Benefits of Meditation

Physiological Benefits

• Lowers heart rate and reduces the workload of the heart.
• Decreases high blood pressure.
• Helps to decrease cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is associated with cardiovascular disease.
• Lowers levels of cortisol and lactate - two chemicals associated with stress.
• Reduces the amount of free radical that circulate within the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause tissue damage and have been linked to various diseases.
• Promotes high skin resistance. Low skin resistance is correlated with higher stress and anxiety levels.
• Improves the flow of air to the lungs, resulting in easier breathing. This has been very helpful with people who suffer from asthma.
• Decreases the aging process.
• Increases the levels of DHEA in the elderly - a marker or sign of youthfulness.

Psychological or Mental Benefits

• Decreases stress, mild depression, anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, and moodiness.
• Brings calm and peace to the mind.
• Increases happiness and emotional stability.
• Increases mental clarity and concentration.
• Increases feelings of vitality and rejuvenation.
• Increases self-actualization.
• Improves memory, learning ability and creativity.

Spiritual Benefits

• Research has demonstrated that the longer an individual practices meditation, the greater the likelihood that his or her goals and efforts will shift toward personal and spiritual growth. Many individuals who initially learn to meditate for its self-regulatory aspects find that as their practice deepens, they are drawn more and more into the spiritual realm of life.