YOGA AND MEDITATION Part 2

Meditation for the treatment of Hypertension

Yoga and meditation are the alternative means for hypertension treatment. It as been scientifically proven, that yoga and meditation are of great value in reducing blood pressure. It seems that they work on the peace of mind and balancing of the mind, body and spirit. We have discussed Yoga in the previous post, let’s discuss meditation now.

Meditation is one of the alternative means for hypertension treatment. It as been scientifically proven, that meditation is of great value in reducing blood pressure. It seems that they work on the peace of mind and balancing of the mind, body and spirit

Meditation is very useful for people with hypertension which is proven to reduce the dependency on antihypertensive drugs. Dr. Jeffrey A Dusek and friends from The Massachusetts General Hospital declared that patients with isolated systolic hypertension possess better chances to reduce their dosage of anti-hypertension by 1 tablet when they practice meditation compared to those not practicing it.

Meditation

Meditation is a holistic discipline by which the practitioner attempts to get beyond the reflexive, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. Meditation is a component of many religions, and has been practiced since antiquity. It is also practiced outside religious traditions. Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual goals—from achievement of a higher state of consciousness, compassion and loving kindness, to greater focus, creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind.

Eastern meditation techniques have been adapted and increasingly practiced in Western culture.

Meditation has been defined as: "self regulation of attention, in the service of self-inquiry, in the here and now." The various techniques of meditation can be classified according to their focus. Some focus on the field or background perception and experience, often referred to as "mindfulness"; others focus on a pre-selected specific object, and are called "concentrative" meditation. There are also techniques that shift between the field and the object.

Mindfulness Meditation

In mindfulness meditation, the meditator sits comfortably and silently, centering attention by focusing awareness on an object or process (such as the breath; a sound, such as a mantra, koan or riddle-like question; a visualization; or an exercise). The meditator is usually encouraged to maintain an open focus:

... shifting freely from one perception to the next clear your mind of all that bothers you no thoughts that can distract you from reality or your personal being... No thought, image or sensation is considered an intrusion. The meditator, with a 'no effort' attitude, is asked to remain in the here and now. Using the focus as an 'anchor'... brings the subject constantly back to the present, avoiding cognitive analysis or fantasy regarding the contents of awareness, and increasing tolerance and relaxation of secondary thought processes.

Concentration Meditation

Concentration meditation is used in many religions and spiritual practices. Whereas in mindfulness meditation there is an open focus, in concentration meditation the meditator holds attention on a particular object (e.g., a repetitive prayer) while minimizing distractions; bringing the mind back to concentrate on the chosen object.

Meditation can be practiced while walking or doing simple repetitive tasks. Walking meditation helps break down habitual automatic mental categories, "thus regaining the primary nature of perceptions and events, focusing attention on the process while disregarding its purpose or final outcome." In a form of meditation using visualization, such as Chinese Qi Gong, the practitioner concentrates on flows of energy (Qi) in the body, starting in the abdomen and then circulating through the body, until dispersed. Some meditative traditions, such as yoga or tantra, are common to several religions. (Extracted from Wikipedia)

Interested to Learn More about and Practice Meditation the Right Way? Click Here!

The fact is that we live in an "exhausted" society. And I'm sure you've had first hand experience with the ever present "energy drain" of modern life. What a relief it is to learn that a simple physical practice of meditation can give such an amazing energy boost. And not just a temporary jolt, but permanent improvement. To exercise meditation properly, I recommend you to learn more about meditation at this resourceful place: Teach Meditation   

Article by: Uno Birawan