Study suggests meditation may help control bladder
June 2, 2009 by Personal Liberty News Desk
Cognitive therapy such as meditation may be effective in the management of urinary incontinence in women, new research has found.
Scientists from Loyola University Health System in Chicago set out to investigate the impact of deep-breathing and guided-imagery exercises on female participants’ ability to control their bladder without medication or surgery.
The results of the study, which were published in the latest issue of the Journal of Urology, showed cognitive therapy is an effective management strategy for incontinence.
Dr. Aaron Michelfelder, associate professor at the department of family medicine at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, says, "The mind-body connection has proven to be particularly valuable for women suffering from incontinence."
"Cognitive therapy is effective with these women, because they are motivated to make a change and regain control over their body," he adds.
The Loyola researchers say nearly 25 percent of women suffer from a pelvic floor disorder, which includes incontinence, and cognitive therapy may play an important role in a comprehensive approach to treating the condition.