Meditation has been in the news a lot over the last decade as more and more people find that it significantly enhances their quality of life. Research has also helped to document the effects of a meditation practice. For review here is a summary of some of the findings ….
Meditation practice has been scientifically shown to have many physical benefits
- Positive impact on immunity heart disease, cholesterol, blood pressure, insomnia, pain, cancer
- Insurance statistics show meditators had 87% fewer hospitalizations for heart disease, 55% fewer for benign and malignant tumors, and 30% fewer for infectious diseases; 50% fewer doctor visits than non-meditators
- In people with normal to moderate hypertension meditation lowered blood pressure to levels similar to prescription drugs
- Blood flow/circulation showed increases in beginning meditators of 30% and in experienced meditators by as much as 65%
- Meditation has been endorsed by NIH as effective for the relief of chronic pain. Chronic pain patients have been shown to have a reduction in symptoms of 50% or more
- Insomniacs who incorporate simple lifestyle changes coupled with meditation improve their ability to fall asleep easily
- Diabetics have been shown to reduce blood sugar levels with meditation practice
- A group suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, depression, diabetes and hypertension experienced a 50% reduction in overall psychiatric symptoms, a 70% decrease in anxiety, and a 44% reduction in medical symptoms with meditation training
Meditation also provides many advantages mentally and emotionally.
- Significant improvements in mental health, memory, concentration, and productivity
- Brain scans show that meditation shifts activity from the right hemisphere to the left reducing negative temperament toward more enthusiasm, interests, relaxation, and happiness
- The relapse rate for chronic depression has been shown to be cut by half with meditation
- Meditators are more alert but emotionally react more calmly than non-meditators Addiction cessation and relapse rates have been more positively impacted by meditation than traditional therapies
- Children who practice meditation show improved work habits, attendance, and GPA
- Brain scans of meditators show increased thickness in brain regions associated with memory and decision making
- Meditation appears to significantly slow aging
In addition to the above advantages there are many benefits that enhance personal growth, spiritual development and overall well-being and creativity.
If you are interested in learning to meditate our recording Relaxation 101 is a great guide designed to help you relax your body and mind effectively.
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