April 15, 2020 3 min read

Meditation seems to be this big scary concept that no one wants to touch. You've heard of the benefits of meditation, but it seems so foreign that you cannot get yourself to try it.

Despite what you may think, meditation does not have to be difficult. In fact, you can teach yourself how to meditate in 10 minutes or less with the help of some online resources. If you're still too afraid to do it on your own, there are thousands of guided meditations out there that will guide you through the entire process.

There are many studies available now that show the benefits of meditation. You don't have to take your friend's word for it anymore.

How Meditation Affects the Body

While there are many spiritual benefits involved in meditation, the physical benefits alone are enough to encourage anyone to start a practice of their own. These are just a few of the advantages you can get from meditating.

Stress Reduction 

Stress impacts our body in so many ways. It can lead to headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, an inability to sleep, and so much more. With all of the demands of modern life, it's hard to avoid getting stressed out.

One study found that after an 8 week meditation program, 95% of those with worries and pain had a moderate reduction in their symptoms. 

Better Heart Health

High blood pressure takes a big toll on heart health. Your heart has to work harder to pump blood, which strains its functions and makes it difficult for your heart to do its job.

One study found that a single meditation session reduced blood pressure by five points. The American Heart Association also found that practitioners achieved a decrease in their arterial wall thickness. This reduced their risk of stroke or heart attack.

Lower Muscle Tension

Being more aware of the tension in your body will help you identify which muscles need help.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation was specifically designed to help people reduce muscle tension. The technique works by having you start from either your head or your feet. Take one muscle group at a time and purposefully flex or clench it. Hold it, and then release.

This activity will help you tell the difference between tense muscles and relaxed ones. Once you know what it feels like, you can then work to loosen your muscles through meditation.

Oxygen Levels are Better

Breathing is the fundamental tenant of meditating. When you meditate, you use 10-20% less oxygen. This leads to higher oxygen saturation, which means that your body has more oxygen to boost mandatory functions.

Increased oxygen saturation can help improve heart health, lower blood pressure, reduce sensitivity, and increased organ efficiency. 

Immune System Gets Stronger

Your mind has a lot of control over your immune system. Stress, little sleep, and poor emotional health all take a toll on your body physically.

Meditation can change how your genes are expressed, which can in turn boost your immune system. Specifically, meditation changes the genes connected to inflammation, healing wounds, and stress.

Pain Perception Changes

Your state of mind has a lot to do with how much pain you feel. That's why distractions can help you feel like you're in less pain, even though nothing has changed in your body.

One study put patients through an MRI as they meditated. The scans found that the areas of the brain related to pain control showed more activity. The patients also were less sensitive to pain. This result also showed up in another study, where researchers used heat to cause pain. Those who practiced meditation regularly felt less pain in their minds. 

All of these benefits are great news for those who suffer from chronic pain. Improved immune system means less illness, which means less complications. Decreased muscle tension means you won't have to nurse body aches. And lower pain perception means that pain won't stop you from everyday activities as much. Meditation is easy to pick up. There's no right or wrong way to do it. Find what works for you and stick to it.

 

Enjoy this free 7 minute guided meditation by Dr. Joy Martina specifically to melt away your pain. Guaranteed to help you feel better mentally and physically.

https://youtu.be/S9_OABmymW0

MindBody Matrix
MindBody Matrix


1 Response

Jim Cotter
Jim Cotter

November 30, 2020

The evening I received first bottle I was in bed with heat on my feet with severe burning and tingling.My wife brought it to me and I immediately put some on both feet and in twenty minutes the pain eased away. No pain or stinging was gone. Sense then i have stopped taking Lyrica. Now I use only pain relief cream 2 times daily. I have tried many other products with limited results. Lyrica is expensive does not do what your product will. Very happy with Pain relief cream and saving 40.00 dollars a month. Thanks for such good products that works GREAT…Jim e cotter

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in MindBody Blog

What Kind of Chronic Pain Affects Veterans
What Kind of Chronic Pain Affects Veterans

May 25, 2020 3 min read

55% of patients treated at the Veterans Health Administration are diagnosed with a musculoskeletal disorder. This usually involves pain in the bones, connective tissue, muscles, or nerves.
CBD Oil for Worries? Here's Everything You Need to Know About It
CBD Oil for Worries? Here's Everything You Need to Know About It

April 20, 2020 3 min read

What is CBD oil?

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It’s a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the marijuana plant. Cannabinoids naturally occur in the body and are known as endocannabinoids. They act as a bridge between the body and mind.

CBD oil is made by taking potent hemp plants and using an extraction solvent and applying it to ground hemp plants. When the solvent is removed, the CBD oil remains.

CBD oil does a lot for your brain. For the most part, it changes how different receptors in your brain function. The biggest one related to worries is serotonin, which plays a big role in your mental health.

Being Grateful Literally Changes Your Brain Chemistry
Being Grateful Literally Changes Your Brain Chemistry

April 02, 2020 3 min read

Being Grateful Literally Changes Your Brain Chemistry

One of the most important aspects of positive psychology is gratitude. Studies show that gratitude can change how your brain is wired.

Gratitude is not the same as being happy. Being grateful just means that you are making an effort to show appreciation for kindness and for the good things you have in your life. 

If you want to get similar results to those in the study, you have a few options. You can also write letters of gratitude to people in your life each week, but that's not the only option.

Together, We Can Shift The Paradigm Of Pain