A new scientific study shows that it is possible to train your mind to feel less pain. To the surprise of the researchers conducting the study, mindfulness meditation reduces pain more effectively than a placebo. Brain scans show that mindfulness meditation produced very different patterns of activity than those produced by placebo to reduce pain. The brain scans during the study showed that mindfulness meditation reduced pain by activating brain regions associated with the self-control of pain. These are significant findings, because placebo-controlled studies have a reliable reputation and might lead to more testing of meditation practices in clinical settings. Compared to pain relief medication, meditation is a safer, healthier and cheaper way to reduce pain.
Mindfulness meditation reduces pain more effectively than placebo, study shows
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