The scientists: Meditation saves from flu and cold

Meditation for health – Meditation saves from flu and cold

Scientists have discovered an interesting health-related detail that yogis and Buddhists have known perfectly well for thousands of years. Meditation has been scientifically proven to boost immunity and help people who practice it successfully protect themselves from colds and flu.

Specialists explain that regular meditation can make it absolutely unnecessary to take vitamins and medications against the viral infections common in the autumn-winter period.

This was proven by a special study conducted by a group of specialists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. They observed two groups of adult volunteers who meditated or performed moderately intense exercise for eight weeks. The balance showed that they suffered much less often from colds and viral diseases than a third group of people who did neither of the two activities. A previous study by the same scientists showed that the meditation improves mood, lowers stress levels and improves immune system function.

About 150 people, divided into three groups, took part in the new study. The first group focused mainly on meditation, practicing the technique regularly for eight weeks. During the same period of time, the volunteers in the second group had to regularly exercise and run. Nor with meditation, nor did the participants in the third group of the study play sports. It itself was held from September to May - a period during which the frequency of colds and flu increases sharply. Study participants were monitored for such symptoms as runny nose, stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing and sore throat.

The study showed that meditators missed 76% fewer work days from September to May due to a virus or cold than people in the third group, who did neither sports nor meditative practices.

The "running" volunteers also appeared to be healthier than the "doing nothing", as they missed 48% fewer working days than the third group. It was also found that meditators and sportsmen who did get sick with the flu or a cold coped with the illness much easier and faster than the others. For example - if the disease lasted eight days for the people of the third group, then for those of the first and second it passed in only five days. Therefore, if you want to be healthier and take less medicine, start with meditation and sports, the scientists advise.

Here is a link to Milena Goleva's magnificent collection of guided meditations