Help with Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders treatment usually employs a multi-disciplinary approach so that it is able to comprehensively address all the aspects of the illness. Mindfulness meditation is currently generating a great deal of interest as an adjunctive technique to be used in addition to existing methodology.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness meditation is easily described and practiced. It involves sitting in a comfortable position with your eyes closed, preferably sitting with your back upright and unsupported. Relax and take time to notice your body sensations - try not to analyze or judge them. Let the mind settle into your breathing rhythm and when it wanders (it will) gently steer it back to paying attention to your breathing. Do this for 10 minutes. Proponents of the technique claim that once a person is able to master attention they are able to endure painful emotional states without lapsing into rumination or trying to "fix" the feeling through external methods.

New Eating Disorder treatments

Perhaps with time this technique will become part of the standard toolkit of psychotherapists who offer eating disorder treatment. Research has proven that it is an effective therapeutic tool and further research may refine it for the specialist field of treating Bulimia, Anorexia, and other eating disorders.

Source: New York Times