[vn-families] Eastern philosophy promises hope for Western women with eating disorders

[binhp at mylinuxisp.com]

Eastern philosophy promises hope for Western women with eating
disorders

The technique known as 'mindfulness' is being taught to
Queensland women to help them understand and deal with the
emotions that trigger their binges.

(PressZoom) - A psychological technique based on Buddhist
philosophy and practice may provide a solution for women who
struggle with binge eating and bulimia.

The technique known as 'mindfulness' is being taught to
Queensland women to help them understand and deal with the
emotions that trigger their binges.

Unlike many therapies for eating disorders, there is less focus
on food and controlling eating and more on providing freedom
from negative thoughts and emotions.

Griffith University psychologists Michelle Hanisch and Angela
Morgan said women who binged were often high-achievers and
perfectionists.

When such women perceived they didn't measure up to self-imposed
standards or were not in control of situations, they indulged
in secretive eating binges. A typical late-night binge could
involve four litres of icecream and a couple of packets of
chocolate biscuits, Ms Hanisch said.

"Many women develop elaborate methods of hiding the evidence
of their binges and some feel so guilty afterwards they also
induce vomiting, overuse laxatives or exercise excessively to
counteract the effects of the binge," she said.

"Binge eating is largely a distraction – a temporary escape
from events and emotions that nevertheless can cause long-term
physical problems including electrolyte imbalances. Instead,
women need to learn how to react in a different way."

Mindfulness involves exercises similar to meditation that
could help people live more in the moment, develop a healthy
acceptance of self and become aware of potentially destructive
habitual responses.

"Women who have been through the program report less
dissatisfaction with their bodies, increased self-esteem and
improved personal relationships," Ms Morgan said.

"They learn that thoughts and emotions don't have any power
over us as they are just passing phenomena and aren't permanent."

Mindfulness has already been shown to be effective as a treatment
for anxiety and depression, substance abuse, and the stress
associated with physical conditions such as trauma, chronic
pain or cancer.


###
The eight-week program is being offered at no charge at Griffith
University campuses on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. Women
who binge eat and are interested in participating in the program
can phone 07 3735 3324.

Mardi Chapman
m.chapman at griffith.edu.au
61-755-529-089

Source: http://presszoom.com/story_122707.html