Meditation Health Benefits

Benefits of Meditation

“One method I use to find inner peace and reduce stress”

Stress can maim, injure and even kill us. Stress has been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, lowered immune system, migraine headaches and even arthritis.

In the early 1990’s I wrote a book titled, Stress Management: Does Anyone In Chicago Know About It. I offered seminars throughout Florida to varied groups. My classes were approved for professional continuing education credits for nurses, physical therapists, opticians and contractors. I also taught the general public through my classes. I did years of research before writing my book. It now is out of print, but you may find used copies on Amazon.

I also have personal experience that qualifies me as an authority on stress. From age eight through age seventeen, I was physically and emotionally abused by my alcoholic parents and mentally ill mother. I have lived a life combating anxiety disorder, clinical depression and was diagnosed with PTSD two years ago as a result of my past. I wrote a book about my experiences.

The Shade Tree Choir showcases my life and the abuse. It is being shopped in Hollywood to become a movie and songs have been written about my book. http://youtu.be/y3EWghb6qnU

One technique I use to combat the effects of stress is meditation. I also use exercise, treasure maps, mental imagery and positive thinking. I do not always succeed – but I keep trying.

Mayo Clinic has an excellent report about meditation and the benefits. It covers the following topics related to meditation: Understanding, Benefits, Types, Elements, Ways to practice and Building skills. Meditation is NOT a replacement for medical care. It’s another tool you can use for better health.

You will note in the article that meditation can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, reduce asthma attacks, reduce depression, reduce pain and help with sleep problems. Here is the link.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858?pg=2

There are certain chemical changes that can occur in the body when we meditate. This information comes from an excellent report on-line. Here is the link. http://eocinstitute.org/meditation/dhea_gaba_cortisol_hgh_melatonin_serotonin_endorphins/

Increase Endorphins

·      Endorphins are internal pain killers

·      This chemical is responsible for the all-encompassing sense of happiness

·      They lower blood pressure

·      Have been linked to fight cancer

·      They are produced with the “runners high” when exercising

Boosts GABA

·      GABA is major inhibitory neurotransmitters in our brain and spinal cord.

·      This chemical stabilizes mood disorders.

·      Low levels of this chemical produce anxiety disorders and insomnia.

·      Yale University performed a study and found those people with panic disorders had 22% less GABA than patients without panic disorders.

·      Lowered levels of GABA are found in people with addictions. These addictions include: sex, food, alcohol, drugs, shopping, caffeine and tobacco

Boosts Increased DHEA

·      DHEA is a hormone. Lowered levels of DHEA have been associated with cancer, headaches, obesity, chronic fatigue and rheumatoid arthritis.

·      DHEA enhances memory, decreases depression, improves a person’s sense of psychological and physical well being and provides strong support for our immune system.

Boosts Increased Melatonin

·      Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain. It’s responsible for creating restful sleep and is a powerful anti-oxidant.

·      Stress lowers melatonin levels in the body.

Boosts Increased Serotonin

·      Serotonin has profound influence over mood and behavior

·      When serotonin levels are low, depression, obesity, insomnia and sleep apnea can result.

Boosts Increased HGH

·      HGH is a human growth hormone that sustains tissue. HGH production begins to lower at around age 40.

·      Decreased amounts lead to frailty that comes with aging. There is decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, poor moods and lack of motivation when this hormone is lowered.

Lowers Your Levels of Cortisol

·      We want LESS of this hormone.

·      Higher amounts and more prolonged amounts of cortisol reduce bone density, elevate blood pressure, suppress the thyroid function, increase stress, causes an imbalance in blood sugar levels, increases abdominal body fat.

·      High levels of cortisol have been associated with heart attacks, stroke, higher levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower levels of HDL (good cholesterol).

How I Meditate

Meditation is one of many tools I use to combat my sadness and depression. I meditate sometimes two or three times a day – depending on my needs.

I sit, develop a passive attitude, touch my index fingers to my thumbs, my tongue rests on the hard palate on the roof of my mouth, I make certain my teeth do not touch (healthy, correct resting oral posture), the room is totally quiet and I focus on my breathing.

I meditate for fifteen minutes. I concentrate on the six chakras or zones and breathe from each chakra for six long, deep, slow inspirations. I start at the lowest Chakra and move toward the head. I end at the top of my by picturing the sliver light of the moon and the golden light of the sun flowing into my body and filling it from my feet to my head.The entire time I am listening to music designed for meditation. I focus on only one thing – deep breathing. 

I have just recently found another tool that helps clear my mind. Here is the link that so far has been powerful for me. I sit with eyes closed, use headphones and allow the sounds to penetrate my brain for fifteen minutes. It is a way of cleansing negative thoughts from my mind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvME_EylPXU

I suggest you find a teacher in your community to teach you one of the many meditation techniques. You may also find videos on You Tube that can be helpful.

How Do I Feel After I Meditate

The awful sensation of wanting to vomit when under stress is gone. Colors are brighter. Sounds become more crisp. I feel totally relaxed. I sense a feeling of absolute calm. The effects can last several hours or sometimes even a full day.

All depression is gone, all anxiety is gone and I feel in control. Once again, meditation is one of many tools. Good luck!