Mindfulness meditation

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Mindfulness meditation is a meditation practice that involves focusing one's mind on the present moment. It is a form of mindfulness that is often used in psychotherapy and psychology to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

History[edit | edit source]

Mindfulness meditation has its roots in Buddhism, specifically the Theravada tradition, where it is known as Vipassana. It was popularized in the West by Jon Kabat-Zinn, who developed the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in the 1970s.

Practice[edit | edit source]

The practice of mindfulness meditation involves focusing one's attention on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as focusing on the breath, body sensations, or thoughts and emotions.

Benefits[edit | edit source]

Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can have a number of benefits, including reducing stress, improving attention, and promoting emotional well-being. It has also been used as a treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Criticisms[edit | edit source]

Despite its popularity, mindfulness meditation has also faced criticism. Some critics argue that it is often used as a quick fix for deeper psychological issues, while others question the quality of the research supporting its benefits.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

Mindfulness meditation Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD