Meditation Fights Cancer and Promotes Longevity

Posted on 3/19/2012 4:29:08 PM in #Health | 0 comments comments

Calmly meditating produces exciting, beneficial effects on
your body. It can protect your DNA against cancer-promoting genetic
developments and free you from everyday stresses and distractions. That’s why
meditation is one of the most powerful, but often neglected, tools for
maintaining optimal health.

Physical Vitality

Most of us don’t think of meditation as being important in
maintaining physical vitality. We know that healthy diet, proper
supplementation, regular exercise, and a positive social support system are
important for our health on all levels — physical, emotional, psychological, and
spiritual. However, despite these healthy habits, many of us still struggle
with managing our stress levels. Science is proving over and over that chronic
stress can be deadly, contributing to our most serious health conditions.

This direct mind-body connection is something that Eastern
philosophies have taught for millennia, and recent research has supplied us
with a revealing new technical perspective. Clinical studies demonstrate that
chronic stress may have a profound effect on our DNA by shortening our DNA
telomeres. Telomere deterioration puts us at higher risk of developing cancer
and other harmful conditions. The good news: There’s an ancient and well-known
mind-body practice which is now proving successful in physically repairing this
telomere DNA damage, while restoring peace of mind at the same time. What is
this practice? Simple meditation.

What Are Telomeres?

Our genes are located on twisted, double-stranded molecules
of DNA called chromosomes. At the ends of the chromosomes are stretches of DNA
called telomeres. These are essentially caps that protect our genetic data,
allow for cells to divide properly and reflect how we age. Similar to the
plastic covers on the ends of shoelaces, telomeres protect chromosomes from
fraying due to aging, poor health and environmental influences. Telomeres are
shortened every time the cells divide; and when they become too short, the
cells are not able to divide properly. While researchers are already aware that
telomeres shorten and deteriorate with aging, new studies demonstrate that
chronic stress also contributes to their reduction. Further research shows that
as telomeres shrink, cancer risk grows.

Meditation Protects Telomeres

The inevitable wear and tear of your telomeres cannot be
halted altogether, but it can certainly be delayed and even reversed through
the activation of a key enzyme called telomerase. Telomerase protects the ends of telomeres from weakening
and fraying. So how do you reap the benefits of this super-charged enzyme?
Studies show that psychological changes associated with regular meditation improve your ability to cope with stress and contribute to
increased telomerase activity.

Simple Practice for Beginners

If
you’re not sure how to begin meditating, studies show that even just 10 minutes
a day can provide significant mental, emotional and physical health benefits.
Here’s a simple technique to get you started: Simply sit quietly and focus your
attention, as well as your breathing, on a particular object such as a small
stone. As thoughts and emotions arise, simply acknowledge and release them,
bringing your attention back to your breath. As your practice unfolds, you may
find that there is more and more space between your internal monologues,
allowing for a sense of openness and freedom from everyday stresses and
distractions. This is where the meditation and healing process truly begins.
Initially, you should notice tangible benefits like better mental focus,
improved emotional balance and increased energy.

Meditation and Healing Retreat

My own two-year meditation sabbatical has been
profound for me, and it is my deepest desire to share what I have learned during
my upcoming meditation and healing retreat, this April 2012. This retreat will offer a rare, in-depth opportunity to learn and experience my
techniques for deepening the mind-body connection and facilitating long-lasting
regeneration and healing.

My retreat will feature:

·        
Daily interactive workshops sharing unique methods and tools
for healing, transformation and regeneration

·        
Daily guided meditation sessions specific to healing

·        
Healing sessions woven into the meditation practices,
including short individual hands-on healing with support from the entire group

·        
Daily yoga and Qi Gong classes which will emphasize the
connections between posture, movement, breathing, meditation and our specific
detoxification organs and channels

·        
Delicious, fresh organic meals

·        
Time for rest, reflection and immersion in a gorgeous natural
setting highlighting the beauty of the spring season

During
this retreat, I will guide participants through the practical aspects of
meditation and healing, based on my extensive experience in the field combined
with insights and techniques I’ve gained from years of dedicated meditation
practice.

Meditation Can Benefit Anyone