Meditation Based Lifestyle Modification in Chronic Pain

Meditation Based Lifestyle Modification in Chronic Pain

MBLM is a holistic therapy for people with mental disorders whose feasibility positive effects on patients with depression have already been demonstrated in clinical application and a piloted study. In the present trial, the feasibility and effect of MBLM on patients with chronic pain will be investigated.

MBLM expands existing concepts of mind-body medicine with ethical and spiritual concepts from the traditional Patanjali Yoga system, which can act as a coping factor on the one hand, and higher motivation and deepening of self-administered practice (mindfulness based exercises, body-oriented yoga exercises and mantra meditation). MBLM aims to establish an exercise routine in the daily lives of the participants, which leads to salutogenesis. The promotion of mental health through meditation and yoga has been well documented, also in clinical populations. The effects of meditation and yoga on addiction and pain are promising, but there is still a need for research. Furthermore, the preventive potential of the MBLM program will be examined for healthy volunteers, analogous to the already well-researched and widely used MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) program, which was originally also developed for patients with pain disorders.

The study will be conducted as an experimental single case analysis with multiple baseline design. Randomization takes place over time instead of control groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Outpatients
2. Current diagnosis of a chronic pain disorder.
3. Over 18 years old.
4. Physically able to perform simple yoga postures and sit for 20 minutes.
5. Have given your written consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Psychotic symptoms
2. Acute suicidality
3. obsessive-compulsive disorder
4. Cerebro-organic diseases with clinically relevant symptoms
5. Severe multimorbidity
6. Current participation in another meditation or yoga study
7. Regular meditation or yoga practice (> once a week in the last 6 months)