An increasing number of doctors now believe that, in addition to having a well-balanced diet and taking enough physical exercise, practicing meditation can lead to better health and improvements in our overall lifestyle and well-being.
**How meditation helps**
Meditation has wide-ranging benefits: it can help us to think more clearly and improve our enery levels so that we work more efficiently and tire less. It can help to relax and create a distance from stressful situations so that we remain more in controland less overwhelmed by negative emotions. It can also help us to understand ourselves and to accept situations. In addition to improving our quality of life and making us happier, the relaxation that meditation brings can help to improve our physical health. Positive thinking can encourage the production of endorphins and other "feel-good" chemicals. We should never underestimate the mind's power to bring about change in the body, and we should try to think positively as much as possible.
**Visualization for healing**
This is where visualization comes in. As we have already seen, our bodies do not distinguish between things we visualize and reality itself. So if we use visualization correctly, it can bring about positive changes within the body that can help us treat minor ailments and put us back on the road to good health.
Many people believe that visualization can also be beneficial in the treatment of more serious or long-standing complaints, but it must be emphasized that it should not be used to replace medical treatment: if you have a serious or persistent ailment, you should always consult a qualified medical practitioner. There is no reason, however, why you should not use visualization alongside any medical treatment you are currently having. You could visualize, for example, a drug working more effectively, or you could see yourself feeling fit and radiant. Discuss your plans with your doctor first, to make sure that you are working together on this.
**Current research**
Research is still under way into the possible effects of meditation on our health but, as mentioned earlier, a growing number of conventional doctors are now recommending relaxation and meditation exercises to their patients in order to help them combat stress and stress-related illnesses. Clinical studies continue, but in the meantime there is a growing belief that meditation practice, alongside changes in diet and lifestyle, can help to do the following:
- Reduce migraines
- Combat insomnia
- Ease irritable bowel syndrome
- Soothe premenstrual syndrome
- Calm anxiety and reduce panic attacks
- Lower levels of stress hormones
- Improve circulation
- Regulate the pulse
- Lower blood pressure
- Control respiration
- Ease stomach cramps
- Aid digestion
- Ease depression
- Improve memory
**Personal development**
In addition to its many physical health benefits, meditation practice can also be of use in psychotherapy, especially in those areas that focus on personal development and self-understanding. Through meditation, many of us have learned that it is possible to understand ourselves better and the nature of our relationships with other people. With regular practice, we can increase our confidence and self-esteem, let go of past hurts, and enjoy life more, both in our work and in our social lives. We can learn how to conquer fear and dispel doubts, and we can transform that critical inner voice within us into a valuable and supportive friend.
**Using visualization for healing**
You don't have to wait until you feel ill to do healing visualizations. In fact, it is often a good idea to do it when you are feeling well. Good health needs to be protected and, in addition to a balanced, healthy diet and plenty of exercise and restful sleep, visualization can help you to maintain your good health and guard against illness and disease. It can also help you to become more in touch with your body and physical changes.
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