Monday, June 8, 2009

Some Of The Benefits Of Meditation

By Macy Toguchi

Meditation has its origins in Eastern culture, but it has been practiced for centuries in cultures all over the world. Meditation refers to a large variety of practices and techniques and includes guided meditation, transcendental meditation and mindful meditation practice. Many different techniques can be used, such as the focus of the mind on certain objects or words, or on the breath. Sometimes a particular posture can be used but isn't necessary.

It's easy to learn meditation, there's no special equipment involved, and it can be done almost anyplace. The benefit of stress reduction may be experienced after only one session. Most research has found that just 20 minutes a day can result in the long-term benefits attributed to meditation. In fact, only 10 minutes of practice a few times a week can create the same effect.

Regular meditation can have positive impact on both physiological and psychological health. The alpha state can be achieved through meditation, and this is the brainwave state associated with the level of consciousness that encourages healing. Meditation can be used as a relaxation technique, but it also enhances mental sharpness, psychological health, the treatment of diseases, and overall health of mind and body.

Researchers have found that meditation acts on the parts of the brain controlling the autonomic nervous system that is in charge of involuntary functions of the body like digestion or blood pressure. These functions can be inhibited by stress, so meditation can help with stress-related conditions like digestive problems or heart disease.

In a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine, 90 cancer patients practiced mindful meditation for a period of seven weeks. Patients found at the end of that time that they suffered from less depression, anger, confusion or anxiety. They experienced fewer heart or gastrointestinal problems, and they reported higher levels of energy.

At the Maharishi School of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, a group was studied whose members had meditated for four months. Researchers found reduced levels of cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone, and these people who had meditated reported they could better handle stress in their lives.

Research can help confirm some of what we know about, but there are obviously many benefits we can claim without research. Meditation offers benefits to almost everyone, and has no reported ill effects. - 14130

About the Author:

No comments: