The Types and Benefits of Meditation

The Types and Benefits of Meditation Meditation Print The Types and Benefits of Meditation By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on November 17, 2019 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD Updated on February 20, 2020 Javier Snchez Mingorance/ Getty Images More in Self-Improvement Meditation Happiness Stress Management Spirituality Holistic Health Inspiration Brain Health Technology Relationships View All There are a number of different things that people can do to alter their states of consciousness, from practicing hypnosis to using psychoactive drugs to taking a nap. While some methods, like drug use, can be harmful, others, including hypnosis, sleep, and meditation can have a positive impact on health. Meditation is also a consciousness-changing technique that has been shown to have a wide number of benefits on psychological well-being.?? What Exactly Is Meditation? Meditation can be defined as a set of techniques that are intended to encourage a heightened state of awareness and focused attention. Some key things to note about meditation: Meditation has been practiced in cultures all over the world for thousands of yearsNearly every religion, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, has a tradition of using meditative practicesWhile meditation is often used for religious purposes, many people practice it independently of any religious or spiritual practicesMeditation can also be used as a psychotherapeutic techniqueThere are many different types of meditation Types of Meditation Meditation can take on many different forms, but there are two main types: concentrative meditation and mindfulness meditation. How do these two forms of meditation differ? In concentrative meditation, you focus all of your attention on a specific object while tuning out everything else around you. The goal is to really experience whatever you are focusing on, whether its your breath, a specific word or a mantra, in order to reach a higher state of being.Mindfulness meditation includes, among others, both  mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). Mindfulness can target different issues, such as depression, which means that its focus may be different from practice to practice. Overall, it involves the state of being aware of and involved in the present moment and making yourself open, aware and accepting.   The Effects and Benefits of Meditation Research has shown that meditation can have both physiological and psychological effects. Some of the positive physiological effects include a lowered state of physical arousal, reduced respiration rate, decreased heart rate, changes in brain wave patterns and lowered stress.?? Some of the other psychological, emotional, and health-related benefits of meditation include: Increased self-awarenessBetter stress management skillsImproved emotional well-beingBetter management of symptoms of conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, sleep disorders, pain issues, and high blood pressureImprovement in working memory and fluid intelligenceChanges in different aspects of attention Consciousness is often likened to a stream, shifting and changing smoothly as it passes over the terrain. Meditation is one deliberate means of changing the course of this stream, and in turn, altering how you perceive and respond to the world around you. While experts do not yet fully understand exactly how meditation works, research has clearly demonstrated that meditative techniques can have a range of positive effects on overall health and psychological well-being.