Mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. This disease has no cure. Part of the problem with treating this condition is that more than 20-30 years can have passed since the original exposure. In this timeframe the condition has a strong hold on the body and when it is finally diagnosed the patient usually has less than one year to live. The treatment to slow the disease and hopefully extend the patient’s life includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

It’s no wonder that given such a dismal prognosis, many patients are taking a new look at alternative therapies. Under this wide category are treatments such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbs, massage and even meditation.


Meditation is actually a group of techniques, which started in Eastern cultures and/or spiritual traditions. This technique is used by people all over the world for many different reasons. In meditation, a person focuses his attention and quiets their mind, letting go of the constant stream of thoughts (don’t kid yourself - this is not easy to learn). This practice helps to bring a greater state of physical relaxation, mental calmness, and balance to a patient’s world. With practice a person can learn to change their flow of emotions and thoughts.

There are four main elements common to most mediation techniques. First, a quiet location is required. Most people prefer solitude or at minimum, few distractions. This is especially true for beginners. Those with more experience can block out unnecessary and disturbing noises and can even meditate successfully in public places like planes, trains and even the doctor’s office.

The second requirement is a comfortable posture. Some people prefer to lie down while they meditate, others prefer to sit or even stand. Sometimes the posture depends on the type of meditation being practiced.

The third requirement is to have a focus of attention. It is usually part of the mediation to focus one’s attention on something. This could be a mantra, which is a word or set of words that are continually repeated and for some it is an object and for other people, they foc
us on their breathing.

The fourth requirement is an open attitude. This means letting thoughts come and go without getting upset or judging them. The goal is to eventually watch the thoughts flow and just observe them as they move through the mind.

There are many ways in which people use meditation to help improve various health problems, such as: anxiety, pain, depression, insomnia, stress, self esteem, even to uplift their moods. Its proven effective with physical and emotional symptoms associated with severe illnesses, such as mesothelioma.

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