Sahaj Samadhi Meditation (SSM) is an intense and personalized way to enter into deep meditative states effortlessly and quickly. Several independent studies have shown a positive impact of Sahaj Samadhi Meditation on mental and heart health.
Did you know?
In 2017, research on the effects of Sahaj Samadhi Meditation on cardiovascular health, the nervous system & clinical depression received the award for best research (poster presentation) from more than 900 presentations at the 17th Annual World Psychiatry Conference, Berlin, Germany.
Impact of Sahaj on late-life depression
Late-life depression (LLD) is a disabling disorder and antidepressants are ineffective in as many as 60% of the cases. Some of its symptoms include sad mood, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, sleep disturbance, appetite disturbance (increased/decreased appetite), typically with weight change and energy disturbance (increased or decreased energy/activity level), and usually fatigue.
A 2019 study suggests improvement in the above-mentioned depressive symptoms with a 4-day meditation training session followed by 11 weekly follow-up sessions compared to conventional treatment. In addition, cognitive impairments like dementia, impairment in memory, attention and information processing associated with LLD and TR-LLD (Treatment Resistant) have shown improvements with Sahaj practice.
Practical benefits of Sahaj Samadhi Meditation for LLD patients
Patients in the study reported:
- No side-effects of Sahaj practice
- Easy-to-learn technique
- Relative affordability
- Can be practiced daily
In addition, the technique can be easily transferred in the community and clinical settings.
Improves cardiac health
Heart rate variability is reduced among older adults with depression, and this effect is not fully attributable to antidepressant medication use. SSM showed improvement in heart rate variability, a key factor linked with long-term heart health and a vitalizing predictor of longevity.
Impact of Sahaj on overall mental health
53% remission rate in depression patients
Research at the Western University Department of Psychiatry shows that Sahaj Meditation is five times more effective when integrated with modern treatment procedures than antidepressants and psychotherapy alone. While conventional treatment produced a 10% remission rate, adding Sahaj Samadhi Meditation practice to the treatment regime of depression patients boosted remission by 53%, a 500% increase!
Accelerates happiness
Sahaj is much more than just a stress management tool. Research shows that Sahaj Meditation accelerates happiness, relaxation and productivity. It originates in the limbic cortex and precuneus of the brain, while stress reduces significantly.
Finding of a study about Sahaj Samadhi
A Research published in The International Journal of Scientific Research by Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, The Art of Living, Bangalore has revealed many benefits of SSM.
The findings of this study suggested improvement in perceived stress, thereby enhancing happiness.
Practicing this meditation produces a relaxation response which can help the individual to stop worrying about work and other things in their free time and be in the present moment.
Reduces negative emotions
Helps gain a new perspective on stressful situations
Builds skills to manage your stress
Increases self-awareness
Improves sleep quality
The above research also reveals that regular practice of SSM improves overall sleep quality. Those who practiced SSM regularly took less time to sleep (helps in treating insomnia), and they have less disturbed sleep and less daytime dysfunction due to sleep deprivation.
Better clarity and perception
SSM improves the functioning of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in the brain, which includes the frontal lobes that control executive functioning. This enhances cognitive functioning, decision-making, creative power, focus, IQ, memory, social behavior, and higher problem-solving skills.
Boosts resilience
Pilot data suggest that the meditation category to which SSM belongs, namely automatic self-transcendental meditation (ASTM), positively affects immune responses to stress.
Reduces dreaded diseases
A study published in The Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine reported that meditators experienced reduced cancer cases by 55% and cardiovascular diseases by 88%, over a 5-year period.
The uniqueness of SSM arises from the ultimate goal of quieting the mind until an individual is “Aware of awareness.”
Compiled and written by: Pratibha Sharma
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