by Jackie Hart, MD
Q: Many people talk about the wonders of meditation. What are its true health benefits and is there scientific evidence to support its use?
A: There is a great deal of evidence to support the use of meditation, which is growing in popularity because of its physical as well as psychological benefits. According to surveys, approximately 25% of doctors recommend meditation as an excellent adjunct to medical care. This not only reflects doctors acceptance of this discipline steeped in ancient tradition, but also their knowledge of its value from scientific research and/or observation of successful use by their patients. Many physicians even have firsthand experience of meditating as a way to maintain their own health.
Most studies, including a recent trial from the well-respected University of California in San Francisco, conclude that meditation lacks side effects and is fairly inexpensive, and is therefore safe for people to try in addition to their usual medical care. Meditation is also easy to learn and can be a self-directed practice.
Specific benefits that have been documented in scientific journals include:
Meditation is often a part of prayer or other spiritual disciplines that help people learn coping strategies as well as a change in perspective about life and about ones self. Researchers suggest that it is the quiet, reflective nature of such practices that may be responsible for health benefits seen in those who incorporate faith-based experiences into their daily lives (see my previous column: Spirituality and healing). Daily meditation, particularly in the context of spirituality, is thought to be of particular value for people with chronic illnesses and/or functional limitations, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis.
Q: Many people talk about the wonders of meditation. What are its true health benefits and is there scientific evidence to support its use?
A: There is a great deal of evidence to support the use of meditation, which is growing in popularity because of its physical as well as psychological benefits. According to surveys, approximately 25% of doctors recommend meditation as an excellent adjunct to medical care. This not only reflects doctors acceptance of this discipline steeped in ancient tradition, but also their knowledge of its value from scientific research and/or observation of successful use by their patients. Many physicians even have firsthand experience of meditating as a way to maintain their own health.
Most studies, including a recent trial from the well-respected University of California in San Francisco, conclude that meditation lacks side effects and is fairly inexpensive, and is therefore safe for people to try in addition to their usual medical care. Meditation is also easy to learn and can be a self-directed practice.
Specific benefits that have been documented in scientific journals include:
- Reduction of anxiety and panic
- Lessening of pain
- Reduction of stress
- Improvement in heart disease risk factors, such as lowered blood pressure and blood cholesterol
- Less build-up in the blood vessels of the plaque that is characteristic of atherosclerosis and can ultimately lead to heart attack and stroke
Meditation is often a part of prayer or other spiritual disciplines that help people learn coping strategies as well as a change in perspective about life and about ones self. Researchers suggest that it is the quiet, reflective nature of such practices that may be responsible for health benefits seen in those who incorporate faith-based experiences into their daily lives (see my previous column: Spirituality and healing). Daily meditation, particularly in the context of spirituality, is thought to be of particular value for people with chronic illnesses and/or functional limitations, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis.