Meditation
Meditation is a basic tenet in all major religious traditions as a way to acheive greater awareness and/or connection to self or a higher source. From a secular perspective, meditation is a dynamic mental process of focused inward attention that enourages moment to moment awareness of the mind's activity. Percieved health benefits include reduction in stress, anxiety, pain and other related physiological symptoms.
From a medical and behavioral intervention perspective, the purpose of meditation is to:
De-condition the body and mind from habitually reacting to experiences, thoughts, emotions or images with immediate heightened arousal; and
Teach the mind and body to respond from an inner state of physiological equilibrium and psychological calmness.
Mechanism of Action
Meditation produces responses in the physiology of the brain and body. Various studies note differences in areas of activation in the brain between long term and novice meditators, as well as between meditators who practice different forms of meditation. The effect of these neurophysiological changes on cognition and health are not well-understood.
Review a list of references (PDF) to read more on this topic.
For patients diagnosed with hypertension, such as Jim, the practice of meditation reduces sympathetic arousal and results in immediate and sustained impact on lowering blood pressure levels.
