You have probably heard that meditation offers calming benefits to the body, mind and spirit. But you may not be aware that meditation has physical benefits as well. Using meditation to reduce stress may also lower the risk of atherosclerosis, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries. The plaque gets harder over time, which results in the arteries becoming narrower. This limits blood flow and reduces blood and oxygen circulation throughout the body. Atherosclerosis often results in heart attack and stroke.
Researchers at UCLA and Maharishi University of Management College of Maharishi Vedic Medicine published the first controlled study that demonstrates the benefits of meditation for reducing atherosclerosis a decade ago in STROKE, the journal of the American Heart Association. Since that time, researchers have confirmed the results in studies conducted in 2002, 2005 and 2007.
This study followed African Americans who had been diagnosed with hypertension and considered at risk for cardiovascular disease. The participants were divided into two groups. One group was taught Transcendental Meditation and the other was a control group that was given typical health education.
There were no changes to diet or exercise for either group, in order to focus on the benefits of meditation with no changes to diet or lifestyle. The study lasted for seven months and at the end the meditation group showed a decrease in risk for heart attack and stroke.
It has long been known that stress has an effect on cardiovascular health. Meditation is known to have stress reducing benefits with regular practice. Doctors typically recommend reducing stress to their patients who have, or are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Meditation is one way to achieve this. If you are at risk of cardiovascular disease, consider adding meditation to your stress reducing routine.
For more information on this study and others, click here.