Meditation is a safe, effective option for the treatment of anxiety, offering a natural alternative to prescription medication and herbal medicine. Many people prefer to try natural remedies in place of chemical drugs, and for others, because of allergic reactions to some drugs and herbs, meditation is a successful treatment for their anxiety.

Meditation is an ancient craft and has been practiced by spiritual leaders and followers for centuries. Recent studies have shown that meditation is effective in treating stress and anxiety. The reason for the success of meditation in treating such problems is the effect meditation has on the body – it brings about the “relaxation response” by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, metabolism, the rate of breathing and altering brain chemistry.

The benefit of meditation for anxiety sufferers is obvious when you are aware of the changes it causes in the body by creating the relaxation response, which is the reverse of the conditions found in the body during times of stress and anxiety attacks. Being able to calm the mind brings immediate relief of symptoms for many patients.

While some short term relief of symptoms is appreciated by anxiety sufferers, they are really looking for a more permanent effect. Luckily, meditation can help here as well. Through consistent practise of meditation, we become more aware of how we think and can more readily identify potential anxiety thoughts and symptoms before they develop into a full attack. This gives a degree of control over these thoughts which can help lessen the severity of the attack or prevent it completely.

There are many different types of meditation, but the following are the most suitable for controlling anxiety. Both types are effective and many people find they get the best results by alternating the two types.

* Mindful meditation is a type of concentration meditation where you focus on your feelings and thoughts, but do not allow them to affect you. It makes the mind calm and settled and is particularly effective in people with compulsive disorders.

* Concentrative meditation requires concentration on a chant, the breathing or an object (like a candle flame). It has the effect of clearing the mind.

The best way to learn meditation is to take a class from an experienced teacher. It is also possible to learn from guided meditations that are available on CD and by download from the internet. Both methods allow you to learn by following the voice of the teacher who guides you through the meditation process.

Regular practise of meditation will relax and refresh you at any time, and it will help you control the symptoms of your anxiety and stress. Organize your time to fit in a daily meditation session and you will benefit from the positive effects of this ancient craft.

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