Health Benefits of Meditation.....and Breathing....

Though meditation is usually recognized as a largely spiritual practice, it also has many health benefits. The yoga and meditation techniques are being implemented in management of life threatening diseases; in transformation of molecular and genetic structure; in reversal of mental illnesses, in accelerated learning programs, in perceptions and communications beyond the physical, in solving problems and atomic and nuclear physics; in gaining better ecological understanding; in management of lifestyle and future world problems. Some benefits of meditation are:

	It reduces oxygen consumption.
	It decreases respiratory rate.
	It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
	Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients.
	Leads to a deeper level of relaxation.
	Good for people with high blood pressure as it brings the B.P. to normal.
	Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
	Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.
	Builds self-confidence.
	It increases serotonin production which influences mood and behavior. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches.
	Helps in chronic diseases like allergies , arthritis etc.
	Reduces Pre - menstrual Syndrome.
	Helps in post-operative healing.
	Enhances the immune system. Research has revealed that meditation increases activity of 'natural-killer cells', which kill bacteria and cancer cells.
	Also reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.