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Chakra meditation is one of the more popular meditation techniques used today. Its philosophy is based upon the discovery or the search of the charkas. A charka can be considered as an energy point or force in the body that tries to govern different physical, mental and spiritual functions in an individual. It is the practice of awakening the charka in the body that is the aim of chakra meditation.

According to the practice of chakra meditation, there are seven chakras locate din the different parts of the body. Each one governs different bodily functions and may also provide different benefits when awakened through meditation. One of the charka is the Mooldhara or the “root place”. This chakra is located somewhere in the cervix in women and in the perineum in men. It is said to govern the skeletal and the excretory system of the body. The Mooldhara may also affect the sense of smell as well as the legs and the cervix. Attributes to it include the basic life force, material attachment, procreation, and response to stimuli of labor for women.

Another of the seven chakras is the Swadhistana or “place of one’s abode”. It can be located somewhere at the tip of the spinal column. It is said to affect the urinary system such as the kidney and the bladder. Other bodily systems that this chakra may affect include the reproductive system such as the ovaries, fallopian tube and the uterus in women and the testes and prostrate gland in men. Attributes connected to this chakra include the sense of taste, the ability to analyze, a balanced sex drive, high fertility and no fear of water.

The third chakra is the Manipura or the “city of sparkling jewels”. This chakra is located in the spinal column somewhere in the lumbar junction of the L1 and T12 vertebras. It is said to affect the digestive system, the adrenal glands as well as the sympathetic and the parasympathetic systems of the body. This chakra is attributed to power, ego, self confidence, strength and good assimilation and digestion.

The fourth chakra is the Anahata or “unstruck”. This chakra is located in the spinal column somewhere in the center of the chest. It is said to affect the cardiovascular, respiratory system as well as the muscular system. This chakra is attributed to a person’s emotions, relationships, love, and ability to express oneself through the arts. If this chakra is afflicted in the body, it is said to lead to respiratory disorders, heart problems, and low immunity. It may also lead to a person having fear of loneliness, experience some form of emotional imbalance and the inability to maintain friends

There is also the Vishudh chakra or “purification”. It is located in the spinal column somewhere at the C7 vertebrae. It is said to affect the thyroid and parathyroid glands, as well as the function of the throat including the voice, ears, sense of hearing. Attributes to this chakra include the transformation of thoughts into speech, better ability to speak or sing, and the acute sense of hearing. If afflicted, this chakra may cause thyroid imbalance, restriction in the voice as well as the inability to comprehend and understand.

The Ajna, or “command” chakra is said to be located in the mid-center of the brain somewhere at the top of the spinal cord. It governs the autonomic nervous system, pineal gland, and the pituitary gland. This chakra is also said to be attributed to the sense of intuition, higher level of mind and wisdom that is beyond normal intellect.

The Sahasrara or the “one thousand” chakra is said to have various positions according to different ancient texts but is usually found at the base of scalp. It is said to control no specific bodily system but has the overall control of the brain. The knowledge of the seven chakras is the basic in better understanding chakra meditation.

Most forms of meditation require the person to sit in a comfortable position. You can do this by getting a mat or a chair. But since this does not always make you feel at ease, someone decided to make meditation cushions.

What is a meditation cushion? Basically these are aids in meditation that do not offer any back support because they help lengthen the spine and correct your alignment so you are able to breathe better, increase blood flow and flexibility.

There are three types of meditation cushions around. These are namely the Zafus, the Zabutons and the seiza bench. What makes each different from the other? Well, the Zafus is a smile cushion that can be placed on the floor or over a kneeling bench. The Zabutons is a sitting mat which provides essential cushioning for the ankles, feet and legs. While the seiza bench is best for people who have knee problems.

The first two meditation cushions are used quite often in Zen meditation. But as meditation has become a popular form of alternative exercise, this has also been used in health clubs and fitness centers.

The three meditation cushions come in a variety of sizes and colors. How much do they cost? Any of the three meditation cushions mentioned cost from $30 to $60. You can easily acquire them by going to a specialty store or buying these goods online.

When you go around looking for meditation cushions, make sure it is real thing and you will know that simply by looking what is inside. The meditation cushion is usually filled with one or two rare materials namely Kapok and Buckwheat Hull. What makes these two so unique is that when Kapok is blown, it becomes firmer. Buckwheat Hull on the other hand forms to the body when it is applied.

Apart from the three meditation cushions for the lower part of your body, there is also one for your eyes. These are called eye pillows and used only when you are lying down while meditating. This is made of flax seed and covered with silk which is placed over the acupressure points that surround the eyes.

This performs two things. First, block out light and the other is to relieve tension. This is often used with aromatherapy oils to enhance a deep feeling of relaxation.

If you travel often and find carrying the standard meditation cushion inconvenient to carry around, you can get an inflatable meditation cushion. It is very to set up and hide so you can still get your daily dose of meditation 15 to 20 minutes a day.

Can you use your pillow as a makeshift meditation cushion? It can but only in the short term because the materials used here are made from cotton as this does not form to the body unlike Buckwheat Hull. Chances are, you will have to make adjustments during your session so you will not be able to maximize it.

So, for those that want to meditate without any distractions, it is best to get a meditation cushion. There are three to choose from; the Zafus, the Zabutons and the seiza benches. You just have to find which one is right for you so you can reap the benefits of meditation like others have in the past.

Meditation has become a popular form of relaxation among people who always find themselves stressed out often in their lives. Meditation can be a very effective coping mechanism and as a valuable means to combat stress. The most convenient means of practicing meditation techniques can be done with the use of meditation tapes.

The practice of meditation can be perfected through the guidance of experienced masters of the different meditation techniques. Others join into meditation groups in order to enhance and improve the meditation techniques that they practice. But sometimes, people may not have the time to spend in joining such groups and may rather practice meditation in their own homes. In this case, meditation tapes would really become very valuable items to have.

An effective meditation practice would depend on a knowledgeable guide and a willing student. The guide is usually the master experienced in the techniques of meditation and will help provide students with the different steps towards relaxation. The willing student then tries to absorb and follow each step carefully in order to reach an enhanced state of relaxation. The meditation guides have these steps taken from ancient practices that have been handed down from generation to generation. And when it is impossible to have a live meditation guide walk a student to the different steps of meditation, the use of meditation steps would help bridge the gap.

There are many ways in which you may be able to find a meditation tape that you can use in the comfort of your own home. You may even be able to use it when driving to the office or when working, that is, depending on what type of meditation technique you plan on practicing. Choosing the right one may depend on certain factors that may allow you to meditate more effectively for relaxation.

When choosing a meditation tape, it is important to check them out before purchasing them. It is important that you may be able to listen to them first before deciding on buying them. Buying them through mail order may not provide you with an opportunity to check out one in terms of quality in sound as well as playability of the tape. When you do choose one, try to get those that have meditation guides narrating the steps with a peaceful yet commanding voice. Choose a meditation tape with a voice that you will want to listen to and do what has been said. Choosing a tape with a wrong voice may hinder you from reaching your full potential in your meditation. It would usually depend on your own preference on which type of voice you would likely follow to lead you to the different meditation steps.

A good way of looking for good meditation tapes is through the Internet. You may be able to find them in various websites that deals with the subject of meditation. It can be as easy as using a search engine online to find those meditation tapes. What makes looking for meditation tapes online even more convenient is that most of them offer brief audio clips of what each tape contains that you can check out.

This will help you choose and determine which ones will suit your own meditation style. Try looking for those sites that do offer audio clips in order to help you get the most effective meditation tape guides that would satisfy you.

Mediation is considered as one of the oldest forms of mental and spiritual practices all over. Although nobody can truly say what the exact history of meditation is, there are some speculations about this ancient practice.

Most scholars and documents say that the history of meditation can be traced some 5,000 years ago when the effects of the practice was discovered by ancient men by staring into the flames of fire that if flickering. From then on, several medication techniques were developed and began to spread across its continent of origin, Asia.

Only in the 60s and 70s when meditation became a hit in the United States. From them on, so many variations have spread across the globe.

The ABCs of meditation

A state wherein a person is in deep concentration on a specific object of thought or awareness, meditation is considered as one of the oldest yet most effective means of relaxing the mind, the emotions, as well as the soul. This practice usually involves a person’s attention, allowing it to turn into a single point of reference. Because of its effectivity in leading a person’s consciousness a higher level than that of a common person, meditation is now being practiced by millions of people all over the world.

The history of meditation dates people back during the time when it is a very important constituent of various religions in the Eastern part of the world. Deriving its roots from the Latin word “meditatio,” which means “all types mental or physical exercise,” the meaning of meditation has also evolved through the years. Today, the practice is commonly known as “inward reflection” or “contemplation.”

As years went by, people who practice meditation were able to come up with various disciplines. These involve a very wide range of psychophysical and spiritual aspects—or a combination of both—that can lead to that total enhancement of a person’s higher level of mental concentration as well as spirituality.

People who are planning to get into meditation or just interested in its seemingly limitless possibilities must understand the basics of the ancient spiritual practice and familiarize themselves with the various forms of meditation today that include “Bodhidharma,” “Hinduism,” “Bahá’í Faith,” “Buddhism,” “Christian meditation,” “Islam Meditation,” “Jainism,” “Judaism,” “Sikhism,” and “Taoism.”

Because they are derived from different cultures, individual forms have their own understanding of meditation and also have different sets of practices that come with it. In meditation, it is also very significant to note that these include physical requirements through different physical postures so the practice can be carried out pretty well.

The most popular postures ever since the history of meditation started includes: sitting, supine, and standing. These postures will vary depending on the origin of meditation you wish to follow. It is also important to take note that elements involved in a basic traditional meditation has been large part of the history of meditation. These four elements should include a quiet place, a comfortable posture, a visible object where the person can turn his or her attention to as well as a passive attitude to make the practice truly effective.

Ever since, the history of meditation has inspired a lot of people to increase their level of spirituality as well as enhance the power of their minds. Although there is no definite proof that will trace the history of meditation, people of today as well as of those future generations will continue to practice it because of the benefits it brings.

A quiet room is all you need in order to meditate. But if you are like some who feel that meditation supplies are needed, go ahead and do so.

The first thing you have to concern yourself with is space. For that, you have to check which room in your house you can use as a meditation room. Ideally, this should have adequate space to put a cushion, a mat or a bench. It should also be clutter free so it looks very relaxing.

The best support to get when you sit down should enable you to keep your back straight and prevent you from slumping during meditation. These come in different sizes and colors so check them out.

Another thing you can have in the meditation room is a small table. You can put in two or four and this is for the incense and your CD player. When you are shopping for incense, it is best to try out each one because there are some that are stronger than others. The same goes with the music because some prefer the sound of whistling trees while there are others who prefer the sound of running water.

You should also consider the lighting in the room so you create the right environment suitable for meditation. If your light has a dimmer then that could do the trick. If you prefer to use candles, make sure they are placed in strategic areas of the room. The candles could be scented or unscented which is entirely up to you because there are already incense sticks.

When you have a meditation room, do you ever ask yourself why you are doing this? If you are doing this for you and your family, you can also buy a few picture frames and put their photos then place this on the table.

For those that want to relax, change this with images of nature like the ocean, the rainforest, the mountains or the clouds.

The use of incense and scented candles can only do so much to freshen up the room so why not use flowers instead? You can buy a nice vase from the store then buy these from the florist or cut them from your own garden. Often times, you will find that the smell of flowers does a lot to bring a sense of calm to the room.

With the right meditation supplies and furniture around, it is easy for you to close your eyes, drift off to that special place and come back feeling refreshed. You can try other scents and other sounds later on so don’t be afraid to try other things as well especially when this is already part of your daily routine.

If you travel regularly, you can continue your meditation routine by taking your meditation supplies with you. Surely, it isn’t that hard to buy an inflatable cushion, some candles or oils then put this into a bag and maybe upload the music to your MP3 player.

Meditation takes time to master and having a special room with sufficient meditation supplies will really help a lot. You can order these online or get this from the specialty store so it won’t be that hard for you to replenish them when you are almost out.

People are now going back to ancient practices because they know that the modern times have been causing them too much stress. Of all the means of relaxation out there, more and more people are looking forward to experience the benefits of meditation.

Because of its effectivity in terms of calming the mind and developing a person’s level of intuition, meditation has now being performed not just a means of clearing the mind and inner reflection but also to heal various illnesses in the mind, emotions, and physical aspects.

Meditation and its benefits

One of the most celebrated benefits of meditation is that it greatly helps the person’s physical state. Among the physical benefits of meditation involve the heart through a deep rest because it decreases the person’s metabolic rate as well as the heart rate, which leads to the reduction of workload for the heart. Aside from that, it is also known to lower the levels of a person’s cortisol as well as dissolving the chemicals that are closely associated with everyday stress.
Other physical benefits of meditation also include reduced free radicals in the body by eliminating oxygen molecules that are unstable, decreases a person’s high blood pressure, develops the ability to have more resistant skin, lowering or totally dropping the person’s level of cholesterol, improve air flow to the lungs to aid easy breathing, delays biological aging and increases the levels of DHEAS in older people.

When it comes to psychological factor, meditation aids in increasing the person’s brain wave coherence, decreasing anxiety levels, often irritability, deep-set depression, and swing of moods, improves the person’s memory as well as his or her learning ability, increases the person’s ability for self-actualization, increases the person’s feeling of youthfulness and rejuvenation as well as vitality, leads to positive outlook in life and joyfulness, and increases a person’s emotional status and stability.

Other noted benefits of meditation for an individual and his or her community include:

– Relaxation to the person’s the body, mind, and soul.

– Rejuvenation of energy to face the heavy challenges and stress ahead.

– Healing of various illnesses that are closely-associated with the mind and the body.

– Making a more stable person in terms of emotions.

– Developments of relaxed family life and instilling positive outlooks in life to younger people.

– Enhances the person’s ability to make his or her mind function properly.

– Letting a person discover his or her inner self, this in turn releases the creativity in them.

– It helps people to free themselves from various vices and addictions such as alcohol and cigarettes as well as in various medications such as tranquilizers and narcotics.

– It also helps a person to gain higher self-confidence, thus, resulting to stronger power of the will.

– It can be an effective and safe way of discovering one’s self instead of focusing the attention to other unhealthy practices.

– It aids in the development of the power of the mind.

The list goes on about the benefits of mediation in an individual and to his or her community. In so many cases, these are positive benefits but once mediation has not been used properly, people should be aware of the side effects. To avoid this from happening, people who are planning to get serious in meditation should always consult a professional before performing any meditation techniques.