Meditation and Wellness Term Paper

Mediation and Wellness

Wellness is a modern concept that is used to describe a holistic view of health and growth in terms of mental, physical and spiritual aspects. "Wellness is a dynamic process of change and growth encompassing your physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, interpersonal, social and environmental well-being. "("WHAT IS WELLNESS?) The purpose of wellness is to achieve the best possible human potential and to lead a more vital life. This includes the physical as well as spiritual, emotional and environmental aspects of human life.

The art and practice of meditation forms part of the concept of wellness, as it can help to facilitate the holistic goals on all levels of human health. Meditation is defined in a broad sense as the " ... experience of relaxing the body, quieting the mind, and awakening the spirit. " (Massage Therapy)

There are numerous types and styles of mediation. However, all meditation has as its foundation the balancing of the human body and psyche in order to achieve a more integrated form of health. Some of the more obvious benefits of meditation include " higher levels of energy, creativity, and spontaneity; lower blood pressure" ( ibid) as well as a decrease in stress, depression and anxiety and a reduction of habitual addictions or cravings. Furthermore, the practice of meditation is also claimed to enhance personal relationships.On a more theoretical level the purpose of meditation is to integrate the mind, body and psyche, so that the human health become more synchronous and focused. Meditation also involves a deepening and extension of consciousness and awareness of oneself and the world around one.

Essential to most meditation techniques are breathing exercises. Many meditation techniques see the control on breathing as a revitalizing force for the entire being. The focus on breathing allows the body to relax as well. Another meditation technique is called guided imagery. Simplistically put, this involves the formation of mind-images that can be conducive to therapy and relaxation. For example, a guide imagery session might include a technique whereby " ... you might be asked to imagine a peaceful, quiet place, or progressive muscle relaxation, where you might focus on relaxing different parts of your body, or creative visualization, where you might imagine your breath as energy. " (Massage Therapy)

The overall goal in meditation is to improve health and facilitate healing, as well as reducing stress and improving composure. There is scientific evidence which attests to the potential benefits of mediation. Positive results have been reported for example with regard to beneficial physiological changes as a result of mediation; for example the reduction in serum cortisol, blood pressure and pulse rate. (Complementary.....