Meditation exercises are not a conventional medical practice, but may be a useful way to control chronic pain.
Psychotherapist Susan Monteith led a seminar Thursday at Jorgenson Hall, demonstrating meditation techniques to staff and students suffering from chronic pain.
"I used to be skeptical towards (meditation techniques), but after I tried them, I began to experience less pain," said Jodi Elliott, a fourth-year social work student.
"They have helped prevent the pain in my lower back from dominating my life."
Monteith began teaching mind-body relaxation techniques at her practice in 1992. She said incorporating meditation exercises in her practice has received a positive response from every client she has worked with.
But she advised the group that meditation should not replace medication. "As long as (chronic pain sufferers) are in the care of their doctors, then they can replace or reduce their drug intake," Monteith said.
Heather Wakeling, an office assistant at the Access Centre, also works as a licensed holistic specialist. Wakeling, who organized the seminar, said that even though little research has been done on meditation and complementary therapies, doctors are aware of the benefits.
"Very little funding has been given for research in the medical community, but complementary therapies can improve the quality of life for many chronic pain sufferers," she said.
"People must take into consideration whether they can control or reduce pain on their own, or whether they can learn to live with it," said Dr. Paul Kelly, a psychologist who also specializes in meditation training. He was supposed to lead the seminar but cancelled due to illness.
Taking medication to control or reduce chronic pain is sometimes enough, said Mary-Ann Vanner of Pembroke, Ont.
"I've been experiencing chronic pain for the past five years, and medication has helped me experience little or no pain," she said in a phone interview.
Vanner, who works from home for a legal service, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1995. She prefers medical and health products over meditation. "I may consider trying meditation exercises one day, but not right now," she said.
Chronic pain usually refers to pain that persists past the normal three- to six-month healing time. It is considered one of the most common causes of suffering and disability in the western world, according to research conducted at Vancouver's Simon Fraser University in 1997.
"It's important to find out what works best," Kelly said. "For some people, medication or surgery may be the answer, while massage therapy or yoga may be better for others."
