In societies throughout the world, there are many problems emerging as a result of the downturn many economies have taken in the last several years. There is one in particular that has affected many people even though they may not even realize its influence. What is this problem? Stress. Stress and anxiety are two very well known issues which have been around since man can remember. They are unavoidable. Any kind of emotional or physical threat can cause stress or anxiety in a person, resulting in irritability, fatigue, headaches, loss of energy, or high blood pressure and heart rate. If stress is not managed properly it can have a serious affect on a person’s well-being mentally and emotionally, as well as physically. There have been many different suggestions for stress management presented by doctors, specialists, mothers, fathers and friends. Popular methods for stress reduction include exercise or medication. However, there have been alternative means of medicine that doctors have been experimenting with for many years now. One alternative to medication is meditation. Doctors have been researching its affects on high blood pressure and heart rate due to stress.
While many people still think of meditation as a bunch of “humms” and “owms” that hippies or Buddhists practice, there is much more to it than that. It is more than just sitting cross-legged on the floor. It is an intellectually based exercise to help focus and concentrate on oneself or ones conscious (Robert). Buddhist meditation is one of the oldest forms of meditation that originally was practiced for religious purposes to become closer to nature and God, and calm one’s mind. The art of Zen takes practice and discipline in order to perfect the meditative processes. (Masao 122). What doctors have been researching more recently are the actual psychological and physiological affects that meditation can have on someone. Experiments and research has led many doctors to believe that meditation can be used for more than just “finding oneself” or getting to know a god. Meditation can be a useful practice for the treatment of stress and anxiety because of its calming affects which can reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Many people may not think it is a very practical means of alternative medicine for anxiety or stress but when practiced seriously and correctly meditation can be calming for more than just the spirit of a person. It can physically and psychologically calm their body and mind (Hyuk 190).
There are many different types of meditation that are being found to be very affective for stress management. One of which is transcendental meditation. Transcendental meditation is a more modern method of meditation that was first taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi from India. It involves the use of a sound or “mantra” that is meant to draw ones attention back to a specific thought or idea. As the mantra is repeated it is supposed to focus the mind and awaken the less active parts of the brain (Michaels 1242). When applied by patients with anxiety this type of meditation can help them focus and take control in order to slow breathing and heart rate.
