Does anyone know if MBSR might work for an adolescent with a serious skin rash of which the doctors know of no known cure? How would you introduce an adolescent to this meditation? I do the meditation all the time and it has helped my psorisis
Susan
Hi, Susan. It’s a bit difficult to say, and is very dependent on what is meant by “work” for the child, and what the medical diagnosis of the rash is. What is the goal?
The goal is to relieve the itching, and stop the spread. It is all over his body, but not on his face yet. It is diagnosed as Pithoriosis and there is nothing that will helpmit but time. He is going into 6th grade, so as you know, image is important, and he is bullied as it is because he is an opera singer. We have tried lotions and benodryl, but with little effects. Do you think MBSR would help?
Hi, Susan. I’m so very sorry to hear the child is suffering in this way, and am very grateful to you for taking the initiative to reach out.
I want to be clear that mindfulness is not a cure all, and it’s very early in the scientific study with good controls on the exploration of it. There have been very positive results in adults who go through a mindfulness program for a variety of needs, including psoriasis, but I am not aware of any studies regarding this specific illness you mention and potential benefits of mindfulness regarding the symptoms. I will state that in adults dealing with pain, a recent study has again proven very promising – http://www.painmedicinenews.com/Complementary-and-Alternative/Article/08-16/Mindfulness-Meditation-Uses-Distinct-Neural-Pathways-To-Reduce-Pain-Better-Than-Placebo/37478. Note that the result is not reducing of discomfort itself, but in changing the relationship to it.
My recommendation is to discuss the possibility of a mindful program for children with the individual’s doctor, and get their insights as they are fully informed about the child’s medical needs.
Thanks Ted,
I am aware that MBSR is not necessarily a cure, but many conditions are stress related, causing weakening immune systems, and I think that it applies to both children and adults… Stress also increases inflamation, which skin rashes are. Therefore, MBSR might have significant benefits to such conditions. Doctors don’t see any harm to MBSR, so one is left to their own judgment. But, here lies the problem. MBSR is a commitment and a discipline. Perhaps the doctors are not the best pkace to start with children, but rather in the schools and the homes. ait seems like instead of becoming aware of ones self, we (society)are teaching children and families that the best way to raise children is to do more and more. Is there any way to change this?
Hi, Susan. Thank you for having this rich dialogue, it’s so wonderfully complex and dynamic.
Thinking about how my own life would likely have been different had I encountered the practice as a child, I agree that there could be significant benefits to attenuating some of the difficulties life encompasses, and cultivating those positive attributes and experiences as well. This reaches beyond the individual child to their family and friends, the close community, and perhaps society is influenced in a subtle but profound way. There are twists and turns to that of course; the (mis) perception of mindfulness as a religion, for example, and therefore anathema to being taught in public schools. But we are seeing progress in that with various programs, based in science, becoming more common.
Home is another context, and a fruitful one if there is already a member of the home who practices. Just last night someone in one of my sitting groups described how they were bringing mindfulness to their family, and having some interest in hearing more about what others may be doing. Of course, awareness of mindfulness is the first step wherever one may be, in schools or at home, so it’s critical that good information about it be socialized.
Change is often glacial in pace, but the effects over time… astounding!
I agree. All of this takes a lot of time. I was listening to Jon Kabat Zinn ’ meditation on pain, and realized that this whole process does not flow horizontally, but vertically and horizontally. In short it has it’s ups and downs and you have to be careful not to try too hard or be judgemental. All of this can be difficult for adults and I can’t imagine how hard it would be for children, but wouldn’t it be great to have a generation that was not stressed all the theim? 🤗🤗🤗