Meditation

Meditation is a common mind-body strategy. While there are many types, meditation is any activity in which you control your attention. This mind-body technique helps you achieve a "relaxation response," a term used by Herbert Benson to describe the physical changes tied to a state of relaxation—decreased heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure.

There are two general forms of meditation, each with slightly different methods and goals: concentration meditation and mindfulness meditation. 

Transcendental Meditation

Transcendental meditation—also known as TM—is one of the most popular types of concentration meditation. It is a stress reduction and healing practice that is a part of a healing system called Maharishi Ayur-Veda. It was introduced to the West by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

When practicing TM, you do not change your personal beliefs, philosophy, diet or physical activity. Instead, attention is focused on one thing—typically the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body or on a mantra, a sound or phrase that is repeated silently. This is known as the "one-pointed" method of meditation.

You are asked to maintain a passive attitude throughout the meditation practice. If you have distracting thoughts or images, you disregard them and focus instead on your mantra or breath. Sit in a comfortable position to minimize physical effort during meditation. For best results, it is suggested that you meditate twice daily for 20 minutes. The goal of TM is to develop a "transcendent" state of restful alertness.

Mindfulness meditation and guided imagery