Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course Information

What is MBSR?

The Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)program was developed at the University of Massachussetts Medical Center. MBSR is a common form of complementary medicine addressing a variety of health problems - most commonly stemming from stress. The National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is studying the efficacy of the MBSR program in promoting healing in a number of different studies. Completed Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction studies have found that pain-related drug utilization was decreased, and activity levels and feelings of self esteem increased, for a majority of participants. More information on these studies can be found on the University of Massachusetts Medical School website: Center for Mindfulness; please see our "Research" area for more information on the "Mindful Eating" studies being conducted at Duke University, Indiana State University and The University of Pennsylvania.

MBSR is an 8-week intensive training in mindfulness based on ancient healing practices. Mindfulness practice is ideal for cultivating greater awareness of the unity of mind and body, as well as of the ways our unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can undermine emotional and physical health. The mind is known to be a factor in stress and stress-related disorders, and mindfulness has been shown to positively effect a range of autonomic physiological processes, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing overall arousal and emotional reactivity. In addition to mindfulness practices, MBSR uses different forms of body movement to help reverse disuse atrophy attributable to our culture's largely sedentary lifestyle, especially for those with pain and chronic illnesses.

The MBSR program started in the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in 1979 and is now offered in over 200 medical centers, hospitals, and clinics around the world. MBSR promotes active partnership in the concept of participatory medicine, one in which patient/clients take on significant responsibility for doing a certain kind of interior work in order to tap into their own deepest inner resources for learning, growing, healing, and transformation.

Please note:  The classes and programs offered by eMindful  are intended to be educational and do not constitute any form of clinical treatment.

Nursing CEUs are approved by the CA Board of Registered Nursing
Provider No. 11646
Scottsdale Institute for Health & Medicine

Authorized by CA Board of Behavioral Sciences
Provider No. PCE4036
eMindful

Please click here for schedule information on the "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction" class.