Meditation has for centuries been associated with spiritual health and general sense of wellbeing. Those in the Eastern countries, where meditation has always been widely practiced, may have recognized the holistic effects, and meditation can play a direct part in good physical health and spiritual.

In Western countries, though, there has been largely indifferent attitude toward the practice of meditation can play in health. In fact, the benefits of meditation was largely derided until recently. Health, of course, is the medical profession and the professional support, so that while doctors have a lot of neglect of meditation as a health aid, it is no wonder the general public in Western countries have followed them.

In some ways, though, traditional attitudes of the medical profession does not stand up to close examination. How often have you heard a patient was informed, on being examined, that there is nothing wrong, “it’s all in the mind”? There you have the doctor say, without hesitation, that the patient’s symptoms are all in the mind: they come from the brain and not “real”. So, if they are so easy to admit that the mind creates symptoms, why dismiss entirely that the mind can not also play a role in healing or improvement in health?

It has also been common for doctors to ignore some improvement in symptoms of patients, while taking a non-drug treatment, that it was just a placebo effect. In other words, the improvement is “all in the mind”. On this occasion, the doctors, in trying to ignore the health improvement of patients, recognizing that the patient’s own thoughts have brought improvements.

The human mind, of course, is in contact with the rest of the body 24 hours a day, so if you look at it from that angle, the mind and body, physical and mental health are all inextricably linked at all times. As meditation helps to establish a more self-control over your mind, do not leave open the possibility that meditation can be used to influence health. In recent years, some health practitioners have been aware that meditation can have some health benefits, and these are areas where interest has been most focused:

1. Most modern doctors will admit that stress is a source of health problems, and some now admit that meditation can reduce stress and help people to relax.

2. There have been several studies into the lowered blood pressure during meditation. That is one positive use of meditation on health that I can guarantee, because I have my own blood pressure measured during meditation, and bring me a diastolic reading dropped by 10 points or more, on several occasions.

It is good to read that some hospitals and physicians who incorporate some stress reduction therapies, such as meditation and massage, into their every day activities. In fact, my first experience of yoga meditation was 10 years ago, the classes are held together by a local hospital and the board. I am the “baby” alone, under 50, in class, intended for those with some physical limitations (in my case the fused vertebrae) and thus attract the majority of them in their late 60′s, 70′s and 80′s . All feel some benefit from the sessions, including two patients with Parkinson’s disease. There is no miracle cure, but they do not say it helped them.

Although there is a lack of scientific research into meditation and health, it may be wise to not overlook the potential health benefits for you in meditation, particularly as preventive measures against stress. For a specific health problem, you should follow your doctor’s advice, but there’s no reason you should not ask whether meditation or other relaxation techniques, can help you. These days, you may be surprised by his or her answer.