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Other common
name(s): labyrinths
Scientific/medical
name(s): none
Description
Labyrinth walking is a form of meditation that involves
walking on labyrinths, winding pathways drawn or laid on the ground.
Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has only one path leading in and out, with
no intersecting paths or dead ends. There are also lap-sized and
smaller versions of labyrinths with grooved paths leading to the center
and back out, called finger labyrinths.
Overview
Available evidence does not suggest that labyrinth walking can
be used to prevent or treat cancer or other serious diseases. However,
it may be helpful as a complementary method to decrease stress and
create a state of relaxation.
How is it promoted for use?
Labyrinth walking is generally used as a form of meditation.
In fact, it is described by many as walking meditation. People walk
through labyrinths to reach any number of goals, such as inner peace,
heightened spirituality, personal insight, prayer, relaxation, stress
relief, or just "letting go." The labyrinth journey
(whether walked or traced with a finger) may represent pilgrimage, the
seeking of inner wisdom, and other mysteries.
What does it involve?
Labyrinth walkers follow the labyrinth path from a specified
beginning to a well-defined central area and back through the same path
to the exit. They might pray, reflect on life, consider a particular
problem, let the mind wander, or seek spiritual guidance and unity as
they move along the curving trail. Their aim is not to reach the
finish, but to become immersed in all aspects of the walk and,
potentially, to experience some degree of personal transformation.
Labyrinths can be found indoors and outdoors.
Lap or finger labyrinths are generally used for the same
purpose. The person can sit down with the portable labyrinth in front
of him or her. The eyes may be open or closed as the grooved path is
followed with a finger or a stylus.
What is the history behind it?
Labyrinths may date back four thousand years, though their
origins are shrouded in mystery. During the middle ages, labyrinths
were built in a number of large European churches so worshippers could
make a symbolic "pilgrimage" to the Holy Land. The
labyrinth on the floor of the famous Chartres cathedral in France was
built in the year 1220.
Many religious traditions incorporate labyrinths. In Judaism,
the Tree of Life, called the Kabbalah, takes the form of an elongated
labyrinth. The Hopi medicine wheel is another example of a labyrinth.
Labyrinths are being rediscovered and can now be found not only in
places of worship, but also in retreat centers, hospitals, prisons,
parks, airports, and community centers. There are around 2,000
permanent labyrinths in the United States alone. Temporary labyrinths
may be laid out with stone, tape, fabric, sticks, chalk, plants, and
many other materials.
One of the most commonly reproduced labyrinth designs is the
eleven-circuit labyrinth, which is named for the eleven circles that
must be walked to reach the center. This is the design of the famous
labyrinth in the Cathedral of Chartres. Other design types include
Classical, Roman, and Contemporary.
What is the evidence?
Available scientific evidence does not suggest that labyrinth
walking can be used to treat cancer or any other disease. However, many
health care practitioners consider any activity that promotes
relaxation and relieves stress beneficial to overall health.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
Labyrinth walking and finger labyrinths are generally
considered safe when used with conventional medical treatment. Relying
on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional
medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Artress L. The Sand Labyrinth: Meditation at your Fingertips.
North Clarendon, VT: Tuttle Publishing: 2000. Grace Cathedral Web site.
Accessed at
http://www.gracecathedral.org/enrichment/excerpts/exc_20010328.shtml on
June 12, 2008.
Condren D. Labyrinth walking explores spiritual path to inner
peace. The Buffalo News.
July 11, 1999:1C.
Knight H. The peaceful path: in troubled times, more people
turn to labyrinths to walk their worries away. San Francisco Chronicle.
February 28, 2003. SF Gate Web site. Accessed at
http://www.sfgate.com./cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/02/28/WB186673.DTL
on May 23, 2008.
Saward J. Labyrinth typology. World-Wide Labyrinth Locator Web
site. Accessed at
http://wwll.veriditas.labyrinthsociety.org/labyrinth-typology on May
28, 2008.
Spilner M. Treading ancient paths. Prevention.
1997;49:143-146.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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