4 Must-Know Facts About Meditation

4 MUST-KNOW FACTS ABOUT MEDITATIO N It Increases GRAY MATTER Brain scans of participants in a mediation study by Yale, Harvard and Mass General Hospital showed increases of gray matter in parts of the brain, and that meditation may slow natural brain deterioration. The parts of the brain with increased gray matter thickness are related to attention and processing sensory input. It Improves BRAIN PLASTICITY A study of mindfulness meditation practitioners showed an increase in the number of neurons in the brain's hip- pocampus (related to learning and memory) and a re- duction in the volume of the amygdala (related to anxi- ety and stress) after just eight weeks. Similar studies have shown increases in the number of neurons and neuronal connections in the right frontal cortex (concentration), the right insula (emotions), and the right parietal and temporal lobes (touch and sound). It Helps You Sleep More EFFICIENTLY Researchers reported that experienced meditators slept fewer hours than non-meditators and the general population, but were no less alert. Zzz Separate research has found that meditation may be an effective behavioral intervention in the treatment of insomnia. It lowers blood pressure WITHOUT PILLS In reviewing existing research, the American Heart Asso- ciation in 2013 concluded that transcendental meditation lowers blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) contributes to the hardening of the arteries, and to the development of heart failure. popexpert popexpert makes it easy to discover, hire and meet with experts face-to-face over video. Sources: 1. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/how-meditation-may-change-the-brain/?_r=0 2. http://jonlieffmd.com/blog/neuroplasticity-and-meditation-self-directed-neuroplasticity-new-default-mode 3. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/can-meditation-curb-heart-attacks/ 4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_on_meditation 5. http://www.npr.org/2008/08/21/93796200/to-lower-blood-pressure-open-up-and-say-om