Is Meditation A Useful Form Of Therapy To Cure Stress, Anxiety Disorders And Panic Attacks Or Is It A Waste Of Time?

Is meditation a useful form of  therapy to cure stress,anxiety disorders and panic attacks  or is it a waste of time?

By Dennis Fisher.

There are many people who are very happy indeed with the results they have been able to obtain from meditation.  They say meditation helped them cure their anxiety, stress and frequent panic attacks and brought tranquility, calm and harmony into their lives.There are others, however, who consider meditation to be very much overrated and, as far they are concerned, a waste of time.

 They say they tried various forms of meditation to get rid of anxiety and nervous tension, but found it of no help at all. 

Instead of  benefiting from a feeling of complete relaxation from meditation, they found sitting for long periods every day in the uncomfortable position demanded by the system of meditation they practiced, not only time-consuming  but also physically and mentally tiring.

 If you suffer from stress, anxiety and nervous tension and are considering meditation as a way to relieve your stress without medication, who should you believe?  Whose advice should you follow?  

It’s sometimes difficult to decide.  There are almost as many people dissatisfied with the results they have obtained from meditation as those who speak in glowing terms of the benefits they have managed to obtain.

Why is it that some people have excellent results from meditation and others find it a waste of time?  Is meditation of any value at all?

In order to get a balanced and objective assessment of the value of meditation, it is important to study unbiased reports from prestigious Universities who have carried out detailed studies of meditation.

Clinical proof that meditation really works

 Many reliable, objective studies, carried about by well-known institutions, such as Harvard Medical School, the University of California and prestigious English Universities, provide conclusive proof that meditation, carried out in the correct manner, definitely does relieve stress.  It also results in important beneficial changes in the body. 

 

Study by Professor Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard.

One of many objective investigations to test the validity of claims made for Meditation, was carried out by a well-known Harvard Professor, Dr. Herbert Benson.

Dr. Benson conducted a series of clinical studies at Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. He subsequently published  his findings in his widely-acclaimed  book, “THE RELAXATION RESPONSE”.  

In this book, Dr. Benson confirmed meditation was responsible for definite biochemical changes to the body.  These changes brought about noticeable changes in blood pressure, heart rate and metabolism.

What type of meditation should you use to reduce stress?

Some forms of meditation are relatively simple and easy to follow.  Others are very involved; extremely difficult to follow and take years to master.

There are  a great variety of breathing techniques; different postures to adopt while meditating; different ways to focus  on a single thought and a number of different recommendations how to avoid distracting thoughts that  interfered with concentration.

For the beginner, anxious to choose the most effective type of meditation, one that will provide the maximum health benefits and is also easiest to master in the quickest possible time, the choice can be very confusing.

If it is possible to obtain personal, unbiased advice and a recommendation from someone who has been involved with meditation for a lengthy period, this is always very useful.  If not, it is probably best to try a number of different methods, and then decide which particular technique you are most comfortable with.

After experimenting with a number of different techniques you will find that the most complicated method is not necessarily the most effective. 

There definitely are meditation techniques that are both extremely easy to master and also very effective indeed in helping you cure stress and ending your stress-related anxiety disorders.

Some meditation systems offer free demonstration tapes or videos.  You have the opportunity of trying the particular system of meditation they suggest and judge for yourself whether or not you find it effective.

The particular system of meditation I would like to recommend is one that a great many people have found very effective indeed.  They are convinced it  has been  responsible for ending all symptoms of stress and nervous anxiety and has enabled them to experience a deep sense of calm and harmony in their lives.

To find out more about of this meditation system, which many people  have found so effective  in relieving stress, click MEDITATION POWER.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dennis Fisher has made a detailed study of a great variety of different forms of meditation. The particualr form of meditation he reommends is one about which there have been very many favourable reports. It is easy to follow and not very time-consuming. To find out more about this form of meditation. visit the following site: http://www.expertfreeadvice.com/powerofmeditation.htm

Depression Treatment – Try These Useful Home Remedies for Depression

This Article provides Information on most of the Home Remedies for Depression which are especially recommended by users. First we will discuss about Depression.

People with depression are simply not able to carry on their lives normally. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. When these symptoms become very intense, they start interfering with one’s ability to normally carry out even the daily chores. The person feels unable to do anything about it; other people need to help him out of this depressive situation. Appropriate treatment is required to help most people who suffer from depression.

Symptoms:

The symptoms that help identify depression include:

1) Constant feelings of sadness, irritability.

2) Feeling exhausted most of the time, despite lack of activity.

3) Decreased interest social activities.

4) Significant weight change.

5) A change in sleeping pattern, such as difficulty sleeping or early morning awakening.

6) Lack of confidence.

7) Spends a lot of time thinking about what has gone wrong or what will go wrong.

8) Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

9) Physical pain, which has no apparent physical

10) Thoughts of suicide or death

If you or somebody close to you is experiencing any of these symptoms, you must consult a doctor right away.

What causes depression?

Causes of depression are still unknown, Depression has no single cause – it may result from a combination of things. However, it can be triggered by:

1) Trauma and stress – financial problems, the breakup of a relationship, or the death of a near one can bring in depression.

2) Loss of social support such as the loss of a job

3) Poverty.

4) Physical conditions – chronic illness such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, HIV or cancer

5) Side-effects of medications.

6) Hormonal changes that affect mood, such as the onset or end of menstruation, menopause.

7) Alcohol abuse

8) Hereditary – depression may run in families, and parents may pass on the defective genes.

9) People with low self-esteem, or who are pessimistic.

10) Psychological disorders such as anorexia.

11) Some scientists suggest that overexposure to electro-magnetic smog from computer terminals and kitchen appliances, especially the microwave oven, upset the balance of the body’s own electromagnetic field and leads to depression.

12) Being physically or sexually abused.

13) Family conflicts, especially between parents.

Depression in women

Women are prone to depression twice as compared to men. Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women particularly factors as menstrual cycle, pregnancy, miscarriage, premenstrual syndrome and menopause. Many women also face additional tensions such as responsibilities both at work and home, single parenthood, and caring for children.

How to diagnose depression:

A good diagnostic assessment will include a complete history of the patient’s symptoms, i.e., when it started, how severe they are, are they recurrent, whether any previous treatment was given, if yes, then what treatment. The doctor should enquire about physical abuse or alcohol and drug use. Further, a history should include information about whether other family members have had a depressive illness.

Can depression be treated?

• Yes, depression can be treated.

• About 80% of people treated for depression get better.

• Both medication and therapy can effectively treat depression.

What happens, if depression is left untreated?

Depression if untreated, can affect:

1) Social behaviour, along with normal day to day functioning

2) Self-esteem and confidence

3) Can lead to drug abuse, disruptive behaviours, violence and aggression,

4) Even lead to suicide

Depression is a serious problem that demands a serious medical approach. However, you need to first recognize what is causing it.

How to treat depression?

Most people with depression never seek medical help, even though the majority will respond to treatment. Treating depression is especially important because it affects you, your family, and your work. Depression is a curable illness.

Treatment includes a combination of professional counseling, drug therapy, and family support.

Love, appreciation and normal communication are some of the most important things you should provide to help the person cope with depression. Do not be critical of the person at any stage.

A change in normal lifestyle habits can help reduce symptoms of depression. Encourage the person to:

• Go in for some light exercise regularly, such as swimming, walking.

• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.

• Get a good and refreshing sleep

• Eat a balanced diet.

• Be optimistic. Positive thinking is very important in recovering from depression.

Change will not come overnight – but with the right treatment, you can keep depression from overshadowing your life. Early treatment of depression will bring about the best results. Think positive, recovery will happen, but gradually.

Are anti-depressants helpful?

Many psychiatric drugs have not been satisfactorily tested in patients, so we do not know for sure the risks or the benefits of these medications.

The thumb rule is caution while giving antidepressants – They should be neither a first nor a last resort. If given, anti-depressants should not be stopped abruptly, because it may lead to a withdrawal syndrome that includes dizziness, nausea, seizures and anxiety.

Side effects of anti-depressants:

The side effects vary depending on the drug, but can include:

• Insomnia

• Sleepiness

• Increased anxiety

• Nausea or vomiting

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Weight gain or loss

Beware! Anti depressants can trigger off suicidal behaviour!

Some helpful Home Remedies for Depression –

Home Remedy for Depression is the best solution as it is free from any side effects.

1) Ayurveda recommends yoga, massage and meditation, which increases the energy of life. Yoga exercises help to increase the circulation of oxygen in the system and helps keeps the mind relaxed. Deep breathing exercises or “pranayama” help the body and mind to relax. This is useful Home Remedy for Depression.

2) Try to distract your mind. Listen to your favourite music, do the things you are fond of, eat something good, go out with friends – bring a change in your daily routine, and it will help cope with depression.

3) Aromatherapy helps the body relax and revive the nervous system. Inhalation of some herbal oils like rose, jasmine, lime, and grapefruit are considered a natural remedy for depression.

4) Cashew nuts are extremely beneficial in treating depression, as it is a rich source of vitamin B. It ensures body activeness and energy levels. This is useful Home Remedy for Depression.

5) Take daily walks. Fresh air and deep breathing exercises are both good in aiding relaxation.

Avoid black tea, kava tea, tobacco and alcohol. Eat more wheat germ, which is an energizer. Pears, apples, and nuts assist the nervous system in functioning properly.

TALK TO SOMEONE IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE DEPRESSED…….IT MAY JUST WORK!!

Dr James Sameul is an Ayurvedic doctor having years of experience in the field of Ayurveda and Alternative medicine. Find out more Home Remedies for Depression at http://www.natural-homeremedies.org/

He has an exclusive website on Home Remedies for various diseases. You can also contribute to the Home remedies by visiting the website.