The troubles of chronic pain extend beyond the pain itself, so finding a method that aids in both decreasing pain perception but also in improving mental health is doubly promising.
“Many people have lost hope because, in most cases, chronic pain will never fully resolve,” says Marske, “However, mindful yoga and meditation can help improve the structure and function of the body, which supports the process of healing.”
However she’s quick to explain that “healing” and “curing” are inherently not the same thing: “Curing means eliminating disease, while healing refers to becoming more whole,” she explains. “With chronic pain, healing involves learning to live with a level of pain this is manageable. For this, yoga and meditation can be very beneficial.”
Hoping to find your way to a regular mindfulness practice? The best way to do so is to stop simply planning to start, and to just take the first step.