Vibrant health requires perfect harmony between the mind and body. Holistic healers have understood and honored the concept of healing with the mind for centuries.
Modern medicine was slower to adapt but convincing scientific evidence has emerged in recent years that solidifies the importance of the mind/body connection.
In fact, many major medical centers incorporate meditation and other relaxation techniques into overall treatment plans for illness, injury and pain management.
“It’s all in your mind”
The National Center for Complimentary Health and Alternative Medicine continues to work with the National Institutes of Health to study meditation’s effects, how it works and the types of illnesses and health maladies that can be treated with it.
Tapping into the subconscious mind to boost the body’s natural ability to repair and adjust can garner amazing results. When your conscious mind steps aside and your body begins to relax, the corresponding physical responses accelerate the healing process.
Meditation has been scientifically proven to:
- Decrease respiratory rates
- Increase blood flow
- Regulate heart rates
- Lower blood pressure
- Speed healing
- Boost the immune system
- Reduce post-operative pain
Meditation improves overall health
A relaxed mind and positive attitude are just as essential to health as a proper diet, exercise, hygiene and rest. When our minds are at ease, the quality of life is enhanced and our immune systems respond by becoming stronger in their ability to fight diseases.
Medical research has determined that any weak link in communication between the brain and body affects the neurotransmitters that regulate a wide range of bodily functions. That is why any disease that is caused or worsened by stress can be improved with meditation. (And studies show that almost all illnesses are directly or indirectly related to stress.)
Studies show that meditation decreases the body’s levels of cortisol, an age-accelerating hormone that is associated with decreased bone density, elevated blood pressure, suppressed thyroid function, blood sugar imbalances, heart attack and stroke. Meditation boosts the body’s supply of HGH (human growth hormone) that is essential to good health and diminishes with age.
The body’s production of endorphins is increased through meditation. Endorphins are the mood-boosting neurotransmitters that are associated with the “runners high.” Recent studies have also revealed a link between endorphins and the immune system’s ability to fight inflammatory diseases such as cancer.
Meditation appears to be particularly helpful in the prevention and treatment of heart disease. The relaxation response associated with meditation can lower blood pressure, improve heart rate and regulate breathing and brain waves.
Unblock the path to healing
Have you ever been sick and somebody said “It’s all in your mind?” As it turns out, there is a large component of truth in that statement. Set aside some time each day to seek out and enjoy silence.
Shut the door, turn off the phone and dim the lights. Sit down and take deep cleansing breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly and deliberately. Focus only on your breath and eliminate all thoughts and distractions from your mind. See yourself in your mind’s eye as a vibrant, healthy human being.
While many find it hard to believe that doing something as basic as relaxing your mind can mean better health, the facts speak for themselves. Release the emotions and triggers that are blocking your path to perfect health and feel the positive difference it makes in your life.
