Meditation is an ancient practice, dating back as far as 2000 B.C. Researchers speculate that primitive hunter-gatherer societies may have discovered meditation while staring at the flames of their fires. Over thousands of years, meditation evolved into a structured practice. It does not belong to any particular religion, caste, creed or community. It is a science of self-exploration and self-realization. Although some rituals or religious practices have become a part of many meditation techniques, it still remains a perfect science. Over 600 research studies have been conducted at more than 200 universities and research centers (including Harvard, UCLA, and Stanford). These studies have been published in more than 100 journals.

Repeated studies have shown that conscious relaxation and meditation can counteract stress by lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and reducing levels of the stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine in the bloodstream. They also enhance immune function.

Newsweek, September, (2004), by Peg Tyre

Meditation has been shown to reduce both the experience of chronic pain and its inhibition of everyday activities. Pain-related drug utilization was decreased and activity levels and self-esteem increased.

Kabat-Zinn 1982, 1985, 1987.

Not only do studies show that meditation is boosting their immune system, but brain scans suggest that it may be rewiring their brains to reduce stress...Ten million American adults now say they practice some form of meditation regularly.

Stein, J. (2003) The Science of Meditation, TIME magazine (cover story), August 4: 48-56.

The skills derived from meditation training have been shown effective in significantly reducing the recurrence of major depressive episodes in patients treated for depression.

Teasdale, J., Cambridge University, 2000.

Using the latest techniques in brain imaging technology (fMRI , EEG and MEG), has shown that meditation produces demonstrable positive effects in both brain and immune functions.

Dr. Richard Davidson, University of Wisconsin

Alterations in brain and immune function produced by mindfulness meditation.

Psychosomatic Medicine, 65, 564-570, Davidson, R. J., Kabat-Zinn, J., et al. (2003).

LINKS:

Time Magazine. Meditating Brain Diagram

http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101030804/om/om.swf

Time Magazine. Medical Meditation: Say OM Before Surgery

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1004086,00.html

Time Magazine. How to get smarter one breath at a time

http://psyphz.psych.wisc.edu/web/News/Time_Jan06.html

USA TODAY. Mindfulness Meditation being used in hospitals and schools

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-06-07-meditate_N.htm

NPR. Meditation A Hit for Pain Management

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7654964

NPR. Science Explores Meditation's Effect on the Brain

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4770779