Meditation For Anxiety Disorders Treatment-Breathing Techniques

March 10, 2010

Meditation For Anxiety Disorders Treatment-Breathing Techniques

MEDITATION FOR ANXIETY DISORDERS TREATMENT: BREATHING TECHNIQUES
The breathing techniques I will discuss are based on the Buddhist mindfulness meditation, which focuses, not on a word or mantra, but on the breath. This can be frightening for some people because of their inability to take a deep breath. While this technique does not involve deep breathing, it may be more advisable for these people to use the word technique instead.
There are two ways the breathing technique can be used. The first is being ‘mindful’ of our breathing-watching the breathing process, watching the rise and fall of our breath, as we inhale and exhale. The act of watching the breath becomes the focus. Simple!
The second way is to count each breath. Counting each breath becomes the technique. As we begin to meditate, the first breath we take is counted as ‘one’, the second ‘two’ and so on until breath number five. After breath number five the count begins again at ‘one’, and so on.
Sometimes people use both a word and the first breathing technique. This will not cause any problems and if it feels right, then use them both. At this stage, however, remember it is better to decide on which technique to use and then stay with it.
Many people find having a piece of meditation or classical music playing in the background quite beneficial as it helps to block out any distracting sounds and helps them to let go more easily.
It is best not to use the word, mantra or breathing technique during our normal daily life when we are anxious or having an attack. As our technique becomes linked to the meditative state, the last thing we need is to find we have begun to associate it with anxiety and attacks. Some people have a ‘stand by’ word or phrase they use in times of great distress, which they find can be quite beneficial. They leave their main word or mantra for their regular practice of meditation.
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