Meditation Background Research has shown that Meditation can contribute to an individual's psychological and physiological well-being. This is accomplished as Meditation brings the brainwave pattern into an alpha state, which is a level of consciousness that promotes the healing state. As discussed in the section "How Meditation Work?", there is scientific evidence that Meditation can reduce blood pressure and relieve pain and stress. In the coming sections we have divided the health benefits of meditation in three parts: (1) physiological benefits; (2) psychological benefits' and (3) spiritual benefits. Physiological Benefits of Meditation " Deep rest-as measured by decreased metabolic rate, lower heart rate, and reduced work load of the heart. " Lowered levels of cortisol and lactate chemicals associated with stress. " Reduce free radicals/unstable oxygen that cause tissue damage. " Decreased high blood pressure. " Higher skin resistance. Low skin resistance is correlated with higher stress. " Drop in cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is associated with cardiovascular disease. " Improved flow of air to the lungs resulting in easier breathing. " Decreases the aging process. " Higher levels of DHEAS in the elderly. An additional sign of youthfulness. Increased brain wave coherence. Psychological Benefits of Meditation " Greater creativity. " Decreased anxiety. " Decreased depression " Decreased irritability and moodiness " Improved learning ability and memory. " Increased self-actualization. " Increased feelings of vitality and rejuvenation. " Increased happiness. " Increased emotional stability. The longer an individual practices meditation, the greater the likelihood that his or her goals and efforts will shift toward personal and spiritual growth. Many individuals who initially learn meditation for its self-regulatory aspects find that as their practice deepens they are drawn more and more into the realm of the "spiritual." In her work with many cancer and AIDS patients, Dr. Borysenko has observed that many are most interested in meditation as a way of becoming more attuned to the spiritual dimension of life. She reports that many die "healed," in a state of compassionate self-awareness and self-acceptance.