RealePink is a place for women with breast cancer and those at risk for the disease
to share their thoughts and experiences, especially those related to the mind body self-care practices

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Meditation and Your Immune System

This fall, as the cold and flu season approaches, meditation could strengthen your immune system and build up your resistance.

Research at the University of Wisconsin indicates, “A meditation habit can strengthen the body's immune function, plus increase brain performance in the form of electrical activity. It validates the mind-body dynamic of meditation. To gauge immune function, the researchers measured antibodies in the blood that fight flu and other infections. Volunteer subjects in the study who meditated had significantly higher levels of these healthful antibodies than non-meditators in just one to two months. – Bob Condor, Tribune Newspapers 11/29/09

Before the colors of autumn give way to winter, consider that this might be the perfect time for you to develop a habit of daily meditation. One of the easiest ways to get started is by practicing various forms of walking meditation

This can mean 20-30 minute walks focusing on your breath, the feeling of your feet on the ground, the movement of your body, and the colors, shapes, and sounds around you. By paying attention to the present moment, any moment can be a beautiful one.

Even if you are inside, a walk up the stairs at work or a lap around the shopping mall can be soothing and strengthening. The repetitive nature of walking and focusing on your breath, your body, and the present moment might be just the thing to get you off on the right foot this fall. 

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