I recently had the opportunity to offer an in-depth workshop on meditation and healing during the 8th International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology. The annual conference, held this year in Cleveland, Ohio, brings together hundreds of top clinicians, researchers, patients and advocates to learn about new findings from numerous scientific disciplines that have the potential to transform cancer care today. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Innovating Integrative Oncology: New Science, New Solutions; The Focus is the Patient.” More than 80 abstracts on new published research in the field of cancer are presented. During the conference, I shared approaches on meditation and healing and the importance of finding an open heart in integrative oncology. It was very meaningful to have the opportunity to present a complete system of mind-body healing. The workshop was an experiential session that allowed the participants to “taste" the benefits of meditation and healing.
The Healing Power of the Mind
A simple daily meditation session can offer significant improvements in physical health, mood, energy levels and more. In fact, published studies show that simple meditation when practiced daily is more effective than anti-depressants in improving mental, physical and emotional well-being. More and more peer-reviewed research on meditation confirms that it is a viable method of improving health and emotional well being, helping not only with anxiety, depression and mental imbalances, but also physical illnesses and health conditions. While there is constant new research and new findings in the field of molecular biology and cancer with new ideas and approaches for cancer therapy, I truly believe that the integration of simple yet profound mind-body methods is what can serve as the “glue,” the dynamic energy behind healing. The longer meditation is practiced over time, the more profound the benefits and results.
A Growing Interest in Meditation and Healing
As more published research on the benefits of meditation for healing emerges from the scientific community, more doctors are likewise recommending meditation for patients with all types of health concerns. My meditation workshop offered at this year’s Society for Integrative Oncology Conference is an example of the growing interest in this important aspect of healing by prestigious medical professionals from around the world. For more information about meditation and other lifestyle recommendations for improving your health, visit www.dreliaz.org/health-solutions/dr-eliaz-recommends/lifestyle.