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Meditation In Surgery Specialist

Ali Hendi, MD Our Services Meditation in Surgery

Ali Hendi, MD

Skin Cancer Specialists & Mohs Surgeons located in Chevy Chase, MD

Up to 76% of patients experience anxiety prior to surgery, but the office of Ali Hendi, MD, is one of the few practices to provide meditation in surgery to calm your anxiety. Mindfulness and breathing techniques may reduce bleeding during surgery and improve the outcome of your procedure. Dr. Hendi teaches you how to perform these healthful techniques. We proudly serve the Washington, DC/DMV and the surrounding areas including: Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville, Potomac, PG County, Baltimore County, Arlington, Mclean, Tysons Corner, Vienna, Chantilly, Alexandria, and Fairfax. For expert care to quell your pre-surgery jitters, call the practice in Chevy Chase, Maryland today.

Meditation in Surgery

What are the health effects of surgical anxiety?

Feelings of anxiety or concern are to be expected before having surgery. However, nervousness about having surgery can negatively affect your body and mind, triggering a hormonal response. 

In response to stress or anxiety, your body releases cortisol, which is your body’s chief stress hormone. Cortisol, in turn, triggers a cascade of responses internally, including raising the amount of blood sugar in the bloodstream and altering your immune system responses.

Too much cortisol in your bloodstream for too long may harm your health and well-being, potentially causing:

  • High blood pressure
  • Disrupted sleep patterns
  • Poor mood
  • Low energy levels

Too much of this stress hormone also could make you more susceptible to infection. Over time, high cortisol may contribute to diabetes and chronic health problems.

What are the benefits of meditation in surgery?

At the office of Ali Hendi, MD, Dr. Hendi uses mindful breathing techniques during surgery to relieve anxiety and stress, and to restore a sense of calm. Research on those who used mindful breathing techniques found the approach may help to lower blood pressure and heart rate, which can minimize bleeding complications during surgery. 

Studies also have found that reducing surgery-related stress may improve surgical results and lead to greater satisfaction.

How does meditation in surgery help improve my well-being?

Mindful breathing meditation techniques work on two levels. The techniques help you to first become more aware of stress-provoking thoughts, then help to retrain your mind to replace anxious thoughts with more healthful thoughts and emotions. 

By teaching yourself to become aware of your mental state, heart rate, breathing, and other signs of tension, you can recognize and address stress the moment it begins. This, in turn, may help you to prevent a flood of stress hormones from occurring or lower the effects of cortisol on your body.

What should I expect from meditation in surgery?

Dr. Hendi teaches you how to practice mindful breathing techniques prior to your surgery. He walks you through the breathing exercises, as well as what to expect during your procedure. His goal is ensuring you have an optimal experience with surgery and to minimize any stressors or side effects that may interfere with your healing process.

For high-quality care focused on your lasting well-being, call the office of  Ali Hendi, MD today.

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