Meditation

Types

The meditation method often taught at Mayo Clinic is paced-breathing. During a consultation, a physician instructs the patient to relax and follow directions in order to focus on deep diaphragmatic breathing.

Then, the patient views a 25-minute DVD on paced-breathing meditation. During the first 10 minutes, the meditation method is explained with the assistance of visual imagery and sounds. After becoming comfortable with the practice, the patient is guided during the next 15-minute segment of the DVD to do paced-breathing meditation.

After the consultation, the patient receives a copy of the DVD to use during daily practice at home. The DVD was developed at Mayo Clinic based on results of several research studies involving meditation. Patients generally report that the DVD is user-friendly, simple and the right length. Almost all patients say the experience is very positive and relaxing, and most patients report reduced stress and anxiety levels.