Effects of Breathing-Based Meditation on Earthquake-Affected Health Professionals
Holistic Nursing Practice May 1, 2017 Miho Iwakuma, Daien Oshita, Akihiro Yamamoto et al.
A 45-minute breathing-based meditation session improved mood states among health professionals who survived the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Quantitative measures showed significant improvements in anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, strain, and vigor in 17 participants. Qualitative analysis revealed themes of emancipation from chronic bodily sensations, a holistic sense transcending mind-body, reorienting life through reflection and gratitude, integrating meditation into daily life, and emerging from post-earthquake pain. The findings suggest meditation may benefit disaster-affected health professionals.