Meditation and Physical Health and Longevity

Many people today believe and suggest that meditation and physical health and longevity go hand in hand. Years of scientific research has proven that meditation, by way of deliberate thought and contemplation, is one of the safest practices in complementary and alternative medicine additionally, being very effective in balancing the physical, emotional, and psychological state. The numerous values of meditating have become recognized and accepted for thousands of years. More and more doctors are now encouraging meditation to patients and are promoting the benefits to physical health and stress related illnesses, thus ensuring enhanced longevity.

Whilst there are various techniques used in meditation, many of which vary greatly, all have beneficial results in promoting better physical health. Some techniques will call for the individual to be motionless with their eyes closed, giving quiet thought and reflection to all feelings and sensations felt associated with their breathing. Other techniques however may require focusing on the flame of a candle or suchlike. For some people, slowly reciting scripture passages is another very effective method of meditation. Despite the differences in all various techniques, each and every one’s fundamental principle is that of reaching the desired state of rumination by means of focused attention.  Many postures used in yoga are often combined with some of these meditation techniques “moving meditation”, for example tai chi. Yoga being an excellent accompaniment to meditation as both promote physical health and longevity.
Following some practice in any meditation technique, you will progressively start to become very aware of your ability to focus attention and the natural flow of thought slowing to a very calm and relaxed state of rumination. In time, you may also experience periods in meditation where thought seems to stop. Buddhists call this state "Samadhi," meaning an altered state of consciousness, marked by both deep relaxation and heightened alertness.
If meditation and physical health and longevity, is something you are looking to find out more about, you can find more information on the internet, books, cd’s etc.

Some of the many physical health benefits gained through meditation:

1. Reduces anxiety attacks as it lowers the levels of blood lactate.
2. Increases serotonin which influences moods and behaviour. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, headaches and insomnia.
3. Enhances energy, strength and vigour.
4. Helps keep blood pressure normal.
5. Reduces stress and tension.
6. Alleviates symptoms of P.M.T.
7. Helps reduce heart disease.
8. Helps with weight loss.

As an approach to physical health, is meditation worth some serious consideration ? In my well researched opinion, most definitely!

By Simon Hughes