Meditation can reduce High Blood Pressure

Researches have now indicated that those who are spiritually inclined have lower Blood Pressure than those who are not. Meditation (even simple prayers) can be allotted a few minutes time in one’s busy schedule and lower blood pressure can be added as one among the reasons to say prayers or to meditate.
A recent study conducted on 5300 Americans-Africans by the American Society of Hypertension, in New York City reveal that meditation and prayers can help in lowering blood pressure, and integration of spirituality, religion and meditation when brought into regular life, helps in delaying the harmful effects of hypertension. The study was conducted on 5,302 Africans between the age group of 35 to 85. The participants who had a blood pressure reading of 140/90 and above, and those who were already under medication were questioned regarding their involvement in meditation, spirituality and religious activities. They were also questioned whether they turned towards meditation and spirituality in times of stress. The findings revealed that meditation and spirituality weighs heavily on the positive results of the group with high blood pressure.
Another interesting finding in the study conducted was that individuals who were engaged in meditation and spirituality had lower levels of Cortisol (the stress hormone) in comparison to those who were not. This also revealed a new pathway which indicates lower stress, lower blood pressure and meditation and spirituality are definitely interlinked.

Yoga for Depression

Yoga practitioners are of the belief that yoga is the separation of one’s self from source. The postures, meditation and breathing exercises that are involved in Yoga, helps in building positive mental health. Through regular practice of yoga, the barriers that separate one’s self from source will be stripped off. Patanjali, in his Yoga sutras, state that the inner obstacles in the mind, lead to mental distraction, which further leads to depression. These can be removed through Pranayama, Asanas and meditation.
Meditation and yoga postures, help in finding the root cause of depression, increasing blood circulation and eliminating lethargy which is often associated with depression. However, individuals suffering severe depression and other mental disorders should be treated by medical professionals, and yoga practice can be used as a supplementary therapy.  
The following relaxation exercises helps in relieving symptoms of depression. They can be tried lying in the Corpse Pose. Tighten the muscles of the knees, ankles, feet, calves and toes while simultaneously inhaling through nose, hold on and exhale and relax. Then tighten abdomen, thighs, hips and pelvis, while inhaling simultaneously and relax and exhale. Next tighten the muscles of neck, arms, shoulders, waist, elbows, chest, hands and fingers and then relax and exhale. Finally, beginning with the scalp, head and face, tighten all the muscles of the body, while simultaneously inhaling, hold on and then relax and exhale with a feeling that all the tension has evaporated away from the body.  
Pranayama (In particular Ujjayi Pranayama) is also a recommended therapy for depression. Certain other Yoga Asanas like The Bow pose, Corpse Pose, Sun Salutation, Shoulder Stand, Plow Pose, Vajrasana are also recommended for alleviating depression.