http://www.zonediet.com/blog/2011/09...for-the-brain/

Worth a look. Here's an excerpt:

"[M]ore recent, better controlled, shorter-term studies have taken either non-meditators or experienced meditators and put them into an intensive meditation program to be compared to equally matched subjects waiting to enter the same a program. Using a more tightly controlled group of subjects, it has been found that meditation does indeed have benefits in reducing sensitivity to pain (6), improving ability to modulate alpha waves that help reduce distractions (7), increasing brain grey matter (8), and increasing telomerase activity (9). The increased telomerase activity is usually associated with increased lifespan because when telomeres on the DNA become too short, the cell dies."

I have been using transcendental meditation technique and that is the only thing keeping me sane in this ordeal. Without that I am sure I will be even worse. For PTSD victims it helps them a lot.

I personally find mindfulness meditation helpful (20 mins once or twice a day). I had been doing it off and on for several years prior to my concussion, which made it easier to pick up again. It helps to find a good CD or book with some basic meditation techniques (Thich Nhat Hanh has a few good ones; some people like Jon Kabat-Zinn's).

Hi guys, first post. I think I've found what I've been looking for in this forum.

I'm working on a theory that meditation can be instrumental in recovery and/or adaptation to a frontal TBI as I've suffered. In the East it is anecdotal legend that long-term meditation can produce actual physiogical changes in and around the area of the brain that western medicine calls the pineal gland (apparently this has been supported by brain autopsies of people with a life history of spiritual training of some kind). The pineal gland, thought to be the physical center of clairvoyance, is located in the center of the brain, and thus more cushioned from frontal trauma.

I believe that my own spiritual practices over the years (meditation, martial arts, prayer) contributed to strengthening of my own psychic center (pineal gland), and this has at least partially offset the raging emotions and primitive drives of my limbic system, unfortunately most of which is also near the more protected center of the brain.

At any rate, I have had doozies of anger sessions, but haven't killed anyone yet (come close!). Anyone else have thoughts along these lines?

Kenjhee

Would others agree than a benefit, if not the most important benefit of meditation is the relaxation and release of stress that it causes?

Do you think it is possible to get these benefits throughout the day by making choices in how and what we let are mind think upon?

For me, understanding my symptoms and letting go of a personal need to react in frustration to them has given me great relief.

The explosive problems from PCS are easier to handle and prevent when I have given up control of those things that may be the triggers.

btw, For those with strong held Christian beliefs, most meditation practices are counter to Christian principles.

Research indicates it is more than relaxation. Lots of interest in the medical field about its benefits. One research even indicates it increases cerebral blood flow which definitely PCS subjects needs and (exercise is another way but not sure how many tolerate exercise).

One recent study from UCLA:
http://www.physorg.com/news161355537.html

TM and the other meditation techniques mentioned are a religious belief system based on Buddhism. Promoting it on this forum is contrary to the TOS guidelines.

My mistake. Looks like this isn't the place I've been looking for after all.

Hi Kenjhee

I hope you will decide to stay after I explain the actual guidelines here.

This community is open and welcoming to members of all faiths and philosophies.

There is nothing wrong or against our guidelines with people who wish to discuss TM or anything else related to their belief, provided it is done in a manner *respectful* of others here, and never as an attempt to proselytize, or to debate other religions in a way as to negate them

All that our guidelines state is that posts of a mostly religious nature should be made to the sanctuary for spiritual support forum, but not that spiritual practice as it impacts health and well being may not be discussed

I hope that explains things more clearly and that you will decide to stay.

ps

here are the community guidelines for all to be able to see for themselves what it states
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=1293
specific to spiritual posting