6 Health Benefits of Meditation

Over the years, science has been on the side of meditation. Faultfinders will tell you that it is just another New Age name for napping and spiritual hogwash, but that is not true at all. In actuality, science has proven you are better off when you meditate than your peers who choose not to. In recent times, a wealth of scientific research has been carried out to provide undisputed evidence that meditation indeed has healing properties. Take a look at the following health benefits of meditating below:

1. It slows down the aging process

Telomeres are tiny strings of DNA that shield the end of chromosomes. Naturally, these small strings tend to shorten over time as they perform their duty, and as they compress, aging takes place. In 2013, Harvard carried out research that measured the telomeres of 37 people. The result showed that the people who engaged themselves with meditation had longer telomeres than those who did not meditate. 

2. It relieves chronic pain

The journal of pain reported a study examining the use of meditation on 89 patients with constant neck pain. Some of these patients were put on a home-based exercise program while the others were set apart to a 90-minute weekly guided meditation practice. The guided meditation practice proved useful in decreasing the pain in contrast to those who used the home-based exercise program.

3. It treats Addiction

In another study, 248 people practiced qigong meditation on a short-term alcohol and drug addiction treatment program. After the study period, the participants confessed to having less anxiety, self-control, and reduced craving.

4. It reduces stress

Several studies have shown that people who practiced loving-kindness meditation more often feel less stressed and can better deal with stressful situations. Also, people who practice loving-kindness meditation feel very confident about themselves and have a lesser probability of getting depressed.

5. It improves fertility

Meditation reduces stress, and science proves that reducing stress can improve the chances of a woman getting pregnant. An Oxford Journal study reports that the stress level of women decreases on the month of conception. Furthermore, in the International Journal of fertility, scientific research proves that couples who practice meditation while trying to conceive are less stressed and more fertile than couples who do not. Regarding these studies, being calm and relaxed plays a significant role in fertility.

6. It keeps the heart in good shape

Meditation helps prevent cardiovascular disease and strengthen heart muscles. A variety of scientific studies shows that people who meditate have lesser chances of developing heart failure, stroke, and blood pressure.

Meditation is an inexpensive way to manage stress and stay healthy. Go on YouTube to find videos tutorials on various meditation techniques or visit your local gym to inquire about taking a class.