Author, philosopher and trailblazer Ilchi Lee has been saying for years that meditation exercises are key to strengthening the mind and improving a connection between individuals' mental, physical and spiritual aspects.
Now, researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles conducted a study which suggests that he may be right, since a new study reveals that people who meditate and continue to do so throughout their lives have stronger connections in their brain regions and experience less cognitive decline, when compared to the general population.
Study author Eileen Luders said that long-term meditators have more robust fiber connections throughout their brains, which were observed using an imaging technique.
"Meditation, however, might not only cause changes in brain anatomy by inducing growth but also by preventing reduction," Luders said. "That is, if practiced regularly and over years, meditation may slow down aging-related brain atrophy, perhaps by positively affecting the immune system."
Previous research has suggested that meditation exercises are effective in helping relieve the effects of intense stress and anxiety. The results of this study suggest that such positive health benefits may be attributed to the direct effects that meditation has on the body's most important organ: the brain.
Ilchi Lee believes that yoga meditation may be especially beneficial, since it utilizes the body and the mind. Individuals who can find the strength to align their physical and mental aspects by pushing out negative thoughts or worries from the mind and immersing their whole selves into their practice may find the most success in the end.
A clear mind is the path to well-being and fulfillment. Extensive research has suggested that meditation exercises are a powerful, non-pharmaceutical way to achieve this.
