What those of us who have been practicing meditation know from experience, is finally being recognized and validated with medical research. What we know is that with regular practice of mindfulness meditation, we experience an inner peace that cultivates kindness, compassion and gratitude for all of life. When the spirit is healed, the body naturally follows.
We often become ’stressed out’ by trying to control things, people and situations. Meditation teaches us to deal with stress by seeing others and situations without judgment or attachment to outcome. We learn to release, let go, allow things to be.
What we are learning through science is exactly how meditation affects us physically.
Chronic stress causes the production of too much cortisol which lowers melatonin.
According to the University of Texas Health Science Center, ‘Melatonin, the main secretory product of the pineal gland, inhibits the growth of several types of cancer cells. Melatonin limits human prostate cancer cell growth by a mechanism which involves the regulation of androgen receptor function’.
K.H. Coker of the Robert W. Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University in Atlanta, says, “The field of psychoneuroimmunology has defined the role of stress in reducing effectiveness of the immune system in combating infection and growth of malignant tumors“. He goes on to say that, “the practice of meditation is effective in reducing the harmful effects of stress. In addition, there are encouraging reports of studies citing the influence of melatonin on breast and prostate tumors. A preliminary study finds an association between meditation practice and levels of melatonin produced by the pineal gland.”
Mindfulness meditation can be studied with an experienced teacher and only needs to be practiced for a few minutes each day to begin to realize the physical benefits.
Photo: Microsoft clip art
Comments
More evidence of the many benefits of meditation. Some people, especially Christians, still view meditation as something ungodly even though the Bible encourages believers to meditate and equates meditation with success and prosperity. Fortunately, Christians can practice meditation in a way that completely honors God. You can learn more about Christian meditation at thechristianmeditator.com
Son,
I have been researching stress & prostate cancer. See article.
Love, Dad
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