History

• Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and is prevalent in the world's great religions. Research is being conducted on how meditation improves health and influences brain function.
  
  

Types

• Meditation types include mindfulness/awareness (focus on object/insight), contemplative (focus on a prayer or concept), transcendental (focus on mantra), visualization (focus on symbolic mental image), walking (focus on feet touching floor), body-scan (body awareness), loving-kindness (cultivate love) and tonglen (cultivate compassion).
  
  

Effects

• Meditation can reduce stress, improve health and immune function, increase empathy, and deepen spiritual connection.
  
  

Considerations

• Individuals can determine the meditation best suited to personal goals, religious affiliation, physical condition and time commitment.
  
  

Expert Insight

• Meditation involves one-pointed focus on an object, whether it's the breath, a prayer, body awareness, a contemplation or a physical object. Repeatedly placing the mind's attention on an object can lead to insight and wisdom.