The current epidemic with drug addiction and prescription drug abuse, has lead the CDC to issue new guidelines for pain control. The United States has 4.6% of the world's population, and we use 80% of the world's opioids. The CDC stated that nonpharmacologic therapy and nonopioid therapy are preferred for chronic pain. 

The purpose of Mindfulness is to help us build Resilience so we can deal more effectively with chronic stress. It facilitates Mental and Emotional balance.

Meditation and relaxation have been the key elements in bringing mindfulness to common daily practice. The Relaxation response, as described by Dr. Herbert Benson many years ago, has been used as the basis for the stress reduction programs at the Mind-Body institute at Harvard.

What is stress? Stress is the perception by our body, of a Physical or Psychological threat. How does our body react to Stress? The “Fight or Flight” response is the most prominent one. Our Mind triggers a series of biochemical reactions, to get our body ready to deal with the stressful event.

How does our mind communicate with the rest of our body? How do our emotions affect our immune system? How does our behavior influence our health? It is through Neurotransmitters. What are Neurotransmitters? They are the messengers of our thoughts and emotions. We call them “Psychosomatic communication network”. 

Mindfulness has been shown to increase Endorphins and Dopamine in the brain, and as a result increase motivation, and confidence. Chronic Opioid use for pain, can destroy the Success Mechanism, and sometimes can cause irreversible brain changes, and addiction. Opioids also have Immunosuppressive effect, and can be detrimental to our health. 

There are external and internal factors for burnout. The most common external factors causing burnout for physicians are endless government regulations, time spent on computer and paper work. A survey of 5892 physicians showed a low satisfaction rate with the amount of time spent on clerical tasks and high rate of burnout.