The Science Behind Meditation

Those who practice Meditation understand its’ benefits for mental wellbeing such as improving focus and concentration, but did you know it has also been shown to have profound benefits for the physical body as well?

Scientific research has found that regular meditation practice can have a number of positive effects on physical health, including promoting healthy cell function, improving the body’s ability to cope with stress and anxiety, lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation in the body and improving overall immune function. Some of the specific health benefits of meditation include:

Stress Reduction: Meditation has been shown to activate the body’s relaxation response, which can reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms of stress-related disorders like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Lowering Blood Pressure: Studies have found that regular meditation practice can help to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension, a condition that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Improved Immune Function: Meditation has been shown to increase activity in the part of the brain that is associated with positive emotions and social connection, which can lead to improvement in immune function. This may help to reduce the risk of illness and disease.

Several studies have also found that meditation can help to improve symptoms of chronic pain, insomnia and other conditions that can impact physical health. For example, a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that mindfulness meditation was as effective as traditional therapies for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health benefits of meditation, the existing scientific evidence suggests that it can be a useful tool for promoting physical and mental health.