Effects of Reflective Labyrinth Walking Assessed Using a Questionnaire.
Daniele S Lizier, Reginaldo Silva-Filho, Juliane Umada, Romualdo Melo, Afonso Carlos Neves
Medicines (Basel, Switzerland) October 17, 2018 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5040111 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional non-randomized study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Participants at an institute for psychotherapies |
| Intervention | Meditative labyrinth walking |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Labyrinth Mind Walking meditation |
| Key findings | 99% of participants reported emotional distress from perceiving a longer walk on the way out during labyrinth walking. |
Abstract
Background: Meditation as it is currently known is an ancient practice, which can be traced back to Asian traditions. With the proper technique, a state of physical relaxation and respiratory balance can be reached naturally and spontaneously. This paper considers meditative labyrinth walking to be a unique expression of Dr. Lauren Artress' work, who studied and applied the image of the labyrinth on the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France.
Methods: This study used a qualitative approach. It is a cross-sectional non-randomized study, conducted at an institute for psychotherapies with a sample of 30 participants.
Results: 99% of the group reported feeling emotional distress caused by the feeling of a longer walk on the way out, 21% reported feeling the same while walking the path, and 41% at the beginning. The remaining participants felt lost in time and space.
Conclusions: This study showed that the practice of labyrinth walking is a physical, emotional, and sensory experience. On the clinical level, correlating this experience to the planning of care seems to be particularly relevant.