Research proves meditation is good for your health – Las Vegas Sun
Posted: February 28, 2017 at 8:42 am
Monday, Feb. 27, 2017 | 2 a.m.
The practice of meditation dates back thousands of years and can be traced through different societies across the globe.
While the benefits of meditation have long been revered in Eastern civilizations, Western medicine has begun to recognize its impact as well, with many research studies reporting both psychological and physiological effects. We dont know exactly why meditation works for so many different conditions, but we know that it does, said Jacob Manjooran, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist at Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center.
When it comes to managing anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and other conditions, incorporating meditation into your life may be a component to overall health and happiness.
Health benefits of meditation
For a long time, meditation was considered a spiritual or religious practice, but weve found it extends far beyond that. It can elicit a physiological response in people who meditate regularly, Manjooran said.
The Frontiers in Human Neuroscience journal has published studies reporting that meditation can cause significant neurological changes in the brain that indicate an increased level of introspection, awareness, response control and compassion. In short, long-term meditation can actually change your brain structure and the way you think.
The benefits of meditation are far reaching, and the research is ongoing, but here are some notable ways meditation can improve your health:
Anxiety and depression: Meditation can decrease anxiety, stress and depression while increasing emotional regulation, awareness, self-control, happiness and social connections.
Its the best relaxation technique that can be learned and mastered. For people dealing with anxiety and depression, meditation can be so beneficial that it feels like a spiritual experience, Manjooran said.
Memory, cognition and attention: A 2011 study published in Psychiatry Research journal found that meditation can increase the density of gray matter in areas of the brain that govern learning, memory and perspective taking.
Pain management and cancer treatment: The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a branch of the National Institutes of Health, found that meditation can help control pain without using the brains naturally occurring opiates to do so.
The Society for Integrative Oncology also recommends meditation in part of a multidisciplinary approach for cancer patients to help reduce their symptoms, including pain, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
High blood pressure and heart health: Meditation is proven to help lower blood pressure for patients with high blood pressure and people who have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, especially teens.
Its also suggested to help lower resting heart rate, reduce the thickening of coronary arteries in hypertensive adults and even reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)and ulcerative colitis: Some studies have suggested that meditation can reduce the severity of symptoms for IBS and ulcerative colitis patients.
Immune system: Meditation can help strengthen and regulate the immune system by reducing the chemical identifiers of inflammation. It can also reduce stress-induced inflammation and other types of chronic inflammation that contribute to disease.
How to start meditating
There is a multitude of meditation methods, but many clinical research studies have focused on the Transcendental Meditation technique.
I recommend Transcendental Meditation to my patients because its a simple technique that yields great results. Other meditation techniques ask you to imagine a relaxing image or a series of mantras, but Transcendental Meditation asks you to clear your mind completely and focus only on the moment, Manjooran said.
To practice Transcendental Meditation:
1. Sit in a comfortable position with your eyes closed, in a quiet room free of distractions.
2. Relax your muscles one by one, a technique called progressive muscle relaxation.
3. Steady your breathing. Manjooran noted that abdominal breathing is important because it relaxes your diaphragm, so be sure your belly, not your chest, inflates when you inhale.
4. Clear your mind and focus either solely on your breath, or repeating a single word with each exhale. When thoughts come into your head, simply acknowledge them and let them pass.
Do this every day for 15 to 20 minutes. If youre having trouble at first, dont panic.
Starting a meditation practice is a lot like starting a new exercise regimen. It can be difficult at first our minds are not trained to relax and be silent but make it part of your daily routine and keep practicing until it gets easier. After four or five times, youll start to see a difference, Manjooran said.
Who should meditate?
Nearly any healthy person can adopt a meditation routine. Meditation is not recommended for patients with schizophrenia or some types of psychosis, though, because it can exacerbate symptoms.
Read the original here:
Research proves meditation is good for your health - Las Vegas Sun
- ChangeYourEnergy.com Inspires Deep Relaxation and Empowerment through Nature Meditation [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- MONTGOMERY: Garden available to the public [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- How to calm your brain and find peace during a busy day [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Some patients turn to meditation when medication fails [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Flowing on the River of Peace Meditation [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Meditation Techniques For People Who Hate Meditation [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Learning Meditation at LearningMeditation.com [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- How to Meditate - Guided Meditation Techniques - Buddhist ... [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Meditation: Take a stress-reduction break wherever you are ... [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Meditation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Guided Meditation for Sleep - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Psalm 19 - May the Words of my Mouth, the Meditation of my Heart, Be Acceptable To You - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Practical Two Stage SIGFA Healing Meditation (Withdrawal and Initiation process) - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Yoga For Stress Relief : Meditation Techniques & Benefits | The World Of Yoga - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Deepak Chopra Meditation-Course4 The Mind Body Connection-Timeless You Series with Bonus - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Meditation by Thais, "Kaunis String Quartet" - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- 5 Minute Quick Break Meditation: A Heart Chakra, Guided Spoken Visualization - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- 9/29/14 Meditation Class - Ways to increase presence - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- 17 Seconds to Freedom Meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Dynamic Manifestation Meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Day 30 - Warrior Meditation - Beautiful By Nadia 40 Days and 40 Nights Spiritual Detox Challenge - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- 8 Hour Deep Sleep: Music Sleep Relax, Sleep Relaxation, Meditation Sleep, Sleep Song 422 - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- A mini meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Guild Wars 2: Meditation Guardian Vs. Power Ranger #1 HD - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- The Secret Of Meditation Revealed - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Conversation 46 The Meditation Hall - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Omindfulness.com guided meditation / aloneness vs connection - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Deepak Chopra Meditation-Reversing Your Age-Timeless You 6 Course Series with Bonus - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Bright Path Ishayas Ascension meditation - Freedom From Suffering - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Change your life with Deep Meditation: Binaural beats - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Reconnect with your divine source with Sonia Choquette - Monday Meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Dzogchen Meditation Community Learning Center Lesson 2: the Mind and the Time-Machine - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Welcome to Basara (Guided Meditation) - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- September 28, 2014 - 11:11 celebration meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Sun Sept 28, 2014 "Affirmation, Mantra & Meditation" with Dr. Edward Viljoen - 2nd service - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Day 27 - Meditation spot - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Become Bruce Lee | Subliminal Meditation | Binaural Beats - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Can a Mind-Reading Headset Teach You To Deal With Stress? [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Walking Meditation ( VSV Samaneras) - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Meditation at the Shore - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Guild Wars 2: Meditation Guardian Vs. Shatter Burst Mesmer #3 HD - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Morning meditation walking - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Meditation Techniques for Beginners - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Buddha & Yeshua: Meaning of Life in Meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Buddha: Meaning of Life in Meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- ASMR Resort Visualization for Sleep - Soft Spoken Female Voice - Relaxation Meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- The Alchemist's Meditation for Manifestation - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- CAMBODIA MEDITATION PREAS THOR 24 - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- CAMBODIA MEDITATION PREAS THOR 23 - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- KRI - Message & Meditation of the Month from Nirvair October 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Meditation by sis Vero - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Gift of Healing TV ~ Vibration Raising Meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Short Meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Guided Meditation To Heal Hidden Agreements, Entanglements, Family Secrets, And Non Beneficial Loy - Video [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2014]
- Lindsay Lohan needs meditation [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Recorded Online Guided Meditation by Rajee :: Saturday 4th October 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- 30 Day Meditation Oasis - Explanation Part Two video - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- A New Day with Ronnie Bassem in the Name of Meditation Music - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- First Contact Radio 10/3/14 - Esoteric Science, UFOs, Jesus - Lost Sheep Parables, Daily Meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Gong Musik Meditation Entspannung - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Waking Meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Meditation, prayer or Karma, what do you believe in? - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- KRISHNAGIRI- SPIRITUAL AND ALPHA STATE / SCIENTIFIC MEDITATION- DIFFERENCES - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Dzogchen Meditation Community Learning Center Lesson 4: Exploring Spiritual Experience - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- Daily Meditation - You Are Exactly Who You Want to Be - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- What are the Benefits of Meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2014]
- New Research Shows Yoga and Meditation Boost Brain Power [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- 8 Hour Meditation Sleep Music: Deep Sleep Music, Meditation For Sleep, Calming Music 426 - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- Ocean Waves Sounds for Meditation and Relaxation - 30 minutes - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- Osho dinamic active meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- Full Hunter's Moon Meditation Based on Third Chakra of Power - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- TOP OF CHART - Best Meditation Song - HUM Udd Ke Chale Jayein - With SubTitles - BK Meditation. - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- Spirit Guide Meditation by Teal Swan - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- RELAXING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC -- MOUNTAIN RIVER -- SLEEP, MEDITATION, STUDY, SPA - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- YOGA MEDITATION - Guided Meditation Music - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- Guild Wars 2: Meditation Guardian Solo tPvP #12 HD - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- Lam Rim Guided Meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- Zen Music ~ Native American Flute + Ocean Waves = Relaxation / Meditation - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2014]
- Lindsay Lohan: 'Meditation has changed my life' [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2014]
- Dzogchen Meditation Community Learning Center Lesson 3: Death in a Flash (Existential Physics) - Video [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2014]