Meditation and cardiovascular risk reduction
Most people think of meditation as a relaxation technique, but it can also be a powerful tool to protect your heart. Numerous studies have highlighted meditation’s beneficial effects on heart health. Let’s explore how meditating can influence key heart health indicators like blood pressure and provide practical tips for incorporating it into your routine.
Reduces anxiety and related heart health risks
Regular meditation has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety, which has serious benefits for your heart health. Long-term, recurring anxiety is associated with a 41% higher risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular mortality. Anxiety can cause fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rhythm, and in extreme cases, even heart attacks. It can also lead to inflammation, which damages the linings of the arteries and sets the stage for coronary plaque buildup, a known precursor to heart disease.
Enhances heart rate variability (HRV)
Research has revealed that meditation can improve heart rate variability (HRV), which reflects the body’s ability to adapt to stress and environmental factors. A higher HRV is associated with better cardiovascular resilience and reduced risk of heart-related events.
Reduces stress hormones
Meditation can lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol. High levels of cortisol in the blood over time can have harmful effects on the cardiovascular system.
Potentially improves endothelial function
Some studies suggest that meditation improves the function of the endothelium, the lining inside blood vessels. A healthier endothelium means better blood flow and reduced risk of atherosclerosis.
Lowers blood pressure
Regular meditation has been shown to significantly lower blood pressure, which is a key factor in heart disease risk. This is especially relevant for those with high blood pressure (hypertension). Meditation can be an effective complementary approach to conventional treatments.
How much can meditation lower blood pressure?
The amount that meditation can lower your blood pressure depends on factors like the type and frequency of meditation, your baseline blood pressure, and your overall lifestyle. One study showed that participants who meditated regularly lowered their systolic blood pressure by an average of 5 mmHg and their diastolic pressure by around 3 mmHg. These improvements are similar to the benefits you’d get from lifestyle changes like regular exercise or maintaining a healthy weight.
Just one meditation session can provide results
While most research on meditation for heart health focuses on regular, sustained practice, an exciting new study suggests that just one hour-long session offers significant cardiovascular benefits. Participants in the study exhibited a lowered resting heart rate and reduction in aortic pulsatile load (the change in blood pressure between heartbeats) one hour after meditating. They also reported sustained reductions in anxiety levels one week after the meditation session.
How to start using meditation for cardiovascular health
If you’re new to meditation, start small with short sessions of five to 10 minutes and gradually increase as you get more comfortable with the practice. Experiment with different styles to find which works best for you. Combine meditation with other heart-healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise, walking, swimming, and yoga. Monitor your progress by keeping track of changes in your stress levels, blood pressure, and overall sense of well-being.
Meditation is a valuable tool to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Incorporating it into your daily routine, along with other heart-healthy habits, is a simple and impactful way to protect your health and keep your heart going strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is alternative medicine important
Alternative medicines are more popular than traditional ones because they’re usually cheaper and healthier. There have been cases in which patients have died from side effects, such as allergic reactions, after receiving these treatments. Other therapies might not work.
Alternative medicines can also be dangerous if you don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. Vitamin supplements aren’t controlled as pharmaceuticals so it is easy to get too high on vitamins. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Is it Evidence-based
Although evidence for complementary and other medicine is still being developed, there are many benefits to these treatments. They might have tried other treatments, but they were ineffective. Or they may prefer to try alternative therapies because they offer more benefits than traditional care. As part of a holistic approach, they might look for complementary and alternate medicines. Always verify with your doctor that the scientific backing of any complementary or alternative medicines you use is supported. If you’re unsure whether a particular treatment is effective, ask your doctor or pharmacist. It can save you both time and money.
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care distinguishes itself from Alternative Medicine because Holistic Health Care focuses on the whole person instead of just treating symptoms.
Holistic Health Care addresses all aspects of an individual’s life: mental, physical, psychological, spiritual, occupational, cultural and family.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address such issues. It doesn’t address these issues.
Statistics
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
cam.cancer.gov
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine – A systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving acupuncture for insomnia treatment
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The Rise and Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Sociological Perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic Medicine – PubMed
How To
What are the Pros and Cons of Holistic Medical?
Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the importance mind, body, spirit and environment in the healing process. The concept was developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), in the late 19th century. His first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (in 1924), is his first. Simple techniques like meditation, visualization, hypnosis, and visualization were used by him. People with stress, anxiety, depression or pain experienced this treatment. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
Although holistic therapies are still practiced today, they have lost popularity because of the lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some studies have shown that holistic therapies can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, bone fractures, and obesity.
Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A small number of well-designed randomized controlled trials, (RCTs), evaluate the health benefits of holistic treatments. Positive results are most common in observational studies.
- Low cost compared to conventional medicine. Some alternative medicines are cheaper than traditional ones, especially when the patient follows a natural diet.
- Patients are not under any pressure to adhere to the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors will recommend complementary treatments, even if they are not prescribed.
- Holistic therapies are often used in combination with conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture is usually done along with medication or surgery.
- Alternative therapies are believed to be more effective than conventional medicine.
- Alternative drugs are considered more natural and less harmful than traditional drugs.
- Many patients use complementary treatments to complement their lifestyle changes. They want to feel healthy and enjoy life.
- Patients who use holistic treatments are generally healthier.
- Older adults are increasingly turning to holistic treatments.
- It is important to conduct more research on complementary therapies.
- Studies have shown that the majority of people would rather try alternative treatments than see a doctor.
- Doctors should understand that not every patient will benefit from alternative treatment.
- Holistic treatments must be an integral part of culture and education.
- Holistic treatments may not always be safe for everyone.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments are not just for hippies.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Holistic treatments can sometimes be dangerous.
- Specific conditions may benefit from holistic treatment.
- Holistic therapies are highly effective.
- Holistic treatments use ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments can be easy to learn.
- Holistic treatments are difficult to learn.
- It can be hard to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be quite expensive.
- Holistic treatments are less expensive than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatments tend to be more expensive that conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief Historical Overview
Holistic medicine is a method of healing that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. It encompasses all aspects of the person, such as their mental, physical, spiritual, occupational, cultural, and social influences. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.
Bastyr University established the first holistic school of medicine in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine grew after Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” was published in 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
Holistic medicine was named by the World Health Organization as one of the five most important trends in healthcare. This trend integrates conventional care with complementary therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture or herbalism, massage, therapy, reiki, yoga and meditation. This integration aims to provide safe, effective, patient-centered care while minimizing side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine works as a result of an interconnected mind-body-spirit. When any of these three parts are out of balance, illness occurs. For example:
Stress and anxiety can cause you to become anxious and tense. Cortisol is a hormone which increases inflammation. This causes you to feel weak and tired.
Negative emotions can cause you to feel anger, fear and grief. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If left untreated, this stress causes your body to produce adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline stimulates your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones can cause muscle tension, fatigue, headaches (dizziness), insomnia, anxiety and depression, among other health problems.
A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. A lack of self-esteem and confidence can also lead to low self-esteem. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationship patterns, and low energy. Your spirit will make you feel happy, cheerful, peaceful, optimistic, and positive.
Difference between allopathic and alternative medicine
Allopathic medicine relies on scientific methods. To diagnose patients, doctors use x-rays and MRIs as well as CAT scans and other technologies. When necessary, they prescribe medication and perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they know what is happening inside the human body and how to treat illnesses. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. People call it natural or integrative medicine. Other names include traditional medicine and naturopathic medicines.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Meditation for Heart Health: The Link Between Meditation and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/mindfulness/meditation-may-help-anxiety-and-cardiovascular-health/
Published Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2024 02:56:42 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is alternative medicine important
Alternative medicines are more popular than traditional ones because they’re usually cheaper and healthier. There have been cases in which patients have died from side effects, such as allergic reactions, after receiving these treatments. Other therapies might not work.
Alternative medicines can also be dangerous if you don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. Vitamin supplements aren’t controlled as pharmaceuticals so it is easy to get too high on vitamins. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Is it Evidence-based
Although evidence for complementary and other medicine is still being developed, there are many benefits to these treatments. They might have tried other treatments, but they were ineffective. Or they may prefer to try alternative therapies because they offer more benefits than traditional care. As part of a holistic approach, they might look for complementary and alternate medicines. Always verify with your doctor that the scientific backing of any complementary or alternative medicines you use is supported. If you’re unsure whether a particular treatment is effective, ask your doctor or pharmacist. It can save you both time and money.
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care distinguishes itself from Alternative Medicine because Holistic Health Care focuses on the whole person instead of just treating symptoms.
Holistic Health Care addresses all aspects of an individual’s life: mental, physical, psychological, spiritual, occupational, cultural and family.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address such issues. It doesn’t address these issues.
Statistics
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
cam.cancer.gov
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine – A systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving acupuncture for insomnia treatment
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The Rise and Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Sociological Perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic Medicine – PubMed
How To
What are the Pros and Cons of Holistic Medical?
Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the importance mind, body, spirit and environment in the healing process. The concept was developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), in the late 19th century. His first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (in 1924), is his first. Simple techniques like meditation, visualization, hypnosis, and visualization were used by him. People with stress, anxiety, depression or pain experienced this treatment. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
Although holistic therapies are still practiced today, they have lost popularity because of the lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some studies have shown that holistic therapies can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, bone fractures, and obesity.
Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A small number of well-designed randomized controlled trials, (RCTs), evaluate the health benefits of holistic treatments. Positive results are most common in observational studies.
- Low cost compared to conventional medicine. Some alternative medicines are cheaper than traditional ones, especially when the patient follows a natural diet.
- Patients are not under any pressure to adhere to the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors will recommend complementary treatments, even if they are not prescribed.
- Holistic therapies are often used in combination with conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture is usually done along with medication or surgery.
- Alternative therapies are believed to be more effective than conventional medicine.
- Alternative drugs are considered more natural and less harmful than traditional drugs.
- Many patients use complementary treatments to complement their lifestyle changes. They want to feel healthy and enjoy life.
- Patients who use holistic treatments are generally healthier.
- Older adults are increasingly turning to holistic treatments.
- It is important to conduct more research on complementary therapies.
- Studies have shown that the majority of people would rather try alternative treatments than see a doctor.
- Doctors should understand that not every patient will benefit from alternative treatment.
- Holistic treatments must be an integral part of culture and education.
- Holistic treatments may not always be safe for everyone.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments are not just for hippies.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Holistic treatments can sometimes be dangerous.
- Specific conditions may benefit from holistic treatment.
- Holistic therapies are highly effective.
- Holistic treatments use ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments can be easy to learn.
- Holistic treatments are difficult to learn.
- It can be hard to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be quite expensive.
- Holistic treatments are less expensive than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatments tend to be more expensive that conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief Historical Overview
Holistic medicine is a method of healing that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. It encompasses all aspects of the person, such as their mental, physical, spiritual, occupational, cultural, and social influences. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.
Bastyr University established the first holistic school of medicine in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine grew after Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” was published in 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
Holistic medicine was named by the World Health Organization as one of the five most important trends in healthcare. This trend integrates conventional care with complementary therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture or herbalism, massage, therapy, reiki, yoga and meditation. This integration aims to provide safe, effective, patient-centered care while minimizing side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine works as a result of an interconnected mind-body-spirit. When any of these three parts are out of balance, illness occurs. For example:
Stress and anxiety can cause you to become anxious and tense. Cortisol is a hormone which increases inflammation. This causes you to feel weak and tired.
Negative emotions can cause you to feel anger, fear and grief. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If left untreated, this stress causes your body to produce adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline stimulates your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones can cause muscle tension, fatigue, headaches (dizziness), insomnia, anxiety and depression, among other health problems.
A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. A lack of self-esteem and confidence can also lead to low self-esteem. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationship patterns, and low energy. Your spirit will make you feel happy, cheerful, peaceful, optimistic, and positive.
Difference between allopathic and alternative medicine
Allopathic medicine relies on scientific methods. To diagnose patients, doctors use x-rays and MRIs as well as CAT scans and other technologies. When necessary, they prescribe medication and perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they know what is happening inside the human body and how to treat illnesses. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. People call it natural or integrative medicine. Other names include traditional medicine and naturopathic medicines.
