Meditation

Meditation is an interesting treatment option for those whose compulsive finger picking habit has an obsessive-compulsive root cause. Interesting because the act of picking itself — whether the fingernails, skin, or hair — are often done for the trance-like, meditative effect. Picking smooths nerves and anxiety — its a form of self-hypnosis.

If not for the physical damage and life disruption that compulsive picking causes, there would be little to complain about. But the shame and guilt associated with the damage, together with the disruptive, desperate measures to which suffers will go to avoid embarrassment in public — these require treatment on several levels. Meditation can be an important part of this treatment.

Meditations for Compulsive Picking

• Yoga — particularly Hatha Yoga — is excellent as it combines physical rejuvenation, stretching and strengthening, together with relaxation
• Prayer — whether religious, to God, Jesus, Allah or some other “higher power” — this ancient form of meditation can’t be overlooked
• Habit Reversal Training (HRT) is a holistic approach to eliminating impulse control disorders centered around meditation