocha R. Why Meditation? Aust Fam Physician 2000;29:1135–8.
13. Manocha R. A randomised controlled trial of mental silence meditation for work
stress. 10th International Congress of Behavioural Medicine. Tokyo: International
Society of Behavioural Medicine and Japanese Society of Behavioural Medicine,
2008.
14. Morgan D. Sahaja yoga: An ancient path to modern mental health? Transpersonal
Psychology Review 2000;4:41–9.
15. Manocha R, Marks G, Kenchington P, Peters D, Salome C. Sahaja yoga in the
management of moderate to severe asthma: a randomised controlled trial. Thorax
2002;57:110–5.
16. Panjwani U, Gupta H, Singh S, Selvamurthy W, Rai U. Effect of Sahaja yoga
practice on stress management in patients of epilepsy. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol
CORRESPONDENCE afp@racgp.org.au
1995;39:111–6.
458 reprinted from aUstralian FaMily Physician Vol. 38, No. 6, June 2009