Abstract

Background: Meditation has a number of positive effects on physiology of human body. It has shown to reduce blood pressure, heart rate and serum cholesterol levels thus reducing the risk of coronary artery disease. Objectives: The present study is contemplated to highlight the hemodynamic and biochemical effects of Rajyoga meditation by studying its impact on serum cholesterol and serum HDL levels of the individuals. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 100 healthy people selected from Brahma Kumari Ashram Amritsar. Group I included 50 subjects meditation regularly for at least 1 hour a day for last 2-5 yrs, Group II included 50 subjects in the same age group who did not perform any meditation technique. Serum cholesterol and HDL were measured by the respective kits. Results were analysed statistically. Results: This data shows that mean value of serum cholesterol in case of meditator males and females was significantly lower than in non meditators Also, the mean values for the S.Cholesterol/HDL ratio were also significantly lower in meditators and non meditators. Conclusions: Persons practising Rajayoga Meditation regularly are at a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases as compared to those who do not perform any meditation at all. So it can be safely conclude that meditation has a positive effect on cardiovascular system and with regular practice of meditation reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Authors and Affiliations