Stress and depression associated with CKD can diminish quality of life significantly, yet studies have demonstrated how guided meditation can enhance well-being as well as clinical outcomes in various ways.
One study reported that one mindfulness session resulted in significantly reduced blood pressure and heart rate among hypertensive patients with CKD, while a telephone-adapted version of mindfulness-based stress reduction (tMBSR) improved psychological wellbeing among hemodialysis patients both with CKD and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Reduces Stress
Mindfulness meditation is an effective form of relaxation that involves focusing on breathing, noting body sensations like itching or tingling, and acknowledging emotions such as anger or frustration without judgment. It can help relieve stress while improving kidney health.
Studies have demonstrated that mindfulness meditation reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as perceived stress levels among those living with chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure, due to its effect on the sympathetic nervous system which tends to be overactive among these populations.
Long-term mindfulness meditation practice has also been associated with an increased density in a region of the brain stem associated with cardiovascular control (Vestergaard-Poulsen et al., 2014). One study showed that participants who attended an 8-week MBSR workshop-teleconference program experienced better KDQOL than participants in the control group; participants could choose their program through FutureLearn, organic web search engines, word of mouth referrals or direct invitation.
Reduces Anxiety
Mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress levels in the body. Mindfulness allows one to become aware of and accept what they’re feeling in each moment without judgment; allowing for insight into feelings like fear or anxiety while staying aware of what’s going on around them.
Jha et al. conducted a 2010 study to explore the effects of an eight-week mindfulness training programme on working memory capacity, and they compared a group of military participants who had undergone mindfulness meditation with nonmeditating military participants and civilian control group participants as controls.
Studies conducted on mindfulness meditation groups demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in working memory than other groups, and had lower self-reported anxiety and depression scores than the other two groups. Thus, mindfulness may help lessen chronic illness’ impact by altering how one’s body reacts to stressors.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can contribute to many serious health conditions, and one approach that has helped people living with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) manage their blood pressure is through hemodialysis treatments. One study demonstrated that participants who had stage 2 uncontrolled hypertension saw significant drops in their blood pressure after participating in an 8-week mindfulness meditation program as opposed to receiving enhanced usual care alone.
Mindfulness meditation included body scan exercises and sitting meditation led by a trained practitioner for two and a half hours each week. Participants were told not to disclose their participation outside of this study to anyone; further, nurses and physicians from their hemodialysis centers would not have access to any information related to the study or its results.
Meditation was shown to increase heart rate variability, a measure of parasympathetic nervous system activity and reduce sympathetic dominance which is linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease and lower quality of life. After one year, blood pressure among meditators had continued to decrease below baseline and they continued utilizing their self-management skills.
Increases Quality of Life
Meditation can not only reduce stress and anxiety, but it can also improve quality of life. One study demonstrated this when 8 weeks of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) reduced burnout and depression while improving self-compassion, relaxation, sleep quality and sense of achievement. Furthermore, meditation has also been proven to increase gray matter in the brain stem that’s linked with cardiorespiratory control – this helps lower blood pressure.
Studies demonstrate that meditation can significantly decrease sympathetic hyperactivity and increase quality of life among CKD patients.
Practice mindfulness by attending to every experience with an open and inquisitive mind. Be present while watching a sunset with loved ones or simply pay attention while cooking by noting the smell of simmering spices, sensation of chopping an onion and sound of boiling water – whatever aspect comes your way, mindfulness helps bring awareness.
