Yoga and Meditation Reduces Doctor Visits: Recent Studies Show the Health Benefits of These Practices

The research revealed yoga and meditation result in fewer doctor visits. This can severely reduce the healthcare burden, both for practitioners and patients. And more than anywhere these studies need to make headlines in the homeland as our people demand cheap alternatives to live disease-free. Read on!

Have you ever thought the important things in life are always free, available and easy? Maybe it’s too simple for us to realize. Be it spending time with your loved ones, spending a night star gazing or taking care of your health.

Life is simple and happiness is always available!

As much as it sounds philosophical, it’s scientifically proven. 

Take it for living well, all you need is maybe a few minutes of yoga and meditation. 

It’s just not me or the yogis, researchers are also agreeing to this. Clinical studies consisting of thousands of people show that yoga and meditation result in fewer doctor visits. The logic is pretty simple!

Stress-related and lifestyle-related illness amounts to 80% of doctor visits. Though stress does not show up immediate results it keeps crawling upon you. This results in a host of diseases over time. From diabetes to cancer, hypertension to heart problems, everything goes back to stress. 

Do you know stress-related health issues account for the third-highest health care expenditures?

Yet, it’s hardly spoken of.

But it’s also high time we speak of it!

Also Read: Amazing benefits of Suryanamaskar

Do yoga and meditation result in fewer doctor visits: What research says?

A record of 4000 people following relaxation techniques revealed a 43% reduction in hospital visits. This group made fewer hospital visits, underwent fewer medical tests and report very less emergency care requests. 

Another detailed study reported the same. Practising relaxation technique showed a drop in doctor visits by 42%. Reduction in lab tests by 44% and drop in procedures by 21%. Patients suffering from cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological and gastrointestinal issues benefitted the most.

Published studies also showed a decrease in blood pressure. Meditation is proven to promote calmness and regulate blood pressure. Studies also showed that yoga and meditation also help in reducing irritable bowel syndrome. 

There are proven accounts of yoga and meditation to help with insomnia, depression and anxiety. Slow breathing practised in yoga or meditation also helps in acute respiratory illness. These relaxation techniques have been shown to lower stress hormones like cortisol. 

The trend is catching on

Yoga and meditation are not new!

But they are the latest trend down the West.

And the trend is catching on all around the globe. 

One statistical survey reported that nearly one in 10 Americans practice yoga. And 45% of adults who don’t practice yoga are interested in trying it.  All the health benefits of yoga and meditation are research-backed. 

More than that, many celebrities down the West have spoken about the immense benefits of these relaxation techniques. Famous celebrities like David Beckham, Jennifer Anniston, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, Madonna, Beyonce have endorsed it. And the list goes on. 

Yoga and meditation are particularly catching up with pregnant ladies. Be it going through a smooth delivery or losing weight post-pregnancy, yoga has always helped. It’s a holistic approach.

Yoga and meditation help in releasing stress and calming the mind. But that’s over-spoken. These simple practices also result in a healthy body which can help in healing almost every bodily disorder. 

Bringing it back to the bay!

After the world has bowed its back for yoga, it’s time for Indians to adopt the ancestral wealth.

India is the new host for epidemics like obesity, diabetes, thyroid disorders, cancer and all stress-related issues. With our changing food habits and increasing stress, the numbers are rising at racing speed. 

Though the trend of living fit is catching up, most people hit the gym or adapt difficult diets. Keto, DASH, MIND, intermittent fasting and so on and so forth! But hardly few are speaking of Yoga.

In a country of billions, that has a very bleak doctors-patient ratio, people need to adapt yoga and meditation. Not just to live stress-free or practice relaxation, but to improve immunity and reduce their medical runs. 

These simple practices have been around for thousands of years. Many people take it as a spiritual journey meant to reach a deeper understanding of the sacred forces. But today it is the tool to fight the modern-day stress and fatigue!

That’s the reason, the central government is trying everything to bring this ancestral knowledge to the limelight. Be it the introduction of international yoga day or the Prime Minister himself promoting the practice!

It’s time we go back to the roots and bring our ancestral strengths to fight these modern problems.

Elements of meditation

Focus 

One thing meditation teaches us is to focus on the innerness. This evaporates the distractions that cause stress and worry. It takes away the blurriness by making your end goal clearer.

Breathing 

Long, deep breathing is proven to endow many benefits. It increases the supply of oxygen and creates a ripple effect that benefits every organ of the body.

Also Read: The healing power of Pranayama

Stillness 

There are so many stimulants all around that we hardly get a moment of stillness. Meditation or yoga helps us get that moment free of distractions. It’s the stillness that washes away all the stress and anxiety. 

From preaching to practising!

Most people perceive meditation and yoga as boring! But popping pills isn’t much interesting either.! However, there is a way to make relaxation interesting!

Take a deep breath 

Always start with a long deep breath. Focus your attention on the air passing through your nose to filling your lungs. This will relax you instantly. 

Walk meditation 

If sitting still is not your thing, then walk as you meditate. Try to walk through a tranquil forest or city sidewalk. Focus your eyes on the greens and let your mind concentrate on feet.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Walk Meditation

Pray meditation 

Closing your eyes in faith is the best way to meditate. You can try that, praying in itself has many health benefits. And the deep breathing and focusing add to the effect!

Also Read: Health Benefits of Prayer

Read and reflect 

Who says you can meditate only with closed eyes? Try reading a book, a good book. It’s a good way to get smart. But research says it can help in living longer and healthier.

Love and gratitude 

They say there is great power in love. It’s true! Because you feel a sense of gratefulness when you unite with your true love. The benefits are because of gratitude. Carry this feeling all around and enjoy the benefits!

Also Read: Health benefits of gratitude

Yoga and Meditation result in fewer doctor visits – It does!

Yoga and meditation are effective relaxation techniques that offer a host of health benefits. 

Though it does not show immediate results, it’s effective in the long run. 

And there is enough evidence to support this now!

Meditation and yoga result in fewer doctor visits. 

And this could be a game-changer for the healthcare industry!

It’s time we take out the yoga mat. Don’t you think?