Pain Science Education Episode 113 | Dr. Sara Lazar, PhD: The Science Of Yoga And Mindfulness For Pain
Nov 29, 2018
Dr. Sara Lazar, an associate researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital and a Harvard Medical School professor, delves into the transformative power of yoga and mindfulness for chronic pain relief. She discusses how these practices alter brain structure and reduce pain catastrophizing. Sara shares effective meditation techniques, compares yoga and mindfulness, and emphasizes their role in brain health and aging. Insights on overcoming skepticism and the importance of consistent practice make this conversation enlightening and practical for those seeking healing.
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Dr. Lazar's Journey to Yoga
- Dr. Lazar initially viewed yoga and meditation skeptically.
- Her perspective shifted after experiencing their calming effects firsthand while recovering from a running injury.
Mindfulness and Brain Structure
- Mindfulness practices like meditation increase gray matter in brain regions associated with learning, memory, self-awareness, and neurotransmitter release.
- The amygdala, linked to stress and fear, decreases in size with mindfulness practice.
Mindfulness and Pain Relief
- Mindfulness may not always reduce reported pain levels directly.
- It consistently improves pain catastrophizing and control, impacting the individual's relationship with their pain.