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.
