The Positive Effects Of Meditation & Brain Entrainment On Your Body's Chemistry

Meditation has been scientifically proven to aid in the release of healthy chemicals into the blood stream. These are listed below, along with descriptions of their effects on the body/mind. The propagation of these chemicals can be achieved with the addition of brain entrainment, which assists in the process of reaching progressively deeper states of consciousness.

MELATONIN

This is a hormone produced by your brain's pineal gland, from the amino-acid tryptophan. Just prior to bedtime, melatonin levels in the blood reach their peak - and this ensures a night of restful sleep. Melatonin has also revealed itself to be an effective antioxidant.

Stress however, has a significant impact in lowering melatonin levels. A person who meditates is able to maintain healthy levels of melatonin, and thus dramatically reduce stress. This lack of stress ensures a better night's sleep, and a greater feeling of refreshment and vitality in the morning.

SEROTONIN

Serotonin is one of the body's fundamental neurotransmitters and has a great influence over mood and behaviour. A serotonin deficiency leads to symptoms such as headaches, depression, fibromyalgia, and sleep disorders.

Medical products are not recommended, unless you are suffering from a chronic case of depression. For the longer term however, it would be wiser to modify your dietary intake to include foods which promote serotonin release.

GABA

Meditators generally have heightened levels of this neurotransmitter. GABA - gamma amino butyric acid - is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and its function is to stabilize mood disorders. Inadequate levels of GABA lead to anxiety, insomnia and epilepsy. Addictions to alcohol, tobacco, caffeine also signify a GABA deficiency.

HGH

Regular practice of deep meditation boosts levels of HGH (human growth hormone), which is a natural product of the body, and sustains your organs and tissues throughout the duration of your life. HGA production gradually declines during your 40s, and the result of this is ageing, a decrease in bone density and muscle mass, an increase in body fat, lowered mood, and a weakening of the cardiovascular system. When it comes to overall health and wellbeing, HGH is a very important hormone.

DHEA

A DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) deficiency can lead to a greater risk of cancer, heart attack, diabetes and arthritis. On the flipside, a healthy level of this hormone can boost memory, alleviate depression, and create a great sense of well-being.

ENDORPHINS

Endorphins are neurotransmitters which act as the body's natural pain killer. They help fight cancer, reduce blood pressure and are responsible for that feeling of happiness and well-being. Gym enthusiasts know endorphins well, as they produce what is known as the 'runner's high'. These feelings are also felt by those who meditate - research shows that this is due to the heightened level of endorphin release that meditation evokes.

CORTISOL

So far we have only discussed hormones that we wish to propagate within our systems. Cortisol is a hormone we want less of, as it is has age-accelerating properties, and prolonged levels within the bloodstream have effects such as decreased bone density, high blood pressure, suppressed thyroid function, chronic-stress, lowered cognitive awareness, blood imbalances and poor immunity. Meditation has been proven to dramatically decrease its production.