Meditation

Written and Reviewed by Ralph Miller, meditator and teacher for 20 years. Editor: Sahar Miller. Last updated: October 29, 2020.

Meditation is the practice of turning your focus inward.

According to researchers Qiang Gu, et al, meditation is a form of mental training that aims to improve your core psychological capacities, such as attentional and emotional self-regulation.

There are three core components of meditation practice: 

1. Attention control
2. Emotion regulation
3. Self-awareness

Types of Meditation

There are many types of meditation to choose from, including:

• Chakra meditation
• Focused attention
• Guided visualization
• Loving-kindness meditation
• Mantra meditation
• Mindfulness meditation
• Movement meditation
  • Hatha Yoga
  • Tai Chi
  • QiGong (Chi Kung)
• Progressive relaxation
• Spiritual meditation
  • Buddhist Meditation
  • Christian Meditation
  • Hindu Meditation
  • Sufi Meditation
  • Zen Meditation
• Sound meditation
• Transcendental meditation
• Vipassana meditation

What Conditions Can Meditation Be Used For?

The NCCAM recognizes meditation to be used for the following conditions:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Pain
• Headaches
• High Blood Pressure
• Insomnia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Smoking Cessation
• Ulcerative Colitis

Side Effects

While meditation is generally considered safe for most people, physical limitations may affect your ability to sit in certain meditation postures taught in various meditation traditions.

Additionally, meditation may worsen psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety or depression. If you have an existing mental health conditions, speak with their doctor or health care provider before starting a meditative practice.

References