Last Updated on November 13, 2024 by Erin Blair
Meditation is often associated with mental and emotional wellbeing, but its benefits extend to physical health as well. In this blog, Greencare Wellness Expert and Meditation Teacher Soelae Riley explores five ways meditation may support physical health.
- Meditation May Help Reduce Physical Stress
Chronic stress is widely understood to impact physical health. Research suggests that managing stress is an important part of supporting physical health. Practicing meditation may lower levels of stress hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline, which in turn can benefit overall wellness and contribute to maintaining healthy blood pressure.
- Meditation May Support Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular health is central to overall wellness. Studies suggest that meditation techniques, such as Transcendental and Vedic meditation, can positively influence heart health by supporting healthy blood pressure and promoting relaxation, which are beneficial for cardiovascular function.
- Meditation May Improve Sleep Quality
A regular meditation practice can also support sleep, contributing to better rest quality and duration. This improved rest can positively influence both mental and physical wellness, helping support healthy blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and promote immune function.
- Meditation May Aid Digestion
Meditation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, or the “rest and digest” response. Through this activation, meditation may support gut health and digestion by promoting relaxation, which can help the body manage inflammation and improve metabolism.
- Meditation May Help Strengthen the Immune System
Reducing stress can support immune health, and meditation’s influence on stress reduction may play a role here. Some studies have found that meditation can help reduce markers of inflammation and support telomere activity, potentially contributing to immune resilience.
Regular meditation may help support both mental and physical wellness, offering benefits that range from reduced stress and improved immune health to better digestion and sleep. Why not consider adding meditation to your weekly routine and see the benefits over time? To learn more about how regular meditation can support your health, or to book a one-on-one session with Soelae, please click here.
This information is intended as a general overview and not as a substitute for professional medical advice. For individual health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
