Buddhism and Medicine

Story of The Buddha

Story of The Buddha

Meditation

Meditation• Transcendental

– Newer– Follows a mantra

• Mindfulness– Associated with

Buddhism– Awareness of our own

thoughts, actions and motivations

– Uses breathing as a focus

Application to Medicine

Application to Medicine

Application to Medicine• Depression • Mood and self-esteem problems• Physical or emotional symptoms

associated with chronic illnesses• Overall wellness

Is There Any Evidence?• Research?• Strength of findings?• Journals

– Journal of Clinical Psychology• Sears & Kraus (2009) – mindfulness for anxiety &

coping– Behaviour Research and Therapy

• Barnhofer et al. (2009) – mindfulness and CBT for depression

Challenges With Meditation

Challenges With Meditation

Summary• Meditation is key component to Buddhist

practices• Mindfulness• Application to variety of medical conditions• Challenging to achieve

Thank You