Meditation boosts overall health

Meditation helps to calm the nervous system, eliminate stress and promote the overall physical and mental wellbeing, a visiting practitioner has said.

Yoga and Meditation expert Tarun Kumar said most diseases originated from the mind and hence it was important to achieve mental peace and tranquillity.

“It is possible to perceive the real essence of problems before they manifest physically and become less vulnerable to diseases.

“Meditation improves the power of immunity,” he said.

But he was quick to add that people with any type of physical ailment or discomfort should always seek medical help.

Mr Kumar, who started serious meditation when he was 16 years old, said he has been able to control his temper and exercise better self-control.

“Individual needs and physical and mental framework varies and hence it is important to seek proper coaching from an experienced teacher,” he said.

Mr Kumar will be in New Zealand from March 18 to April 24 as a part of a nationwide tour to demonstrate the power of meditation under the sponsorship of the Waiheke-based charitable organisation Baleno.

Toby Ruckert and Margit Brusda established the organisation in 2007 to offer support, create awareness, provide education and fund research into the way people cope with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual issues, diseases or crises.

Baleno encourages meditation, which Mr Kumar said, was a part of yoga.

He said ‘heart and soul meditation’ had its positive effects.

“This meditation is not meant just for the personal development of the practitioner but for every human being.

“Anyone can meditate, although it is advisable to have proper guidance. One should not do anything forcefully that could cause discomfort or strain,” he said.

“Sometimes, even simple things like chanting mantras, rapid breathing or breathing with focus on certain body areas and even doing meditation in certain ‘Asanas’ (positions) can lead to unpleasant experiences if there is no proper guidance and knowledge.”

Information about Mediation classes and techniques and details of the ongoing tour of Tarun Kumar can be obtained on (09) 3729357. Email: trueckert@baleno.org