Meditation has great benefits for the human system as a whole. Many people vouch for the fact that meditation has caused marked improvement in their health situations both physical and mental. This has been proven true scientifically also. Meditation is a process by which there is a marked change in the pattern of the brain waves. These have long term healing effects. Scientists have started realizing the importance of meditation in various healing procedures. Many doctors have started to recommend the process of meditation in the cases of people suffering with chronic disorders and also the cases of terminally ill patients. The practitioners vouch for the healing effects of meditation all the time. The benefits offered by the process of meditation can be broadly classified under three categories:

Physiological benefits: Meditation gives complete rest to the entire system, especially to the brain that keeps functioning even during the time we sleep. It invigorates and relaxes the brain so that it can start again afresh. In meditation the metabolism of the body is considerably lowered so the heart does not have to pump the blood with its regular speed. This lowered heart rate is very important for the heart because heart is a vital organ of the body, which also keeps functioning always. The blood pressure is also considerably reduced. So the people suffering with high blood pressure and anxiety related disorders benefit immensely with meditation. There is a reduction in the cholesterol levels of the body, thus reducing the chances of cardio-vascular diseases.

These days there is an increase in the free radicals in our environment. These are basically unstable oxygen molecules that attack various organs in the body to stabilize themselves and in the process cause organ damage. The damaging effect of smoking one cigarette can be understood by the fact that it releases millions of free radicals in the system. Meditation is a process that can considerably reduce the tissue damage due to free radicals.

Stress related disorders are reduced with the practice of meditation. Stress releases lactate and cortisol in the blood stream. They have damaging effect on various organs. Meditation helps reduce these chemicals in the blood stream. Meditation has been found to be extremely useful for the patients suffering with respiratory disorders because the process of breathing gets stabilized and relaxed with meditation. Generally people suffering from diseases considered to be incurable, for instance asthma benefit a lot with the practice of meditation.

Psychological benefits of meditation: Meditation has many psychological benefits to offer. In fact the healing process that is often talked about with meditation refers to the psychological benefits more than the physical ones. Meditation process immediately gives a better and altered self image to the practitioner. This in itself causes a boost in ego and hence the success levels of the practitioner are also improved. This is the reason why it is difficult for the practitioner to explain it to others. This is mainly caused by the improved brain wave pattern. It reduces the levels of depression and anxiety related disorders. It brings about a marked positive change in the image of the practitioner.

The enhanced self image also results in new vitality and vigour. This helps in achieving things that were earlier considered impossible or unachievable by the practitioner. This brings about rejuvenation of the entire personality as the person progresses on the path of self actualization. The above processes bring about increased happiness and better emotional stability.

Meditation is also a process that is known to enhance the creativity of a person. Many artists and creative people in other fields constantly harp on the fact that they get better inspiration in a trance like state of mind they attain during the process of meditation. This may also be attributed to increased brain wave coherence.

Spiritual benefits of meditation: Meditation is a process by which a person experiences inward directed thoughts. It is a process that is like self interrogation and getting into the deeper realization of the self. According to the ancient practices of yoga this is just one step less than the final communication with God. Although there may not be any scientific researches to prove the fact, it is inevitably seen by the practitioners that they become more spirituality oriented. It becomes visible in their daily acts also and in all the simple matters in their life. This may be because with the process of meditation the person gets an insight into the real meaning of his existence and somehow after this interview it somehow becomes irrelevant to indulge in petty matters that really have no significance. Thus, it is invariably seen that people become better persons after the practice of meditation for a long time in their life. Many patients suffering from terminal situations also benefit a lot as they seem to be in a state where they are no longer fearful of the inevitable. They come in a state of mind where they are in a way, ready to embrace the unknown with open arms and an open mind. This makes the end easier and more positive for them and others as well.

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