While there currently is no cure for mesothelioma there are treatment options. Unfortunately, diagnoses typically come far too late for those treatments to be very effective. The stress of the diagnoses as well as the physical and mental toll treatment takes requires the mesothelioma patients to seek both physical and mental reinforcement. Mental wellbeing is critical to maximizing and increasing the quality of the precious time that the patient has remaining. Meditation and massage are both classified as Complimentary Alternative Medicine (CAM). According to the National Cancer Institute approximately 4 out of 10 adults take advantage of CAM therapies with the most common being deep breathing exercises.
In a study published in The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care the researchers concluded that “massage, as well as other coveted CAM therapies, available as regularly offered options to enrollees in hospice and palliative care programs may offer significant benefit, particularly if provided over an extended period.”
Research continually shows positive and meaningful improvements in the quality of life of those even with terminal cancers. Because scheduling a massage is a little more intuitive than practicing meditation, we’ve provided some techniques below which were compiled by Cancer Forward.
Sitting Meditation Tips:
- Sit in a comfortable and dignified position. If you are using a chair, sit in one with a straight back with your feet flat on the floor or a bolster if your feet don’t reach the floor. If you sit on the floor, you may want to sit cross-legged style with a thick cushion to raise your buttocks. Either way, the point is to embody the wakefulness that you are cultivating through mindfulness practice and in a position that you can maintain for a while. Allow your hands to rest comfortably on your lap.
- If it is comfortable, close your eyes. If not, keep your eyes open, positioning your head straight ahead and then lower your gaze to a spot on the floor.
- Make a gentle intention to be alert and aware of your experience.
- When you are ready, draw your attention to your breathing. Notice your breath wherever you notice it the most. Allow the breath to be as it is. Don’t try to change your breathing, just bring gentle awareness to it.
- During meditation, the mind will leave the breath. This is not considered a distraction, but part of the practice. You do not have to try to suppress thoughts. Each time you notice that your mind has left your breath, take no responsibility for its wondering. The mind simple wanders. With patience and gentleness, bring your attention back to the breath. If you notice that you are judging yourself during this process, you can let go of that judgment.
- You may start with a few minutes or as long as you want. People with an established practice typically meditate for 20 to 45 minutes.
- When your practice of focusing on the breath feels stable, you can expand your attention to include focusing on your body as a whole, your thoughts and feelings or perhaps the sounds around you. Note the nature of thoughts and feelings and that individual thoughts do not last long. Avoid being drawn into thinking about the thoughts, simply observe and note them. Come back to your breath if you get lost in this process.
- If you have the urge to react to physical sensations, such an itch, simply notice the urge and stay with the focus of your meditation. After experimenting allowing the sensation to be present without changing, if you feel you need to move, then do so with awareness.
The Paul Law Firm advocates for victims of asbestos-related diseases. If you or a loved one is suffering from mesothelioma, call the Paul Law Firm. With over 2.5 billion dollars collected for victims of asbestos exposure, we have the knowledge and the experience to fight for you. We also understand that fighting doesn’t just happen in the courtroom. It also happens in a lab where we are fighting for a cure. Check out the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America here.
Call us today at 1-855 88 LEGAL (885-3425) or contact us online to discuss your case with one of our experienced mesothelioma lawyers.
