Slow Breathing Reduces Pain

Breathing slowly seems to reduce the pain intensity and the unpleasantness of pain induced by heat, according to a study just published in the journal Pain. The researchers tested a group of patients with fibromyalgia and a group of healthy controls. Healthy people perceived less pain and it was less unpleasant during slow compared to normal breathing. (Those with fibromyalgia had no benefit. The reasons are unclear but it may be due to a different brain wiring for these patients). The authors concluded that “These experimental findings provide support for prior reports on the benefits of yogic breathing and mindful Zen meditation for pain and depressed affect”. The importance of meditation, biofeedback and other similar approaches to the treatment of headaches cannot be overemphasized. Unlike many other alternative therapies, these treatments have a solid scientific basis. (from Dr. Mauskop)