
The Case for Meditation

The type of meditation often used in studies is known as “mindfulness”, a common practice in Buddhism. In this practice the mind or attention is continually brought to the present time. The present moment is where thinking and drifting into reverie happens. Scans show that areas of the brain that are related to stress and focusing show increased activation. The left prefrontal cortex, which is associated with positive emotions and “happiness”, is particularly active during meditation. Different parts of the brain communicate more, which increases integration and efficiency. The more integrated the brain is the better it works. When the mind becomes “one-pointed” and focused, the nervous system balances, parts synchronize and positive changes in the body happen spontaneously.
We all experience stress. Society doesn’t make easier to handle. Stress and poor diet are the root of most health problems. Stress is a result of the body’s flight-or-fight mechanism, part of our biological evolution. Studies of meditators show an increase in the activity and density in the part of the brain known as the amygdala, which is associated with stress. Here gray matter was reduced in size. The hippocampus, associated with empathy and memory, showed an increase in gray matter. The control group, who did not meditate and who only engaged in relaxation, manifested no comparable changes. (Psychiatry Research: Neuroimmaging 1/11, Vol. 191) Even though relaxation is healthy and enjoyable, meditation is even more effective for the body-mind!
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is known as the “silent killer”. Many people have it and don’t know because they don’t show any symptoms. Studies show high risk patients who meditate can cut the risk of heart attacks in half compared to those who only used lifestyle changes. Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone”, plays a key role in everything from immune response, bone formation and sleep to insulin levels and inflammatory response. Cortisol levels increase under stress; meditation was found to reduce cortisol levels. Blood level markers also show a lower indication of inflammation, a common underlying cause of diseases like arthritis and Cardiovascular disease (CVD, atherosclerosis). Since inflammation increases in CVD, meditation along with right diet can play a key role in prevention and treatment.
A recent meta-analysis looked at the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on the health of various populations with cancer, heart disease, depression, and anxiety and for those looking for better ways to cope with stress (J. of Psychosomatic Research 57/1). Findings show that meditation can improve how people cope emotionally and physically with distress, serious disorders and disabilities. It is clear that meditation can aid those with depression, anxiety, and physical pain.
The effects of meditation are similar for both physically and mentally ill. Those with bipolar disorder and depression had as much benefits as those with hypertension (Eur. Psychiatry, 9/2010). Participants recovering from depression were less likely to relapse by half when conventional treatment was supplemented by meditation (Am J. Hypertension, 12/2009).
There is a popular notion that meditation is only for spiritual purposes or escaping life, but it is also a great way of affirming life and increasing your participation. Meditation clearly heightens awareness, improves mood and helps develop equanimity and emotional balance so you’re not so controlled by your mind and emotions. Instead of resorting to anger or even violence, meditation can help people control themselves so they can work out their personal and relational problems more effectively. It also fosters greater emotional intelligence.
Developing any new routine can be challenging, but starting with a short 10 to 15 minute meditation the same time each day is the best approach. Even if you never increase the time it can yield great benefits; can you find something else that has so much return with so little effort? It can positively impact all aspects of your life.
© Keyvan Golestaneh