Health benefits of meditation

Share

Health benefits of meditation

Table of Contents:

For years meditation has been used as an effective technique to work with the mind, and also to provide relaxation, well-being and improvements in health. Before modern medicine, people who meditated did so with spiritual practices since that is how they discovered its benefits.

Today's stressful lifestyles have inspired a number of people to turn to meditation as a practice to improve their health. Recent studies link meditation with physical and mental health. Other studies focus on understanding exactly how meditation works and why it positively affects the brain. We leave you here a list of the contributions that meditation has on our health.

Better management of stress, anxiety and depression

Several studies suggest that meditation can benefit those struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression. Not only do meditators feel less stressed, their levels of cortisol, the "stress hormone," drop considerably.

increased immunity

A study conducted at Ohio State University showed that regular mindfulness-based muscle relaxation exercises reduced the risk of breast cancer recurrence. A different study monitoring the effects of meditation on elderly patients concluded that relaxation and mindfulness exercises practiced over a period of one month helped stimulate the patients' lymphocytes, those natural killer cells that enhance the immune system. Consequently, the subjects demonstrated better resistance to viruses and tumors.

Low blood pressure

Another benefit for people who practice meditation for health reasons is that meditation has been shown to help control blood pressure. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, patients who practiced exercises based on meditation had significantly lower blood pressure than those in the control group. Experts believe that meditation reduces the body's responsiveness to cortisol and other stress hormones, which is similar to how blood pressure-lowering medications work.

better sleep

People who meditate regularly feel that the practice has positive effects on their health, one of them being peace of mind when sleeping. It is important to keep in mind the following points for a good meditation: Find a quiet place. Sit or lie down, whichever is more comfortable for you. Close your eyes and breathe slowly. Take a deep breath in and out and focus on your breath. If a thought arises, let it go and return your focus to breathing. If you have never practiced meditation, you can start with 3 or 5 minutes. It will take time to learn to quiet your mind but if you practice it daily the results will be favorable.

Relieve IBS symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common intestinal disorder characterized by bloating, abdominal pain, cramps, and altered bowel behavior. About 15% of the world's population is thought to suffer from IBS, including an estimated 25 to 45 million Americans. Its exact cause is not understood. Daily meditation has been found to ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Improving happiness and general well-being.

A study conducted at the University of Utah suggested that "mindfulness may be linked to self-regulation throughout the day, and that this may be an important way in which mindfulness contributes to better emotional and physical well-being."

According to Maria Camara, PhD, a psychotherapist and qualified mindfulness teacher, meditation helps us connect with our true qualities. Once we accept who we are and learn to work with our thoughts directly, we reveal a capacity for love that has always been present within us. It's no wonder that mindfulness increases happiness, improves clarity, and brings peace of mind.

Knowing the multiple advantages that meditation in health offers, do you dare to undertake this journey to make your life full and happy?

Subscribe
to our blog

Don't miss out on the latest news and tips on your physical, mental, life insurance, health, technology, and marketing wellness.

Your privacy is important for us. BMI Companies uses the information you provide to contact you regarding content, products and services relevant to you. You can unsubscribe to stop receiving this type of communication at any time. For more information on the protection of your data at BMI Companies, see our Privacy Policy.