This study picked out about a dozen 1000+ hour Zen meditators and a random dozen and pressed all their calves with hot plates from 109 to 127 degrees Fahrenheit. On average, those who were experienced in meditation had about an 18% reduction in pain (based on how much pain they would accept) vs the control (random selection of people). Note that the meditators averaged fewer breaths per minute (12) vs the control (15). In this article is was unclear whether the test was administered in relaxed, quiet, calm (meditative?) conditions or not. Though it is established that the 'emotional' aspects of pain are reduced by meditation, here the qualitative painfulness also seems to be reduced in practiced meditators.
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