The running meditation response: an adjunct to psychotherapy

Area of Science:

• Psychology and Sports Science
• Mind-Body Medicine

Background:

• Altered states of consciousness can be therapeutically beneficial.
• Integrating physical and mental practices may enhance psychological well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a technique combining slow, long-distance running with Transcendental Meditation (TM) and hypnosis.
• To explore its potential for inducing peak experiences or altered states of consciousness.
• To discuss its applications and contraindications in various clinical syndromes.

Main Methods:

• Integration of slow, long-distance running with TM techniques.
• Inclusion of hypnosis as an adjunct in some cases.
• Analysis of indications and contraindications for psychiatric, psychosomatic, and somatic conditions.

Main Results:

• The combined technique aims to facilitate a "peak experience" or altered state.
• Specific patient populations and conditions are identified for potential use.
• Contraindications for the technique are outlined.

Conclusions:

• This integrated approach may serve as an adjunct to psychotherapy.
• Further research is warranted to explore its efficacy in clinical settings.
• The technique offers a novel mind-body intervention for psychological enhancement.