Posts Tagged ‘scientific benefits of meditation’

Discover the benefits of meditation when stressed

Friday, January 13th, 2012

 

Too often, when people are feeling stressed out, they turn to drugs, alcohol or other unhealthy behaviors in order to temporarily release tension. Not only are these harmful substances ineffective, but they are also known to cause bodily damage and exacerbate mental conditions in the long run.

As a result, the benefits of meditation when stressed should be touted by employers, teachers and healthcare providers.

Meditation is a mind-body practice in which an individual simply sits in a comfortable position with eyes closed or relaxed on a soothing image and attempts to slow or even stop their thought process. The exercise has been shown to potentially lead to a lower pain response, heightened consciousness and a strengthened immune system.

The scientific benefits of meditation have been supported in several clinical trials. This is great news, as the research has lead to a number of healthcare providers recommending the practice to individuals who do not wish to take pharmaceuticals.

Considering that meditation requires no equipment and has no side effects or risks, it may be worth giving it a try to see how it affects stress levels.

The benefits of meditation when stressed are plentiful

Friday, November 18th, 2011

Meditation allows the practitioner to clear their mind of all stressful, hateful thoughts, ideas and memories. Attaining a clutter-free brain may be the key to living a life free of negativity.

The benefits of meditation when stressed cannot be overstated. Chronic anxiety is thought to be the root of a host of illnesses, from those that affect the mind to conditions of the body.

In order to practice meditation, simply sit or lie down with your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. When a thought enters your mind, acknowledge it but do not judge it, allowing your consciousness to rise above the petty idea. Continue to focus on the breath as it passes the tip of your nose until you feel that your practice has ended.

The scientific benefits of meditation continue to be uncovered in clinical studies. More and more each day, the medical and holistic healing community is convinced that regular meditation may help a person overcome mental anguish, as well as improve their physical health.

Doctors look into holistic health care for high blood pressure

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

Considering the growing prevalence of chronic conditions related to excess body fat, researchers are more often examining ways in which people can alleviate the symptoms of these diseases without having to rely on a daily schedule of pharmaceuticals.

A team of doctors at the University of Rochester Medical Center conducted a study looking into the efficacy of a number of best holistic health practices to lower blood pressure.

While many natural interventions were shown to provide some level of relief, the study authors noted that a tailored approach may work best.

"This is where the art of medicine comes in. Getting to know patients and what they will and will not embrace can help physicians identify different therapies that suit their patients' habits and that will hopefully make a difference for them," said Kevin Woolf, M.D.

First, individuals with high blood pressure should consider lowering their sodium intake. It's typical for Americans to consume a diet loaded with salt, so it's important to keep an eye on labels. Excess sodium is a key factor behind elevated blood pressure.

Coenzyme Q10 was also shown to help people with hypertension, as were potassium supplements.

Additionally, the researchers uncovered some scientific benefits of meditation. The mind-body practice is known to help individuals attain a clearer mind, which may reduce stress and, as a result, lower blood pressure. The study authors also noted that acupuncture may be effective for some people.

Philosopher and trailblazer Ilchi Lee believes that individuals who experience chronic health issues should turn toward more natural remedies to avoid a lifetime of consuming potentially damaging pharmaceuticals.

Elderly individuals should favor holistic health care to alleviate depression

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Often, when people get older they begin to experience difficulties in their mental health and are subsequently prescribed antidepressants to help alleviate depressive symptoms. However, such pharmaceuticals may actually be doing more harm than good.

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase the risk of stroke, falls, fractures and epilepsy for people 65 and older.

"This was an unexpected finding, and so further research using other data sources is needed to confirm these findings as well as provide more evidence on the benefits of different antidepressants in this group of people," said researcher Carol Coupland.

Authors of the study said SSRIs are commonly used among older adults, so the finding may be of significance to a large segment of the population.

The results of the research also point to a greater need for best holistic health practices, especially for older individuals who want to improve their minds. Cognitive decline among these individuals has been extensively studied in past years because of the great detrimental effect it can have on the quality of life of those who experience it.

In fact, the scientific benefits of meditation are well documented. Extensive research has shown that meditation – the act of focusing on the present moment while pushing out negative thoughts and energy – can make a big difference in alleviating anxiety, feelings of depression and helping to clear the mind of negativity.

Additionally, meditation has been shown to have physical effects. Calming the mind may improve cardiovascular function, boost the metabolism and keep blood pressure at a normal level.

Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee believes in holistic approaches to wellness as alternative to harmful pharmaceuticals and invasive procedures.