Page 576 - Total War on PTSD

and too much meditation can intensify the rLung Imbalance.” He nods as she continues, “The medical texts recommend that monks with rLung Imbalance avoid thinking too much or sitting and meditating excessively.” Dr. Jamling also tells him that she will talk to his abbot (the monastery leader) about slowing down his meditation practice until the rLung disturbance is resolved.
Over the next six weeks of treatment, I witnessed Lobsang blossom into a completely relaxed person, free from anxiety — a debilitating condition that affected every aspect of his life. We treated Lobsang once per week with moxibustion, and he received massage weekly from an assistant at the monastery. He followed our recommendations for dietary restrictions and refrained from meditating intensely. He appears happier and more encouraged as the weeks go on, and he seems almost relieved to be freed from the practice of intense meditation. Lobsang appears more grounded, less anxious, and he has put on some weight. At the sixth clinical visit, his pulse has returned to normal, and he tells us that he has not had any anxiety or panic attacks in two and a half weeks. He still experiences some stomach gurgling and anxiety when hungry, but when he eats his warm soup, this disappears. Lobsang continued to check in with us over the next couple of months, and only comes to the clinic occasionally, as needed. Lobsang has learned to manage his anxiety. He has stopped taking the special incense in the mornings, phasing it out almost completely until he no longer needs it except if he feels the uneasiness coming back. While he has a tendency for rLung disturbance and it could potentially return, Lobsang now
576 of 1042