A pilot study, published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in 2008, examined meditation's ability to ease stress in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) for various conditions, including cancer. Researchers found that patients who began meditation prior to surgery and continued through their recovery experienced "statistically significant decreases in heart and respiratory rates and improvements in symptoms" associated with stress. Why do some people have less difficulty during medical procedures and recover more quickly than others? Much of it may be linked to their expectations and attitudes. Just because someone has a hard time with a particular operation doesn't mean you will. Before you undergo a medical or dental procedure, utilize the following steps and the meditation given here to reduce emotional and physical stress. **Do this meditation every day for at least two weeks prior to the operation or procedure. If you are in an emergency situation, at least follow the "Before the Operation" steps.** (From the book ‘The Best Meditations on the Planet, by Dr. Martin Hart & Skye Alexander)

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