The effects of meditation on the brain

The positive effects of meditation is becoming more widely publicised, and the results are encouraging. Studies have been performed in whether there is a measurable effect on a person's brain during and following meditation practice. This is particularly relevant in today's world, as recent studies have shown that while income and comfort increase in the Western world, well being and happiness does not.

So what actually does meditation do to the brain?

# Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in lowered blood pressure, decreased heart and breathing rate.

# Increased parasympathetic activity reduced noradrenaline, which governs the fight or flight response.

# Increased levels of serotonin, which regulates mood, and low levels can lead to depression.

# Regular practice appears to reverse the roles of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.

Meditation has also be found to help with mood disorders, depression, and behaviours such as anorexia and bulimia, as well as with attention related issues.

Especially in today's world, it would be more than worth looking into meditation, and how to practice it.