Thursday, July 25, 2013

Treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder With Meditation

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety-related condition that causes obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions in the sufferer. Millions of people all over the world have this condition, ranging from mild obsessions only to full-blown compulsions that take hours to perform each day. Modern medical science is showing how obsessive compulsive disorder can be treated with medication. However, medication is expensive and doesn't work for everyone. A proven, effective alternative method that is widely used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder is meditation.


Instructions


1. Set aside a time to practice meditation two times a day for 20 minutes each session. Practicing meditation twice a day is important in the beginning to help you maintain a relaxed frame of mind all day, which is essential to treat OCD. Later, as you get better at mediation and your symptoms begin to subside, you can practice just once a day.








2. Find a quiet, private place to practice your meditation. The ideal location is away from areas of high activity, such as a kitchen, and away from sources of noise, such as outdoor playgrounds. Shut the door to your meditation room when you go in and let it be known that you are not to be disturbed while you are in there.


3. Select a comfortable seat for meditation. It is essential that you not be distracted by straining back muscles, so you need a seat with good lumbar support. The seat should be soft enough to be comfortable, while being firm enough that you don't fall asleep while meditating.


4. Clear your mind of all thoughts except for one word or picture. This word or picture should be simple and soothing to you, and you should focus on this exclusively during your meditation session. If you find your mind wandering, gently bring it back onto your center of focus.


5. Breathe deeply and naturally while meditating. Your abdomen should rise when you inhale and fall when you exhale. Don't force your breathing, just let it come of its own accord.








6. Chant a mantra if you have trouble concentrating in silence. Saying your focus word over and over in a low monotone, or simply chanting random vowel sounds helps some people maintain their focus during meditation. This is not a necessary step in meditation, but is there to be used if you find you need it. Make sure you feel your head vibrating when you chant, for maximum effectiveness.

Tags: your meditation, away from, compulsive disorder, while meditating, word picture, your mind