The benefits of an ongoing
meditation practice as it impacts our health can be classified
further into three categories: physical, psychological,
and spiritual. Most people who practice meditation do
so to reduce stress, anxiety, anger and other negative
emotions. Increasingly, physicians prescribe meditation
as part of the treatment for a large and growing number
of medical conditions.
Deep rest-as measured by decreased metabolic rate, lower
heart rate, and reduced workload of the heart.
Lowers the chemicals associated with stress and anxiety.
Reduces oxygen molecules that can cause tissue damage.
Decreases high blood pressure.
Higher skin resistance.
Lowers the cholesterol levels associated with cardiovascular
disease.
Improves flow of air to the lungs resulting in easier
breathing in asthma patients.
Psychological Benefits
Increased brain wave coherence.
Harmony of brain wave activity in different parts of
the brain is associated with greater creativity, improved
moral reasoning, and higher IQ.
Decreases anxiety, depression.
Decreases irritability and moodiness.
Improves learning ability and memory.
Increases self-actualization.
Increases feelings of vitality and rejuvenation.
Increases happiness.
Increases emotional stability.
Spiritual Benefits
The use of Meditation for spiritual
healing is not new. It has been rooted in the traditions
of the world's great religions. In fact, practically
all-religious groups practice meditation in one form
or another. The value of Meditation to alleviate suffering
and promote healing has been known and practiced for
thousands of years.
Deep rest-as measured by decreased metabolic rate, lower
heart rate, and reduced workload of the heart.