Spirituality and stress-relieving practices, such as meditation, may help young urban residents who suffer from asthma improve their symptoms and experience fewer complications, according to a new study from University of Cincinnati researchers.
The researchers said that their findings are important because chronic diseases like asthma are more than just physical problems. They can take a toll on an individual's mental health as well, making relaxation and coping skills important.
After surveying 151 young people with asthma from urban areas throughout the Midwest, the researchers found that those who used coping mechanisms, whether prayer or meditation, experienced less anxiety and fewer depressive symptoms related to their disease.
"Few studies have examined the role of spiritual struggles in children, and none have examined the relationship between spiritual struggles, secular coping and their outcomes," said Sian Cotton, who led the study. "We wanted to see if spiritual struggles contribute uniquely to a patient's quality of life, beyond demographic variables,"
Ilchi Lee has recommended these types of approaches for years. He says that meditation and other Brain Education methods can help individuals overcome many of the challenges they face in their daily lives.
