Why Meditate? Because It Is Essential “Medicine”!
It has been estimated that between 75% and 90% of visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related conditions (1). Stress affects multiple organ systems and has been related to heart disease, hypertension, headache, dizziness, peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome, muscular tension, fibromyalgia, a variety of skin conditions, the common cold, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, depression and anxiety, amongst many other conditions (2).
What most people are referring to when they say they are “stressed out,” is a chronic over-activation of the sympathetic (stimulating) nervous system, or what is also referred to as the fight-flight-freeze-fawn reaction when we perceive a threat to our well-being. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system is essential when we are being physically threatened such as being chased by a tiger. Yet, many of us live as if the “tiger” never goes away or maybe it was really a kitten all along! In other words, we can mentally and emotionally react for extended periods of time well after the perceived threat is gone.
The good news is we have a “reset button” inside us called the parasympathetic (peaceful) nervous system or what is also referred to as the relaxation response. The relaxation response naturally leads to changes in the mind/body that are deeply restorative and essential to returning to a state of optimal balance. Although a variety of different ways to cultivate the relaxation response exist, meditation leads the way in both its simplicity and ease. If you have a mind and body, you can meditate! If you have ever been so captivated by the beauty of an amazing sunset or starry night sky that any concerns melted away for a few moments or if you have ever been so absorbed in the rhythm of music that you love that the outer world fell away, then you have already experienced meditative awareness.
If the benefits of meditation (as documented by researchers for more than 50 year) could be bottled into a pill, it would be the most highly prescribed medication available! Meditation is the one essential “medicine” we all need to take daily.
Take a moment to review the following list of physiological and psychological benefits of meditation and reflect on how your life could be greatly enhanced with a regular meditation practice: