Can meditation replace medication for health issues?
Written by
Natalie Hamilton
Reviewed by
Prof. Graham Pierce, Ph.D.Meditation provides additional support in the treatment of medical conditions but is never to be used in place of medically prescribed treatments without the guidance of a physician. Clinical research supports the effectiveness of meditation for the relief of anxiety, high blood pressure, and insomnia symptoms. Patients often reduce the amount of medication prescribed under supervision when they combine mindfulness practices with traditional treatments.
Anxiety Management
- Symptom reduction: Lowers anxiety scores 30-40% in clinical trials
- Mechanism: Regulates amygdala hyperactivity
- Medical integration: Allows benzodiazepine dosage reduction with supervision
Hypertension Control
- Blood pressure impact: Reductions of 4-5 mmHg systolic pressure
- Physiological effect: Improves vascular relaxation
- Clinical approach: Complements ACE inhibitors under cardiologist guidance
The physiological effects of neuroplastic changes obtained by meditative practices create changes in physiology that are beneficial to the treatment of Medications. Meditation helps regulate stress hormones, inflammatory markers, and other physiological factors that contribute to stress. This alteration of physiological nature is in accord and complementary to the actions of the pharmacologic agents. Never discontinue prescribed medicine without consulting the physician. Medication is made more effective by meditational techniques, but it may not be eliminated.
Research shows a reduction in insomnia with meditation training, rather than the use of medications for sleep. People who use mindfulness training fall asleep 40% more quickly than non-meditators, on average. The enhancements in sleep restfulness in trained individuals are found to last much longer than when hypnotics are used alone. This illustrates the high value of meditation as an adjunct therapy in the whole remedial program.
Before altering any treatment plan, consult your healthcare professional. Meditation instructors collaborate with doctors in integrated clinics, thereby offering a safe environment for the evidence-based benefits of meditation. The health professionals on your team will determine how meditation can be effectively incorporated into your specific condition.
Read the full article: 10 Transformative Benefits of Daily Meditation
