Meditation has long become the norm in my life, although, unfortunately, it is not always possible to practice. I have chosen transcendental meditation from the many options. The root cause is the incredible health benefits that I cover in this article. Scientists have long been researching the health benefits of meditation. Since testing can be difficult at times, it is not surprising that there are very conflicting research results in the scientific literature.
Fortunately, most of the research I’ve come across suggests that meditation helps:
- lower blood pressure in young people at risk of hypertension;
- support the quality of life of people with cancer, reduce their anxiety and anxiety;
- reduce the risk of getting the flu and SARS or reduce the severity and duration of these diseases;
- relieve symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.
However, there are studies showing little or no benefit. For example, the authors of one 2013 study concluded that practicing meditation does not relieve anxiety or depression in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and only marginally improves their quality of life and reduces pain.
On its website, the National Center for Complementary and Integral Health of the National Institutes of Health (the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) writes: Scientists have insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about the benefits of mindfulness meditation for getting rid of pain, smoking, or curing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There is only “moderate evidence” that mindfulness meditation can reduce anxiety and depression.
However, laboratory studies suggest that meditation decreases the production of the stress hormone cortisol, decreases markers of inflammation, and induces changes in brain circuits that regulate emotional background.
Do not forget that there are many types of meditation that can affect the body in different ways, so there is no single recipe for everyone. If you, like me, are convinced of the benefits of this practice, try to find your own version.