The diversity of meditation can reach back through time to African ritualistic tribal dance, Tibetan tantric practices, etc. The generic utilization of meditation, or applying such a diversity of practices to the term, ultimately results in the trivialization of the practices themselves.

However, while diverse in approach, many traditions have independently developed techniques that in the end, appear to lead to similar and measurable results.

Similarities include claims in regards to the ultimate fundamental meaning or nature of the state of consciousness attained, the metaphysical phenomenological descriptions, and the effects of meditative practices on the brain and body.

Mental Health – Implementing a simple meditative practice into your life for as little as 15 minutes a day can assist individuals in controlling stress, decreasing anxiety, improve cardiovascular health, and achieve a more profound capacity for relaxation.

Mental health also increases our likelihood to make positive behavioral decisions, where psychological issues can conversely result in poor behavioral decisions and actions that can contribute to various types of medical conditions.

These poor behavioral decisions and actions can include smoking, excessive alcohol or drug usage, poor eating habits, various types of reckless behavior, and can all result in severe physiological issues and a need for medical services and treatment.

Physical Health – Meditation has been found though scientific studies to be accompanied by a host of biochemical and physiological alterations  in the body of which can alter and benefit your metabolism, heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and brain activity. Characteristic responses also include decreased cortisol, which is a type of hormone associated with stress.