The mind’s ability to heal the body and brain through meditation

Subject: Psychology
Type: Evaluation Essay
Pages: 4
Word count: 1070
Topics: Buddhism, Medicine, Meditation, Universal Healthcare, Yoga
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Table of Contents

Introduction

In recent decades, ground breaking research has shown that the mind of the human being has the greatest capacity to heal the human body. When testing pharmaceutical drugs, scientists unintentionally discovered the ability of the mind to heal the human brain and body especially through meditation. Scientists then commenced to think harder when the placebo drug would generate impulsive healing in their patients.  Researchers by chance then discovered something more powerful than medication effectiveness they discovered the human mind and innate power to heal people through meditation. In meditation it is certain that healing can possibly happen especially when the mind is completely contented, calm and alert. Body vulnerability is probably the biggest disadvantage the human body has. While conventional medicine and science plays an essential role in human longevity improvement and most people believe that the secret to body healing is deeply embedded in the mind of the human being. Human beings are spiritual beings who possess the force and energy to control emotional physical and mental well being.

According to the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), meditation is referred to as the transforming of the human mind; it is considered as a way of life and not a technique. It is also considered as the termination of the thought process. It explains a consciousness state particularly when the mind liberal of various scattered patterns and thoughts. Through the engagement of specific meditation practices, one essentially learns the habits and patterns of the mind and therefore the meditation practices offers a way to cultivate redefined and more positive ways of being. With patience and regular work, the focused and nourishing state of mind can possibly deepen into intensely energized and peaceful mind states. Such experiences can result into transformative effects that possibly lead to a new and redefined understanding of life (“Meditation: In Depth”).

Many years ago meditation was regarded as something that was just not meant for the modern people, however in the recent times, meditation has become very prominent with all kind of people. Published medical and scientific evidence has proven the benefits of meditation, but it is obvious that the meditation concept still needs to be fully understood.  According to Oleg Zaslavsky, Traditionally classical yoga facts explained that to gain true meditation states an individual should go through various stages. After the required preparation of social and personal code, breath control, relaxation and physical position, the advanced phases of contemplation, concentration and absorption then followed. Today people can define any of the stages when they refer to meditation. With frequent practice of balanced techniques, the energy of the mind and body can be freed and the consciousness quality can be expanded (Zaslavsky).

Meditation has been regarded as a very beneficial practice and this is evident back to the 1,500BCE as the practice presents itself in history and today in the society with regards to various cultures. This practice is present in almost every religion, but presented in distinct ways, however in Buddhism, meditation is taught through the philosophy of the Buddhist. According to Yael Bentor, the Buddhist philosophy asserts that everyday life worries and problems can be literally eased through paying attention to what is taking place in the present. Researchers discovered this aspect along with careful breathing and light stretching ultimately lowered the levels of stress well than any basic technique of stress management. Buddhist meditation practices developed and encouraged clarity, calmness, concentration and emotional positivity of the true nature of things (Bentor 136-155).

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), meditation practice and mindfulness can ensure the human body is physically healed. Many research and case studies have asserted that the act of meditation has a healing benefit on the body (“What Are the Benefits of Mindfulness?”). Meditation practice cannot only heal the human body but it can also improve the mind physically. Mindfulness is present to individuals in every moment whether through mindful-moment practices or whether through meditations, as it enables individuals to create some space between themselves and their reactions, while breaking down conditioned responses. Meditation basically focuses on the breath because the physical sensation is usually present and an individual can use it to attach to the present moment. Martine Batchelor asserts that, mindfulness medication practice is not directed towards getting individuals to be distinct from how they are already are, alternatively it helps individuals to be more aware of what basically true moment by moment. This act teaches individuals to be unconditionally available as it enables people to be available with whatever is taking place regardless of what it is. Mindfulness meditation practice is completely feasible and simple as a lot is accomplished just by sitting down and doing nothing at all (Batchelor 157-164).

The act of meditation positively influences the mental acuity and mental health of an individual as it alters the brainwaves of an individual and therefore the practice positively impacts on the mental health of individuals. Meditation is particularly beneficial for reducing stress as research studies show that the practice can reduce anxiety and depression and also enable individuals to control chronic pain especially for cancer patients. Relaxation and breathing are beneficial for almost all individuals and therefore for people with mental health conditions it is recommended. Meditation is basically the act of developing relaxation and stillness of the human body, and with the available scientific evidence, the power of meditation progressively adds up. The act of meditation in a way has been regarded as an exercise to the human brain as it has been shown to help in maintain mental health, improve the empathy, memory and self sense of an individual. Meditation practice has also been proven to diminish the negative effects and symptoms of mental health such as anxiety and stress. Additionally to reducing the negative effects, there is evidence that the act meditation increases well being and psychological health such as attaining greater control over the stimuli that enhances negative emotions (MARCHAND 233-252).

Conclusion

Research on meditation has been going on for several years now and this research studies have shown to be effective as researchers have discovered that the human mind has the power to heal people which is more powerful than medications. Practicing mindfulness, Buddhist philosophy and yoga practices have been considered as appropriate acts of meditation. The practice of meditation has also been acknowledged to positively influence and impact on the mental acuity and health of an individual.

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  1. Batchelor, Martine. “Meditation and Mindfulness”. Contemporary Buddhism 12.1 (2011): 157-164. Web.
  2. Bentor, Yael. “Meditation On Emptiness In The Context Of Tantric Buddhism”. Journal of Buddhist Philosophy 1.1 (2015): 136-155. Web.
  3. MARCHAND, WILLIAM R. “Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, And Zen Meditation For Depression, Anxiety, Pain, And Psychological Distress”. Journal of Psychiatric Practice 18.4 (2012): 233-252. Web.
  4. “Meditation: In Depth”. NCCIH. N.p., 2017. Web. 26 Feb. 2017.
  5. “What Are The Benefits Of Mindfulness?”. http://www.apa.org. N.p., 2017. Web. 26 Feb. 2017.
  6. Zaslavsky, Oleg. “Yoga And Physical Activity: The Effect Of Meditation”. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine 7.1 (2010): n. pag. Web.
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