Hello, hello! I’m sorry we’ve been so quiet lately. We had a number of production delays and other fires to put out, but we’re still working hard to get the original 4 inch pillow in-stock as soon as possible. The new ship dates should be around the end of October. There will still be plenty of time to order for the Holidays.

Changing gears…

Have you ever heard of or tried mindfulness meditation? If you’re starting to tune out, stay with for just a couple of minutes. I just saw an article on YogaJournal.com about meditation as a support for neck pain relief. The gist of the article is that most neck pain is caused by some sort of tension or stress. Mediation is a proven stress relief method. In fact, meditation is so well documented that it is recommended stress relief method in the Dr. Dean Ornish Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. The Ornish Program is a lifestyle change program that is proven to manage and some times reverse (yes, reverse) heart disease symptoms. Also, the Ornish Program is a paid benefit through Medicare, so it’s not some pseudo-science treatment, it has a track record of real results.

Given that information, it makes sense to me that meditation would be a fantastic protocol to add to your pain management routine. I’ve been infrequently “practicing” mindfulness mediation for the last few years. It absolutely does relieve stress and clear my mind. But don’t take my word for it. A 2015 medical study published in The Pain Journal (the official journal for the American Pain Society) found that patients using meditation along with their pain management routine had better pain relief and decreased pain-related discomfort compared to those who did not meditate. SERIOUSLY.

The main points in the article are:

1. Mindfulness meditation teaches you recognize the negative thought spiral that can occur when you are in pain and let those thoughts go. Instead of seeing the pain as an affliction that is affecting your body, you are able to deconstruct the pain and “see” the specific areas that are uncomfortable.
2. Once you recognize the specific areas that are in pain you can use your curiosity to “investigate” the pain and what might be causing it.
3.   Stress relief is probably a large factor meditation’s effect on pain relief. It is a low impact (zero impact?) stress reduction method.

I know this might sound a little hokey to some people. The tried and true response, “Don’t knock it till you try it,” comes to mind. If this got you at least a little interested I recommend you download the Headspace app or go to the website (Headspace.com) and do the FREE “Ten for Ten” introduction. We are not affiliated with them in any way, but it is an amazing introduction to mindfulness meditation. After that I think you would be equipped to explore further on your own or subscribe to the app if that’s your preference.

If you want to check out the Yoga Journal article it’s linked here: Need a Stronger Painkiller? Try Your Meditation Cushion

The medical study abstract is here. Unfortunately, you have to pay to get the full text: Effectiveness of Jyoti Meditation for Patients With Chronic Neck Pain and Psychological Distress—A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial