Meditation is the practice of using techniques such as focus and mindfulness. Depending on its style, the goal of meditation is to put the body and mind in a relaxed state for mental and physical stability.
However, throughout the years, the question of whether meditation truly boosts overall health has been widely debated. But, now, several research and studies have shown evidence linking meditation to improving overall health. Here are some of these studies that prove this claim:
Pain and Meditation
According to research from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, mindfulness meditation mitigates the pain sensation in the body. It does so without activating the natural opiates in the brain. The research further suggests that meditation combined with medication will be useful in treating chronic pain, headaches, and osteoarthritis.
This research only goes to show that for people who are suffering from chronic pain, doing meditation can also be an alternative pain management option. This is even more important since there is now a rampant abuse of opiate pain medication across the borders. Knowing that there is an alternative that can mitigate the numbers from expanding.
Diseases and Meditation
Another study from the NCCIH also shows that meditation provides relief for conditions such as fibromyalgia, psoriasis, anxiety, and depression. The study showed that the daily practice of medicine created an improvement in the quality of life among patients suffering from these conditions. They were also able to notice long-term physical and emotional benefits.
IBS and Meditation
A study from the American College of Gastroenterology first showed no significant establishment between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and meditation during its first round in 2014. However, when a similar study was conducted on a women-only subject, the results showed that their IBS symptoms significantly reduced after two months of committed mindful meditation.
This result can be credited with having better stress management since stress is a major trigger for IBS. The overall quality of life of those who were under this study significantly improved.
The Benefits of Meditation
Aside from the studies mentioned above that back the claim that meditation improves the overall health of an individual, here are other known benefits of meditation:
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Increase Focus
Regardless of what type of meditation style it is, you will be trained to improve your focus. This will help you get in touch better with your physical and mental form. Moreover, you also gain a sense of awareness about your body and your surroundings. This will make you more likely to decide what is best for you and your well-being.
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Better Immunity
Increased immunity is a result of regulating your stress levels. When you are not stressed, the blood pressure in your body is reduced, putting you in a relaxed state. This allows your body to fully concentrate on warding off harmful pathogens from your body, making you less likely to acquire infections and diseases.
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Improved Fitness
Some meditation practice requires rigorous physical activity, which will help your muscles develop and burn unnecessary fat. As a result, you may notice an improvement in physical fitness form after a few months of practicing meditation.
Final Word
In many aspects, meditation can surely help improve the overall quality of life of an individual. However, results are not seen overnight. Meditation requires serious commitment, and only then will you start experiencing its benefit.
If you decide on including meditation in your daily life for self-improvement, it is suggested that you do thorough research first. There are many different styles of meditation, and it may take a while to find which one fits best for you.
