Meditation Therapy
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Meditation is another all of the ancient therapeutic practices. It has a tendency if employed properly, to calm the mind. Calming the mind actually slows brainwave activity. In a meditative state the mind is at a state of rest, outside thoughts and interference, although they may be nearby, are not allowed to take over the cognitive process of the mind.
As a therapeutic model, meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. It is an efficient and effective means of reducing stress and managing pain. Although, there are hundreds of techniques and models only two categories a prevalent: concentrative and mindfulness. The principal of mindfulness meditation is that the mind is aware of, but does not react to, internal and external interferences relating to a current activity of the meditation. The principal of concentrative meditation is that the mind is focused on a single thought, sound, or breath, while bringing the mind into a tranquil state.
The primary objective in meditative therapy is to induce the mind into an Alpha (resting) or theta (relaxing) brainwave state. In this state the brain's rhythm is slowed appreciably, and antibodies, and natural painkillers called endorphins, are released into the system. Other changes occur as well including: slowed metabolism, slower heart rate, lowered blood pressure, and a slower breathing rate.
The technique of concentrative meditation:
The first activity is to find a quiet place to meditate. Then find a comfortable position in a chair or on the floor or elsewhere. A common technique is to close the eyes, and then to focus attention on the breath while inhaling through the nose for a count of 3. Then exhaling through the mouth slowly for a count to 5. This process of focusing on the breath in a slow rythematic manner, with deep, regular breaths allows the mind to become quiet and tranquil yet is still acutely aware.
The technique of mindfulness meditation:
The first activity is to find a quiet place to meditate. Then find a comfortable position in a chair or on the floor or elsewhere. While remaining quiet allow images of the surroundings to pass through the mind without inducing a reaction or allowing the mind to become involved with the surroundings. In this sort of a passive, somewhat detached frame of mind a tranquil state can be induced.
The technique of transcendental meditation:
This technique is also popular and is simple, natural and easy. It is practiced generally in the morning and afternoons while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed for a period of 15 to 20 minutes. It is important for the individual to induce the mind into a thoughtless state. In a thoughtless state the individuals awareness calms and the mind evolves into what is referred to as a transcendental consciousness. In this state of basic human awareness, consciousness is open to itself. Research has found that transcendental consciousness is a fourth state of consciousness. It is a state of restful alertness, distinctly different from the other three states of consciousness: awake, of dreaming, and of REM sleep (deep sleep).
Therapeutic effects of meditation include:
NERVOUS SYSTEM
- Headaches
- Depression
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Stroke
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
- Crohn's disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Ulcers
- Nausea (meditation has reduced chemotherapy associated anticipatory nausea)
ADDICTIONS
RESPIRATORY
REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS
- Menopause
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Impotence
SKIN
IMMUNE SYSTEM
MIND
- Intelligence growth
- Increased creativity
- Broader Comprehension
- Improved perception
- Greater Orderliness
BODY
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved health
- Reduced anxiety
- Reduced need for traditional medical care
- Decreased stress
- Reversal of aging
- Change in breathing
- Deep rest
BEHAVIORAL
- Increased productivity
- Relations at work
- Decreased drug abuse
- Self-actualization
- Increased self-concept
- Increased relaxation
ENVIRONMENT
- Quality of life
- Decreased crime
- Decreased violent fatality
- Reduced conflict
Research studies indicate that meditation, especially Transcendental Meditation (TM), is often effective in controlling anxiety, while promoting and enhancing a healthy immune system, as well as improving certain cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure. Meditation has been especially successful in treating chronic pain and controlling substance abuse. It is known to build stamina during exercise, and it reduces stress-related hormones, and also reduces obesity. Meditation increases Basil Skin Resistance, and increases the regularity and intensity of EEG Alpha Activity.
Meditation is often supplemented with other components including the use of the gemstones and certain types of music including baroque. Meditation has been found by many people to be an integral component of their lifestyle and is used on a regular basis to cope with everyday stress.
Traditional medicine is slowly learning and accepting the benefits of meditation as a complementary protocol in treating many mild, chronic, and acute conditions. In the seventies, Dr. Herbert Benson, a cardiologist at the Harvard Medical School, formulated the theory of an inborn "relaxation response" that can be cultivated to counteract stress. Eliciting it, he wrote, "can help counteract the effects of repeated insults of stress on the heart and other organs."
The ease in which meditation can be used allows the individual to employ it alone or with others in the privacy of his or her own home. Because people today are so overburdened with high stress jobs and other activities, many have chosen meditation to enter into their lives in order to help cope with everday stress and it's deleterious affects.
Conditions