According to the Center for Disease Control and Preventions – CDC – traumatic brain injury – TBI – is a serious public health issue in the United States. The CDC estimates that about 1.7 million people suffer from a TBI each year. A TBI is a severe blow or jolt to the head that can result in abnormal brain function, or even death. War veterans are no stranger to TBI’s for obvious reasons. One of the most unpleasant things about suffering from a TBI is the pain that comes along with the injury.

A study conducted by the University of Manchester found that people who meditate on a regular basis are better at coping with pain, and find the pain to less unpleasant than those who don’t meditate, because they do not anticipate pain as much. This just goes to show you how meditation can be used to enhance your therapy for a TBI.

When you have suffered from a TBI during combat, getting through the pain of the physical trauma is difficult, but getting over the emotional trauma caused by that event can be even harder. This is why meditation is so important in the treatment. Meditation is about living 100 percent in the moment, without dwelling on past events, or fretting over what might happen in the future. Once you learn proper meditation techniques and you are able to fully live in the moment, you are then able to free yourself of the stress and anxiety that can linger for years, or even a lifetime, after experiencing a traumatic injury.

Mastering this ability to live 100 percent in the now might sounds like an arduous task, but the truth is you do it all the time without even realize it. Think about anytime your full attention is devoted to something is happening right then and now. For example, when you are sucked in to your favorite TV show or movie, or when you are singing along to your favorite song on the radio. Whenever you are completely engrossed in any activity and only focusing on that one activity, you are meditating. The next step in the process is simply learning how to consciously put yourself in that state of mind.

Note: Specifically, with regards to medical issues, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Web site.