Meditation is an age old healing and stress relieving modality practiced throughout the world, in virtually all cultures and all religions, although it may go by different names - prayer, visualization, relaxation techniques, and hypnosis; they are all forms of the same practice.

Meditation refers to "taking a break" from real life. Its goal is to bring about a sense of relaxation to the mind, body and spirit. For some, it helps to connect them to their higher self, others connect to the Universal life force and still others use meditation to get away from reality for a few minutes.

In fact, it's been found that meditation is not just merely a "taking break"; there are a multitude of physiological changes that take place when a person meditates. As a sampling, and by no means all inclusive, the following conditions can benefit from regular use of meditation:

Addictions, stress relief, pain management, hypertension, PMS, fibromyalgia, headaches, migraines and insomnia.

Other more serious and life threatening diseases such as heart disease, AIDS, autoimmune conditions and cancer may also benefit from the regular practice of meditation.

Research shows that when a person meditates there is an increase in immune function, a decrease in heart rate, a lowering of cholesterol levels and a decrease in levels of stress hormones.

Among its psychological benefits, meditation is helpful in patients with depression and panic attacks. Some have found it useful in repressed memories and past life regression therapy as well.

Once an individual learns how to meditate and experiences the benefits associated with slowing down, taking time out for oneself, and the healing potential, it's easy to use this modality anywhere and anytime. Meditation takes deep concentration and focus when first learning but the ease at which a person can transition into a meditative state increases as they improve and continue to practice.

Rachel Dayer runs and operates http://www.mustask.com, a health related portal.