The Science of Meditation

The validity of zen-like meditation is constantly put under question, and for good reason. Meditation is said to be capable of relieving stress, reducing anxiety, mitigating depression, and improving cardiovascular and immune health. But how can such a nebulous art form have such an impact on our health? Is there any basis for these claims? There’s only one way to find out.

High Blood Pressure According to a study funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), 298 students were instructed to practice Transcendental Meditation (T.M). The study suggested the students practicing T.M had lower blood pressure than those who did not. The reduce in blood pressure indicates an improvement in cardiovascular health. Anxiety and Depression Forty-seven trials were held in 2014 (3,515 participants) and concluded by suggesting anxiety and depression were alleviated (to a degree) from mindfulness meditation programs. Stress In 2013, the NCCIH held a study including 49 participants. Following the 8-week period, the study suggested that stress-induced inflammation reduced significantly. The effects on stress-induced inflammation were more significant than physical, dietary, and music-related forms of therapy.

And there you have it. The scientific evidence suggests meditation may alleviate the aforementioned physical ailments that practitioners are experiencing. Meditation should never be used to replace medication, however, you can certainly use meditation as a way to enrich your health and wellness.