Studies show that psoriasis and eczema, both disorders involving the immune system, can be affected by our emotions and mental states. In fact, many psoriasis and eczema sufferers report that stressful events trigger skin flare-ups. Therefore, it is important that we all find ways to reduce stress and focus on positive energy on a daily basis.

Give meditation a try. Meditation provides a beneficial method for both psoriasis and eczema sufferers to relieve stress and, in turn, improve the condition of their skin.

As explained by the National Psoriasis Foundation: “In meditation, a person learns to focus their attention and suspend the stream of thoughts that normally occupy the mind. This practice is believed to result in a state of greater physical relaxation, mental calmness, and psychological balance. Practicing meditation can change how a person relates to the flow of emotions and thoughts in their mind.”

In the book, Alternative Cures, Bill Gottlieb discusses how meditation can prevent or reduce eczema flare-ups by calming your emotions. He suggests sitting in a quiet room where you will not be disturbed for 15 minutes, closing your eyes, and repeating a mantra.

The positive benefits of meditation on psoriasis have been studied and shown to be effective. In one study, published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, psoriasis sufferers who were treated with ultraviolet light therapy while listening to meditation tapes cleared their psoriasis four times faster than psoriasis sufferers who just received the light treatment.

With all of the benefits of meditation, don’t you think it’s time to get your Om on?

To read an excerpt from Bill Gottlieb’s book, click here: Alternative Cures by Bill Gottlieb.

To read about the study published by the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, click here:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9773769