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  Does mental relaxation through transcendental meditation have physiological benefits? A study presented at an Amercian Heart Association metting in Orlando suggests that it may at least in the case of pople with established coronary artery disease.

Researchers folllowed about 200 high risk patients for an average of five years.Amont the 100 who mediated there were 20 heart attack ,stroke and deaths in the comparison group there were 32.The meditators tended to remain disease free longer and also reduced their systolic blood pressure.

The amplitude of these oscillations during meditation was significantly greater than when compared to those not practising any meditation in healthy young adults and even elite athletes during sleep.

Generally, all types of meditation provide benefits. If done at the beginning of the day, it balances the mind and makes it alert and positive and better able to deal with the decisions and activities. When done at night, it soothes and relaxes the mind and prepares it for deep and refreshing sleep. It has the physical benefits of lowering blood pressure and relieving stress and hypertension. Meditation also helps the mind to focus and concentrate, and be aware of itself and the universe around.

The amplitude of these oscillations during meditation was significantly greater than when compared to those not practising any meditation in healthy young adults and even elite athletes during sleep.Posture is an important aspect of meditation as good posture ensures a smooth flow of oxygen and energy throughout the body. Ideally, one should feel as though they are being lifted by the head, and that the spine is fully extended. This position is best accommodated by sitting, or walking, as lying down can induce sleep during meditation.

The findings also indicated that the blood pressure reductions associated with regular practice of transcendental meditation (TM) would actually translate to a 12 to15 percent reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular causes and a 15 to 20 percent lower risk of stroke.
 

Besides TM, there are a number of different types of meditation and relaxation techniques. However, TM is unique in a way that it can bring the practitioner into a quiet zone that acts as some kind of sanctuary for a person, refreshing them and reducing stress.

There is more than one way to meditate and different people find different ways that benefit them depending on their age, environment, lifestyles, problems, and preferences. All meditation practices will reduce stress, whether it is yoga meditation, mindful meditation, or Zen meditation, using sound, breath, concentration or visualization. They all activate the body’s natural relaxation response as opposed to stress response which prepares one for ‘fight or flight’. When constantly exposed to stress, the body has diseases like hypertension and other related problems. Meditation calms the body and mind, increasing energy and focus, fights ailments, heightens concentration, fights stress, and improves focus and memory.

Love and spirit are forming a connection every time you meditate on the heart, starting with the first time. Advanced meditation deepens this experience and makes it more conscious. As you continue this practice, you will find it easier and easier to go to your heart for counsel and wisdom, or simply to feel that you are loved. You do not have to speak to your heart in words; your heart doesn’t have to speak to you in words. The language of spirit comes to us as silent assurance, self-acceptance, patience, an appreciation of simply being. As these qualities develop you are maturing in your experience of the heart center.