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Meditation has experienced a surge in popularity, but does the ancient practice deserve the hype? Some research says yes. MEDITATION—THE PRACTICE of quieting the mind by focusing on a single thought or on breathing—has been linked to lower stress levels and enhanced mood, productivity and creativity. Recent research also supports the use of meditation in the management of medical conditions like anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, chronic pain and insomnia. Nitin Ron, M.D., a doctor and researcher at New York Methodist Hospital, has witnessed the health effect that meditation can have firsthand. Dr. Ron is an avid mountain climber. During one of his treks across the Himalayas, he was hiking at 15,000 feet in subzero temperatures when he observed a group of Buddhist monks, who spend many hours a day in a meditative state, traveling across the ice on bare feet. "As a medical doctor, this made no sense," Dr. Ron says. "I asked if I could examine their feet, and they were fine. At that point, I started thinking, 'Maybe meditation has a power that science is still in its infancy of finding.'" That trip spurred Dr. Ron to begin researching meditation. Five years ago, he started studying acute mountain sickness—a sometimes-fatal medical condition that results from low oxygen and sudden exposure to high altitude—in an effort to identify climbers in the Himalayas who may be at risk. The research evaluates climbers' heart rates, blood pressure, neurocognitive function and other parameters at multiple points throughout their climbs. Once Dr. Ron began noticing markers associated with mountain sickness, he started advising climbers to take ten minutes to meditate and focus on deep breathing. The results to date show a positive link between meditation and the prevention of acute mountain sickness. "This research has the potential to save lives in an environment like the Himalayas," Dr. Ron says. "But it's just one example of meditation's benefits. Once people begin meditating, they may find that they are kinder to themselves and others, happier, and better able to tolerate stressful situations." THE Meditation EFFECT A HOW-TO GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS "Many people believe that meditation involves hours of commitment or is only a religious practice," says Christina Sansolo, R.N., a nurse manager at NYM and a yoga and meditation teacher. "But there are many forms of meditation, and there is something that is right for everyone." Ms. Sansolo recommends setting a goal to meditate every morning, but any time of day—and any location—can work. Beginners often find benefit in setting aside five to ten minutes for deep breathing exercises or trying a guided meditation app. "It can be difficult not to think about other parts of your life while meditating, especially in the beginning, but the more you meditate, the better you become at it," Ms. Sansolo says. "The best advice I can give is to start small and be patient. The goal is to gain control of your thoughts and mind so that you can remain relaxed and focused." P H Y S I C I A N RE F E R R A L / / 718 . 49 9. C A RE 27 R E L A X , R E F R E S H , R E F O C U S