January, 2009 - Vol 1, Issue 1

The times we live in right now are very stressful. How can we cope? If I told you there was something that was free, reduced stress, reduced high blood pressure, improved the immune system, and restored a sense of inner peace; you would probably think that I was trying to sell you a bill of goods. But, I am not. There is such a thing that you can learn on your own and it has been proven over and over to be of benefit to the mind, body and spirit. That thing is meditation. Although meditation is practiced regularly in the East, it is now becoming popular here in the US and advocated by many physicians. It doesn't matter what type of meditation that you do. There are many types. All that is required is quiet, a point of focus such as a word or sound or a focus on the breath or breathing. This allows one to quiet the mind and let thoughts run through. Dr Herbert Benson, a Harvard cardiologist has studied meditation extensively. He has found that meditating just 20 minutes twice daily can significantly lower blood pressure and overall stress. It lowers pulse rate and the body's oxygen requirement. And, it feels good. Meditation can improve chronic pain and boost the immune system as well. Best of all it can be done anywhere at any time (except while driving). If you want to do it passively, there are many CD's that will guide you in a meditation. There are also teachers that can help. Dr Benson wrote a book called The Relaxation Response that can give a step-by-step approach to meditation as well. The best way to become good at meditating is to continue to do it. You will find that the more you do it, the more you like it and the more you want to keep on doing it. The key is to just start.

Healing for the 21st century

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