This is the best “Anti-Aging” method I’ve seen to date… Harvard study unveils what meditation does to
the brain in one of the most recent studies on meditation. Much of the following is copied from http://www.collective-evolution.com/2014/12/11/harvard-study-unveils-what-meditation-literally-does-to-the-brain/ with some minor
modifications made by me, Yoshi Rahm, D.O.
Numerous studies have indicated the many physiological benefits
of meditation, and the latest one comes from Harvard University.
An eight week study conducted by Harvard researchers at
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) determined that meditation literally
rebuilds the brains grey
matter in just eight weeks. It’s the very first study to document
that meditation produces changes over time in the brain’s grey matter. (1)
“Although the practice of meditation is associated with a sense of peacefulness and physical relaxation, practitioners have long claimed that meditation also provides cognitive and psychological benefits that persist throughout the day. This study demonstrates that changes in brain structure may underlie some of these reported improvements and that people are not just feeling better because they are spending time relaxing.” – (1) Sara Lazar of the MGH Psychiatric Neuroimaging Research Program and a Harvard Medical School Instructor in Psychology
The study involved taking magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the
brain’s of 16 study participants two weeks prior to participating in the study.
MRI images of the participants were also taken after the study was completed.
“The analysis of MR images, which focused on areas where meditation-associated differences were seen in earlier studies, found increased grey-matter density in the hippocampus, known to be important for learning and memory, and in structures associated with self-awareness, compassion and introspection.” (1)
For the study, participants engaged in meditation practices
every day for approximately 30 minutes. These practices included focusing on
audio recordings for guided meditation, non-judgmental awareness of sensations,
feelings and state of mind.
“It is fascinating to see the brain’s plasticity and that, by practicing meditation, we can play an active role in changing the brain and can increase our well-being and quality of life. Other studies in different patient populations have shown that meditation can make significant improvements in a variety of symptoms, and we are now investigating the underlying mechanisms in the brain that facilitate this change.” – (1) Britta Holzel, first author of the paper and a research fellow at MGH and Giessen University in Germany
How To Meditate
A common misconception about meditation is that you have to sit
a certain way or do something in particular to achieve the various benefits
that it can provide. All you have to do is place yourself in a position that is
most comfortable to you. It could be sitting cross legged, lying down in a bed,
sitting on a couch etc, it’s your choice.
Another common misconception about meditation is that you have
to “try” to empty your mind. One important factor I enjoyed reading from the
study mentioned above is that participants were engaged in “non-judgmental
awareness of sensations, feelings and state of mind.” When meditating,
you shouldn’t try to “empty” your mind. Instead, try to let your thoughts,
feelings and whatever emotions you are feeling at the time flow. Don’t judge
them, just let them come and go and be at peace with it.
I also believe that meditation is a state of being/mind more
than anything else. I feel that one does not have to sit down for half an hour
and “meditate” so to speak in order to reap the benefits of it, or to be
engaged in the practice itself. One can be engaged in meditation while
they are on a walk, for example, or the time they have right before they sleep.
Throughout the day, one can resist judging their thoughts, letting them flow
until they are no more, or just be in a constant state of peace and self-awareness.
Contrary to popular belief, there is more than one way to meditate.
“You will have to understand one of the most fundamental things about meditation: that no technique leads to meditation. The old so-called techniques and the new scientific biofeedback techniques are the same as far as meditation is concerned. Meditation is not a byproduct of any technique. Meditation happens beyond mind. No technique can go beyond mind.” – Osho
Sources:
Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.
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