Meditation The Art Of Introspection

Posted January 04, 2007 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

MEDITATION THE ART OF INTROSECTION

Most well known systems of meditation are of Eastern origin. Meditation systems fall into two divisions: Concentrative and mindfulness. Concentrative meditation focuses on breath, image or sound (mantra) for clarity, awareness and to still the mind. Mindfulness meditation emphasizes increased mental clarity and awareness through detached nonjudgmental observance of sensations, thoughts and images occurring in daily routine.

All meditation practices focus on turning attention inwards and minimizing external sensory input or “static.” Breath and naval meditation, two of the oldest forms dating back to both China and India, work with breath flow and abdomen expansion/contraction to develop one-pointed awareness (undistracted state of mind which allows for intuitive insight). Meditation practitioners believe there is a direct correlation between breath and state of mind. Deep, slower breathing is linked to a calm and composed mind. Twenty-minute meditation once or twice a day can lead to enhanced creativity, improved health/longevity and a heightened state of consciousness.

Meditation is effective in balancing physical, emotional and mental states. It has been used as an aid to treat various medical conditions (hypertension, heart disease) and has shown the ability to decrease heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse rate, plasma cortisol (a stress hormone), and cholesterol levels. Meditation improves learning ability/memory, perceptual ability, and produces an alpha brainwave associated with a level of consciousness that promotes healing.

Regular practice leads to training of the two temporal mind states of emotion and intent. Natural therapies and exercise that incorporate elements of meditation include: Biofeedback, self-hypnosis, visualization, yoga, guided imagery, tai chi, qigong, massage therapy, and acupressure. By suspending the stream of thoughts that normally occupy the mind, meditation produces a state of mind/body integration that improves awareness of the present moment, or the ability to live fully in the present. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT DR. BROWNE AT (305) 595-9500

"Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com"

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