MEDITATION

Meditation is a technique of relaxation. Science has only recently discovered that the mind and body functions as a complete working unit. It is firmly believed by all eastern philosophers and holistic medical practitioners since times immemorial.

But it took the new science of psychoneuro immunology to convince the medical establishment that mental activity has a direct effect on the body and vice versa. This is particularly important with regard to stress and relaxation.

Relaxation can slow down the heart rate, lower blood pressure and regulate breathing and the metabolic rate. It reduces adrenaline levels and allows the immune system to function more efficiently. This is because the body's two defence systems the alarm and immune work together to ensure our survival.

The alarm system is the body's fight or flight system which is mobilized by stress. It reacts quickly to stress, increasing adrenaline level to make us run from a threat or stand and fight. When the threat is passed our adrenaline levels should return to normal, but under constant stress, they rarely get the chance. Consequently the body feels as if it is under constant attack.

This feeling of continued pressure has a knock out effect on the immune system, which protects us from diseases and relies on good nutrition and positive mental attitude for strengths. An alarm system on constant alert over stimulates the immune system so it can not distinguish between real and presumed threats and so diseases take hold.

Shri. Sakrikar says that stress is normal part of life, but we must learn to keep an watchful eye to control it. The key of controlling it is relaxation. The stresses of the day, the criticisms, disappointments and anger stay locked inside causing anxiety, frustrations, depressions and muscle tensions.

At Rudra holistic center, meditation sessions is the most regular feature. Shri Sakrikar promotes the patients to help themselves. He says true relaxation is a healing process that focuses on calming the mind and body and eventually tuning it up. It involves turning one's attention inward, the blissful state of being. Relaxation is an acquired skill, when practiced and studied carefully and correctly it in itself has tremendous therapeutic value which prevents diseases and increases feeling of well being.