How Meditation Affects the Clinical Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Disorders

When it comes to the health benefits of meditation, opinions immediately diverge. But researchers are now inclined to think that such practice should be implemented in hospitals and schools, and included in recommendations for the treatment of various diseases.

The influence of meditation on certain human organs

Not so long ago, a study conducted at the Harvard Hospital, determined that in just eight weeks, meditation literally restores gray matter in the cerebral cortex. This study was the first to officially confirm that meditation can bring about changes of this kind. Soon, scientists conducted another study, according to which meditation can affect the clinical symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders - irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases. The study showed that the state of relaxation is of great help.

Importance of research

Given both studies and all the documented benefits of meditation for human health, this should be the impetus for studying the effect of relaxation on a wider range of diseases.

First of all, it concerns a wider group of patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Several studies have shown that stress management techniques and other psychological techniques can help patients with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), at least in the short term. At the same time, evidence for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease is less obvious, although some studies have shown potential benefits. Thus, the human mind is able to control inflammatory factors that play an important role in the onset of IBS, and possibly inflammation of the intestine.

IBS and intestinal inflammation are chronic diseases that cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and changes in bowel function, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (which leads to severe GI inflammation). It has been scientifically proven that stress intensifies these symptoms, so the study of meditation is of great importance.

Several studies confirm that the regular practice of meditation directly affects physiological factors, such as oxygen consumption, heart rate, blood pressure, and stress and anxiety. For the first time this influence was described more than 40 years ago by Herbert Benson.

Ways of meditation

A common misconception about meditation is that you have to sit in a certain way or do something to maximize the benefits. In fact, all you have to do is take the most convenient position for you. You can sit cross-legged, lie on the bed or just sit on the couch - the main thing is that you feel comfortable. Although there is no doubt that a certain position allows energy to flow more freely through your body, but convenience is of paramount importance.

Your thoughts

Also, this should not be an attempt to "purify your mind". It is, according to the authors of the study, the "unbiased awareness of the sensations, feelings and state of mind." Let the thoughts, feelings and emotions that you have appear freely flow. Reconcile with all that you are experiencing.

In addition, meditation is also a state of consciousness. You can do it while you are walking, or, for example, before going to bed. Throughout the day you can let your thoughts freely appear, as is done during meditation, and also stay in a state of peace and self-knowledge. So, contrary to popular belief, there is more than one way of meditation.