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Ninety chronic pain patients were trained in mindfulness meditation in a 10-week Stress Reduction and Relaxation Program. Statistically significant reductions were observed in measures of present-moment pain, negative body image, inhibition of activity by pain, symptoms, mood, disturbance, and psychological symptomatology, including anxiety and depression. Pain-related drug utilization decreased and activity levels and feelings of self esteem increased. Improvement appeared to be independent of gender, source of referral, and type of pain. A comparison group of pain patients did not show significant improvement on these measures after traditional treatment protocols. At follow-up, the improvements observed during the meditation training were maintained up to 15 months post meditation training for all measures except present moment pain. The majority of subjects reported continued high compliance with the meditation practice as part of their daily lives. The relationship of mindfulness meditation to other psychological methods for chronic pain control is discussed. Journal of Behavioral Medicine. 1985 Jun;8(2):163-90. PMID: 3897551 Conclusion: Mindfulness techniques can be powerful tools that can allow an individual to expand their momentary experience beyond the frequently all consuming chronic pain. These types of meditations and exercises can relegate the pain into the background and bring a persons awareness into the present moment without the struggle to escape the pain and “be some place else”. Repeatedly returning one's awareness to the present moment, or the NOW, can short-circuit the vicious cycle of hoping the pain will go away and fearing that it will not. An experienced, trained guide is most helpful here in the discovery of authentic mind expansion not induced by drugs or other sources of dependence. – S. Taney
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