Meditation
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Understanding Meditation
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years in lots of different ways. Originally it was to help deepen ones understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. However, as our lives have progressively become faster paced, meditation is increasingly beneficial in reducing the effects of stress in our modern way of living.
Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine that can produce a deep state of relaxation, enhanced physical and emotional wellbeing and inner peace. It aims to focus of the mind in ways that reduces its attention on the constant stream of chaotic thoughts and clutter, which aren’t helpful and ultimately cause the body stress in its various forms.
Benefits of Meditation
Meditation can induce a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit your emotional wellbeing and your overall health. It can help you cope with stress by refocusing your attention and discovering how to stay centred and keep inner peace.
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These benefits don't end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help carry you more calmly through your day. And meditation may help you manage symptoms of certain medical conditions.
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The emotional and physical benefits of meditation can include:
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Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
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Building skills to manage your stress
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Increasing self-awareness
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Focusing on the present
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Reducing negative emotions
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Increasing imagination and creativity
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Increasing patience and tolerance
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Lowering resting heart rate
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Lowering resting blood pressure
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Improving sleep quality
Meditation and illness
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Meditation might also be useful if you have a medical condition that may be worsened by stress.
A growing body of scientific research supports the health benefits of meditation and suggests that meditation may help people manage symptoms of conditions such as:
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Anxiety
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Asthma
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Cancer
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Chronic pain
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Heart disease
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High blood pressure
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Sleep problems
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Tension headaches
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Be sure to talk to your health care provider about the pros and cons of using meditation if you have any of these conditions or other health problems. Meditation isn't a replacement for traditional medical treatment. But it may be a useful addition to your other treatment.
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