The psychosomatics of meditation

Meditation is defined and its historical context is briefly described. Its use in the Western world as a relaxation technique is discussed and the problems of carrying out research in this area are delineated. Research results in four areas are reviewed: the psychophysiological correlates of meditation; personality change associated with learning and regularly practising meditation; the use of meditation as a therapy and the use of meditation in stress-related disorders. Finally, the dangers of meditation practices and theoretical explanations for the effects of meditation are described.