Best Meditation Methods to Reduce Stress

Lotus position as described by Dalai Lama in which a person sits cross legged with a straight back, slightly opened mouth and with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth.
Sit in a western chair, flat footed as described in New Thoughts
Sit on a stool as in Orthodox Christianity
Walk in mindfulness as described in Theravada Buddhism

Meditation and Stress

Meditation stimulates the front part of the left side of the brain called the pre frontal cortex which is concerned with concentration, planning and positive thinking. Meditation is proved to be effective in treating the following medical conditions.

Stress
Drug addiction
Increased blood pressure
Heart diseases
Infertility
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Peptic Ulcer
Sleeplessness
Premenstrual Syndrome
Tension Head ache
Pain relief
Prolongs life span

When many drugs are available for relief of stress, they are also associated with many side effects. Of the various natural methods available, meditation is the simplest one with no serious side effects. Dr. Herbert Benson has done extensive researches on meditation stress relief. The effects seen are evidence based. Various tests done on persons performing meditation showed that there is a relaxation response comprising of

Decrease in heart rate
Decrease in blood pressure
Decrease in anxiety
Decrease in muscle tension
Decreases the accumulation of toxic metabolic products in the body

Though meditation is a natural method to relieve stress, it is not totally devoid of side effects. Studies have shown that the following side effects may occur during prolonged or improper meditation.

Psychosis like symptoms
Depression
Relaxation induced anxiety
Confusion
Disorientation

So it is ideal to do meditation under the guidance and as per instructions of an able teacher. Meditation and stress relief are part of all stress relief programs nowadays and by joining the program also, the side effects can be avoided.

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