Why aren’t doctors taught this is medical school? What if science can prove that the best asset for optimal health lies within you? You own one of the most powerful and least invasive tools available today to help you reach your best version of you. Along with all the wonderful health benefits, it also comes with positive life-changing side effects. Why isn’t this taught in medical school as the first-line of treatment options? How about a good night’s sleep? Everyone loves to get a sound sleep that allows you to wake facing the day with energy and optimism. Studies have shown that quality if non-REM sleep improves with meditation. Non-REM sleep, allows for the growth and repair of tissues in our bodies, this allows the body to heal. Additionally it’s been proven that meditation boost the immune system, thus increasing our ability to fight off disease [1]. That equates to a better integrating and functioning of the mind, body and spirit. Reduction of chronic pain? Pain is a multileveled experience, which involves sensory and cognitive factors. The treatment of chronic pain is very challenging. Our current method of treatment is the use of opioid -medications, and even when taken as prescribed it can often lead to misuse and addiction. Researchers found that mindfulness-meditation is a technique that has been found to significantly reduce pain in experimental and clinical settings [2]. Need less stress and anxiety in your life? The Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest School of Medicine: “Anxiety is inversely related to brain activity associated with the cognitive regulation of emotions. Mindfulness meditation has been found to regulate anxiety [3].” Eastern medicine’s holistic view of the body, equates emotional stress as a precursor for disease within our bodies and western sciences are starting to make the connection as well. Want to reduce your risks factors for cardiovascular diseases? American Heart Association made this scientific statement; “Studies of the effects of meditation on cardiovascular risk have included those investigating physiological response to stress, smoking cessation, blood pressure reduction, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, endothelial function, inducible myocardial ischemia, and primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease [4].” Studies of meditation to date suggest a possible, benefit of meditation on cardiovascular risk reduction. AHA also recognizes the need for further studies. Want to improved attention, memory and cognitive functioning? “Recently, there have been studies on the influence of meditation on cognitive functions in the context of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. A review of these studies, suggested a positive effect of meditation techniques, particularly in the area of attention, as well as memory, verbal fluency, and cognitive flexibility [6].” Another Study published found, “Regular, brief mindfulness meditation practice improves electrophysiological markers of attention control. This study suggests that meditation may alter the efficiency of allocating cognitive resources, leading to improved self-regulation of attention [7].” Want to instill self-esteem into children? Imagine the places they could go. “Studies conducted on third grade students showed that the Maum Meditation intervention had positive influences on self-esteem and on school adjustment [5].” With the emphasis of zero-tolerance for aggressive behavior, it could only help to instill this as a practice early on in life. While not only boosting self-esteem it also teaches compassion and understanding for others. Beyond Healing…..It’s Prevention!!! Meditation practices can provide a solid foundation for success in life. The ability to unify the mind, body and spirit, helps to balance our holistic being and leaves us with the best possible chance at a healthy life. Imagine a world where meditation was a part of everyone’s daily practice, it teaches compassion, understanding and unity. Why isn’t this taught in medical school? And taking it one step further, why isn’t this taught in homes and primary educational institutions? If you would like a better understanding the benefits of meditation, try it, it can’t hurt, in all actuality, it can only help! The Author, Robin Roarke AP DOM RN, Doctor of Oriental Medicine @ Holistic Healing Arts “I found meditation early in life, quite by accident and I have always practiced in a non-traditional way. I developed a unique style to help others enrich their lives and develop their own skills to center their being into stillness. I can attest to the benefits and the significant role meditation can play in your physical, emotional and spiritual health”~ Dr. Robin Roarke Resources 1.Dentico, D., Ferrarelli, F., Riedner, B. A., Smith, R., Zennig, C., Lutz, A., . . . Davidson, R. J. (2016). Retrieved March 19, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4764716 2. Zeidan, F., & Vago, D. (2016, June). Retrieved March 19, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4941786/ 3. Zeidan, F., Martucci, K. T., Kraft, R. A., McHaffie, J. G., & Coghill, R. C. (2014, June). Retrieved March 19, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4040088/ 4. Levine, G. N., Lange, R. A., Bairey‐Merz, C. N., Davidson, R. J., Jamerson, K., Mehta, P. K., . . . The American Heart Association Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; and Council on Hypertension. (2017, October). Retrieved March 19, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5721815/ 5. Yoo, Y. G., & Lee, I. S. (2013, July). Retrieved March 19, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4776824/ 6.Marciniak, R., Sheardova, K., Čermáková, P., Hudeček, D., Šumec, R., & Hort, J. (2014). Retrieved March 20, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3903052/ 7. Moore, A., Gruber, T., Derose, J., & Malinowski, P. (2012). Retrieved March 20, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3277272/
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