Many assume that therapy is a medical treatment designed specifically for those suffering from severe mental health conditions. The truth, however, is that therapy has the potential to help everyone. Perfection is difficult to obtain in any respect, especially when it comes to being human, and sometimes, a little help can go a long way. This can be especially true when it comes to addiction matters, but how does one know which form of treatment is best for them? When researching all the various forms of therapy available on the market today, consider meditation therapy.

Meditation therapy programs are an alternative form of therapy that incorporates evidence-based methods and practices to help clients gain a better sense of control and understanding of their mental health. Meditation therapy is a holistic therapy that focuses on all aspects of being, including clients’ mental and emotional health. Holistic treatments emphasize spiritual and cognitive health to create a more well-rounded form of treatment.  Contact The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® at 855.773.0614 today to learn more about our meditation therapy program and how it may help.

What Is Meditation Therapy?

What is meditation therapy? Meditation therapy comes in many different shapes and sizes. Some more popular forms of meditation therapy are mindfulness meditation, walking, and yoga, each focusing on different aspects of the mind and body, and being. The goal is to quiet the mind and eliminate outside stimuli and distractions. When the mind is cluttered, overstimulated, and disorganized by intrusive or impulsive thoughts, stress, and anxiety can overwhelm an individual. This often leads them towards destructive coping mechanisms and harmful behavioral trends. Meditation therapy works to do away with all that clutter, allowing clients to feel an increased sense of control over the things which go inside the mind. Some of the methods used to quiet and focus the mind are:

• Straw breathing – Clients will breathe through a straw for between two to five minutes while focusing on extending exhalation.
• Stretching – Stretching allows clients to quiet their minds and listen to their bodies. Clients may be asked to focus on specific areas of the body or emotions when utilizing a specific muscle.
• Body scanning – Body scanning asks clients to lie flat on the ground while focusing on various bodily sensations. Clients are often asked to start by focusing their attention on the foot and then working their way through the entire body.
• Yoga – Unlike stretching, yoga asks clients to take on specific poses and hold them for a period while focusing on the emotions and sensations these poses inspire.

Each exercise is designed to help quiet the mind and eliminate feelings of stress and anxiety that may linger after a long day or stressful event. Some techniques will prove more effective than others, so new clients should be open to trying new forms of meditation to ensure they find a technique best suited for them.

Meditation Therapy for Addiction

Meditation therapy can provide relief to those who are recovering from an addiction. Getting over an addiction can be challenging, making minutes feel like hours as those in recovery navigate a minefield of triggers and cravings. Meditation therapy can significantly help in these moments by reducing stress and increasing self-awareness. Some of these benefits include:

• Increasing clients and tolerance
• Stress reduction
• Increased stress management skills
• Increased comfortability when present at the moment
• Increased sleep quality
• Improved mood
• Decreased stress and anxiety
• Decrease in intrusive/impulsive thoughts

Meditation therapy is about connecting with one’s inner self by giving the mind a break to relax, reboot and recharge. While meditation therapy is not a requirement for sobriety, it can provide great relief and comfort in times of trouble and anxiety.

Learn More About Meditation Therapy at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®

So, what is meditation therapy? It is an opportunity for the mind to catch a break and do away with all the things that might cause stress or discomfort. At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we understand the struggles associated with addiction. For more information on meditation therapy or to schedule an appointment today, contact us at 855.773.0614.